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!
Norma Jean Fowler
Norma Jean Fowler will be beginning her ninth dance season with The Studio and brings with her over forty-four years of teaching experience. She attended Western Michigan University, completing courses in both Dance and Medical Technology, and Oakland University, where she completed the Theatre Arts and Dance programs.
Norma is a member and certified by exam in the Cecchetti Council of America’s student and Associate Professional levels. She has previously served on the Cecchetti Council of America’s Michigan Chapter General Board and has successfully sent hundreds of students and instructors through exams. She is certified by exam in Dance Masters of Michigan and America and Dance Educators of America in the subjects of ballet, lyrical, tap and jazz.
Many of her former students are currently dancing with Alvin Ailey, Pacific Northwest Ballet Company, River North Dance Ensemble in Chicago, Pennsylvania Ballet West and Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. Her students have won many scholarships and titles including Miss Dance, Teen Miss, Junior Miss and Petite Miss Dance of Michigan. Miss Michigan 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and Miss America 2008 are former students. She continues to support the Miss Michigan Scholarship program in many areas. Norma also has former students who are currently employed as Radio City Rockettes in Branson and the New York City touring cast. Her former young students have been cast as “Clara” in the “Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular” in Branson, Detroit and Pittsburg.
Norma’s resume of competition awards include awards for “Outstanding Choreography,” “Outstanding Costuming,” “Overall High Score,” “Overall National High Score” and “Overall Technical Scholarship.” These awards have provided her with the invitation to judge many competition circuits, such as Headliners, Applause and American Dance Awards. She continues her studies yearly in New York, LA, Chicago and Michigan studying with Master Instructors and participating in Continuing Education Seminars.
Norma is a member and certified by exam in the Cecchetti Council of America’s student and Associate Professional levels. She has previously served on the Cecchetti Council of America’s Michigan Chapter General Board and has successfully sent hundreds of students and instructors through exams. She is certified by exam in Dance Masters of Michigan and America and Dance Educators of America in the subjects of ballet, lyrical, tap and jazz.
Many of her former students are currently dancing with Alvin Ailey, Pacific Northwest Ballet Company, River North Dance Ensemble in Chicago, Pennsylvania Ballet West and Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. Her students have won many scholarships and titles including Miss Dance, Teen Miss, Junior Miss and Petite Miss Dance of Michigan. Miss Michigan 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and Miss America 2008 are former students. She continues to support the Miss Michigan Scholarship program in many areas. Norma also has former students who are currently employed as Radio City Rockettes in Branson and the New York City touring cast. Her former young students have been cast as “Clara” in the “Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular” in Branson, Detroit and Pittsburg.
Norma’s resume of competition awards include awards for “Outstanding Choreography,” “Outstanding Costuming,” “Overall High Score,” “Overall National High Score” and “Overall Technical Scholarship.” These awards have provided her with the invitation to judge many competition circuits, such as Headliners, Applause and American Dance Awards. She continues her studies yearly in New York, LA, Chicago and Michigan studying with Master Instructors and participating in Continuing Education Seminars.
Tyler Stickel
After many years dancing professionally, Tyler is excited to be in Michigan. He received his dance training at The Dayton Ballet, Wright State University and Barbara Rethlake Dance Studio. His career began as a swing in Beauty and the Beast at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL. While in Orlando he performed in feature roles with Central Florida Ballet, and danced in numerous industrial and corporate events.
Upon moving to New York City in 2009, Tyler was cast in the legendary show, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, alongside the famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Tyler spent seven years being a featured dancer and swing working through the 2016 Christmas Season. He also worked on the brand new show, “Heart and Lights", under the direction of Linda Haberman. Tyler has had the pleasure to dance with world famous choreographers such as Mia Michaels and Mandy Moore. One of his favorite memories was dancing in the opening number of the American Songbook Awards, with the great Liza Minnelli and Rita Moreno. For three years, he also danced in the Miss Florida Pageant, choreographed by Shea Sullivan. Tyler had the opportunity to dance in the mini series “Making a Scene with James Franco.”
As a teacher, Tyler continues to guest teach master classes, and choreograph for many dance studios. He travels across the country teaching master classes and judging dance competitions.
Upon moving to New York City in 2009, Tyler was cast in the legendary show, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, alongside the famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Tyler spent seven years being a featured dancer and swing working through the 2016 Christmas Season. He also worked on the brand new show, “Heart and Lights", under the direction of Linda Haberman. Tyler has had the pleasure to dance with world famous choreographers such as Mia Michaels and Mandy Moore. One of his favorite memories was dancing in the opening number of the American Songbook Awards, with the great Liza Minnelli and Rita Moreno. For three years, he also danced in the Miss Florida Pageant, choreographed by Shea Sullivan. Tyler had the opportunity to dance in the mini series “Making a Scene with James Franco.”
As a teacher, Tyler continues to guest teach master classes, and choreograph for many dance studios. He travels across the country teaching master classes and judging dance competitions.
Amanda Maczik
Amanda Maczik is a native of Michigan and received her ballet training from Sandra Glenn at Glenns School of Dance in Howell. She has been a member of the Cecchetti Council of America since 2001 and has received her teaching certifications through the Advanced Professional level. She has sent numerous students and teachers through successful examinations.
Amanda received her Bachelors degree in Marketing/Advertising from Central Michigan University. While attending CMU, she performed and taught for the Rochelle Bertsch School of Ballet in Mount Pleasant. Since 2006 Amanda has taught ballet, ages three through advanced adult, in Ann Arbor and throughout Livingston county while successfully managing a pharmacy.
Amanda continues her education and training by attending numerous summer intensives including a pointe program taught by Madame Peff Modelski in Chicago and the Cecchetti Council of America summer program at Hope College. While attending Hope, she was the recipient of the Eastern Michigan Teachers Scholarship and has attended several classes by Diane van Schoor of the Royal Ballet School. Amanda is currently working on the Cecchetti Diploma Syllabus with her coach Sandra Glenn.
Besides teaching ballet, Amanda's other passion is her horse, Havik, whom she trains and competes in Dressage. Amanda currently resides in Howell with her husband, Joel, and two Springer Spaniels.
Amanda received her Bachelors degree in Marketing/Advertising from Central Michigan University. While attending CMU, she performed and taught for the Rochelle Bertsch School of Ballet in Mount Pleasant. Since 2006 Amanda has taught ballet, ages three through advanced adult, in Ann Arbor and throughout Livingston county while successfully managing a pharmacy.
Amanda continues her education and training by attending numerous summer intensives including a pointe program taught by Madame Peff Modelski in Chicago and the Cecchetti Council of America summer program at Hope College. While attending Hope, she was the recipient of the Eastern Michigan Teachers Scholarship and has attended several classes by Diane van Schoor of the Royal Ballet School. Amanda is currently working on the Cecchetti Diploma Syllabus with her coach Sandra Glenn.
Besides teaching ballet, Amanda's other passion is her horse, Havik, whom she trains and competes in Dressage. Amanda currently resides in Howell with her husband, Joel, and two Springer Spaniels.
Melanie Holt
Melanie Holt is from Rockford, Michigan. Melanie’s early training began at Dance Dimensions and West Michigan Dance Center, where she had the opportunity to perform works by Liz Schmidt, Jenn Freeman, Justine Menter, Katie Reece, and Mandy Moore. Melanie performed in the opening number for Nigel Lithgoe’s Dizzy Feet Foundation and has been awarded multiple regional and national titles.
She is currently pursuing her BFA in Dance and a minor in American Culture at the University of Michigan. The dance department has allowed her to study closely with Peter Sparling, Judy Rice, and Amy Chavasse performing at the Detroit Institute of Art, The Michigan Stadium Halftime Show, Oakland Dance Festival, and throughout the UM School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Melanie sits on the Executive Board for on-campus organizations including University Musical Society, Michigan Hackers, and Dance Student Assembly.
When she isn’t dancing, she functions best on venti black coffees, milk chocolate, running, and getting outside as much as possible.
She is currently pursuing her BFA in Dance and a minor in American Culture at the University of Michigan. The dance department has allowed her to study closely with Peter Sparling, Judy Rice, and Amy Chavasse performing at the Detroit Institute of Art, The Michigan Stadium Halftime Show, Oakland Dance Festival, and throughout the UM School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Melanie sits on the Executive Board for on-campus organizations including University Musical Society, Michigan Hackers, and Dance Student Assembly.
When she isn’t dancing, she functions best on venti black coffees, milk chocolate, running, and getting outside as much as possible.
Lisa M. Kaericher
Lisa is a native of Lansing, Michigan, currently residing here in South Lyon, Michigan. She comes from a family of dancers and began dancing at the age of 4 years old. Her first solo national dance competition was at the age of 9 where she completed her love for tap in Chicago and Las Vegas that summer. She danced with several studios in Lansing, but found her home in Clawson, Michigan, where she danced under Juliana Pirpinelli at Juliana’s Academy of Dance. Her and her brother, also a tap dancer, with whom she competed duets and won many national awards, danced tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, lyrical, clogging, Hawaiian/Tahitian, baton, and music theatre. Lisa went to Adam’s Modeling in her younger years and has a love for music theatre and Broadway as her Uncle was a Broadway performer and a tap dancer.
Lisa has had the privilege of taking master tap classes with Henry LeTang, Al Gilbert, Tommy Tune, Broadway sensation Savion Glover and many more. She has taken master classes with Dance Masters of Michigan and traveled all over the US for conventions and dance competitions, both local and nationals. She has studied with Joel Hall of Joel Hall Dancers and Center of Chicago, IL. Lisa was on the dance team and pompon squad all through high school and also at Lansing Community College where she attended school. Lisa has danced at many state fairs, been in dozens of parades, auditioned for Star Search and been in musicals with dancing features. She taught tap and many other classes at several other studios in Lansing and at Juliana’s Academy of Dance.
Lisa works full time at the University of Michigan, Frankel Cardiovascular Center with the TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) program and has worked in healthcare for the last 15 years. She has worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Dialysis and Orthopaedic surgery. Lisa is happily married to her husband, Chris, has a beautiful daughter Katie, who also dances at The Studio, and an English Setter fur baby, Rosie! She has a love for all children and hopes to have a class for special needs children, “A time to Shine,” here at The Studio.
Lisa has a love and passion for tap dancing and making music with her feet. She is honored to share this love of tap with all of our students here at The Studio and help build their self-confidence!!
Lisa has had the privilege of taking master tap classes with Henry LeTang, Al Gilbert, Tommy Tune, Broadway sensation Savion Glover and many more. She has taken master classes with Dance Masters of Michigan and traveled all over the US for conventions and dance competitions, both local and nationals. She has studied with Joel Hall of Joel Hall Dancers and Center of Chicago, IL. Lisa was on the dance team and pompon squad all through high school and also at Lansing Community College where she attended school. Lisa has danced at many state fairs, been in dozens of parades, auditioned for Star Search and been in musicals with dancing features. She taught tap and many other classes at several other studios in Lansing and at Juliana’s Academy of Dance.
Lisa works full time at the University of Michigan, Frankel Cardiovascular Center with the TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) program and has worked in healthcare for the last 15 years. She has worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Dialysis and Orthopaedic surgery. Lisa is happily married to her husband, Chris, has a beautiful daughter Katie, who also dances at The Studio, and an English Setter fur baby, Rosie! She has a love for all children and hopes to have a class for special needs children, “A time to Shine,” here at The Studio.
Lisa has a love and passion for tap dancing and making music with her feet. She is honored to share this love of tap with all of our students here at The Studio and help build their self-confidence!!
Karen Hanley
Karen Hanley has been teaching exercise in various forms since college. She has worked with kids of all ages and for the last 6 years with senior citizens at her day job where she runs art history programs, art classes, and book clubs. Karen is very happy to be at The Studio and having so much fun. She has three daughters and a stepdaughter all of whom have danced at The Studio at some point. Her Strength and Conditioning classes are a mix of Cardio, Weights and Piyo.
Danielle Fattore
Danielle started her dance training at the age of three and has had a passion for the art form ever since. She has carried the importance of being a multifaceted artist into her college career at the University of Michigan, where she is pursuing her BFA in Dance. At U of M, she has performed/been involved in works by Ohad Naharin, Camille A. Brown, Richard Alston, Alex Springer and Xan Burley at the Power Center for the Performing Arts. She is also a member of EnCore multicultural, a co-ed, hip-hop dance group, that performs in venues in the Greater Detroit Area. During her summers, she has been a scholarship student at Thodos Dance Chicago, The Gus Girodano School, and the Joffrey Ballet School. Danielle also is a choreographer, as she set a piece on the Freshman Touring Company in Ann Arbor, MI, and created two pieces for her Senior Concert in December 2017. Danielle has also taught a variety of styles of dance with Universal Dance Association for the summers of 2016 and 2017. Overall, Danielle hopes to continue to stay as well-rounded of an artist as possible after she graduates, as she is interested in both the concert and commercial dance worlds.
