OUR INSTRUCTORS

OWNER/DIRECTOR

AMBER GILBERT

  • Trained At American Dance Academy.
  • BS in Dance/Business from EMU
  • Specializes in competitive modern
  • Successfully owned and operated TDA since 2001
  • Also owns Maestro Music Academy in Westland, MI
  • Member of the Parks & Rec Adviosry Committee of Westland

KIM ALEXANDER

  • Trained At American Dance Academy
  • Founding staff member of TDA since 2001
  • 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
  • In Studio Pre-Elementary Curriculum coordinator
  • 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 

Holly Barr

  • Trained in many dance styles from childhood to adulthood
  • Fitness/Adult ballet Instructor
  • Certified in Zumba
  • Certified in Pound
Mobile Preschool Program Coordinator

Madelyn Duhr

  • Trained at TDA 2008-2018
  • Staff Member since 2022
  • Business Major/Dance Minor from WSU
  • Specializes in preschool classes
  • Leads our mobile preschool dance program in multiple locations
Studio Solutions Specialist

ML EDMONSON

  • Student at TDA 2001-2003
  • Staff Member since 2003
  • As the SSS, Mr. ML is in charge of customer experience. He handles questions, concerns and anything else that arises for our customers.
  • 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.
Drive Competitive Team Co-Director

ARLETH GONZALEZ

  • Student at TDA 2014-2021.
  • Staff member since 2021
  • 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.

Chrissy Gohr

  • Trained in many dance styles 15 years
  • Trained at TDA 2011-2017
  • Competed locally and nationally for 5 years
  • Student teacher/assistant for 4 years
  • Staff Member since 2024
  • Taught professionally for 6 years in jazz, ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop
  • Member of National Dance Education Organization

MICHAEL HICKS

  • Has trained most of our staff as students throughout the years
  • 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 competitive jazz/production style choreography
Drive Competitive Team Co-Director & Community Coordinator

CHRISTINA LETIZIO

  • Trained at The Dance Academy for 2003-2018
  • On staff since 2018
  • Competitive Team Instructor
  • 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
Dance Medicine specialist

Lisa Podnar

  • Trained at Redford Dance as a child
  • Trained at TDA 2011-2013
  • Staff Member since 2013
  • Certified in Acro Arts
  • Certified in AZ Dance Medicine
  • BS in Dance from WSU

JON ROSS

  • Studied at American Dance Academy and various workshops
  • Founding staff member at TDA since 2001
  • 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
DJ Lutalo

Lutalo Sephers

  • Professional hip hop performer
  • Founding staff member at TDA since 2001
  • Local TDA celebrity DJ'ing over 40 school, city, and community events each year
  • Specializes in training boys in the arts of hip hop and breakdancing
  • Also works as a master MC / party host