Metro Dance Company    
Serving Metro Detroit students from the Plymouth, Canton, Northville and Livonia areas. Dance classes for ages, 2 1/2 - adult and piano lessons for ages 5-adult.  

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Metro Dance Company Teachers and Staff




 


 

 



 

 

 

Kristie Wyler Director, Instructor

Kristie graduated from the University of Michigan – Dearborn with degrees in Communications and Psychology. Since age 4, Kristie has had extensive studio training in Pointe, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tap, Musical Theater and Pom. She has danced competitively regionally and nationally since age 10 and prior to Metro Dance, Kristie implemented and ran a city dance program while coaching Junior Varsity and Varsity dance teams. Kristie joined the Metro Dance staff in 2005 and has been the Owner/Director since 2006.

Shannon Barrett - Instructor


Shannon
joined the Metro Dance Company's staff in 2006. She has studied numerous forms of dance including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Gymnastics, Pointe, Hip Hop, Kickline & Pom and has danced competitively since age 10. In high school, Shannon was a member of Annapolis High School's Varsity Pom Pom team and has since coached the Westland Stars and Spirits Dance and Cheer Team, Crestwood JV Pom Pom and Cabrini JV Pom Pon. She loves teaching children of all ages and prides herself on maintaining a healthy balance of discipline & fun in her classes. Shannon enjoys creating age appropriate choreography that pushes the envelope in a creative way. She teaches her students that it is okay to be different, regardless of what others perceive to be normal.


Laura Cionca - Instructor

Laura studied teaching at Michigan State University where she graduated with degrees in German and advertising. She has always had a passion for dance and began her formal training at the age of 12. While developing her craft, Laura studied diligently under renowned teachers and was a member of an international dance troupe that performed throughout Europe and North America. An instructor for almost 10 years, Laura is certified to teach Pilates and has taught several dance forms including hip hop, tap, jazz, ballet and creative movement.

 
Dana Cochren - Instructor, LCCA

 

Dana has danced since age 5 at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, under the direction of MaryEllen Cooper.  Her major training is in the Cecchetti Method of classical ballet.  She is a certified teacher and a member of the Eastern Michigan Committee of the Cecchetti Council of America, and has been successfully training students and teachers in the method since 2001.  She loves teaching and choreographing, and her philosophy in teaching dance is to train not only the body, but the mind and the ear, to explore and participate in the art of dance, and to challenge every student to become more self-aware and expressive.



Melissa Gross - Instructor






Tara Nepa - Instructor

Tara graduated from The University of the Arts with a BFA in Jazz Dance Education where she was awarded the Outstanding Student Teaching Award. She has worked as a choreographer for West Chester University’s Dance Company, University of Pennsylvania - Sparks Dance Team, Camp Wilma and Welsh Valley Middle School. Tara was a six-year member, Captain, and 2006 Pro Bowl Cheerleader for The Philadelphia Eagles. As cheerleader, she traveled overseas to entertain the U.S. troops, performed for Super Bowl XXIX, Super Bowl XXXI, and the New Year’s Celebration in Hong Kong. Most recently, Tara was an Adjunct Faculty & Lecturer at The University of The Arts. She also educated young dancers in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and Tap at Adams Dance Academy, Carbondale Dance Academy, and Kicks Academy of Dance.


Emily Swanson - Instructor

Emily is currently studying Special Education, English, and Dance at Eastern Michigan University where she is on the Dean's List. She studied at Metro Dance Company for nine years and was the 2007 All Around Dancer. Emily danced competitively for thirteen years and is trained in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, modern, pointe and tap. She is certified in the Cecchetti Method of Ballet through Grade VI. Emily has performed with the Plymouth Canton Ballet Company and in the Central City Christmas Spectacular and currently performs with the Eastern Michigan University Dance Program. Emily has taught children of all ages.



Mimi Whetstone– Instructor

Mimi graduated Magna Cum Laude from Madonna University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism/Public Relations and Sport Management. She has earned an advanced STOTT Pilates matwork certification, with additional training in group instruction and scoliosis management. She has also been certified to teach the Cecchetti Method of ballet, has extensive training in Russian ballet technique, and danced four years with Ballet Oklahoma. In addition to her ballet and Pilates training, Mimi has ten years of ballroom dance experience, training at the Championship level for the past three. She is also a three-time Regional champion, National medalist, and two-time Sectional champion in Championship ice dance, representing the United States.



Rita Wyler– Office Manager

Rita graduated from the University of Michigan – Dearborn with a degree in Early Childhood Education and comes to Metro Dance with over 10 years teaching experience.