Stepping Back In: Meet CKDA’s New Tap Instructor

Hi everyone! I’m Nina Schaefer, and I’m so excited to be back at CKDA—this time as a teacher!

I spent several years dancing at CKDA as a student, and it feels so special to return to the studio in a new role. One of my favorite memories from my time as a dancer was performing as Mary Poppins during my senior year, so I think it’s only fitting that I’m “stepping back in time” to a place so close to my heart.

I can’t wait to share the love and passion I have for tap with my students and experience CKDA from the other side of the classroom.

A little about me outside of dance: I graduated from the University of Toledo in December 2025 with a degree in marketing. I currently work as a youth minister with Sandusky parishes and as head of social media and marketing for CANA Wedding Group, a company I co-founded.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to come back to CKDA. I can’t wait to meet my dancers, see some familiar faces, welcome some new ones, and make a whole new collection of CKDA memories together.

See you in the studio!

— Nina

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