Welcome to Platinum Dance Company, where dreams take center stage and passion for dance ignites in students of all ages. At the heart of our studio is Lisa Buccino-Eferstein, the Owner, Artistic Director, and Choreographer, whose lifelong dream has blossomed into a vibrant dance community. Lisa’s journey with dance began at the tender age of two, fostering a deep-seated love that she is eager to share with the next generation of dancers.
Lisa’s formal dance education is extensive, spanning from her early studio training throughout high school to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Studies with a Business minor from Long Island University, C.W. Post, earned in May 2014. During her time at Post, she was an active member of the esteemed Post Concert Dance Company, immersing herself in a diverse range of dance styles. From the grace of ballet and the rhythm of tap to the energy of African dance and the expressiveness of lyrical and contemporary forms, Lisa explored the breadth of dance. She also delved into Laban Movement Analysis, enriching her understanding of movement principles. Her collegiate experience included invaluable training under renowned choreographers such as Cara Gargano, Karen Arceneaux, Khaleah London, Cheryl Halliburton, Michael Leon Thomas, and Desmond Richardson, broadening her artistic horizons.
Continuing her pursuit of dance excellence, Lisa furthered her training at the prestigious Broadway Dance Center in NYC after graduation. With over a decade of experience teaching dance at both recreational and competitive levels, Lisa has cultivated a reputation for inspiring choreography. Her pieces have consistently garnered outstanding and excellence awards from discerning judges, and her students have achieved remarkable success, securing top 10 overall placements and platinum awards at numerous competitions across Long Island. Lisa is thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Platinum Dance Company and expresses her sincere gratitude to the parents and students who have embraced her vision. Her ultimate aspiration is to instill in her students the confidence to believe in themselves and the courage to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Adding to the exceptional faculty at Platinum Dance Company is Meagan Kolakowski, our Acro and Competition Ballet Teacher. Meagan’s journey in movement began at age five with both dance and gymnastics. As a competitive gymnast for six years, she earned accolades for her rhythmic floor and beam routines, showcasing her early talent and dedication. Her transition to competitive dance for seven years brought further success, with numerous titles and national placements in competitions across New Jersey. Meagan’s academic foundation is as strong as her practical experience, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Studies with an Anatomy minor from Long Island University, CW Post. Her studies encompassed a wide spectrum of dance genres, from the foundational techniques of Ballet and Jazz to the dynamic expressions of African dance and Laban Movement, equipping her with versatility and adaptability for the professional dance world.
A pinnacle of Meagan’s career was the honor of dancing with the Radio City Rockettes, a dream realized from childhood. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed choreographers including Karen Arceneaux, Michael Leon Thomas, Vanessa Long, David Parsons, Savion Glover, Melissa Van Wyck, and Desmond Richardson, performing their works in diverse venues. Beyond her dance credentials, Meagan is also certified in Zumba, Pound, ACE Group Fitness, and Injury Prevention, and is an ACE certified Personal Trainer, demonstrating a holistic approach to physical well-being. Her performance experience extends to dancing alongside Long Island artists like Amber Ferrari, appearances in local TV commercials, and roles in independent films, most recently as a dancer in the TV movie “Wholly Broken”. Currently, Meagan is a valued company member with “Born Dancing,” under the direction of Melissa Van Wyck. She is eager to bring her wealth of experience and contagious enthusiasm to Platinum Dance Company, nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Completing the trio of lead instructors is Camryn Kopetic, a Competition Teacher and Choreographer at Platinum Dance Company. Camryn’s dance journey commenced at age three, leading to 12 years of competitive dance where she consistently earned awards and titles, establishing her as a formidable talent. For the past three years, she has been sharing her expertise teaching across Long Island. Currently pursuing a degree in Anthropology at Hunter College in Manhattan, Camryn also remains deeply engaged in dance, participating in Hunter’s advanced dance courses and contributing to special projects with the dance faculty. Her commitment to continuous growth is evident in her ongoing training at renowned studios in New York City, including Broadway Dance Center and Peridance Capezio. She hones her skills under the guidance of choreographers such as Candace Brown and James Alonzo, among others. Camryn’s experiences include being part of Julian Deguzman’s New Wave Crew, performing at the prestigious Playground LA studio, and gaining valuable insights into the professional dance scene of Los Angeles. She is also a dedicated member of the Kinfigure Kollective dance company, directed by Caleb Brauner and Carly Lawrence. Camryn’s aspiration is to become a professional commercial dancer, and she brings this drive and contemporary edge to her teaching at Platinum Dance Company.
Supporting the exceptional instructors are Dana Buccino, serving as Assistant Director, and Danielle DiGennaro, our dedicated Office Staff member. Together, this team at Platinum Dance Company is committed to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment where students can thrive, develop their dance skills, and cultivate a lifelong love for the art form. Join us at Platinum Dance Company and become part of a dance family dedicated to excellence and passion.
