Joyce earned her B.A. in dance from SUNY at Buffalo. She also holds an M.A. in dance education from the Ohio State University. She was a recipient of a Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship while at SUNY, and is a former member of the Zodiaque Dance Company. In addition to teaching courses at both the Elementary and Secondary school levels, Ms. Lichtenberger has taught dance at Erie Community College, the Ohio State University and SUNY at Buffalo, where she recently retired after 30+ years on faculty in the Department of Theatre and Dance.   While at the University of Buffalo, Joyce served as both Director and Associate Director of the Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble for over 10 years.  She also served as Director of Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase and is a recipient of a Distinguished Alumni Award.  Joyce has been actively teaching dance and choreographing for over 40 years. Dancentral is the product of her expertise.

Gabby is currently attending the University at Buffalo pursuing a degree in criminology.  She has danced with Dancentral for 10 wonderful years and was able to spend 8 of those years dancing at a competitive level.  In preparation for teaching, Gabby additionally worked closely with her teachers as a class assistant.  She is now able to continue her love for dance through teaching!

Karen holds a B.A. in dance from the State University of New york at Buffalo and is also a graduate of Dance Masters of America (DMA) Teacher’s Training School. Karen has been certified to teach dance by DMA and has choreographed for the Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble at SUNY at Buffalo.

Nathan is a junior dance major at UB from Long Island, New York. His passion for dance began at a young age, where he trained competitively at Legacy Dance Center and later studied at Long Island High School for the Arts. He has trained with American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Spectrum, Entity Contemporary Dance, and Instincts by Theresa Stone. Nathan has performed as the prince in the American Academy of Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, as well as on several competitive national dance teams. Additionally, he was a featured dancer in Starring Buffalo’s production of Grease. Dancing at University at Buffalo has propelled his versatility and fueled his ambition to dance professionally. Nathan is a member of Zodiaque Dance Company and is an assistant to the directors for the 2025-2026 season. Over the past year, he has had the privilege of being the Social Media Intern for Zodiaque Dance Company, networking with alumni and collaborating with the directors to boost anticipation online for the 50th anniversary gala. Nathan is very grateful to continue dancing and choreographing

Sophia began her dance career at Dancentral in 2016 where she developed a love for all styles of dance. She danced competitively with DCS and has received numerous awards for her performances. She is currently pursuing a BFA in dance from SUNY at Buffalo where she is a member of the Zodiaque Dance Company. Sophia aims to create a fun and safe learning space for students to grow their passion and technical abilities. 

A graduate of Erie Community College was a competitive gymnast for 12 years. She is currently on faculty with the Stumpf’s Gymnastic Center and has been teaching acrobatics/gymnastics at various WNY locations over the past 13 years.

Annie is a Physician Assistant who specializes in pediatric, adolescent and psychiatric medicine at Orchard Park Pediatrics and Young Adult Medicine.  She received her degrees from D’Youville and Canisius University and continues to work academically teaching and training PA students.  She has been teaching dance for over 25 years and is happy to share her love of dancing, singing and acting with all of the students she encounters.

Jodi graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a B.A. in dance. While at SUNY she was a member of the Zodiaque Dance Company. She returned to Buffalo after a three year tour with Sesame Street Live. Since her return she has taught at numerous dance studios as well as the University of Buffalo. She has choreographed for the Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble at SUNY and continues to teach and choreograph locally.

Sarah is currently attending the University at Buffalo pursuing a degree in communication. She has been part of the Dancentral family since 2011 and spent 9 years on their competition dance team. She worked at DCS as a class assistant for 4 years preparing for her opportunity to teach. She is excited to have the opportunity to work more closely with the students in her position as teacher.

Jenna is attending the University at Buffalo pursuing degrees in Nursing and Dance. She has been dancing for 12 years and has been dancing competitively with Dancentral for 9 of those years. She was also an admired class assistant for 4 years. Jenna also enjoys singing and acting. She has performed lead roles in middle school and high school musicals and credits her dance training for a part of that success. 

Danielle is currently pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Danielle is no stranger to Dancentral having studied here for 14 years! Danielle spent 5 of those years dancing competitively. She also worked closely with her teachers as a valued class assistant for 4 years. Danielle now continues her to express her love for dance with her students as both a teacher and choreographer.