Miss Christi Fischer
Instructor
Owner/Artistic Director

From the moment she first stepped into a dance class at nine years old, Christine Fischer knew movement would be part of her story. By the age of twelve, she was already assisting classes—creating lesson plans, leading warmups, and inspiring younger dancers. What began as the dream of a twelve-year-old girl with a notebook full of choreography has grown into a thriving dance community that Christine now proudly calls her life’s work.

Christine began her formal training at various dance studios across the Toledo area, studying tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and ballet. In high school, she found herself drawn to the stage—choreographing and performing in musical productions at Anthony Wayne High School, where she graduated in 2000. She was also a cheerleader and a member of the school’s dance team, returning later as a coach and choreographer from 2002–2004 to share her passion with the next generation.

Her love for dance carried her to The University of Akron, where she majored in dance and performed with the prestigious Performance Ensemble. Christine was also a proud member of the Akron Zips dance team and continued to teach at Marquette School of Dance, performing alongside her students at a Cleveland Cavaliers pregame show. Over the years, she has shared her gift of teaching at several respected studios throughout the area, including Daryl Jervis Dance Studio and Cassandra Ballet School.

Spotlight Studio was born from Christine’s lifelong dream—to create a space where dancers could grow not only in technique and artistry, but also in confidence, kindness, and community. Since opening its doors, Spotlight has become a home for hundreds of dancers, offering a safe place for every student to shine in all aspects of their lives. Christine’s mission goes beyond dance steps; she strives to help raise good humans through discipline, creativity, and self-expression.

Now entering its 11th season, Spotlight continues to grow and evolve under Christine’s leadership, soon moving into a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility designed to nurture dancers of all ages and levels. Through every leap and pirouette, her heart remains the same—to celebrate each dancer’s individuality and inspire them to believe in themselves, both on and off the stage.

Outside of the studio, Christine finds joy in her family life with her fiancé Seth and her son Tony, along with her ever-supportive parents and extended family who have cheered her on since the beginning. Together, they remind her daily that dreams are built one step at a time—and that the truest spotlight shines from within.

Miss Annie Barrow
Instructor
SDC Director
Certified in Acrobatic Arts

Miss Ashley Tipping
Instructor
Certified in Progressing Ballet Technique

My name is Ashley Tipping and I have been dancing for over 20 years. I have trained at Daryl Jervis South, On Stage, and the Dance Factory. I have also been spending the last 4 years studying dance at Bowling Green State University as a dance major. I have studied many styles of dance including Ballet, Tap, Hip-hop, Jazz, Modern and Ballroom.  I have been teaching dance  for many years now. I love teaching dance and sharing my love for dance with my students. Teaching is the highlight of my days and I love seeing the dancers grow and learn new dance skills and styles.

Miss Courtney Payne
Instructor

Roger Markley
Instructor

Roger Markley began his dancing career at the age 18 when he took his first class at O'Connells Dance Studio here in Toledo. after that first class, he was hooked! Three years later he had the opportunity to move to LA California and moved west. He spent 8 years in LA waiting tables and continuing his dance training. Roger also taught classes at Hamma's Dance Center and Debbie Reynolds rehearsal studio in North Hollywood while occasionally performing in shows throughout the  LA and Las Vegas areas. He also performed in a couple of MTV Videos for the European Market during this time. In 1993 he was offered a full-time teaching position at O'Connells Dance Studio and decided it was time to come back to Toledo to reconnect with his family. In 1999 he opened his first studio in Delta Ohio, followed by One in Sylvaina, and then in Waterville. He taught Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and some tumbling. Roger also had a passion for fitness and loved motivating thousands of students in his aerobic classes in many Fitness Centers in the Toledo area. He also has choreographed musicals for high schools and community theatres. In 2015 after a lifetime of teaching, he was forced to close his studio in Waterville due to hip injuries. In 2023 after recovering he was given the opportunity to reignite his passion for Dance when he was approached to Choreograph a Musical for the Village Players and then two days later was offered a position to instruct Tap here at Spotlight Dance Studio. With this opportunity, Roger is happy to say he has found a new home at Spotlight Dance Studio, he is returning for his second season to teach tap and is very excited to once again be a part of the dance Community in North West Ohio.

Joanie Periatt
Instructor

Miss Bella DeSantis
Instructor