Steve was born in the midwest and raised in Massachusetts. He graduated with Honors from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, earning a BFA in Modern Dance, focusing on choreography. As a senior at the University of the Arts, Steven began working with Parsons Dance as an apprentice, performing at the Joyce Theater with the company while finishing his BFA. At graduation, he was honored with the Stella Moore Prize for Four-Year Achievement and the Award for Excellence in Modern Dance.
After graduating he joined Parsons Dance full time, under director David Parsons; touring and teaching with the company. He danced with Parsons both domestically and internationally, including Italy, China, Brazil, Russia, and more. This opportunity afforded him the opportunity to work with Monica Bill-Barnes, Kate Skarpetowska, and Robert Battle. Steven has taught throughout the United States including various dance college programs, Broadway Dance Center in NYC , University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University , as well as masterclasses in Italy and Israel.
His choreography has been set on the Philadelphia based SHARP Dance Co. under director Diane Sharp- Nachsin. SHARP Dance Company commissioned several of Steve’s early choreographies and continues to tour his work nationally. Steven’s work was selected for the 2014 Emerging Choreographer Commission for Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, and Harvard University, among others.
Steve is featured twice in Jordan Matter’s New York Times Bestseller, Dancers Among Us and TV and film experiences include Teddy Forance and Jon Arpino’s dance documentary Movement One, starring Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Operatic Heat: Parsons Dance presents ‘Remember Me’, All the Right Moves, the feature film Now You See Me and Law and Order: SVU. Steven earned a MFA in Dance from Hollins University in Roanoke, VA (2017). He served on Faculty at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ, 2014-2019. In addition to academic pursuits and studies, Steven has been serving as a Judge and Mentor at various dance competitions across the United States at Regional and National events.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve worked as a physical therapy trainer and Pilates instructor in New York City. Now, having retuned to his childhood home on the South Coast of Massachusetts, is the owner of The Studio on Pope’s Island in New Bedford, MA.
Nicole was born and raised in New Jersey starting dance classes when she was 3 years old. After years of competing and participating in conventions, she attended Georgian Court University performing works by Sidra Bell, Stefanie Batten Bland, Gregory King and Daniel Gwirtzman. She graduated cum laude in 2018 with a BA in Dance Performance and a Minor in Business Administration. Nicole was awarded the Scholar Award in Dance and Performance, 2017 and Most Accomplished Dancer, 2018.
She had the privilege of attending Impulstanz Dance Festival in Vienna, Austria and presenting her work, Exhale, at American College Dance Festival in Montclair, NJ. Nicole continued her education in New York City and attended various dance intensives: Dance Italia, Gallim Intensive, Parsons Dance Intensive and Peridance Summer Intensive. Nicole was hired as a member of Mignolo Dance Company, under the direction of Charly Santagado and as a Principle with Open Category Dance Company, under the direction of Steven Vaughn.
As a freelance dancer in NYC she performed works by various artists in venues including; Here Arts Center, Dixon Place, Suzanne Roberts Theater and Bridge for Dance. Nicole teaches several genres of dance, including contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, improvisation, and hip hop. Her competitive routines have won many top scoring awards including; Best Choreography, Best Staging, Overall High Score Placement, and Scholarship Awards for Nationals. She has judged and stage managed for dance competitions and choreographed school musicals.
Nicole is a Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT 200) She is passionate about sharing her love for creative movement and nature with others, always feeling inspired by the beauty, strength and grace of practicing yoga. Classes are designed to reinvigorate the mind, body, and soul, naturally relieving stress, building immunity and endurance.
Lulu was born in the Republic of Moldova and raised in Massachusetts. She has lived in many cities and moved to the South Shore in 2020, her eleventh move so far!
Lulu started attending mat Pilates classes with Steve Vaughn in 2022 and became interested in becoming an instructor after feeling and seeing the positive outcomes of the Pilates practice. Lulu became passionate about helping people achieve their fitness and wellness goals.
Lulu received her Pilates instructor certification through the Studio on Popes Island and is now teaching mat, circuit, JUMP! classes and reformer sessions.
Lulu’s practice focuses on strength, balance, and core with an emphasis on toning the body, increasing mobility, and improving overall wellbeing.
Lulu is interested in pre and post natal clients to help build vital pelvic floor and core strength for new mothers. However, she is open to clients of all ages and stages of life.
Katie completed 750 hours of training in Chicago and moved to MA in June of 2021.
Pilates taught her the importance of movement by any means necessary, and a love of being able to teach this highly-functional exercise style.
Connecting mind and body has been her biggest personal breakthrough to date, and the learning never stops. To further her teaching comprehension, she completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training in New Bedford (SYNB).
Katie has been a part of The Studio on Pope’s Island since 2022!
Amanda grew up in Westwood MA and spent summers in Marion MA. After moving down here full time in 2023, she graduated from Bridgewater State University with a B.S. in psychology with a minor in marketing. She is attending UMASS Dartmouth Law School this fall!
As a former volleyball player, Amanda has always been passionate about movement and the community that fitness has brought to her life. From teams to fitness studio communities, she believes that the supportive relationships in these environments is essential to overall wellness.
Amanda was drawn to pilates because of its versatility. It was a form of movement that she could do anywhere with almost no equipment, or take community classes with rings, bands, balls, and reformers. She loves that anyone can do pilates and see the benefits from it. She received her certification through Pilates Instructor Academy last summer and has been teaching ever since!
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