Instructors
Mark and Caren Krupinski have owned and operated Krupinski Academy of Dance for over 30 years. They have joyfully trained dancers that have circled the world performing on stage, screen and television.
After performing at The Muny for 23 years, Mark became the choreographer and director for the Muny Kids and Muny Teens. He serves as an Assistant Choreographer and consultant for Muny main stage shows. He also donates his time to choreographing for the Variety Club of St. Louis.
Other endevors include designing dance programs for local high schools, on the faculty for 10 years at Webster University, and an original performer in American Dance Machine- NYC.
Caren has taught dance for 30 years and has created a highly acclaimed pre-school children’s dance program. She has performed in St. Louis Civic Ballet Company, an original dancer in the St Louis Cardinal Football “Big Red Line” and spent five years working in Six Flags Show Operations Department.
Together, for the past 17 years, Mark and Caren have served as Directors representing the state of Missouri in the Dance Excellence International Dance Festival held in Los Angeles, CA.
They also co-founded American Dance Troupe of St. Louis, which is a non-profit organization which provides young dancers the opportunity to experience life in a dance company.
From ages 7-18, Ashley was a member of American Dance Troupe, Muny Kids and Muny Teens, and performed in over 25 mainstage shows at The Muny. After graduation from Visitation Academy in 2004, Ashley became a member of the world renowned “Young Americans”. During her time with the “YA”s, she performed as a cast member of the “Boyne Highlands Dinner Theater” in Harbor Springs, MI, performed and taught on tour in Germany, Holland, England, Scotland, California, and the southern region of America, and danced in “The Magic of Christmas” show at the La Mirada Theater in Los Angeles. After touring, Ashley was honored with a staff position for Dance Excellence in Los Angeles. She then became a member of Actor’s Equity Association and has performed at The Muny as part of the adult ensemble. During the 20o7 season, she was honored to be Assistant Choreographer for Liza Gennaro.
Ashley has trained not only with Krupinski Academy and Young Americans, but also studied with some of the top dance instructors at Broadway Dance Center, STEPS (both located in NYC) and The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. In 2009, Ashley moved to Paris France to attend the Paris Fashion Institute, where she worked with some of the leading professionals in the fashion industry.
Not only is Ashley teaching at Krupinski Academy, she has also started her own photography studio (Kdottie Photography). Along with her mom Caren, they have started an accessory company, Kdottie Designs, creating fun and couture headbands sold all over the world.
Abbey has been dancing since the age of three. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, musical theater and lyrical with Mark and Caren Krupinski. After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Public Relations she returned home to Krupinski’s. Abbey has been teaching and working as the office manager since 2001.
Suzanne graduated from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville with a degree in Informational Systems. She currently works in the field of Information Technology. Suzanne studied dance for 15 years before becoming an instructor. In her spare time Suzanne takes kickboxing classes and likes to travel.
Susan has been dancing since she was three years old. She has been trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe and musical theater. She received training from Krupinski Academy of Dance and went on to study dance at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. She graduated in 2003 from SIUE. Susan received a Bachelor of Science in Theater and Dance with a Dance emphasis. She had the honor of being a member of the University Dance Organization. Susan has been teaching dance for over eight years.
Bio Coming Soon!
Traci has been teaching dance at Krupinski Academy of Dance since 2001. She holds a Bachelors degree in Dance from Webster University as well as a Psychology degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Traci has been teaching for over 10 years at various studios throughout the St. Louis area. She has choreographed most recently for American Dance Troupe and has been a featured dancer/actor and model in various commercials and print advertisements. She is currently a member of Beyond Motion Dance Company.
Debbie is a native New Englander who moved to NYC after college. She lived in New York for 7 years during which time she was cast in such shows as “Chicago”, “Makin’ Whoopie”, “Sugar Babies,” and a three and a half year tour of “42nd Street.” Debbie began her teaching career in Central Florida and in 1998 her family was relocated to St. Louis. She has been teaching at Krupinski Academy since 1999.
Bio coming soon!
Bio Coming Soon!