Our Team

Miss Shannon has been dancing since she could walk, learning country partner dancing from her parents. She is still an active UCWDC competitor, having earned multiple regional titles in both youth and adult divisions. She began her solo dancing journey at age 5 attending Boston Ballet School, having the opportunity to perform in their production of The Nutcracker from 2012-2014. She then found her forever home here at Step by Step at age 13, joining the Next Step Dance Company and eventually becoming co-captain for the 2019-2020 season. She then continued her education at Hofstra University studying dance, performing works from Larry Keigwin and Christina Lynch Markham. Since graduating in 2024, Miss Shannon returned home to Step by Step to begin her teaching career. Entering her 3rd year of teaching she is excited to foster a welcoming and safe environment for her students to embrace their creativity. 

Dance has been a part of Demetra’s life for as long as she can remember. She began studying dance at the age of three and grew up as a competitive dancer, developing a deep appreciation for the discipline, dedication, artistry, and commitment that dance requires. Demetra continued her dance education at Dean College and Fitchburg State University, where she further developed her training and passion for the performing arts. During her time at Fitchburg State University, she took her passion for dance beyond her own performance and helped create the Fitchburg State University Dance Team, providing fellow students with an opportunity to continue their dance education, performance, and creative expression at the collegiate level. In 2012, Demetra joined the Step By Step family, where she has continued to grow as an educator, choreographer, and mentor. She currently serves as the Director of the Next Step Dance Company (NSDC) and is entering her 15th season. Throughout her career, Demetra has had the privilege of watching her students grow both on and off the stage. Her dancers have been recognized at competitions and performance showcases, earning overall and specialty awards for choreography, technique, costuming, and concept. While these accomplishments are incredibly meaningful, some of Demetra’s proudest moments have come from providing dancers with opportunities to perform in places and on stages they may have never imagined. Under her direction, NSDC dancers have performed at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios,  NYC Fleet Week, the Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular, pregame performances for the Boston Celtics, and halftime performances for the Harlem Globetrotters. Her dancers have also been selected to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and most recently, were selected to perform in the 100th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Community and giving back have always held a special place in Demetra’s heart. One of her most meaningful experiences was participating in the Boston Marathon tribute “Beat As One” music video. Through Step By Step, she has also been fortunate to work with organizations including Dancing with the Waltham/Newton Stars, the Andrea Rizzo Foundation, Christmas in the City, the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation, and Burn Survivors of New England. She believes dance has the power to bring people together, create joy, and make a difference far beyond the studio. She treasures watching her students grow from young dancers into confident young adults and feels incredibly fortunate to play a small part in that journey. The studio has truly become Demetra’s home away from home, and she is incredibly grateful for the students, families, teachers, and colleagues who have been part of her journey. She currently teaches Jazz, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre (elementary – adult) and is honored to continue sharing her passion for dance while creating opportunities, memories, and experiences her students will carry with them for a lifetime

Olivia is excited to begin her fourth season on staff at Step By Step. She discovered her love of dance and performing at a young age, appearing in more plays and musicals than she can count. Olivia found her home at Step By Step during her senior year of high school and has been there ever since. Her favorite style to teach is musical theater, combining singing, acting, and dance to tell a story. She especially loves working with younger dancers and is studying Early Childhood Education. Olivia hopes to combine her passion for teaching and performing to foster confidence, creativity, and joy.

Nathalie Valentin’s love for dance started when she began classes at Step By Step at the age of 6. For 12 years she trained in various styles and was a member of the Next Step Dance Company. She also performed in numerous Waltham High School productions and served as dance captain for Senior Revue and Dance Theatre in her senior year. After graduating in 2019, she attended UMass Amherst where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While attending UMass she continued to dance as much as possible, taking classes and performing in shows for the UMass Dance department. Nathalie continues to be a proud SBS alumni and joined the teaching staff  in 2023. She is excited to enter her fourth year teaching at Step Step and hopes to continue growing as a dancer and instructor.

Sophia Valentin has always had a passion for dance. She started her artistic journey at the age of five with Step By Step Dance Studio, where she studied various styles, was a member of the Next Step Dance Company from 2014-2020, and served as captain in 2020. In addition to her learning at Step by Step, she participated in several shows at Waltham High School and held the position of dance captain for Senior Revue and Dance Theatre in her senior year. After graduating, she looked to further her dance career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. At UMass, she performed in numerous faculty and student works, choreographed several of her own pieces, and served as artistic director for her junior and senior year student-produced shows. She graduated in 2024 with dual bachelor’s degrees in Dance and Psychology. Sophia was awarded the prestigious Arnhold Summer Fellowship for the Dance Education Laboratory at the 92nd Street Y in New York, where she was able to further develop her knowledge and skills in dance education. When not at the studio, Sophia works as a preschool teacher, where she enjoys creating a fun and engaging environment for young learners. She is excited to share her passion with dancers of all ages, and can’t wait for another year of learning, creating, and growing together!