At Starz Dance Academy, we believe in nurturing the next generation of dancers through expert instruction and a passion for movement. Our dedicated team of instructors brings years of experience, diverse backgrounds, and a shared commitment to excellence in dance education. Whether you’re just starting your dance journey or looking to refine your skills, our instructors at Starz Dance Academy are here to guide you every step of the way.
Kim Bright—Director and Hip Hop & Lyrical Specialist
Kim Bright is a cornerstone of Starz Dance Academy, dedicating eighteen years to inspiring students. Her journey with Starz began as a young dancer at the age of five, evolving into a leading instructor in Hip Hop and Lyrical styles. A 2008 graduate of Concordia High School, Kim captained and choreographed for their dance team, later returning as their coach and choreographer. Her choreography extends to Emmanuel St. Michael’s middle school cheerleading squad and various Northwest Allen County schools through after-school enrichment programs in dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading. Kim’s formal education includes business studies with a dance minor under Brittney Coughlin at IPFW, and ballroom dance training at Arthur Murray Dance Center, where she mastered styles from East Coast Swing to Tango and participated in the Grand Rapids Showcase for Ballroom Dancing. Currently, Kim coaches the Starz Dance Companies and choreographs for the Gymnastics in Motion Performance Teams. Beyond the studio, she is also the co-owner of the Orange Blossom Boutique, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. Kim’s extensive experience makes her an invaluable asset to Starz Dance Academy.
Megan Gilly—Versatile Dance Instructor
Megan Gilly, now in her third year of teaching at Starz Dance Academy, is a product of the academy’s own training. With 13 years of dance experience, 12½ years were spent honing her skills at Starz. During her high school years at Northrop, Megan was a dedicated member of the High School Dance Team for four years, competing as a soloist for three and captaining the team in her senior year. Her journey with Starz Dance Company spanned multiple years, including three years of travel and performance opportunities. Megan also served as a dance assistant at Starz, further solidifying her connection to the academy. Proficient in Ballet, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, and Jazz, Megan brings a well-rounded dance perspective to her instruction. She recently earned her Associate’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of St. Francis, showcasing her commitment to both dance and academic pursuits.
Madeline Hunter—Passionate Instructor in Multiple Dance Styles
Madeline “Maddie” Hunter, a new addition to Starz Dance Academy as a first-year instructor, embodies the Starz spirit. Her 15-year dance journey includes 14 years as a student at Starz Dance Academy. Maddie was a vital member of the Starz Dance Company for 11 years, with four memorable performances at Walt Disney World. While in high school, Maddie’s leadership shone as a dance Captain and Choreographer for two Leo Drama Department musical productions. Her dance repertoire is broad, encompassing ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Saint Francis, Maddie brings youthful energy and a strong foundation in dance to her role at Starz Dance Academy.
Meghan Janiszewski—Experienced in Diverse Dance Disciplines
Meghan Janiszewski has been an integral part of Starz Dance Academy’s teaching staff for six years. Her dance background includes three years of competitive dance and four years with the Snider Dance Team. Meghan is proficient in a wide array of dance styles, including Modern, Lyrical, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Having been a student at Starz Dance Academy for eight years and a student assistant for three, Meghan’s deep understanding of the academy’s values is evident. Her performance experience with Starz Dance Academy Companies includes performances at the Clay Cooper Theatre in 2016 and multiple Disney World appearances in 2014, 2016, and 2018. A recent graduate of Purdue-Fort Wayne with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a TESOL Certificate, Meghan combines her dance expertise with a strong educational background.
Kirsten LaSalle—Ballet Specialist with Extensive Training
Kirsten LaSalle brings a wealth of ballet expertise to Starz Dance Academy. Her foundational training was at City Lights Ballet with Karen Glover in Minneapolis/St. Paul, supplemented by instruction at prestigious institutions like Andahazy School of Classical Ballet and Loyce Houlton’s Minnesota Dance Theatre. Kirsten furthered her ballet pedagogy through summer teacher training courses at Ecole Polytechnique in Toronto, under the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) and the National Ballet of Canada, earning her R.A.D. Provisional Teacher Certificate. She also studied the Vaganova (Russian) methodology at Western Michigan University under Jurgen Schneider. Kirsten’s professional career includes dancing with the Fort Wayne Ballet under Michael Tevlin, where she also served as Rehearsal Assistant, Repetiteur, and Director of the Junior Youth Company. She also contributed to the FWCS Magnet School dance program. A mother to a fourth-generation dancer specializing in ballet, Samantha, Kirsten’s passion for ballet and her extensive training are invaluable to Starz Dance Academy, particularly for students aspiring to classical ballet techniques.
Cristina Ray-Durnell—Multi-Style Instructor and Choreographer
Cristina Ray-Durnell is celebrating her twelfth year teaching at Starz Dance Academy, marking a long-standing commitment to dance education. Dancing since age seven and instructing since fourteen, Cristina’s experience is profound. Her dance styles include jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and modern. Cristina’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to own a dance studio in Fort Wayne. She has coached the Bishop Dwenger High School Dance Team and the Fort Wayne Freedom Starz dance team, and has judged for the Indiana High School Dance Team Association. Cristina is also an award-winning choreographer, achieving recognition at local, regional, and national competitions. Academically, she holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a dance minor from IPFW (2007). Additionally, she is a certified Zumba instructor, expanding her fitness and dance expertise. Cristina’s diverse skills and extensive background make her a highly sought-after instructor at Starz Dance Academy.
Starz Dance Academy is proud to have such a talented and experienced team of instructors. Their dedication to dance education and diverse expertise ensures that every student receives top-notch training in a supportive and inspiring environment. Join us at Starz Dance Academy and learn from the best!
