Katie Neidich, born in Bradford, PA began her dance training at the early age of three studying tap and ballet for fifteen years under the direction of Peggy Johnson. At the age of 18 she was accepted into the highly renowned Slippery Rock University Dance Program where she continued studies in modern, ballet, jazz with emphasis on dance composition, education, and history. During her time at SRU, Neidich choreographed and performed for the department’s pre-professional company, Slippery Rock University Dance Theater, 60×60 Concerts, and Senior Synthesis. The university presented many opportunities to work with the industry’s leading modern choreographers and directors including Tania Issac, Doug Varone Company, Helanius Wilkins, Paul Taylor II, and Camille Brown to name a few. In 2011 she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a minor in Women’s Studies. Upon graduation, Ms. Neidich continued to stay in the Pittsburgh area as a marketing and public relations intern with the Pittsburgh Opera and MillerDANCE. In July of 2017, Miss Katie received her certification with the all-inclusive dance program, Rhythm Works which aims to provide safe and fun dance education for children with special needs.

In June 2013, Studio B Dance Academy was founded after the retirement of Peggy Johnson’s Dance Studio. Now in her sixth year as the dancing school’s owner and artistic director, Miss Katie has implemented many great events and programs such as the Queen B Performance Troupe, Love Your Body Week, field trips to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, the Margaret Johnson Dance Scholarship, convention trips, and guest teacher workshops. She choreographs each of the routines performed in the annual dance recital to personally fit to each class accentuating the skills acquired over the course of the year. In the off-season, Miss Katie attends the Dance Teacher Web Live Conferences in Las Vegas to continue her education and bring back the latest ideas and products to better the studio. In the future, she would like to return to school for her Master’s in Dance Education.

From the director:

“I love my job. I’m constantly given the opportunity to grow as a dancer and as an educator; to reinvent myself each year and change with the industry. Teaching isn’t a hobby. I put my heart and soul into each year to create the best outcome for each of my students. I’m not just educating my students on the art of dance. I’m giving them life skills and tools that will follow them into their future careers. Whether they continue on in the arts or not, I feel confident that they are developing a sound and safe technical education as well as a strong work ethic and positive self-image that will ensure success as an adult.”