Miss Darcy
Miss Darcy began her dance journey at Lisa’s School Of Dance in Wintersville, Ohio. When she came out of her first dance class, she told her mom she wanted to be a dance teacher when she grew up and here she is living the dream. Miss Darcy majored in Theatre in college but came back around to her love of dance and became Director Of Fine Arts for the YMCA Of Greater Cleveland. Teaching for various dance studios, non profit and church organizations, Dancing Wheels, and theatre productions finally brought Miss Darcy full circle to owning her own studio. Miss Darcy loves all forms of dance but is especailly fond of Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. She loves working with dancers of all ages including volunteering for seated dance classes at local nursing homes and has a special place in her heart for the All Stars, our adaptive dance program. Miss Darcy’s role model is her mom and Tina Turner. Both of which are strong women who have gone through so much and came out more fabulous than ever before. Miss Darcy enjoys speaking in movie quotes, crafting in various mediums, and spending time with her two children, Elijah and Emma. Miss Darcy loves fashion, make up, wigs, and any way to artistically express herself. Miss Darcy’s has two favorite Disney Princess’: Ariel because she finds her voice by proving herself to the world around her and Tiana because she is an independent, determined business woman just like herself.
Miss Emily
Hi my name is Emily, I’ve been dancing with Miss Darcy since I was 11/12. When I graduated, I got the pleasure of continuing on to teach classes for her studio, and I’ve been blessed to do so ever since! Dance is very special to me, it is a beautiful way to express yourself and it has gotten me through the worst times of my life. Whether it’s heartache or joy, you can leave it all on the dance floor. Each movement, each step, and each gesture can express the deepest feelings. It’s not just a physical activity, it’s an art form that connects you to yourself and to others! Outside of dance I love reading and writing, and I am also a graduate student at Cleveland State University, studying school psychology! Finally (and most importantly), my favorite Disney princesses are Moana and Rapunzel. :)
Miss Devin
My name is Devin, and I am so excited to join the MDA family! I have been practicing dance since I was a little girl, and never quite stopped! My training is in classical and modern ballet, lyrical, jazz, musical theater, tap, and hip hop (where I must admit I have minimal talent in). Above all, however, my heart is in Contemporary. I love playful storylines, dramatic movements, and anything that leaves the audience with memorable emotions. I grew up obsessed with Mia Michael's choreography for exactly that reason! Some of my idols in the dance world are Travis Wall, Benji Schwimmer, and Melanie Moore. Dance is very much a big part of my life. I've coached cheerleading, dance teams, and taught my daughters. I'm always doing barre exercises in front of the oven and pirouettes at the microwave. I have a hard time listening to music without choreographing combinations in my head. It's my language. Outside of dance I'm a mother of four, a high school teacher, and a suburban chicken farmer. I'm an avid book worm and history buff. My Disney princess would be Belle with a dash of Mulan.
Miss Cassie
Cassie loves to dance! She has danced from 4-26 years old. She started in tap and ballet, then moved to Jazz. As an adult she did ballet and tap for Kettering Performing Arts, and studied worship and prophetic dance at Fueled and Aflame in Springfield, Ohio. She is a mom of four girls. Her teenage daughters enjoy drawing and her youngest 2 daughters are starting their third year at MDA. The arts have always been a creative outlet for her and her family to express themselves. She looks forward to helping others express themselves in the hip hop acro class. Her favorite princess is Elsa, she too loves to "let it go" and be creative in her snow and ice sculptures.
Miss Emma
I have been dancing at MDA since I was 8 years old and have been a member of the competition team since I was 13. Dance is so important to me because it is more than just movement; it is an expressive art form that allows me to tell stories without words. Outside of my dance life, I am pursuing a double major in Health Services and Social Work at Bowling Green State University, with the goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist. My favorite Disney princess is Rapnuzel.
Mr Elijah
Mr Elijah began dancing at 2 years old with his mom, Miss Darcy at the YMCA Of Greater Cleveland. As he grew, so did his interest in various forms of dance, but especially Hip Hop. While continuing to be trained over the course of his entire childhood in dance, he also found an interest in theatre. Mr Elijah has won many awards both as a dancer and as a choreographer, having choreographed his own award winning solos the last 3 years with the MDA Competition Team. Mr Elijah now mentors our students in the art of Hip Hop as well as Breakdancing. Mr Elijah plans on continuing his love of dance as he gets older, through teaching, emceeing competitive events and performing. My favorite Disney character is Stitch.
Miss Jen
Ms. Jen is busy behind the scenes doing bookkeeping and helping Miss Darcy manage studio and team details. As a mom of two daughters, I have been with Miss Darcy as a dance mom now for almost 13 years! My daughter, Madeline is currently a member of the competition team. While I have no formal dance training, I did love to perform on the collegiate football field with the Pride of Oklahoma Flag Corp at the University of Oklahoma and in high school, as well perform as in several high school theatrical productions. What I love most about dance is seeing the joy the dancers project to the audience, and I love the moments when the beauty of dance takes you outside of yourself and your every day worries and cares. Sparkly costumes also make me happy! When we aren’t at the studio, our family is often on an camping adventure with our travel trailer, or we are hiking somewhere with Uncle Jesse, our beagle. You will also find me taking care of our rescues foster guinea pigs, and busy working as a licensed Realtor with Russell Real Estate Services. At the studio, you will probably see me working on my latest crochet project while I wait! My favorite Disney Princess is Belle.
Miss Liz
I am married to my high school sweetheart with three kids, one of which is the oldest competitive dancer on the team. I didn’t have any training in dance, but I love watching a dancer bring a story to life while they dance. Being a dance mom has given me more than friends, and we have become a family. Outside of the studio I enjoy watching a good movie, going to CP, four wheeler riding in the mud, and spending time with my family. My favorite Disney Princess is Ariel ;)