MSDA's Faculty
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Theatre, has always had a special love for dance. She completed her BFA in Dance Performance at Northern Illinois University under the direction of Randall Newsom. While at NIU, Allison was featured in many performances including, “The Nutcracker”, “Carmina Burana”, “Les Sylphides” and “Coppelia”. Allison’s most favorite performance was as the umbrella soloist in Randall Newsom’s “Down So Long.” She also danced and featured choreography in “Art for Life” and the “Student Choreographic Showcase”. Allison has studied with such renowned choreographers as Mia Michaels, Joel Hall, John Magnus, David Howard and Robbie Mackey. She has danced in workshops and competitions throughout the country including Disney World, Hollywood and Joffrey’s Midwest Workshop. Allison has coached and choreographed many award-winning pieces for the Peotone High School Dance Team. Since her initial involvement in 2000, the team has advanced to the State Competition each year and was named the Team Dance Illinois State Champion last year in the pom, dance, and open pom categories.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Theatre, began her dance training early and quickly fell in love. She completed her BFA in Dance Performance at Northern Illinois University under the direction of Randall Newsom. While at NIU Melissa was featured in many performances, including ‘Tarantella’, ‘Don Quixote Suite’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘The Nutcracker,’ and ‘Give My Regards to Broadway’. She danced in “Art for Life” and ‘Student Choreographic Showcase’ for four years, choreographing one year. Melissa has also danced in Disney World and competed as part of a studio group throughout the Chicago area. She has taken master classes and studied with Joel Hall, John Magnus, Robbie Mackey, and Hubbard Street. A graduate of Peotone High School, Melissa performed with the dance team for four years, serving as Captain for two years. She was the assistant coach and choreographer for the team in 2008 when they were named Team Dance Illinois State Champions in the pom, dance, and open pom categories. She now choreographs for the Main Street Dance Company including solo pieces for senior company dancers and PHS dance team members.
- Graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Dance, Business. More coming soon.
A graduate of Peotone High School and former PHS cheerleader, Michelle brings a great level of dynamics to the pre-dance division at Main Street Dance. She has always had a flair for performing and a love of dance. In 1998, she became the head coach of the Peotone High School Dance Team, saving it from the possibility of disbandment. Because of her diligence and enthusiasm during her 6 years as head coach, she turned the team around, earning it a wonderful reputation as a statewide competitive dance team. You may recognize her from the Smiles program at Peotone Elementary School. Her love for children has made us proud to welcome her into the Main Street Dance family.
- Having always had deep admiration for Martial Arts, Dan was honored to meet and become a student of Kevin Butler, a 7th Degree Master of Go-Ju Ryu. Dan studied with Kevin from September of 1993 to January of 1995. During this time he also met and studied with Masters Dick Balboa and Ed Leonard. As well as earning his black belt in January of 1995 he received the rank of Bushido, the way and philosophy of the Samurai. Dan, with his Sensei Butler, taught private lessons with students in Peotone for 2 years. He put the arts on the back burner to marry and start a family and now with his children ready to start learning the art he is enjoying teaching once again.
- For the past 10 years Jackie has taken classes in ballet, jazz, and hip hop in addition to being a 4-year member, 2-year captain, of the Peotone High School Dance Team. While in high school Jackie was involved in many competition routines including her favorites, “Ballroom Blitz” and “Hello Darkness” which both qualified and placed at the IDTA Statewide Dance Competition in 2006. She also competed in solo competitions in 2005 and 2006 placing as high as 12th in the state. Jackie is currently a student at St. Francis University in Joliet where she majors in marketing and mass communication with a concentration in public relations. She is also the proud mother of 4-year old Bradley Oliver.
- For the past 6 years, Heather has graced several local dance studios with her teaching expertise. She began her training at Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet in Naperville, IL and has furthered her training throughout the Chicago area. Although her students may say her talents excel as a hip hop dancer, she has studied ballet, jazz, and modern dance extensively.
