Our Professional Instructors

Owner and Director of Spotlight, Wendy has over 30 years of experience teaching dance to all ages. She trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap and Jazz and competed in regional and national dance competitions. Her formal training was with Iacob Lascu at the Lascu School of Ballet. Ballet performances include “The Sleeping Beauty” and Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s “Nutcracker.” Wendy also taught the Clarkston Youth Enrichment Dance program for 3 years. Her competitive students have trained regionally and nationally with many well-known choreographers and performers, have been well-recognized at conventions/competitions and have won numerous overall awards and choreography awards. She is certified to teach by examination through Dance Masters of Michigan and Dance Masters of America, of which she is an active member.

Stephanie has over 28 years of dance experience in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and lyrical. She has experience as a competitive dancer and has attended many dance workshops and conventions. Stephanie has also studied and completed grades one through four in Cechetti method. She is co-director for Spotlight’s Competitive Company, and her students and choreography have been well recognized in many competitions. This is her 20th year at Spotlight Dance Center. Stephanie is certified to teach through Dance Masters of Michigan and Dance Masters of America.

Adria started dancing at age 6 and has continued through high school and college. She has experience in ballet, jazz, tap, kick line, lyrical, pom and hip-hop, and was on her high school dance team. Although she graduated from Oakland University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, whenever there was room in her schedule, she managed to squeeze in university dance classes. She started teaching young ballet classes in 2003. She has taught ballet at the Lakeland Ice Arena for the Jr. Team Du Coeur ice skating team for 2 years. She was also the JV dance coach at Waterford Mott High School. Adria is thrilled to teach at Spotlight this year. No matter where life takes her, she can’t seem to stop dancing.

Raquel trained in ballet, jazz and tap andhas been teaching for the past 30 years. She is a certified Cechetti instructor and has also studied the Russian style of ballet. She has performed for the Flint Ballet Theater and has taken top places in many competitions on both the regional and national levels. Loving the art of dance in all of its forms, it is Raquel’s desire to inspire that love in her students. Why walk when you can dance? She is certified to teach by examination through Dance Masters of Michigan and Dance Masters of America.

Bio coming soon

Gabriella was a student at Spotlight for 9 years and was on the competition team for 6 years. She was also a teacher’s assistant for 5 years prior to teaching. This is her third year teaching at the studio. She is currently a double major at Oakland University, pursuing her degrees in dance and elementary education. She has trained in all styles of dance under many teachers and choreographers, including the Rockettes Summer Intensive in New York City for two years in a row. Gabriella also choreographs for the musicals at Clarkston High School. She is so excited to share her passion and love with her students!

Jessie began her dance career at age 4 under the direction of Raquel Pickett who first inspired her love of classical ballet. She learned to appreciate other forms of dance such as jazz, contemporary and lyrical during her time at Spotlight. Seeking a professional ballet track, Jessie trained in classical ballet school such as Link School of the Arts, Young People’s Ballet Theatre, Grand Rapids Ballet Company, American Ballet Theatre and BalletMet. During this time, Jessie learned to teach the styles of Vaganova, Balanchine and Cecchetti through Grade 7. Jessie was honored to have danced lead roles such as “Snow Queen” from Nutcracker, “Odile” from Swan Lake, “Dawn” from Coppelia, “Enchantress” from Beauty & the Beast, and “Kitri” from Don Quixote. As a nanny for several families, a children’s leader at her church, and a tutor to teens, youth have always had a special place in Jessie’s heart, and she is excited to combine her two passions and teach ballet to your children this year!

Meredith has 9 years experience in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern and is a licensed Zumba instructor. She has been a teacher’s assistant for 3 years and was on her studio’s competition team, participating in many competitions and conventions. She is majoring in dance and social work and is excited to teach this year!