The Studio Staff
Tara Brooke Buchinger-Vernier
Founder of The Studio and the Creative Company, LLC
Tara Vernier, founder of The Studio and The Creative Company LLC, has more than 20 years of experience as a professional dancer, teacher, national judge and choreographer. Highly trained in all forms of dance, Tara specializes in hip-hop, jazz, Latin, ballroom and children’s movement education. A lifetime of educational experiences, which include studies at Eastern Michigan University, led her to develop one of the area’s top studios. Tara’s vast experiences in the pageant world and commercial work allow her to educate not only in dance, but in modeling, acting and all forms of stage presentation. Her many titles include Preteen Miss Michigan, and first runner-up for Preteen Miss USA.
Upon the success of The Studio, Tara was asked to create and direct the dance programs for many of Southeast Michigan’s recreational and community education systems. You can find these programs in the recreational departments of South Lyon, Brighton, Milford and Walled Lake.
Winner of the 2010 Dance Makers prestigious “Marjorie Perry Award,” Tara puts her heart and soul into developing the very best in our youth, educating them with valuable lessons lasting a lifetime.
Tara says: "When I started my studies of the arts back in the early 80’s, finding a high-quality school that embraced teaching in an enthusiastic atmosphere was difficult. It was either 'first-class lessons in a stuffy academy' or 'great times in the school of no technique.' Numerous years of lessons in the 'stuffy-strict' atmosphere led me to one of my most important life decisions – a dream I chased for years. I was going to dedicate my future to creating the enthusiastic and high-quality performing arts center I'd been dreaming of for so long."
Today, The Studio & The Creative Company stand tall as meccas of first-class, electrifying arts education and training. From dance to acting, specialty enrichment classes and programs, The Studio has influenced the lives of so many. Join Tara as The Studio enters its second decade with continued passion and excitement for the arts! She would be honored to answer any questions you might have via phone call or a visit!
Upon the success of The Studio, Tara was asked to create and direct the dance programs for many of Southeast Michigan’s recreational and community education systems. You can find these programs in the recreational departments of South Lyon, Brighton, Milford and Walled Lake.
Winner of the 2010 Dance Makers prestigious “Marjorie Perry Award,” Tara puts her heart and soul into developing the very best in our youth, educating them with valuable lessons lasting a lifetime.
Tara says: "When I started my studies of the arts back in the early 80’s, finding a high-quality school that embraced teaching in an enthusiastic atmosphere was difficult. It was either 'first-class lessons in a stuffy academy' or 'great times in the school of no technique.' Numerous years of lessons in the 'stuffy-strict' atmosphere led me to one of my most important life decisions – a dream I chased for years. I was going to dedicate my future to creating the enthusiastic and high-quality performing arts center I'd been dreaming of for so long."
Today, The Studio & The Creative Company stand tall as meccas of first-class, electrifying arts education and training. From dance to acting, specialty enrichment classes and programs, The Studio has influenced the lives of so many. Join Tara as The Studio enters its second decade with continued passion and excitement for the arts! She would be honored to answer any questions you might have via phone call or a visit!
Billy Borkowski
Billy found his love for dance at age 9 while training at Dancers Workshop in St. Clair Shores. While on the competitive team, he studied Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical , Hip Hop and Tap. He got his first big break when he auditioned and booked the halftime show with Mariah Carey in 2005. After high school, he decided to take a leap of faith and move to Los Angeles.
While in L.A., he was signed with the major dance agency DDO. One of his first gigs was Disney's Camp Rock 2 promo. After a few foreign commercials, he booked a skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Along with having a dance agent, he performed with a dance group all over the West Coast and even a 3-month contract in China. He also had the opportunity to perform at several iconic LA landmarks, including the Roosevelt Hotel for Beachers Madhouse hosted by Kelly Osbourne.
After 6 years in Los Angeles, he returned to Michigan and has been teaching and choreographing since. His expertise in dance, makeup and costuming make him a vital part of our team.
While in L.A., he was signed with the major dance agency DDO. One of his first gigs was Disney's Camp Rock 2 promo. After a few foreign commercials, he booked a skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Along with having a dance agent, he performed with a dance group all over the West Coast and even a 3-month contract in China. He also had the opportunity to perform at several iconic LA landmarks, including the Roosevelt Hotel for Beachers Madhouse hosted by Kelly Osbourne.
After 6 years in Los Angeles, he returned to Michigan and has been teaching and choreographing since. His expertise in dance, makeup and costuming make him a vital part of our team.
Morgan "Mo" Williams
Mo is originally from Chicago, IL. While attending Chicago Academy for the Arts, Mo had the privilege of studying under Randy Duncan, Guillermo Leyva, and Anna Paskveska. Following Chicago Academy for the Arts, he accepted his first professional contract to dance with Dance Kaleidoscope in Indianapolis, IN, at 18.
Following his time with Dance Kaleidoscope, Mo continued his professional dance career by performing with numerous companies: Momenta Dance Company, Cerqua Rivera, Joel Hall & Dancers, Chicago Dance Crash, Deeply Rooted, Eisenhower Dance Detroit & Visceral Dance Chicago.
Additionally, he was featured on Season 10 of “SYTYCD” and succeeded to an L.A. finalist on the show in Season 11. Mo’s expanded performance credits include Detroit Opera House’s productions of Aida, Pearl Fishers, Carmina Burana, Mac Cosmetics, and ESPN Wisconsin Sports Awards.
In 2021 he opened the doors to his studio in the greater Milwaukee area, home to his professional repertory dance company Water Street Dance Milwaukee. As such, Mo has choreographed numerous professional works of concert dance. Recently he has been commissioned to set pieces for Madison Ballet, Noumenon Dance Ensemble, Visceral Dance Chicago, and Illinois State University. “Morgan Williams's choreography is so unique and expressive that I would be happy if he choreographed every show in Milwaukee.” – (Milwaukee Magazine)
Following his time with Dance Kaleidoscope, Mo continued his professional dance career by performing with numerous companies: Momenta Dance Company, Cerqua Rivera, Joel Hall & Dancers, Chicago Dance Crash, Deeply Rooted, Eisenhower Dance Detroit & Visceral Dance Chicago.
Additionally, he was featured on Season 10 of “SYTYCD” and succeeded to an L.A. finalist on the show in Season 11. Mo’s expanded performance credits include Detroit Opera House’s productions of Aida, Pearl Fishers, Carmina Burana, Mac Cosmetics, and ESPN Wisconsin Sports Awards.
In 2021 he opened the doors to his studio in the greater Milwaukee area, home to his professional repertory dance company Water Street Dance Milwaukee. As such, Mo has choreographed numerous professional works of concert dance. Recently he has been commissioned to set pieces for Madison Ballet, Noumenon Dance Ensemble, Visceral Dance Chicago, and Illinois State University. “Morgan Williams's choreography is so unique and expressive that I would be happy if he choreographed every show in Milwaukee.” – (Milwaukee Magazine)
Josh Cantine
Josh’s experience in dance consists of Hip Hop, Vogue, Jazz, Contemporary, Heels, Modern, Ballet and Pas De Deux of 22 years. He has trained and performed with several world-renowned dance companies such as The Joffrey Ballet, Miami City Ballet, School of American Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem. His training was also furthered with the Alvin Ailey School, Hubbard Street, Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. Josh has been teaching as a dance instructor for 13 years to students of all ages, including adults, and is also a certified Xtend barre teacher. He has a very diverse and technical background believing technique, strength and consisting is the base that holds together the building to a phenomenal dancer. Josh prides himself in helping dancers into the best dancers that they can become as well as shaping our next generations into the best disciplined and responsible young adults. Josh loves shopping and going out to eat in his spare time! His favorite quote that he lives and breathes by is: “When in doubt dance it out!”
Nicolia Morschakov
Mr. Nicolia Morschakov is The Studio’s treasured Russian Ballet instructor. He graduated with honors from the Saratov State Choreographic Institute in Russia, and joined the famed Grigorovich Ballet, under the direction of Yuri Grigorovich, as a Soloist. He was promoted to a Principal ballet dancer shortly after. During his extensive career as a Principal ballet dancer in Russia and the United States, Mr. Morschakov performed the leading roles in all of the major classical ballets including Jean de Brienne in “Raymonda,” Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet,” Basilio in “Don Quixote,” both Spartacus and Crassus in “Spartacus,” Prince Siegfried and Von Rothbart in “Swan Lake,” Poet in “Chopiniana,” Cavalier in “Nutcracker,” Albrecht in “Giselle,” and many more.
Upon moving to the United States, he was a Principal ballet dancer with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, and Dance Alive National Ballet, where he was also a company ballet master and choreographer. Mr. Morschakov served as ballet master for the senior level boys division of the Krasnodar Choreographic Institute, teaching men’s technique to advanced level students. Mr. Morschakov’s students from Krasnodar are currently performing professionally in many companies throughout the world, including the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and the Polish National Ballet Company. He has been a guest instructor at many schools across the US, including the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and Bolshoi Ballet Summer Intensive audition tour. Mr. Morschakov was a Laureate of the Philip Morris International Ballet Competition in 1999 and 2001. During his career as a Principal ballet dancer he performed and toured throughout the world, dancing in Russia, USA, Portugal, Spain, Japan, Italy, Germany, Lebanon, and Turkey. Mr. Morschakov is currently pursuing his pedagogy degree as Master of Ballet and Choreography from the Moscow State Choreographic Institute (Bolshoi Ballet Academy).
The Studio is honored to have him as part of our staff!
Upon moving to the United States, he was a Principal ballet dancer with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, and Dance Alive National Ballet, where he was also a company ballet master and choreographer. Mr. Morschakov served as ballet master for the senior level boys division of the Krasnodar Choreographic Institute, teaching men’s technique to advanced level students. Mr. Morschakov’s students from Krasnodar are currently performing professionally in many companies throughout the world, including the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and the Polish National Ballet Company. He has been a guest instructor at many schools across the US, including the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and Bolshoi Ballet Summer Intensive audition tour. Mr. Morschakov was a Laureate of the Philip Morris International Ballet Competition in 1999 and 2001. During his career as a Principal ballet dancer he performed and toured throughout the world, dancing in Russia, USA, Portugal, Spain, Japan, Italy, Germany, Lebanon, and Turkey. Mr. Morschakov is currently pursuing his pedagogy degree as Master of Ballet and Choreography from the Moscow State Choreographic Institute (Bolshoi Ballet Academy).
The Studio is honored to have him as part of our staff!
Lizzy Peters
Lizzy started dancing ballet and tap at the age of 2 years old. She tried other styles of dance, such as hula, and loved every second of it! When Lizzy and her family moved to South Lyon at the age of 10, she joined a recreational hip hop class at The Studio and immediately fell in love with the atmosphere and people here. Ever since then, The Studio has been like a second home to her!
While still in high school, Lizzy began assisting in classes and always loved helping out with her younger sister, watching her grow into a beautiful dancer. From then on out, she was hooked and she knew teaching dance was something she wanted to do for the rest of her life! Lizzy began teaching her own classes – for all ages and styles, including hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, pom, strength and conditioning, and technique and training. She also coached South Lyon Panthers pom teams for seven years, winning Grand Champions and First Overall at Cheerfest for almost all the routines she choreographed.
After graduating high school from South Lyon East, Lizzy attended Oakland University for 2 years and was on the dance team. She performed hip hop, jazz, or pom routines at all of men and women’s basketball games, and loved continuing to dance after high school. Lizzy was always interested in the creative arts and decided to change her career path and start a cosmetology apprenticeship at K Bella Hair Studio. She is now a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in hair and makeup and making all of your beauty dreams come true!
Lizzy absolutely loves the path she has chosen because she gets to do the two things she loves - teaching dance and doing hair and makeup. She absolutely adores the kids and wants to help them be the very best they can be. She thinks the best part of the job is watching the kids grow into the most amazing dancers and follow their dreams.
While still in high school, Lizzy began assisting in classes and always loved helping out with her younger sister, watching her grow into a beautiful dancer. From then on out, she was hooked and she knew teaching dance was something she wanted to do for the rest of her life! Lizzy began teaching her own classes – for all ages and styles, including hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, pom, strength and conditioning, and technique and training. She also coached South Lyon Panthers pom teams for seven years, winning Grand Champions and First Overall at Cheerfest for almost all the routines she choreographed.
After graduating high school from South Lyon East, Lizzy attended Oakland University for 2 years and was on the dance team. She performed hip hop, jazz, or pom routines at all of men and women’s basketball games, and loved continuing to dance after high school. Lizzy was always interested in the creative arts and decided to change her career path and start a cosmetology apprenticeship at K Bella Hair Studio. She is now a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in hair and makeup and making all of your beauty dreams come true!
Lizzy absolutely loves the path she has chosen because she gets to do the two things she loves - teaching dance and doing hair and makeup. She absolutely adores the kids and wants to help them be the very best they can be. She thinks the best part of the job is watching the kids grow into the most amazing dancers and follow their dreams.
Kate Benacquisto-LaPorte
Kate started dancing at the age of three, and continued dancing to become a company member at Mary Skiba’s School of Dance. She trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap and Modern.
While attending Michigan State University, she began teaching at a local studio and found a true passion for instilling the art of dance in young dancers. Kate continued her training through various statewide conventions and gaining her dance teacher certification . In 2008, Kate opened Elite Dance Company in East Lansing, Michigan. Under her creative direction she ran one of the most successful studios in the area, bringing a fresh new edge with her choreography and artistic eye. Through the years Kate continued training, attending the Dance Teacher Summit and dancing at Broadway Dance Center during the summer months.
In 2008 Kate also got married and started a family - she and her husband have a son and two daughters. In 2017, Kate sold Elite Dance Company to a long-time employee to focus on her family and be home with her children.
She’s excited to be a new addition to the studio and have the privilege of teaching again and bringing her passion for dance to The Studio!
While attending Michigan State University, she began teaching at a local studio and found a true passion for instilling the art of dance in young dancers. Kate continued her training through various statewide conventions and gaining her dance teacher certification . In 2008, Kate opened Elite Dance Company in East Lansing, Michigan. Under her creative direction she ran one of the most successful studios in the area, bringing a fresh new edge with her choreography and artistic eye. Through the years Kate continued training, attending the Dance Teacher Summit and dancing at Broadway Dance Center during the summer months.
In 2008 Kate also got married and started a family - she and her husband have a son and two daughters. In 2017, Kate sold Elite Dance Company to a long-time employee to focus on her family and be home with her children.
She’s excited to be a new addition to the studio and have the privilege of teaching again and bringing her passion for dance to The Studio!
Madilyn Wehner
Madilyn is a current student at The Studio. She began dancing at the age of 2 in Bounce & Boogie. After, she continued her path in multiple recreation classes in Hip Hop and Jazz and fell in love with dancing! This led to her competitive journey and she has been at the Studio for 13 amazing years. Madilyn started her competitive dance years at age 10. She has received multiple convention and competition scholarships with her teammates. In her early competitive years she began her assistant teaching in both recreational and competitive classes and now teaches independently.
With her passion for acting, at age 9, Madilyn was cast in her first ever play, “Annie.” Her acting experience is still ongoing. Her favorite acting role was Flounder in “Under the Sea” as well as the lead role in “Sleeping Beauty” as Aurora.
Madilyn currently attends South Lyon East High School. Madilyn enjoys playing softball, jewelry making, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family. In addition, she has been striving to earn her Eagle rank in scouting.
Madilyn absolutely loves teaching the kids and getting to know all of her students. One of her goals for her students is for each one of them to feel confident, not only in their dancing, but in themselves in everything they do throughout the rest of their lives.
With her passion for acting, at age 9, Madilyn was cast in her first ever play, “Annie.” Her acting experience is still ongoing. Her favorite acting role was Flounder in “Under the Sea” as well as the lead role in “Sleeping Beauty” as Aurora.
Madilyn currently attends South Lyon East High School. Madilyn enjoys playing softball, jewelry making, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family. In addition, she has been striving to earn her Eagle rank in scouting.
Madilyn absolutely loves teaching the kids and getting to know all of her students. One of her goals for her students is for each one of them to feel confident, not only in their dancing, but in themselves in everything they do throughout the rest of their lives.
Erica Kula
Erica Kula is an alumnus of The Studio and began student teaching during her final years of the program. She has since expanded her skills at The Studio to become a qualified teacher in both the competitive and recreational programs, and some days you may find her behind the desk! Erica is extensively trained in all styles of dance and pom, but her favorite is Jazz!
Erica is a graduate of Michigan State University (Go Green!) with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and is currently attending Walsh College to obtain an MBA. She is a member of the Detroit Tigers Energy Squad, where she is a brand ambassador for both the team and the City of Detroit. She is also greatly involved in the marketing and events industry, with experience working for brands like Ford Performance and the Detroit Tigers.
Erica’s main focus in the classroom is to push her students to their full potential in a loving and compassionate way. She places value on creating unique relationships with each of her students, emphasizing their worth to the team. Erica is a very outgoing and bubbly person and loves to meet new people, so if you see her around The Studio, say hi! She would love to chat with you!
Erica is a graduate of Michigan State University (Go Green!) with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and is currently attending Walsh College to obtain an MBA. She is a member of the Detroit Tigers Energy Squad, where she is a brand ambassador for both the team and the City of Detroit. She is also greatly involved in the marketing and events industry, with experience working for brands like Ford Performance and the Detroit Tigers.
Erica’s main focus in the classroom is to push her students to their full potential in a loving and compassionate way. She places value on creating unique relationships with each of her students, emphasizing their worth to the team. Erica is a very outgoing and bubbly person and loves to meet new people, so if you see her around The Studio, say hi! She would love to chat with you!
