Meet Our Staff!

Autumn Short is a professional dancer and administrative whiz local to Southeast Michigan. Starting her passion for dance at the age of 3, Autumn has danced in Michigan for over 20 years. They attended Wayne State University, obtaining their bachelor’s degree in dance with double minors in both Yoga and Spanish. She teaches around the Southeast Michigan region in various techniques and audiences. 

Autumn’s passions in choreography and teaching lie in community connection and accessibility. They believe that everyone can and should dance. Her choreography explores the human experience and nuances of being in community with other humans. Their works have been highlighted in multiple disciplines of performance, including NACHMO, Dance Uprising’s annual concerts, Winter Guard International performances and other spaces. Autumn has also presented movement research at NDEO’s national conference in MI in 2025. She is excited to continue to explore movement research and community engagement as she evolves.

Natalie Cooper grew up in the competitive dance world and began teaching at Metro in January of 2010! Since then, she has taught ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, contemporary, acro, yoga, adult classes, and most recently Cecchetti. She became studio coordinator and co-director of the competition team in 2024.

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Natalie holds her BBA from Walsh College of Business, is a RYT with the Yoga Alliance, and is currently finishing internship for her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University (class of 2026). In addition, Natalie does professional photography, including many of the portraits you'll see around Metro! 

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Natalie is passionate about sharing her love of dance and general love of learning with her students and challenging them to push their boundaries and think outside of the box. She recognizes the therapeutic value that movement brings to life and the role it plays in our overall wellness later on. Natalie is excited for the future of Metro and inspiring future generations of dancers! 

Dana Hoerman has been a dance instructor for the past thirteen years and is excited to begin her 7th season with Metro Dance Company! Dana began her dance training at four years old at Dancin' Feet, where she is now the Assistant Director and Competition Team Director. She continued her dance studies at Wayne State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Dance with a focus in Dance Education. 

Dana's passions include sharing her love of ballet and Cecchetti technique with her students. Dana is an Examiner with the Cecchetti Council of America and a member of the National Executive Board, in which she serves as the EMC Regional Registrar.

Melissa is our resident hip hop and jazz teacher! More information coming soon! 

This will be my 17th year with metro and 3rd year teaching! I teach combo and youth classes on Tuesdays and started teaching competitively after graduating. My favorite part about teaching would have to be at the end of the year seeing everyone’s hard work pay off as they perform! It brings me so much joy and gratitude getting to watch my students and others work so hard doing what they love! My favorite style to teach and perform is tap. It brings such a light to the stage and it is so much fun. Outside of dance, I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my fur babies! I enjoy shopping, being outside, and trying new things! Dance has been the biggest part of my life and I thank Metro for continuing to welcome me every year. Season 30!!!! Can’t wait!

Nikki Krings has been dancing for nearly 27 years. She grew up in the competition scene all over Metro Detroit and the midwest. She studied and competed in all genres of dance right here at Metro Dance Company! She has been teaching competition and technical dance for the last 9 years in the styles of ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, and tap. She is passionate about working with students, as she is also a 7th grade and 8th grade English teacher! Additionally, she is on the judging and production team for Dance Force Xpress, a Michigan-based dance competition. As a dancer, the most important thing for her is to help dancers become confident in the discipline of dance while they explore creative movement of their bodies in a safe space! 

Juliet is an alumnus of Metro Dance and is returning as a competitive choreographer! More information coming soon! 

Mackenzie is one of our front desk staff members and is also an alumnus of Metro Dance. More information coming soon!