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Black Cat's philosophy is that Dance is good for the mind, body and soul. We want everyone who has a desire to learn to dance to feel comfortable walking through our door. Our goal is to provide high quality, professional instruction, in an inviting & fun environment so that you not only want to learn a few dance steps; you want to make dance a regular part of your life!
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Mathew Bader Matt is a familiar face you will see at Black Cat. Matt started taking ballroom dance lessons in 2007, and continues his training under Lisa. You are likely to see him doing everything from answering the phone, to making repairs to the studio, to dancing around the room with Lisa. Matt competes in the Pro-Am format as an amateur with Lisa,and as an amateur with another amateur student. He has competed in several regional competitions, earning 1st place scores, and taking 1st place in multi-dance challenges. Matt is a well-rounded dancer in both American Rhythm & Smooth Dances.
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Lisa Puckett Bader
Lisa's dance training began at the early age of 4 years old. Having a natural
aptitude for dance she devoted 14 years to the study of classical ballet. Her
desire to learn more, and passion for the art itself, led her to continue study in
various forms including Jazz and Modern Dance. Dance, in some form, has
been a necessary constant in her life.
Lisa was first introduced to Ballroom dancing during the popularity of the Dirty
Dancing Movie, when she trained and performed in exhibition performances
with a group of dancers who served as extras in the movie.
Lisa was re-introduced to ballroom dance in 2006. In 2007 she began
competing in the Pro-am format as an amateur. In 2008 she won Top Bronze
Solo Exhibition at the Heritage Classic Dancesport Championships at Grove
Park Inn in Asheville NC. Other awards she earned include Top Silver Solo
Exhibition, and 1st place in the Nancy S. Zwerling American Rhythm 5 Dance
Scholarship at the Carolina Classic Competition in Greensboro NC in 2008.
Lisa now enjoys competing as the professional in the Pro-AM format with her
students, and performing at local benefits and events.
Lisa opened Black Cat Ballroom in 2010 order to provide a comfortable
learning environment focused on the development of each individual as a
dancer. Her goal is to provide each person with the tools necessary to reach
their dance goals. Whether it be to dance a good wedding Waltz, or to compete
at top levels, Lisa works with equal enthusiasm to help students succeed. Her
competing amateur couples & students are consistently awarded first place
scores in regional competition.
Lisa is passionate about dancing and this is evident in her teaching. Lisa's
favorite dances to perform and choreograph are the Latin and American
Rhythm dances, especially Rumba, Cha-Cha and Samba. In the American
Smooth dances, she has a love for the grace and athleticism required of the
Viennese Waltz.
Lisa firmly believes in continuing her own education in order to be able to
provide her students with the best instruction possible. She travels at least
once a year to obtain training from knowledgeable Master Instructors. She has
been fortunate to be coached by many, including favorites Wendy Johnson
and Karina Smirnoff, and will continue to seek the best training available.

Interior of Black Cat Studio....
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Lee Starr
Lee heads the Country Western Dance Instruction at Black Cat Ballroom
(the Xcetra!). Lee has been dancing & competing in CW dance for over 20
years, and holds a World Championship Title in the professional division
from 2005. Lee is an active Pro-Am competitor with students in Country
Western Competitions. With his down to earth engaging teaching style, you
can be sure you are not only getting quality, professional instruction, but
having fun in the process!