Susan Sterba-Cole: Susan is owner as well as one of the instructors at DuPage Dance Center. Susan has been a Dance instructor for more than 20 years. With a childhood background of Ballet, Jazz and Competitive figure skating, Susan began her career of teaching Ballroom Dance at the age of 17. She initially worked for the Fred Astaire chain of dance schools for the first 5 years of her career. She then worked for an Independent dance school before opening her own studio in 1996. Susan teaches both International and American Styles of dance. She is a certified adjudicator through the NADTA and is a recognized member of the NDCA. She teaches both social and competitive dance to amateurs, and also coaches professional teachers and competitors. She currently competes regionally with her students.

Joshua Torres: (Manager, Ballroom, Latin, Rhythm and Club Dancing) Josh began his steps toward dance with the study of theater and vocal performance in the summer of 1994. Partner dance had begun to grow as his main focus during the spring of 1997. Josh’s credentials consist of six years professional training, instruction and competition in the city of Indianapolis, IN prior to moving to Naperville. Along with instructing private lessons (single and couples) Josh has experience teaching groups ranging from four to two hundred. The typical age range of students has consisted of five to seventy five years. Josh also has experience teaching at educational facilities including Indiana State University, Indiana University, and Purdue University. Besides instructing, he currently competes regionally with his students. Upon entering the Pro/Am circuit Josh was awarded top teacher for the growth and excellence of his students. His current goal has been to put more focus on the growth of the competitive edge of his students, studio, as well as himself.  Josh is available for lessons Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 1 - 10 pm, Thursday 5 - 10 and Saturday 11 - 6 pm.

Vanda Varni: (Ballroom, Rhythm and Club Dancing) Vanda moved to the U.S. from Hungary a little over five years ago, where she had launched her career as a child actress at age 9. She has performed in a dozen classical and modern plays on stage and appeared in 3 television series and numerous feature films in supporting and leading roles. She has majored in theater directing and also obtained a degree in teaching drama. Alongside with acting she is passionately involved in ballroom dancing. In her first year in Chicago, she had taught at Dupage Dance Center under Susan Cole. The past few years she has expanded her experience with a variety of dance studios throughout the Chicago land area. She most recently comes from the Halo Academy of the Performing Arts in Bolingbrook. Vanda has also choreographed musicals and dance routines for Second City, Firststreet Playhouse at Batavia and Halo Academy. She is also in charge of teaching ballroom dancing for young children and choreographing the first “Dancing with young Woodridge” Showcase in May of 2007. She is happy to return to Dupage Dance to resume instructing students and group classes. Vanda is currently available by appointment during the week.

Kristin Chase: (Ballroom, Rhythm and Club Dancing) Kristin began dance training at the age of three.  She studied ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical,musical theatre, and pas de duex.  As a member of her studio’s competition company, Kristin performed by invitation, in Orlando, Las Vegas, and Spain.  Throughout college Kristin worked and did choreography at a local dance studio. Kristin was first introduced to ballroom dance by means of a college elective course.  She thoroughly enjoyed learning the new styles and pursued her interest in Ballroom Dance.  Kristin has been with Dupage Dance Center since 2009. As a school teacher Kristin has facilitated and assisted in school talent shows, dance team auditions, school performance choreography, and has mentored students in sponsoring after school dance clubs.

Alissa Schirtzinger Baird: (Ballet, Pilates, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Modern) Alissa, a native of Westerville, Ohio, began her formal dance training at BalletMet Columbus and continued her training at the Ohio State University, earning a bachelor's degree in dance. Alissa has danced professionally  and taught for more than 10 years with prestigious dance companies across the country such as, Columbus Dance Theatre, Lancaster Ballet, Repertory Dance Theatre, Desert Dance Theatre, Naganuma Dance, and The DanceWright Project.  She is also a certified Power Pilates instructor and has taught students of all ages and needs in Arizona, the Czech Republic and California. Alissa recently relocated from San Francisco and is excited to make Naperville her new home.

Eurika Porto: (Ballet, Jazz) Eurika has choreographed, toured and produced dance in all parts of the world.  A short list begins with Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, France, Holland, Switzerland, and Germany but includes many more.  The most recent being Mexico City and England.  She has had the opportunity to experience amazing choreographers like Pinna Bausch and Susanne Link of German, Luigi of Luigi’s Jazz Center New York and the Geoffory Ballet of New York. Eurika currently teaches ballet and jazz at Dupage Dance Center, her favorite place to be!