Instructors
Interested in joining our Lucky Star Staff?
Email a resume, cover letter, and portfolio to brianna@luckystar.dance

Owner ⭑ Lead Instructor ⭑ Lead Choreographer
Miss Bri
Bri Clemente is the founder, owner, and artistic director of Lucky Star Dance Company, where she has transformed a lifelong passion for dance into one of Central Pennsylvania's fastest-growing and most accomplished dance studios. Since opening Lucky Star in 2022, Bri has built the studio from the ground up into a nationally recognized competitive program, while creating a culture centered on excellence, artistry, and community.
As an educator, Bri is passionate about developing dancers who value strong technique, artistic expression, confidence, and safe training practices. She is Acrobatic Arts Certified and Comix Method Hip Hop Certified, ensuring her students receive exceptional instruction across multiple disciplines.
Under Bri's leadership, Lucky Star Dance Company has quickly become one of the region's most decorated studios. The studio was voted Best Dance Studio in Centre County in both 2024 and 2025 and, during the 2026 competitive season, earned the prestigious Highest Scoring Studio (Top Studio) title at three national competitions - including StarQuest Select Studio of Excellence, Encore Top Studio, and Ticket to Broadway Top Studio. These honors recognize overall studio excellence across choreography, technique, performance quality, and competitive achievement.
Known for her emotionally driven choreography and compelling storytelling, Bri has earned more than 40 Choreography Awards throughout her career. In just four competitive seasons, her choreography has led Lucky Star dancers to more than 350 First Overall placements, 45+ National Championship titles, and countless special awards, scholarships, and judges' recognitions. She was also honored with the prestigious Making the Impact Judge's Choice Award through Impact Dance Adjudicators, recognizing outstanding artistic excellence at one of the highest levels of dance adjudication.
Bri's innovative vision has also gained national attention. She and Lucky Star Dance Company were invited to appear on the First Season of Dance Moms New Era, where her choreography earned the two highest-scoring routines of the entire competition, surpassing the show's featured cast. In addition to leading Lucky Star, Bri is a sought-after guest choreographer and educator, sharing her passion and creative vision with dancers and studios across the country.
Beyond competitive success, Bri is committed to shaping confident young leaders. She believes dance is about more than trophies - it is about building resilience, character, teamwork, and lifelong confidence. This philosophy has helped establish Lucky Star as a studio known not only for championship performances but also for the supportive and inspiring environment it provides every dancer and family.
Bri's leadership and entrepreneurial accomplishments have also been recognized within the community. She has been named one of Women in Business: Women Making a Difference and was honored as one of the Signature Leaders 30 Under 30, recognizing her impact as both a business owner and community leader.
With a vision rooted in excellence, innovation, and meaningful mentorship, Bri continues to inspire the next generation of dancers through unforgettable choreography, exceptional training, and a belief that every dancer has the ability to achieve something extraordinary.

Instructor
Mrs. Eleanor
Eleanor dance at 3 years old, in Blue Springs Missouri. She learned a combination of Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, and Ballet, with a little Tumbling and Rhythmic Gymnastics mixed in. At the age of 11 Eleanor received a scholarship to train at the Kansas City Ballet School, and she performed with the professional company in the Nutcracker, and with the Kansas City Youth Ballet, under the direction of Alecia Good, in several performances. During this time, Eleanor attended summer intensives at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Eleanor was accepted into summer intensives with School of American Ballet in New York City as well. Eleanor eventually received a scholarship to train full time at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet when she was 14. Eleanor rained here under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary for two years, where she continued her ballet education and additionally studied modern dance, jazz, and lyrical dancing. At 16, Eleanor ended up tearing my ACL, and she realized that my career as a professional dancer wasn’t plausible. However, Eleanor started training at the Ribbon Mill Ballet School, and received instructor training from Leslie Hench. During her two years here, Eleanor taught Creative Movement, Mommy and Me, Levels 1, 2, and 3 of classical ballet, as well as beginner and intermediate Modern and Lyrical, Beginner Pointe, and Variations. Additionally, she taught an intensive stretching and technique class using therabands, yoga blocks, and other apparatus. Eleanor attended Penn State University for college where she danced with the Volé Dance Group for all four years and performed in several works. Eleanor also choreographed the first and seconds acts of their Nutcracker performance. She has 4 years of gyrotonic and pilates training and hope to get her certification soon! She is CPR certified and a BLS provider as well. Eleanor recently moved back into State College after graduating, getting married, and having a baby of my own. Dance has always been her absolute passion, and she is so excited to work with the next generation of dancers at Lucky Star.

Instructor
Mrs. Victoria
Victoria Barretti-Rhine began her ballet training under the instruction of Nadia Zhivotenko, an honors graduate from the Tashkent State Choreographic School of Russia and Bolshoi State Theater soloist. Then, her formative teen years were spent studying under Bolshoi Ballerina Anastasia Brusnitsina, a Vaganova Academy graduate from the class of Natalia Dudinskaya - the last celebrated student of Agrippina Vaganova herself.
Living in New York, Victoria had the opportunity to continue studying with the world’s best Vaganova Ballet Method pedagogues, including Simon Kazantsev, Slava Fadayev, Yana Volkova, Anna Fateeva, and Andrei Kisslev. Additionally, Victoria spent her summers training with Gelsey Kirkland and at American Ballet Theatre in NYC.
Ultimately, it was Ballerina Irina Lebedeva that accelerated Victoria’s technique and growth as a dancer. Irina Lebedeva was awarded a score of 5 1⁄2 at Perm Ballet Academy where the highest possible score is only 5. It was Irina’s magnificent coaching that allowed Victoria to carve out a reputation and career for herself, despite growing up as a recreational dancer.
With these prestigious teachers, Victoria learned and performed excerpts from renowned classical ballets such as: La Bayadère, Coppélia, Le Corsaire, La Esmeralda, Giselle, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Sylvia and more.
Victoria primarily danced as a freelancer in New York City. In 2019, she joined a contemporary ballet company where she was delightfully challenged with modern works from Latina choreographers such as Ursula Verduzco and Beatriz Madrid Díaz. She also broadened her repertoire to include contemporary pieces with infusions of Limón, Graham and Cunningham techniques.
Victoria moved to Pennsylvania in 2021 and continues her education through teaching seminars with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and earning her certifications in the instruction of the Vaganova curriculum. Victoria finds that this approach increases consciousness of the dancer’s body, and encourages harmonious movement and greater expressive range. She’s eager to share this beautiful method with all her students at Lucky Star!

Instructor ⭑ Competition Team Choreographer
Miss Emma
Emma Girdany is a passionate and experienced dance instructor who brings a lifetime of training and performance to the studio. She began dancing at the age of five and trained extensively in all genres, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and tap. At just 12 years old, Emma became a teaching assistant and has been sharing her love for dance in the classroom ever since.
Emma was a member of the National Traveler Team at Evolve Dance Complex, performing at a high level across the country and working with renowned choreographers from the Dance One circuit. Her choreography has received numerous awards for both creativity and technique, and her routines have been recognized for their excellence and impact.
She graduated a year early from Penn State University with a degree in Kinesiology and is now Ballex certified, combining her deep understanding of human movement with her passion for dance education. Emma is dedicated to helping young dancers grow in confidence, skill, and artistry - both on and off the stage.

Instructor
Miss Lilah
Lilah Petersheim is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and has been dancing since the age of four. She began competing at eight years old and has continued to pursue her passion for dance ever since. Lilah is currently a junior at Penn State University, majoring in Kinesiology. She is also a member of the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team and serves as Junior Captain for the 2026–2027 season. Lilah has been teaching dance for about five years and specializes in turns and jumps. She loves helping dancers improve their technique, build confidence, and reach their individual goals. Lilah is passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment where dancers can challenge themselves, grow their skills, and develop a lasting love for dance.

Instructor
Miss Robyne
Miss Robyne danced competitively for 15 years with All That Jazz Dance Company, training in acro, baton, ballet, hip hop, jazz, and tap. Throughout her career, she earned numerous regional and national titles in both dance and twirling, with her most notable achievement being named Miss Petite Acrobat of Western Pennsylvania. With over a decade of teaching experience, Robyne has shared her expertise in gymnastics, cheer, and dance. She is excited to bring her passion for dance and tumbling to the Lucky Star family!

Instructor
Mrs. Stacy
Stacy Olenoski has been inspiring dancers for more than 30 years through her passion for movement, creativity, and mentorship. She began dancing at the age of four while growing up in a military family, training throughout the United States before receiving much of her advanced training in Spokane, Washington, and the Pacific Northwest. Her diverse background includes ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop, and she has spent her career sharing that knowledge with dancers of every age and ability - from preschool students taking their very first class to elite competitive dancers and adults rediscovering their love of dance.
A graduate of Penn State University with a minor in Dance, Stacy has built an accomplished career as both an educator and choreographer. She began competing as a young dancer and has earned numerous overall, choreography, and special awards throughout her career. Her choreography has been featured in special events, including a Skechers fashion show, and she has made appearances on nationally televised programming. She has also had the privilege of dancing on stage alongside legendary tap dancer Gregory Hines while continuing to pursue professional development through conventions and workshops with respected leaders in the dance industry.
Throughout her career, Stacy has coached the State High Dance Team, developed successful competitive dance programs, and mentored countless dancers as they pursued their individual goals. While she enjoys creating award-winning choreography, she considers her greatest accomplishment helping students discover confidence, resilience, and a genuine love for dance.
Known for her innovative choreography and creative approach to teaching, Stacy believes dance should be both challenging and joyful. Her classes combine hard work, imagination, humor, and encouragement in an environment where every student feels supported, valued, and free to express themselves. She is passionate about adapting her teaching to each dancer's unique learning style, creating positive experiences that inspire growth both inside and outside the studio. Her goal is for every dancer to leave class stronger, more confident, and excited to continue learning.
As Stacy begins an exciting new chapter with Lucky Stars, she looks forward to sharing her experience with dancers of all ages - from preschoolers taking their first dance steps to adults enjoying movement for recreation and fitness. Whether teaching a toddler's first plié, coaching an aspiring competitor, or welcoming someone into the studio for the very first time, Stacy believes dance is about far more than trophies or technique - it's about building confidence, fostering creativity, and helping every student discover the joy of movement in a supportive, positive environment

Instructor ⭑ Choreographer
Miss Onna
Onna began dancing at age three and competing at age seven. She currently trains and competes at Evolve Dance Complex in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while continuing her ballet training at Nittany Ballet in State College, Pennsylvania. She travels the Dance One and Revel Dance Convention circuits, training with master teachers, and has attended intensives in Los Angeles, New York and Boston.
This year, Onna was named Pro Reveler of the Year at Revel Nationals and earned first place at The One Nationals as the Senior One of One Soloist. She trains in all genres, including ballet, tap, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, jazz funk, ballroom, and hip-hop, with her primary passion being contemporary/jazz. Her discipline and commitment continue to shape her growth as a versatile dancer and performer. Onna is so excited to join the Lucky Star team and inspire the next generation of dancers!

Instructor ⭑ Little Stars Competition Team Leader
Miss Cameron
Cameron is so excited to be a part of the Lucky Star team! Cameron has been dancing since she was 5 years old. She started her dance journey at Centre Dance here in State College. While she was there, she performed in two Nutcracker performances as an Arabian and a Flower. When Cameron was 10, she moved to Gainesville, Florida, and continued her dance career at IndepenDANCE Studio. There, she took various classes and advanced her technique, poise, and love for dance. When Lucky Star was in its second season, Cameron joined the competitive team and dove into all the dance world has to offer. Towards the end of that season, Cameron shadowed Miss Julia and started teaching pre-ballet and 4-5 ballet. While she was observing, Miss Cameron found a passion for teaching and inspiring the younger generation.
Cameron is now a junior at State College Area High School. She is also on the Spark competition team, traveling all over the East Coast to compete. Cameron is so eager to meet all her students and share her passion and love for dance with them!
Cameron is First-Aid, CPR, and BLS Certified!

Instructor ⭑ Competition Team Choreographer
Miss Anna
Anna started her dance journey at age 3 at Kennedy Dance Centre in Bellefonte and started competitive dance at age 10. She competed in both studio and all-star dance and had the opportunity to compete at the USASF Dance Worlds. Anna began technique training with Miss Bri at age 13 and joined Lucky Star in its first season, competing and attending conventions for three years on the Spark elite team. She enjoyed individual and group success, but most of all loved traveling and competing with her teammates.
Anna is a 2025 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and is currently studying elementary and early childhood education at Penn State. Simultaneously, she is earning a certification in K-12 Dance Education from the National Dance Education Organization. Anna is certified in the Comix Method for hip hop. In addition to teaching and contributing choreography, Anna enjoys working with dancers on their individual goals for technique and skills and helping them develop their movement quality and artistry. She strives to help her students experience the same benefits and personal development that she has, including work ethic and discipline, self-respect and confidence, and fun and friendship. Anna is excited to help more young dancers achieve their goals.

Instructor
Miss Madeline
Madeline began her dance training at Legacy of Dance in Pittsburgh, PA, where she competed and trained in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and acrobatics. She further expanded her performance experience through her high school drill team, performing in halftime shows, band festivals, and parades. During high school, Madeline was also a member of the Dance Troupe, competing in gameday, jazz, and hip hop at regional competitions as well as the UDA National Dance Team Championship.
Currently, Madeline serves as the Overall THON Chair for her club dance team at Penn State, Nittany Dance Project. Her passion for dance has continued to grow over the years, and she hopes to share that joy and enthusiasm with younger dancers while passing on the valuable lessons she has learned throughout her journey.

Instructor ⭑ Competition Team Choreographer
Miss Jossalyn
Jossalyn Struble grew up in State College, PA, where she began dancing at the age of four and started competing across the East Coast by six. Over the years, she has trained extensively in Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Ballet, but discovered a special passion for Tap. Currently, Jossalyn is a member of both Tapestry Dance Company and Volé Dance Company at Penn State. She is thrilled to share her love for dance and is so excited to join the Lucky Star family!

Instructor
Miss Julia
Miss Julia is from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and has been dancing since the age of three. She has been a competitive dancer for eight years and was a member of Lucky Star’s Spark Program, competing as an Elite dancer at events across the country. Her favorite style of dance is Ballet, and she loves sharing that passion with her students. In her final year of competition, Julia’s solo “Infatuation” was awarded the highest-scoring routine of the weekend at True Talent in Harrisburg, PA, earning multiple nearly perfect scores. That same season, she also received the highest-scoring 13 & up routine at Industry Challenge in Lancaster with her solo. Julia is now a student at Bloomsburg University, where she is pursuing her degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She is so excited to continue sharing her love of dance with the Lucky Star family!

Instructor
Miss Kate
Meet Miss Kate! Kate is a junior at State College Area High School and has been dancing since she was 3 years old. Born and raised in State College, PA, Kate joined Lucky Star last year as both a dancer and teacher.
Kate began competing at just 8 years old and has continued her journey as a competitive dancer ever since. At 14, she discovered her passion for teaching and began helping younger dancers learn, grow, and fall in love with dance. There is nothing that brings her more joy than seeing her students’ smiles and watching their confidence and skills grow with each class.
Kate is so excited to be teaching our ages 2–3 dancers again this year and can’t wait to watch them take the stage at the end of the season!