Diane is a specialist for the advanced tap classes and is one of the directors of 5 Star Dance Studio. Diane is a co-director for the Showtroupe Dance Company. Diane attended the college of St. Catherine, and currently works at Bailey Elementary in Woodbury.

Pam is a specialist in advanced tap and is one of the 5 Star Dance directors. Pam is a co-director of the Showtroupe Dance Company. Pam is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Physical Education.

Nikki is a specialist in preschool dance instruction. Nikki also is a co-director of the Showtroupe Dance Company. Nikki is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas with a degree in Elementary Education.

Lanka enjoys teaching tap and hip hop at all levels. He currently attends the University of St. Thomas and is an active youth volunteer in District 622 and at his church.

Kelly Farrell started teaching at 5 Star in 2002.  She grew up training at QC Dance studio in Roseville, MN.  In college at St. Scholastica, she double majored in International Business and Economics.  She was captain of the dance team for 3 years in college.  She currently teaches the Showtroupe Dance Company students in Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Jazz.  She is employed by Neslte Waters North America where she is a Category Manager on the Target Account.

Emily Peitzman has been dancing at 5 Star Dance Studio for the last 15 years and has been teaching at 5 Star for the past 3 years. Emily has much experience in working with children and enjoys presenting her children with a challenging but fun atmosphere. Emily is currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota and is planning on graduating in 2 years.

Liz Anderson has been teaching at 5 Star for 4 years.  Liz has training in many forms of dance including: Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Pointe and Hip Hop.  She has received schooling from: Institute of Dance & Ballet, Northern Plains Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet Academy, North Carolina School of the Arts and Boston Ballet.  Liz continued her training through college and studied Dance at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.  Liz now teaches Ballet Technique, Pointe, Jazz and Hip Hop for 5 Star.  Liz is also one of the Showtroupe Dance Company teachers.

Mandee Palmer has danced at 5 Star since she could walk.  While attending Concordia Moorhead, she joined the dance team and competed at the collegiate level. She enjoys teaching tap and jazz at all age levels and is going on her fourth year teaching at 5 Star.  Mandee is also one of the Showtroupe Dance Company teachers.  She is currently employed at St. Paul Federal Credit Union.

Zachari Wetz has taught ballet through various programs and studios since 1997, and has been teaching at 5 Star since 2004.  She has a degree in elementary education from the University of Saint Thomas.  She is a Cecchetti certified dancer, and studied the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet for 14 years, which is the basis of her teaching.  Zachari has taught ballet for 9 years.  She also enjoys Irish dance and performs with the Green Fire Irish Dancers.

Jena Sandell grew up dancing at 5 Star Dance Studio and is now welcomed back as a teacher!  She’s in her second year at 5 Star, She has a double major in Business Marketing and Dance from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  She teaches both tap and jazz to all ages.

Chris Jones has taught tap, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical and ballet for over 30 years at various studios in the metro area.  She’s coordinated various dance workshops and choreographed musicals at local schools.  She owned her own studio in east metro for 11 years.  Chris started dancing with Miss Kay Koch many years ago and continues to attend classes and workshops throughout the Twin Cities area.  Chris has been teaching at 5 Star for 3 years.

Amanda Stemig enjoys teaching tap and jazz combination classes for elementary children.  She danced at 5 Star for 15 years, including 7 years on the competition line, and is in her 5th year as an instructor.  Amanda currently attends the University of St. Thomas where she is completing a bachelor's degree in chemistry.