OUR INSTRUCTORS
AMBER GILBERT
OWNER/DIRECTOR
- Trained At American Dance Academy.
- BS in Dance/Business from EMU.
- Specializes in Modern.
- Successfully owned and operated TDA since 2001.
- Also owns Maestro Music Academy in Westland, MI.
KIM ALEXANDER
- Trained At American Dance Academy.
- Danced Internationally in Russia, Poland and Denmark as well as in Walt Disney World.
- Bachelor’s in Elementary Education & Master’s in Early Childhood Education from EMU
- Specializes in and runs TDA’s Hawaiian/Tahitian and Preschool Programs
- Also teaches ballet and tap.
- Owner of Polynesian Entertainment Group, Na Wahine O Ke Anuenue. For group information, go to www.michiganhula.com.
- Certified in Zumbini.
- Certified in Rhythm Works Integrated Dance for Special Needs.
DIANNA M. EDMONSON
- 20 years of teaching ballet
- 40 years of dancing experience
- Retired dance educator of Ann Arbor Public Schools.
ML EDMONSON
- Trained At The O’Day School For Dance and The Dance Academy.
- Competed in Cha Cha, Rumba, Waltz, Swing, Lindy Hop, and Latin Hustle winning the title of Jr. Latin Hustle Champion any years running.
- Specializes in Hip Hop, ballroom, and rhythm dances.
- Works as a party host and DJ.
ARLETH GONZALEZ
- Studied dance for 12 years.
- 6 years competitive experience at The Dance Academy.
- 3 years experience as a teaching assistant for both competitive and recreational classes.
- Cecchetti Grade 1 Teacher Certified
- Progressive Contemporary Technique Certified
- UNLV Teacher Level 1 Certified
- Studying at Wayne State University.
- Specializing in Student/Staff Relations Development.
MICHAEL HICKS
- Trained with Toni Lewis, Luigi, Joe Tremaine, Frank Hatchett, and Gus Giordano.
- Worked as an advisor to the Cecchetti Council of America.
- National award winning choreographer.
- Specializes in jazz/production style choreography.
CHARLIE HOWARD-PUTNAM
- Over 30 years in the dance community and with over 18 years of teaching experience.
- Specializes in ballet, jazz and lyrical with a heavy concentration in the competition circuit.
- Received multiple standout awards, including choreography, technique, special judges recognition, costuming, and many more.
- Certified instructor in the renowned Cecchetti Ballet Method and Dance Master of America/Michigan.
CHRISTINA LETIZIO
- Trained at The Dance Academy for 16 years.
- Specializes in Tap, and 6-12 year old's jazz as well.
- Co-Director of Drive Competitive Team
- Studio Community Coordinator
- UNLV Level 1 Certified
- Certified in Rhythm Works Integrative Dance for Special Needs.
- Specializing in Student/Staff Relations Development.
- Head competitive tap instructor.
- Performer in Na Wahine O Ke Anuenue - Professional Polynesian Group
JON ROSS
- Studied at American Dance Academy and various workshops.
- Trained in gymnastics with previous experience as a competitive gymnastics coach.
- Accomplished performer/entertainer in both dance and illusion.
- Specializes in getting dancers ready to enter the professional performance world and couple’s/social dance.
- Also works as a master MC / Party host.
LUTALO SEPHERS
- Accomplished performer/choreographer having toured with Rockel, Motor City Vibe, and Taboo.
- Feature entertainer/MC at the Motor City Casino Hotel.
- Responsible for the art work on many of our custom costumes and stage scenery at recitals.
- Our favorite party DJ and event host.
- Specializes in and teaches hip hop dance as well as Jr. Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course Fitness. (Yep! He was even on that show 3 times!)
Powered by AZEXO Shopify page builder