Meet the Owners
Patti and Stacey's many years as dancers, instructors, and choreographers are all part of why Premiere is so successful. Both of these women feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of dancing professionally and teaching. Their dreams as children became their passion as adults. They feel that it is a pleasure and privilege to share the love of dance and help create wonderful memories and experiences for their students. It is the hope of all the Instructors at the studio that whatever the students choose to pursue as goals and dreams of their own, Premiere played some part in shaping their lives in a positive, fulfilling way!
Bringing different backgrounds in the field of dance, with 60+ years of qualified instruction, gives them the unmatchable experience that has led to the success of Premiere since their doors opened in 1996. There is a highly qualified collaborative staff (most have been with them from the start) who believe that being a positive role model is imperative in the lives of their students. They take pride in teaching children to grow as artists of dance. Providing a caring, professional atmosphere with a concentration on the performance of each person as an individual, with an emphasis on training in proper technique, strength, flexibility, poise, and elegance are all part of what makes Premiere work so well. Along with the physical instruction, building confidence and self-assurance are important attributes in the best interest of their students.
Patti Russo Croner
Patti Russo Croner
Patti knew as far back as she can remember that she wanted and needed to dance. Inspired by the many dancers and stars of the variety shows and musicals of the 50's and 60's, and influenced by her parent's love of the same, she begged for dance lessons. Her training began at the age of eight and continued through her college years. She achieved a Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Dance from East Stroudsburg State College, studying under Mary Jane Wolbers and numerous dance professionals. Pursuing a summer dance intensive at the American Dance Festival, Patti knew she wanted more dance education and entered The Ohio State University to receive a Masters of Arts degree in Dance.
She has had the honor of a teaching position at Harcum Jr. College for fifteen years in their Physical Education and Performing Arts departments. While there, she was the Choreographic Director for the Harcum Dancers and choreographed their yearly musicals. At the same time she danced professionally for five years with The Steppin Out Dancers, performing live and on television in the Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and New York areas.
After starting a family she found new roots in Gilbertsville. She remained at Harcum and expanded her teaching abilities as a substitute for the Boyertown Area School District. At the same time she was hired as a fitness instructor for Final Results Fitness, and as a dance instructor at a local studio.
Stacey Stroman Levengood
Stacey has been dancing since the age of three. Realizing her natural talent for dance and choreography at an early age, she was hired at 15 to assist in running the competition team of her local dance school. Winning many competitions both as a dancer and choreographer for several years (1st place at the Miss Jr. Dance of America competition, winner of "the most entertaining" and "highest score choreography award", and others), she was offered the position of Director at the Northeast Dance Academy in Philadelphia. While running the Academy, Stacey enhanced her teaching career by becoming a member and receiving dance degrees with the following affiliates: Dance Masters of America (DMA), Professional Dance Teachers of America (PDTA), and Dance Educators of America (DEA). Being a member of these organizations gave her the opportunity to dance under and work with many great talents in the dance world and landed her the position as lead dancer and assistant choreographer of a Philadelphia based professional dance company called Dance Ten Productions. Wanting to fulfill her all time dream to become a professional dancer, Stacey performed in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and New York City. Some of her most favorite achievements are the years she spent at the River Front and Huntingdon Valley Dinner Theaters as lead dancer, dance captain, and choreographer of more than 20 musicals and plays.
Starting a family, Stacey decided to change her career and took several business training courses and seminars. She quickly landed the position of a Customer Service Representative at a West Point Paper Supply Company and worked a high paced, high pressure job for two years until her promotion as Customer Service Manager. At the same time with her love of dance still strong in her life and her need to teach, she was hired by The New Dance Workshop and The Babylon Fitness Center as Director of their dance programs. She maintained this work pace for five years until she met Patti Croner and their dreams of becoming dance studio owners became a reality. Stacey is known to many local students for her community work as a choreographer of many school musicals and show choirs; teaming up with Pottsgrove Middle and High Schools, Perkiomen Valley Middle School West, and the non-profit organization Amity Children’s Theatre.
