Choosing the right dance studio is pivotal in nurturing a dancer’s passion and skill. At Encore Dance Studio, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional dance education, guided by a team of highly qualified and experienced instructors. Our teachers are not just educators; they are mentors who inspire and cultivate the next generation of dancers. Learn more about the dedicated professionals who make Encore Dance Studio a premier destination for dance education.
Ashley Palmer – ABT® Certified Instructor and Dance Education Leader
Ashley Palmer stands as a cornerstone of Encore Dance Studio, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a prestigious certification to our students. As an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, Ashley has successfully completed the rigorous ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. This certification underscores her deep understanding of ballet pedagogy and her commitment to upholding the highest standards in dance education at Encore Dance Studio.
Beyond her studio role, Ashley extends her expertise to higher education, serving as a Dance Professor at both Siena Heights University and Adrian College. Her dual roles in studio and university settings enrich her teaching approach, providing Encore Dance Studio students with a well-rounded perspective on dance.
Key Highlights of Ashley Palmer’s Expertise:
- American Ballet Theatre® (ABT) Certified Teacher: Ensuring top-tier ballet instruction at Encore Dance Studio.
- Vaganova Ballet Academy Trained: Intensive teacher training from the renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy in Russia, providing a rich classical foundation.
- Pilates Certification: Mat I & II Certified in Pilates through Balanced Body University, enhancing her understanding of body conditioning for dancers.
- Extensive Performance Background: Former Company Member and Principal Dancer with Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre, bringing real-world performance experience to the classroom.
- Award-Winning Choreographer: Choreography credits include notable productions at The Croswell Opera House and Tecumseh Center for the Arts, showcasing her creative talent.
- Recognized Leader: Recipient of the 2019 Woman & Youth Award and instrumental in Encore Dance Studio consistently being named “Best Dance Studio” in Lenawee (2017-2022).
- Studio of Excellence Winner: Encore Dance Studio recognized by the Association of Dance Conventions and Competitions in 2018 under her guidance.
Ashley’s leadership and dedication are pivotal to Encore Dance Studio’s success, making it a leading choice for dance education.
Izzy Luppo – Professional NBA Dancer and Versatile Instructor
Miss Izzy brings a dynamic energy and contemporary edge to Encore Dance Studio. As a Professional NBA Dancer for the Detroit Pistons, Izzy embodies the pinnacle of dance performance and brings this professional insight directly to her students at Encore Dance Studio. Having taught at Encore for four years, she is deeply invested in the studio’s community and its dancers’ growth.
Izzy’s training is exceptionally diverse, spanning 18 years and encompassing prestigious institutions such as the Joffrey Ballet School in New York, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Interlochen, and American Ballet Theatre. Her versatility extends across genres, proficient in ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, lyrical, and jazz, making her a well-rounded asset to Encore Dance Studio.
Key Highlights of Izzy Luppo’s Expertise:
- Professional NBA Dancer: Currently dancing for the Detroit Pistons, offering students firsthand experience from the professional dance world.
- Extensive Training: Trained at Joffrey Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, and more, ensuring a broad and deep dance foundation.
- Versatile Dance Background: Expertise in ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, lyrical, and jazz, catering to varied dance interests at Encore Dance Studio.
- Nutcracker Performer and Choreographer: Performed as Sugar Plum Fairy and assistant choreographer for the Nutcracker Ballet, demonstrating performance and choreography skills.
- Scholarship Recipient: Awarded a $20,000 college scholarship to AMDA at the Revel Dance Convention, recognizing her talent and potential.
- Ballet in the City Ambassador: Studied with renowned dancers through Ballet in the City, connecting her to a wider dance network.
- Award-Winning Dancer: Multiple Platinum Awards at On Point Dance Competition, highlighting her competitive success in pointe, contemporary, and lyrical.
Izzy’s professional experience and diverse training make her an inspiring and highly sought-after instructor at Encore Dance Studio.
Beth Strom – Collegiate Dance Coach and Certified Professional
Beth Strom enriches Encore Dance Studio with her extensive experience in both studio and collegiate dance. With over 28 years in dance as a student, choreographer, and coach, Beth brings a comprehensive understanding of dance education and team dynamics. Currently the Head Coach of the Concordia University Ann Arbor Dance Team, Beth excels in developing dancers at the collegiate level and brings this expertise to her studio teaching at Encore Dance Studio.
Beth’s background includes training in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and lyrical, providing a broad foundation across various dance styles. Her academic credentials, holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, coupled with numerous dance certifications, underscore her professional approach to dance education at Encore Dance Studio.
Key Highlights of Beth Strom’s Expertise:
- Collegiate Head Dance Coach: Leading the Concordia University Ann Arbor Dance Team, demonstrating leadership and coaching expertise.
- Extensive Coaching Experience: Over nine years coaching collegiate dance, with a strong track record of dancer development.
- Diverse Dance Training: Background in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and lyrical, offering a wide range of instruction at Encore Dance Studio.
- Academic Background: Master’s degree in Higher Education, bringing a scholarly approach to dance instruction.
- Dance Certifications: Holding numerous dance certifications and actively involved in dance leadership roles at the NAIA and WHAC levels.
- Experienced Choreographer: Choreography credits include “The Sound of Music” and experience at various studios and programs in the Ann Arbor area.
Beth’s experience in collegiate dance and her commitment to comprehensive dance education make her a valuable instructor at Encore Dance Studio, particularly for students aspiring to dance at higher levels.
Join Our Passionate Team at Encore Dance Studio
At Encore Dance Studio, our instructors are more than just teachers; they are passionate mentors dedicated to fostering a love for dance and developing each student’s full potential. With Ashley, Izzy, Beth, and our entire team, students at Encore Dance Studio receive unparalleled guidance, ensuring a rich and rewarding dance education. Enroll today and experience the Encore difference!
