Our Amazing Teachers

 I have studied ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and musical theater. I performed in ballets with the Dance Center Youth Ensemble (DCYE) such as The Nutcracker, Aladdin, Cinderella and more. Along with DCYE, I was in Ballet Virtuoso. I've competed at Celebration Talent, KAR, EnerGy, and Dance Makers. I have received Hollywood and NYC invites, judges pick awards, performance awards and overall placement awards for solos as well as group pieces. 

I have danced for 13 years and studied ballet, pointe, lyrical, and contemporary. I danced at The Dance Center and Ballet etc. I was also apart of DYE through The Dance Center, and performed in many ballet shows.

I have been involved in gymnastics, dance, and tumbling since I was 4 years old and hold a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University. I have competed in both club and MHSAA gymnastics for many years, placing in state and regional competitions. I retired as a competitor many years ago but have experience coaching gymnastics at the Grand Traverse YMCA since then. I am excited to share my love and knowledge of tumbling once again!

My name is Martina Arend, I have been dancing since I was 3 years old with Ballet, Jazz, Ballroom and Pointe.  I have 2 wonderful children that have both been in dance for most of their life.  Dancing is a passion that I believe brings a smile to the teacher and the student.  It shows concentration, creativity and having fun.  I believe that you can pick up dancing at any age and start with the basics.  My passion is ballet however I also fell in love with ballroom as well.

Hello! My name is Cassabella (Cassie) Kool. I have been dancing for almost 20 years and have been teaching dance for almost 8 years, with 4 of those years owning my own dance studio/company. During my student years I trained in all styles of dance as well as was given lead roles in DCYE ballet productions.

A proud Alma College alum (Class of 2022), I hold a BA in Dance, Psychology, and Communications. During my four years with the Alma Dance Team, I served as both dance and team captain, leading us to six national championships. I also thrived as a performer and student choreographer with the Alma College Dance Company, culminating in directing the Student Choreography Concert my senior year. On top of my upbringing in the competitive dance world, I have been dancing/teaching for over 21 years. 

I have been dancing for 20 years. I started my dance career at Ballet etc.  in ballet and by the age of 12 I had branched out to jazz, modern, tap, partnering, and ballroom! Through out the years I have performed many lead roles including Snow Queen, and Arabian in the Nutcracker. I’ve attended many dance intensives including Blue Lakes Fine Arts camp, Interlochen Center for the Arts and Cecchetti Council of America.