Michigan Dance Company has been in business since 2013 and has made great feats in the dance world... Recognized by the ADCC as a National Studio of Excellence, voted Best of the Best dance studio, honored with multiple national titles and is home to several award winning choreographers!
MDC was created to provide an economical way for the community to pursue the art of dance. As a child, the owner was not able to do all that she wanted with dance and athletics due to financial hardships. Because of this, she does everything in her power to work with parents on a budget! MDC is very reasonably priced and offers many discounts, payment plans and fundraising opportunities!
Meet Our Highly Qualified Instructors!
Ms. Natasha Nivison-Colwell
Owner/Artistic Director/Head Company Instructor
Ms. Natasha has over 29 years of cheer and dance experience. She started her career in California at the age of 7 and continued her education in dance through the University of Michigan. She has cheered and danced for several teams, including at the collegiate level. Ms. Natasha is an award winning choreographer and has numerous routines that have won at the national level. She has been a studio instructor since 2009 and opened Michigan Dance Company in 2013. Ms. Natasha has also coached cheerleading for 11 years. For most of this time, she has been the head varsity cheerleading coach for Davison High School, a division 1 school, where she has led her teams to push boundaries and break school records. She consistently is bettering her ability to teach by attending master classes and workshops geared towards teaching student athletics. Ms. Natasha also has a teaching degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on mathematics and language arts. Ms. Natasha has devoted every aspect of her life to serving children and young adults. It is her ambition to make a lasting impact on the lives of every person she meets and to provide a positive role model for each and every one of her students. She is not afraid to push the limits to help students to reach their full potential. Ms. Natasha is also First Aid trained & CPR certified.
Why her students love her: "Ms. Natasha is enthusiastic and loving. She makes every student feel at home in the studio. She also does an amazing job organizing competition routines where each dancer's strengths are highlighted!"
Why her students love her: "Ms. Natasha is enthusiastic and loving. She makes every student feel at home in the studio. She also does an amazing job organizing competition routines where each dancer's strengths are highlighted!"
Ms. Alyssa Sedlock
Ballet, Contemporary/Lyrical, Technique
Alyssa Sedlock received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, a Dance Education Certification and a minor in Sports Management from Oakland University. As a student, her performance experience included Oakland Dance Theater and the Oakland University Repertory Company, where she has performed works by faculty choreographers and guest artists. Additionally, while completing her degree, Alyssa has trained with Take Root, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, and Lauren Anderson, along with professional development opportunities at the National Dance Education Organization’s Special Topics Conference.
As an educator and choreographer, Alyssa has developed original works across Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary styles for both concert and competition settings. Her choreography has earned multiple high-score and first-place awards, as well as recognition from the Michigan Dance Council. Her teaching philosophy centers on building confidence, artistry, and technical growth, while fostering creativity in the classroom.
Alyssa’s Academic and artistic honors include the Phi Theta Kappa Award, Oakland University Dance Department Scholarship, Alpha Alpha Alpha Honors Society, repeated President’s List recognition, and first place in the Michigan Dance Council Video Competition. She aspires to bring extensive performance and choreographic experience into a school-based dance program, preparing students not only as dancers but as confident and expressive individuals.
As an educator and choreographer, Alyssa has developed original works across Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary styles for both concert and competition settings. Her choreography has earned multiple high-score and first-place awards, as well as recognition from the Michigan Dance Council. Her teaching philosophy centers on building confidence, artistry, and technical growth, while fostering creativity in the classroom.
Alyssa’s Academic and artistic honors include the Phi Theta Kappa Award, Oakland University Dance Department Scholarship, Alpha Alpha Alpha Honors Society, repeated President’s List recognition, and first place in the Michigan Dance Council Video Competition. She aspires to bring extensive performance and choreographic experience into a school-based dance program, preparing students not only as dancers but as confident and expressive individuals.
Aliyah Mordica-Stanley
Tap
Aliyah is an experienced tap dancer with training and mentorship from some of the biggest names in the tap industry including Jason Samuels Smith, Derick Grant, Maurice Chestnut, Sarah Savelli, Frances Bradley, Ali Bradley, Bruce Bradley, Cherise Bradley, Clara Reyes, and more — she brings an incredible level of knowledge, passion, musicality, and energy to our studio!
Her experience includes performing rhythmic tap at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York, training with Broadway performers and choreographers connected to The Greatest Showman, recipient of the Sutton Foster Award for her portrayal of Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, and a member of Tapology Tap Ensemble. She has received multiple choreography, performance, judges’ choice, precision, and standout awards and recognized for leadership, creativity, musicality, and stage presence.
Beyond the awards and accomplishments, what makes her truly special is her LOVE for the art of tap and the way she connects with students! Her classes are high-energy, motivating, technical, creative, and FUN… helping dancers not only learn steps, but truly understand rhythm, performance quality, confidence, and how to create sound with purpose. She is passionate about making tap one of the highlights of every dancer’s week while building strong technique, musicality, coordination, and performance confidence at every level!
Her experience includes performing rhythmic tap at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York, training with Broadway performers and choreographers connected to The Greatest Showman, recipient of the Sutton Foster Award for her portrayal of Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, and a member of Tapology Tap Ensemble. She has received multiple choreography, performance, judges’ choice, precision, and standout awards and recognized for leadership, creativity, musicality, and stage presence.
Beyond the awards and accomplishments, what makes her truly special is her LOVE for the art of tap and the way she connects with students! Her classes are high-energy, motivating, technical, creative, and FUN… helping dancers not only learn steps, but truly understand rhythm, performance quality, confidence, and how to create sound with purpose. She is passionate about making tap one of the highlights of every dancer’s week while building strong technique, musicality, coordination, and performance confidence at every level!
Ms. Nikki Thuman
Ballet
Niki Thuman has been teaching dance for over 30 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts (Dance), a master’s degree in the Art of Education, and certification in dance K-12 and elementary education K-8. Niki earned her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma City University, OK, and her master’s degree from Marygrove College, MI. She has danced professionally in shows such as EFX starring Michael Crawford and David Cassidy, Dino, and Country Tonite. When she was sixteen, she performed in Russia, Sweden, Denmark, and Poland through a dance exchange program. At the age of sixteen, Niki also danced for Maloney productions at the Detroit Zoo, and in New York City, NY. She owned a studio in Washington State, before selling the business to move back home to Michigan after she had her first son. She’s taught at several studios in Michigan as well as directing and running a competitive team. Niki has won choreography awards from regional competitions, had dancers win regional and national over all awards, and had a petit soloist win Petit Miss Dance of Michigan. She also has former students who are studying dance in college at colleges around the country. Further, she has former students who are dancing in New York City, LA, and other cities throughout the United States as well as Europe. Her own son is a professional dancer, living in LA. Niki is certified by Dance Masters of America, the Cecchetti Council of America, Progressive Ballet Technique, and is a member of
National Dance Educators Organization and Michigan Dance Council. Niki has been directing / teaching the high school dance program at the F.V. Pankow Center in the L’Anse Creuse District since it’s conception in 2008. Prior to teaching at
Pankow, she taught high school dance and was co-director of dance at The Arts Academy in the Woods. During her time at Pankow, Niki has created and implemented a dance curriculum, grown the program from two classes encompassing all levels, to three classes; beginning, intermediate, and advanced. The classes continue to grow and are a popular choice for the students in the L’Anse Creuse School District. Niki continues her education yearly through conventions, master classes, and seminars. This insight and skill she obtained, allows her to continue to grow as a teacher. Niki’s biggest joy is working with students and seeing them grow as dancers.
National Dance Educators Organization and Michigan Dance Council. Niki has been directing / teaching the high school dance program at the F.V. Pankow Center in the L’Anse Creuse District since it’s conception in 2008. Prior to teaching at
Pankow, she taught high school dance and was co-director of dance at The Arts Academy in the Woods. During her time at Pankow, Niki has created and implemented a dance curriculum, grown the program from two classes encompassing all levels, to three classes; beginning, intermediate, and advanced. The classes continue to grow and are a popular choice for the students in the L’Anse Creuse School District. Niki continues her education yearly through conventions, master classes, and seminars. This insight and skill she obtained, allows her to continue to grow as a teacher. Niki’s biggest joy is working with students and seeing them grow as dancers.
Ms. Kirsten Bowen
Contemporary, Acrobatics, Tumbling, Tap, Jazz & Hip Hop
Ms. Morrigan Templeton
Contemporary, Acrobatics, Tumbling, Tap, Jazz & Hip Hop
Morrigan has been in dance since she was three years old. Since the age of nine she has been an all-star cheerleader as well as a competition dancer competing at many different levels and genres including jazz, hip hop, acro, pom, lyrical, tap and contemporary in groups and solos. She has won several national titles and traveled extensively competing across the US. She has a passion for all types of dance including tumbling and was even the 2021 Michigan Dance Company Dancer of the Year, voted on by her teammates! She recently graduated from Goodrich High School and is in the Nursing Program at the University of Michigan Flint. She is excited to be able to continue in her love of dance by working with children to develop their individual talents and skills and also learn to work cohesively as a team.
Ms. Julie Bird
Gymnastics
Ms. Caitlyn Cramer
Kinder & Toddler Classes
Ms. Caitlyn is a very nurturing woman who loves helping children to grow. She has been involved with cheer and tumbling for 13 years, coaching for 5 of them. Ms. Caitlyn has been teaching toddler dance since 2018. She has a deep understanding of childhood development and is totally focused on fostering the growth of the child as a whole by promoting creativity through movement. Ms. Caitlyn feels blessed to be a role model for MDC's littlest dancers!
Why her students love her: "Ms. Caitlyn has the patience of a saint... she not only makes class fun and engaging, but goes above and beyond to make her littles feel special and loved!"
Why her students love her: "Ms. Caitlyn has the patience of a saint... she not only makes class fun and engaging, but goes above and beyond to make her littles feel special and loved!"
Victoria Aubry
Kinder & Toddler Classes
Victoria has been dancing since the age of four and has enjoyed a lifetime of performance opportunities and artistic growth. She trained and performed for several years with the Flint Institute of Music, where she had the privilege of appearing in productions of The Nutcracker. During high school, Victoria expanded her performance experience through school musicals, Color Guard, Winter Guard, and as a dancer for her school’s Winter Drumline.
Following graduation, Victoria continued pursuing her passion for dance by training at various studios and performing in musical productions with several community theater organizations. She was also honored to assist with choreography and movement direction for a production with the Flint Community Players. Victoria is currently attending the University of Michigan–Flint, where she is pursuing a degree in Theatre and Dance. She is excited to continue growing as both a performer and artist while working toward a career in the performing arts. Her passion for dance, performance, and education allows her to inspire young dancers while sharing her love of the arts with the next generation.
Following graduation, Victoria continued pursuing her passion for dance by training at various studios and performing in musical productions with several community theater organizations. She was also honored to assist with choreography and movement direction for a production with the Flint Community Players. Victoria is currently attending the University of Michigan–Flint, where she is pursuing a degree in Theatre and Dance. She is excited to continue growing as both a performer and artist while working toward a career in the performing arts. Her passion for dance, performance, and education allows her to inspire young dancers while sharing her love of the arts with the next generation.
Ms. Kassidi Scott
Jazz & Contemporary
Ms. Marissa Carew
Pom, Ballet, & Technique
Marissa has been dancing for over 12 years! She began her training at Dance Arts in Stevensville, MI. Training in ballet, pointe, contemporary, and jazz. She performed in multiple ballets including, Cinderella, Away to Neverland, Beauty and the Beast, and Nutcracker. After high school, she attended Ferris State University for engineering and was on the dance team. Performing pom, hip hop, jazz, and contemporary at halftime and sidelines of football and basketball games and attending collegiate competitions. She is very excited to teach children the love of dance and develop their skills and talents!
Ms. Barbara Zaleski
Ballet & Pointe
Barbara Zaleski was raised in Macomb, MI where she began her early training with Renee Wood, Stephanie Pizzo and Christina Tasco. After graduating from high school, Barbara attended the trainee program at the Conservatory of Fort Wayne Ballet under the direction of Karen Gibbons-Brown. In 2008, she entered Fort Wayne Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member and later became a Soloist. Ms. Zaleski has performed in many ballets including, Cinderella, Giselle, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, La Sylphide and The Nutcracker. While at Fort Wayne Ballet, she studied Dance Pedagogy, Kinesiology, Choreography Composition and Music Theory. In 2010, Barbara moved back to Michigan to perform with Eisenhower Dance for two seasons and began teaching at Eisenhower Dance Center. Along with teaching dance, she is also a Physical Therapist Assistant. Barbara loves teaching at Michigan Dance Company and to share the knowledge she has learned over her professional career and many years teaching.
Why her students love her: "Miss Barbara allows every dancer to learn at their own level and pushes her students to be their very best!"
Why her students love her: "Miss Barbara allows every dancer to learn at their own level and pushes her students to be their very best!"
Laura Standlick
Guest Instructor/Choreographer
Ms. Valerie Potsos
Guest Instructor
Ms. Olivia Short
Guest Instructor
Ms. Hannah Smith
Guest Instructor
Rebecca Petrella
Guest Instructor
Ms. Becca has been dancing for over 20 years and has loved every second of it! She danced professionally for the Detroit Pistons for a few years and continues to make big strides in the dance world. She works towards helping her students understand the power that lies within dancing. She has attended many camps and competitions improving her technique and keeping her mind and body in a healthy place. She enjoys sharing this passion with anyone who walks into the room. Ms. Becca engages with all dancers until they are comprehensive and confident with whatever it is that they working on!
Hannah Boyl
Guest Instructor
Hannah was raised in Michigan's thumb! She started dancing at age 3 and was on a competition team by age 10. Over the years, Hannah received many top place awards including, judge’s choice awards and having solos place within the top 10 of her age division. Hannah has also received scholarships to attend national competitions. She has been teaching since 2008, in styles such as jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and tap, to students ages 3 to adult. She has been a guest choreographer for school dance teams and multiple Michigan dance studios. After 6 years of teaching, Hannah took on the opportunity to perform again and began working as a DETROIT PISTON'S DANCER for the 2014-2015 season. Over the years, she has performed with artists including Kid Rock, Sebastian Bach, George Clinton, Alien Ant Farm, Bret Michaels, Ray J, B.O.B., Sean Kingston, Stevie B, and Gloria Gaynor. Hannah appeared in an independent horror film Pitchfork as a dancer and an extra. Hannah feels there is a great importance in continued education and continues to take advantage of conventions and classes in the area. Hannah has completed her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and master’s degree in dietetics. She is pursuing a career in sports nutrition!
Ms. Elizabeth Chaffin
Ms. Elisabeth has over 20 years of experience in dance. Of those 20+ years, 8 of them include being a dance instructor of varies styles. 2 of them involve coaching a high school dance team. Additionally, she spent 2 years dancing at the collegiate level and served in a leadership position on her competitive college dance team. I’m her high school years, Liz was on the sideline and competition cheerleading teams. Her favorite styles of dance are hip hop, contemporary, and pom! Liz graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and currently works in Early Childhood Administration. She works as the Assistant Director of a learning center ages 0- first grade. She believes that the early years are pivotal and she loves being someone young children can look up to. Her true passion in her work lies in the families. She is committed to supporting families, helping parents feel confident, safe, loved, and as though their family belongs in the community. Her mission in life is to connect with others and help them find their purpose to become the best version of themselves. In the studio, this translates to her classes. She is intentional on making her students feel important, supported, and empowered. In pushing her dancers to their best ability, she also strives to create a positive and fun learning environment. Liz is First Aid & CPR certified.
The Studio Space!
Our studio consists of two large dance rooms, a medium size dance room, a lobby with live CCTV for parent viewing. Our dance rooms are lined with mirrors and have beautiful, professional sprung flooring with a marley finish suitable for all styles of dance. We have professional portable ballet barres, as well as other equiptment to further dance education. We also have maniputlatives for our toddler and kinder classes, as well as a variety of mats for our acrobatics classes. Come in and check us out!