Meet the Faculty
The Talented & Experienced Instructors at Charleston Dance Center
Our professional dance instructors are dedicated to providing top-notch dance education in Charleston, SC. Whether you’re looking for preschool dance instructors or coaches for competitive dance teams, our faculty’s expertise spans all dance genres and skill levels. Get to know the exceptional dance teachers who make Charleston Dance Center a premier destination for dance classes in Charleston, SC.
Buffi is the heart and soul behind Charleston Dance Center, which she co-founded in 2000 with her sister, Kim Wade Roberts, and their mother, Barbara Wade. Growing up dancing her whole life, Buffi turned her dream of owning a dance studio into a reality, and this past year, the studio proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary.
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Buffi’s passion for dance and teaching has shaped the culture of the studio and the community it serves. After stepping back for a period of time, she’s now returning to the classroom, teaching some of our hip hop classes, and is more committed than ever to providing a space where dancers of all ages feel welcomed and supported.
Buffi believes in nurturing not only good dancers but good people, instilling confidence, respect, and kindness in every student. Above all, Buffi is known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the studio and its dancers. Her passion for the art form and her belief in the power of dance to positively impact lives is truly inspiring.
Originally from Columbia, SC, Lindsey has been immersed in the world of dance from a young age, competing throughout her childhood. She joined Charleston Dance Center in 2008, where she began her teaching career and quickly became a cherished member of the studio family.
In 2016, Lindsey took the reins as the Director of the Just Dance! Competition Team, where she now oversees all aspects of the team—from choreography to scheduling and costume design. Under her leadership, the team has flourished, earning a reputation for excellence and dedication.
Known for her incredible passion and commitment, Lindsey connects deeply with her students, fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment where every dancer feels valued. Her energy and devotion to their growth are felt in every class, and her students consistently thrive both technically and artistically.
Outside of teaching, Lindsey is dedicated to bringing out the best in every dancer, and her love for the art form shines through in everything she does. Her positive influence extends far beyond the studio floor, making her a beloved teacher and mentor to all.
Known to everyone as Gaga, Barbara Wade is the beloved studio matriarch and one of the original founders of Charleston Dance Center. Over the years, she’s become a staple at the front desk, making sure everything runs smoothly with a smile and a joke.
Her warmth, humor, and positive energy are felt by all who walk through the studio doors, and her personal touch has created an atmosphere that feels like family. Even though we’ll have a dedicated administrator this year, you can still count on Gaga to be around, cracking jokes and offering a helping hand whenever needed.
Vanessa is the Preschool Program Director and a beloved instructor at Charleston Dance Center, where she has earned a reputation for her incredible ability to connect with young dancers. She has a natural gift for creating a nurturing and supportive environment, which allows her students to thrive both in the studio and beyond. Her teaching style is centered around setting kids up for success in a way that’s both fun and educational.
In addition to overseeing the preschool program, Vanessa also teaches level I tap, all of our pre- program classes, and co-directs the Tiny Tot and Mini Mini competition teams within the Just Dance! program. Her positive energy and dedication to the dancers are evident in everything she does, whether she’s leading a class or coaching a competition team.
Vanessa’s enthusiasm, patience, and genuine love for her students make her an indispensable part of the CDC family. She has a special way of making every child feel seen, heard, and empowered, and we’re lucky to have her shaping the next generation of dancers.
A proud University of Oklahoma alumna, Morgan has been dancing competitively her whole life. She brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for technical excellence to everything she does. Morgan joined us last season, and we’re thrilled to expand her role this year as she takes on more teaching responsibilities, including assisting with our Just Dance! competition teams.
Morgan’s discipline and dedication to the craft of dance are evident in every class she teaches. She has a knack for helping students master technique while fostering an environment of growth and precision. Her passion for producing technically strong, well-rounded dancers makes her an invaluable asset to our team.
We’re excited to have Morgan continue to grow with us and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make as she takes on an even larger role in our studio this year.
Sarah brings an impressive professional dance career and a deep passion for teaching to Charleston Dance Center. A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she began her training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under the legendary Marcia Dale Weary. Sarah went on to dance professionally with San Francisco Ballet, The Washington Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and Ballet Arizona—performing principal and featured roles in works by George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Helgi Tomasson, Alexei Ratmansky, and more.
She currently performs with Palmetto City Ballet, where her standout roles include the Snow Queen, Cinderella, and the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. Alongside her performance career, Sarah has taught at top institutions across the country and served as Program Chair for the Lowcountry Youth Dance Academy for seven years. Her teaching is rooted in the CPYB method and emphasizes classical technique, musicality, and artistry. Sarah is thrilled to join the CDC faculty and share her love of dance with the next generation.
Gabrielle is a choreographer and teacher with a diverse professional background and a passion for developing strong, expressive dancers. Originally from New Orleans, she trained under Marjorie Hardwick and Gregory Schramel at New Orleans Ballet Theatre before continuing her training with Atlanta Ballet, where she also began choreographing for the second company and school.
Gabrielle danced professionally with Dance Theatre of Tennessee, performing several soloist and principal roles, and creating original works for both the company and its students. Her performance credits also include Atlanta-based companies such as Kit Modus, Covington Regional Ballet, Admix Project (formerly Gotta Dance Contemporary), and Zoetic Dance Ensemble. Her choreography has been featured in the Atlanta Fringe Festival, Dance Canvas, Zoetic’s Mixtape, and by Chattanooga Ballet.
Most recently, Gabrielle served as Director of Ballet at Rhythm Dance Center, where she led the ballet program for seven years—choreographing for performances and competitions and preparing dancers for the stage. After taking her final bow with Kit Modus in June, she relocated to Charleston with her husband Will and their dog Stella. Gabrielle is excited to bring her creativity, experience, and love of dance to the CDC community.
Miguel Robinson is a Charleston native and proud Charleston Dance Center alumnus. He began training in ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop at a young age, teaching at Just Dance by 14 and training at the Paris Opera Ballet School by 16. After graduating from Charleston County School of the Arts, he moved to Los Angeles in 2005 and quickly booked major jobs, including dancing for Beyoncé, Michelle Williams, Cassie, and Rihanna.
Miguel has performed on Glee, toured internationally, and worked with artists like Kylie Minogue and Mary J. Blige. For over a decade, he’s been part of Mariah Carey’s dance crew, performing around the world—including Radio City Music Hall—and continues to tour on her All I Want for Christmas Is You holiday tour.
Now back where it all began, Miguel brings star power and professional experience to inspire the next generation at Charleston Dance Center.
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About Us
With a supportive community & elite training for all ages and levels, CDC is more than just a studio—it’s a second home.