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About Us
Our Approach
Since 2003 we have been educating dancers with the highest attention to detail. Technique, Stage Presence, Discipline, Confidence, Independence, Productivity, Accountability and Strength of Character and Body, are the pillars of our training.
Don't wish for it...Work for it.
Teachers with Experience
Our Senior Instructors are all University educated and are continual learners. We, as teachers, continue to train throughout each year, ensuring that your child is receiving the highest level of training that is appropriate for their age and experience. We are always striving to grow and improve, in order to best serve our students and their needs.
Our passion to elevate each one of our dancers is validated by seeing our dancers achieve in the studio, on the stage and beyond.
We are so proud to be a part of the success stories
of so many of our Alumni!
Our Students
M&M Dance nurtures dancers from age 2 through 18 years old. We offer classes that are appropriate for toddlers, beginner dancers, intermediate level dancers, advanced level dancers and pre-professional training. Many of our dancers go on to dance with top level University Dance Teams, as well as to work as professional dancers in Los Angeles, Cruise Ship Entertainment, Las Vegas and Hollywood
Scroll down to see studio Alumni!
Outside of the entertainment industry, our Alumni take with them an entire library of tools that lead to success and happiness!
Staff
Michelle Ryan: Owner, Artistic Director, Choreographer
Maggie Kopesky: Assistant Artistic Director, Choreographer
Maggie Kopesky: Assistant Artistic Director, Choreographer
Michelle has been teaching in the Fox Valley and Surrounding area since 1992. Her passion is to teach and mentor dancers, so they may become their very best. Michelle's knowledge and experience in the dance, music, modeling and choreography industries, help her to guide her students so they can achieve their biggest goals, and make dreams a reality. Michelle's desire to empower her students creates effective, productive, successful individuals!
Maggie Kopesky: Assistant Artistic Director, Choreographer
Maggie Kopesky: Assistant Artistic Director, Choreographer
Maggie Kopesky: Assistant Artistic Director, Choreographer
Maggie has been teaching at M&M Dance since 2004. She has been dancing her whole life and has a BFA from NIU . Her passion for Ballet, Modern and Contemporary provide our students with a solid base from which to grow. Her love of movement allows our students to experience a variety of styles, making them extremely adaptable. Maggie also introduces our littlest dancers to the amazing world of dance in the Tiny Tu-Twos and Combo Classes!
Kaitlin Allen: Instructor, Choreographer
Maggie Kopesky: Assistant Artistic Director, Choreographer
Kaitlin Allen: Instructor, Choreographer
Kaitlin is an Empower Dance Company Alumni. As a graduate of NIU with a Kinesiology degree, Kaitlin is on staff at HEAT Dance Convention as the Assistant convention director and the Director of the Junior Heat Force Program. She teaches at AYA Convention and was formerly employed by DuPree Dance Convention,. Kaitlin has added to her experiences by training at professional studios in Chicago, attending National Dance Conventions and dancing at Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Training Intensives. Kaitlin's fearless style of movement allows our dancers to feel free and to connect to movement in an invigorating way!
Brianna Michi: Instructor/Choreographer
Olivia "Staudy" Staudacher: Junior Instructor
Kaitlin Allen: Instructor, Choreographer
Brianna grew up at M&M Dance and was a leader within Empower Dance Company. She is currently attending online University and is a current CHICAGO BULLS LUVABULL!. Brianna was a 2022-2023 West Coast Dance Explosion Convention Assistant and trained as a member of the Velocity MVA + program. She is also an assistant with AYA Convention.
Payton Bonebrake: Junior Instructor
Olivia "Staudy" Staudacher: Junior Instructor
Olivia "Staudy" Staudacher: Junior Instructor
Payton has grown up at M&M Dance and is a senior dancer within Empower Dance Company. Payton will be interviewing with Go2Talent Agency in L.A. She is an accomplished competition and artistic dancer. Payton adds to her experience and training as a DuPree Dance Collective as well as a HEAT Force Dancer, and has modeled for Revolution Dancewear.
Olivia "Staudy" Staudacher: Junior Instructor
Olivia "Staudy" Staudacher: Junior Instructor
Olivia "Staudy" Staudacher: Junior Instructor
Staudy has grown up at M&M Dance and is a senior dancer within Empower Dance Company. In addition to her training at the studio, she is also a HEAT Force Dancer, and has modeled for the Revolution Dancewear Fashion Show!
Hayley Krzysiak: Junior Instructor
Molly Diemer: EDC Ballet/Ballroom Instructor
Hayley Krzysiak: Junior Instructor
Hayley has grown up at M&M Dance and is a senior dancer within Empower Dance Company. Hayley spent her Summer in NYC on a Full Scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet Summer Program. She is an accomplished competition and artistic dancer. Hayley adds to her experience and training as a DuPree Dance Collective as well as a HEAT Force Dancer, and has modeled for Revolution Dancewear.
Svea Asal: Junior Instructor
Molly Diemer: EDC Ballet/Ballroom Instructor
Hayley Krzysiak: Junior Instructor
Svea has grown up at M&M Dance and is a senior dancer within Empower Dance Company. Svea is represented by Go2Talent Agency in L.A. In addition to her training at the studio, she is also a HEAT Force Dancer, was a DuPree Dance Collective, and is a dance wear and formal wear model. Svea was also honored to receive. a full scholarship to the Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase and has been invited to audition for the University of Arizona BFA Program!
Molly Diemer: EDC Ballet/Ballroom Instructor
Molly Diemer: EDC Ballet/Ballroom Instructor
Molly Diemer: EDC Ballet/Ballroom Instructor
Molly has been part of our EDC team since 2014. She is a highly respected ballet instructor at the Chicago Performing Arts High School and is the Artistic and Executive Director at nChicago Ballet Arts. In addition, Molly is a professional ballroom dancer! Molly has an undeniable zest for life and an amazing passion for teaching...We feel very fortunate to have her inspiring our students!
Studio Alumni
Brianna Michi
- NBA Dancer: Chicago LuvaBulls
- Professional Dancer, Choreographer and Instructor. Chicago based. Former Empower Dance Company Dancer, current Chicago Bulls Luvabull.
- On staff at M&M Dance Studio, Assisting with AYA Dance Convention, and was on staff with West Coast Dance Explosion as an AIR Assistant 2022-2023, Velocity MVA + Dancer in 2021-22.
- Recently modeled for Revolution Dancewear's Fashion Show launching their new collaboration with 2Die4 Costumes.
- Pursuing her professional dance career as well as a degree in Marketing.
Bella Bernath
- Professional Commercial Dancer and Model. L.A. based. Former Empower Dance Company Dancer.
- Represented by Bloc Talent Agency and Sports & Lifestyle Unlimited.
- Currently on the Maluma World Tour. Credited as a co-star in a recent Lana Del Rey Music Video (short film) "Candy Necklace", Bebe Rexha Music Video "If Only I", also dancing in the Tessa Violet Music video "I like (the idea of you)" and The Loren Gray Music Videos for "Options" and "Queen". Formerly part of the original cast of "A Mob Story" in Las Vegas, West Coast Dance Explosion Competition Staff, and so much more!
Erzsi Bernath
- Professional Dancer, Choreographer and Model; Chicago based. Former Empower Dance Company Dancer.
- West Coast Dance Explosion Competition Staff. Lead Dancer in The Queens Ball: A Bridgerton Experience-Chicago 2022. Odessey Dance Theater Company Dancer 2018-2020. Former Royal Caribbean International Dancer.
- BFA in Dance from Western Michigan University.
Kaitlin Allen
- Professional Choreographer and Instructor. Chicago based. Former Empower Dance Company Dancer.
- Currently on staff at M&M Dance Studio, Former HEAT Dance Convention Director of Junior Heat Force Company. Current Revolution Dancewear Account Associate and model scout.
- Nationally awarded choreographer.
- Graduate of NIU in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Dance.
- Active with High School Dance Team Competition Choreography.
Mary Kafer
- NFL Dancer: Indianapolis Colts
Nicole DiSandro
- Carnival Cruise Lines Entertainer
Studio Alumni
Taylor Briar
Dani MacMillan
Dani MacMillan
Chapman University Commercial Dance Major
Dani MacMillan
Dani MacMillan
Dani MacMillan
North Central College Dance Team
Julia Severino
Dani MacMillan
Julia Severino
Texas Christian University Dance Team
Emilee Klemm
Emilee Klemm
Julia Severino
Carthage College Dance Team
Captain
Nikki Serra
Emilee Klemm
Nicole Rinne
DePaul University Dance Team
Nicole Rinne
Emilee Klemm
Nicole Rinne
Iowa State University Dance Team
Katie Dunteman
Katie Dunteman
Katie Dunteman
Colorado State University Dance Team
Regan O'Brien
Katie Dunteman
Katie Dunteman
Grand Valley State University Dance Team
Lauren Schutz
Katie Dunteman
Lauren Schutz
University of Iowa Graduate
Double Major including Dance
San Francisco Ballet School Volunteer Dance Instructor for people with Parkinson's Disease.
Amanda Landi
Katie Landahl
Lauren Schutz
Bowling Green State University Dance Team. Graduate
Health & PE Teacher
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Katie Landahl
Katie Landahl
Katie Landahl
UNLV Dance Major
Featured Soloist
Morgan Briar
Katie Landahl
Katie Landahl
Illinois State University Dance Team