The people your kids already know

Adriana Thornton

Owner · Choreographer · Instructor

Adriana Thornton took ownership of Steppin' Up Dance Productions in June 2026, opening a new era for the studio. She has danced for more than 20 years and is a 5-time Collegiate National Champion at Lindenwood University, trained in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, pom, and technique. She has performed, competed, taught, coached, and choreographed award-winning routines — and now brings that championship experience to every dancer at the studio.

Teaches Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pom, Technique

Niki

Instructor

Taylor Tricroce

Instructor

Taylor Tricroce is earning a Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Lindenwood University. She has performed featured works at the American College Dance Association, Detroit Dance City Festival, Missouri Dance Organization, and National Dance Week St. Louis, and her choreography has been presented at the American College Dance Association and the Fluid Expression Artist Festival. She grew up dancing and competing at The Academy of Dance Arts in Warrenville, Illinois, training in multiple styles and building her teaching by assisting young classes — and in recent years has taught young dance classes and ballet.

Reese Metzger

Instructor

Reese Metzger is a recent Lindenwood University alum with degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and is now working toward a Master's in School Counseling. She danced on the Lionettes Dance Team for four years and served as captain for two, competing in jazz and hip hop and earning three national championships. She brings that competitive experience and a counselor's eye for each dancer's growth to the studio.

Lucy

Instructor

Teaches Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Technique

Lainey

Instructor

Teaches Tumbling

Lily Thaxton

Instructor

Lily Thaxton is a senior at Lindenwood University studying Political Science. She dances with the Lionettes Dance Team, competing in Division I and Division II jazz and hip hop at NDA, and is excited to bring her experience and passion for dance to the studio.

Teaches Hip Hop