INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors provide individual and group instruction. They encourage every child to have fun, develop life long music and dance skills, and reach their full potential. Unlike your typical dance studio, our instructors offer individual attention to each member to help them develop their musicianship, singing and dancing skills.
Beth Stafura
Choreographer/Dance Instructor
Beth is in her 11th year as dance instructor and choreographer for the Trafford Junior Tamburitzans and has also contributed her talents to several other junior ensembles. Beth graduated from Duquesne University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and continued on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Corporate Communications in 2000. She was also a member of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans where she played tambura, sang, and primarily danced for four years with the ensemble.
Beth not only has desire and passion for the Eastern European culture and dance but has also studied classically in tap, ballet and jazz since the age of five at Pat’s Dance Studio. She is a Zumba instructor as well. As a youngster, she performed with the Junior Tamburitzans of Duquesne and the North Hills Junior Tamburitzans. She is also a past member of the Pittsburgh Slovakians and Folklore Ensemble Kumovi. Beth now continues her dancing in the Bulgarian group Otets Paissii of BMNECC and Folk Factory (DUT alumni) under the direction of Richárd Balázs and Bilyana Stafura. Beth has taught and choreographed for various groups including Jadran, Golden Triangles, Hrvatski Tanac, South Hills and Duquesne Jrs. She currently teaches tap dancing at Steel City Academy of Dance. Beth attended numerous dance workshops and seminars since early childhood and continues to teach various workshops and lecture demonstrations across the United States. She has also had the privilege of being a dance instructor for the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, Kardinal Stepinac Croatian group in New York, NY, and currently teaching Croatian National Home in Hamilton, Ontario.
In addition to her busy dancing schedule, Ms. Stafura works for Mediaquest audio and visual company and is employed by Inovative Wellness Solutions as a Zumba instructor. She comes from a big “Tammie family” including her parents, Paul and Susan, and her six siblings, six in-laws, and nine nieces and nephews, all who participate in the beautiful culture of Eastern Europe.
Krista Gush
Music Director
Krista is in her senior year at Duquesne University majoring in Communications, where she is also a member of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. This is her first year as music director of the Trafford Junior Tamburitzans. A lifelong member of the CFU, Krista has been consistently involved with junior tamburitzans for the last 17 years, proudly practicing, studying, and promoting our Balkan culture. She has gained experience through being a member of the St. George Jr. Tamburitzans of Cokeburg, PA, the Junior Tamburitzans of Duquesne, Penn Sembles, and various other tamburitza groups. She is working towards her first solo tambura CD titled “Star, ali Dobar.”Krista wishes the best of luck to our Trafford family – our tammies, fellow directors, and parents today on the 45th annual concert. Although it is her first year, she felt a warm welcome from day one. Where there is music and dancing, there is sure to be happiness and good memories!