
Meet Our Staff
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Kasey Weinfurtner
Owner/Artistic Director
As the new owner of The Turning Pointe, since May 2024, Kasey brings over 15 years of experience as a dedicated instructor and multiple award-winning choreographer. Her journey has been shaped by studying under numerous industry professionals, which has deepened her passion for teaching and creating. With a BS in Neuropsychology, Kasey uniquely integrates mind-body connections into her dance training, enhancing both performance and personal growth. She is committed to using dance as a powerful tool for fostering self-esteem and cultivating positive mindsets.
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Tracy Pratt
Founder
As founder of The Turning Pointe, Tracy has dedicated 32 years of her life to nurturing the love of dance in our community. With a passion for movement and a commitment to excellence, she built a thriving studio that has become a pillar of the community. Through countless classes, workshops, and performances, she has inspired generations of dancers to reach their full potential and express themselves through the art of dance. Her unwavering dedication to the studio and its students has a lasting impact on the lives of all who have walked through the studio's
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Heather Shields
Instuctor/Choreographer
With a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and a Minor in Dance from NKU, Heather has been deeply rooted in the dance world since the age of 3. Her journey began in Texas, she joined the Turning Pointe in 2003. Heather's passion for choreography shines through in her work with our competitive teams, where she finds immense joy in watching her dancers grow and evolve. Her approach to teaching focuses on bringing out the full spectrum of emotions and helping dancers understand their unique style, allowing them to truly shine on stage!
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Andrea Sweeney
Instuctor/Choreographer
With over 26 years of teaching experience, Andrea has been a dedicated member of the Turning Pointe Dance Studio since she was 15. Specializing in tap dance, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the studio, inspiring students wit her commitment to both technique and artistry. She is known for fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment, helping dancers of all levels reach their full potential!
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Mary Ramirez
Instuctor/Choreographer
Mary is a dedicated dance instructor and kinesiology expert with a strong foundation in both the sciences and the arts. She earned her BS in Kinesiology with a minor in dance from NKU. Mary has been a member of the Turning Pointe Dance Studio since she was 9, where she has honed her skills and passion for teaching. Her in-depth knowledge of child motor development enhances her ability to design effective and engaging dance classes for younger students!
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Shelby Merse
Instuctor/Choreographer
Shelby has been a dedicated dancer at the Turning Pointe since 2009. Shelby has earned a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Minor in Psychology from Thomas More. With a background in exercise science, she is able to enhance her dance instruction by integrating principles of biomechanics and physiology to optimize performance and prevent injury. Her combined expertise in dance, exercise science, and psychology, Shelby is committed to helping student excel both on and off the stage!
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Kyleigh Johnson
Instuctor/Choreographer
BIO COMING SOON!
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Katelyn Weldon
Instuctor/Choreographer
Katelyn is currently pursuing her MD at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-NKY. She is a proud alumni of Thomas More University, where she earned her BS in Science with a minor in Spanish. Katelyn has been dancing for nearly 20 years, including 4 years on the TMU Competitive dance team, where she served as an officer for 2 years, and captained the team during her senior year. Her passion for teaching is deeply intertwined with her medical studies, as she believes that her journey through medicine enhances her ability to educate and inspire others!
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Emma Phillips
Instuctor/Choreographer
Emma trained that the Cincinnati Ballet Academy from ages 3-16, and was then invited to dance with the Cincinnati Ballet Professional Company until she graduated from high school. She then attended the University of Cincinnati where she graduated with a BFA in ballet and minor in English. She has been teaching ballet for almost 10 years and she is excited to continue growing with the Turning Pointe!
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Natalie Williams
Instuctor/Choreographer
BIO COMING SOON!
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Danielle Brugge
Instuctor/Choreographer
DJ is a distinguished dancer, choreographer, and educator with a rich background the arts. A graduate for NKU with a BFA in Dance, she has made significant contributions to the world of dance. DJ has worked alongside many prominent members of the Cincinnati arts community in a multitude of productions in the area. Passionate about education and personal development, she loves teaching about mindfulness to children of all ages. Her dedication to nurturing young talent and self-growth is a central aspect of her teaching philosophy.
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Kim Caniff
Social Media/Front Office
Kim is the Media Manager for Campbell County. As Kasey's mom, she is a long time "dance mom"! She created our website, monitors our SEO and social media, and is learning to help at the front desk. She is an advanced yoga teacher and is passionate about yoga. She will occasionally treat our dancers to a yoga class during their conditioning time.
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