Michi has been teaching Dance since 1982 and has spent 20 years developing a unique Dance Curriculum for preschool age students. Additionally, she has:​

• Decades experience working with pre-school children

• Experience teaching: Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip-hop, Tap, Lyrical, Swing, Ballroom and competition dance teams

• Experience as a movement instructor for developmentally disabled

• Project Heart movement specialist

• Artist in Residence, Sunnyside School

• Co-authored Comprehensive Arts Curriculum for Decatur School District 61

• Suzuki Society Eurythmics workshop instructor

• Certified in Brain Dance 

​Leslie has been teaching dance since 2001 and has studied dance since the age of two. Additionally, she has:

• Received a BS degree with emphasis in dance from Millikin University, December, 2005

• Participated in Millikin University dance courses: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, and Ballroom

• Experience teaching: Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip-hop, Tap, Lyrical, Swing, Ballroom and competition dance teams

• Choreographed for Best of Summer Stock (B.O.S.S.) program

• Assistant taught for Gary Shull, Millikin University Preparatory Departmen

• Experience as a Workshop instructor: Swing, Show Choir and Jazz/Hip-hop

• Performed Greek Folk dancing with the Athenian Dancers since age 5

Ari started ballet with Michi at the age of 2 and has been honored to teach all dance styles and ages at The Dance Center since 2012. Aditionally, she has:

• Experience with a variety of dance forms including ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz/hip- hop, tap, and contemporary/Modern

• Danced 2 seasons with the Springfield Ballet Company

• Studied ballet, modern and tap at Millikin University where she performed in their dance ensemble and was a TA for Ballet

• Received a BS degree in Business Marketing in 2016 and a Masters in Business Administration in 2017 from Millikin University

Loree started dancing with Michi at the age of 2 and has grown as a dancer and gained the confidence to teach. Additionally, she has:

• Experience in many styles of dance including ballet, pointe, lyrical and contemporary

• Studied ballet and modern at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 

Mallory has danced with Michi since she was 3 years old. She loves all styles of dance and enjoys sharing her passion with her students. Additionally, she is;

• Studying Business at Richland Community College

• A Decatur Underground Theater cast member since 2011

• The Decatur Underground Theater Chrorepgrapher with her largest show being Jesus Christ Superstar in 2022