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.
Genna Carey
Genna Carey, originally from Battle Creek, MI, graduated from Western Michigan University earning her B.F.A. in Dance. Since living in New York City, Genna has had the pleasure of working closely with Matthew Powell, Brice Mousset, Robyn Mineko Williams, Parsons Dance, KT Nelson, Lauren Edson, and Eryn Waltman among others. Her own choreography has been showcased on stages including the Ailey Theatre, Peridance Capezio Theatre, Center of Performance Research, and 92nd Street Y, and recently her own show in Seattle, WA. From NYC to Seattle, Genna is excited to be back in the Midwest as she continues her teaching creative pursuits.
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!”
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!
Savannah Hawley
Savannah is a native of Michigan and currently residing in Brighton. She began dance at the age of 6 alongside her older sister at the Fine Arts Academy in Whitmore Lake and then danced competitively with Barbrah Hatch School of Dance and American Dance Academy until the age of 18. During her competitive career, she earned a spot on The Detroit Piston’s Junior Automation, where she performed during every home game. She trained at Joe Hall Dance Camp in Chicago, was certified by the Cecchetti Council of America for grades 1-4, and became a student teacher for American Dance Academy her senior year of high school.
Savannah was awarded a talent and academic scholarship to attend Marygrove College, where she majored in Dance and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts. She was awarded the Maggie Allesee Dance scholarship her junior year for persistence and dedication in Marygrove College’s Dance Company. In addition to her academic achievements, she had the privilege to attend The American College Dance Association Oakland Dance Festival, and choreograph for Novi high school’s dance team for Marygrove’s College dance outreach Program. She also had the honor to train with Contexture Dance Detroit, with whom she performed at the Dumbo Dance Festival in Brooklyn New York, the Motor City Choreography Collective, and Contexture Dance Detroit’s annual showcase for 3 summers.
Savannah furthered her dance education by traveling to Los Angeles and attending the Galen Hooks Method accelerated dance program where she was asked to become a part of California’s Go 2 Talent Agency for dance careers in California. She declined this offer as she was then hired as a professional dancer for the Detroit Lions as a cheerleader. During her time as a Detroit Lion’s cheerleader, Savannah has performed at every home game, attended and volunteered as an ambassador for the City of Detroit, and had the honor to perform alongside stars Lil Jon and Mike Posner.
Savannah has always maintained her love and passion for dance in all styles including modern, ballet, jazz, tap, Scottish Highland, lyrical, Hip Hop, and contemporary. She is more than enthused to share her love for the art of dance and continue to educate herself further.
Savannah was awarded a talent and academic scholarship to attend Marygrove College, where she majored in Dance and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts. She was awarded the Maggie Allesee Dance scholarship her junior year for persistence and dedication in Marygrove College’s Dance Company. In addition to her academic achievements, she had the privilege to attend The American College Dance Association Oakland Dance Festival, and choreograph for Novi high school’s dance team for Marygrove’s College dance outreach Program. She also had the honor to train with Contexture Dance Detroit, with whom she performed at the Dumbo Dance Festival in Brooklyn New York, the Motor City Choreography Collective, and Contexture Dance Detroit’s annual showcase for 3 summers.
Savannah furthered her dance education by traveling to Los Angeles and attending the Galen Hooks Method accelerated dance program where she was asked to become a part of California’s Go 2 Talent Agency for dance careers in California. She declined this offer as she was then hired as a professional dancer for the Detroit Lions as a cheerleader. During her time as a Detroit Lion’s cheerleader, Savannah has performed at every home game, attended and volunteered as an ambassador for the City of Detroit, and had the honor to perform alongside stars Lil Jon and Mike Posner.
Savannah has always maintained her love and passion for dance in all styles including modern, ballet, jazz, tap, Scottish Highland, lyrical, Hip Hop, and contemporary. She is more than enthused to share her love for the art of dance and continue to educate herself further.
Abby Niemi
Abby Niemi is a former student of The Studio and has stayed present in the company as an instructor. As well as receiving training from The Studio’s varying staff throughout the years, Abby has continued training from national intensives such as The Hollywood Summer Tour, Mpulse at The University of Michigan, and Complexions at Wayne State University. Abby places a high value on expanding her practice of the craft through different classes, workshops, and other opportunities to learn. She aims to spread her knowledge to students through technical and improvisational practices.
Abby is a current student of the University of Michigan where she studies dance for a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her focus in school is to improve her own physicality and creativity as well as learning for the purpose of teaching others. After earning her dance degree, Abby hopes to take her training into the professional field as a performer and choreographer.
Abby has trained in many styles including ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, African, composition, and Pilates. Her dance curriculum has also expanded her training into areas such as dance history, dance somatics, the relationship between music and movement, and movement analysis.
Abby is a current student of the University of Michigan where she studies dance for a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her focus in school is to improve her own physicality and creativity as well as learning for the purpose of teaching others. After earning her dance degree, Abby hopes to take her training into the professional field as a performer and choreographer.
Abby has trained in many styles including ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, African, composition, and Pilates. Her dance curriculum has also expanded her training into areas such as dance history, dance somatics, the relationship between music and movement, and movement analysis.
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!
