We teach dance--but even more importantly, we teach kids and teenagers! Our faculty members, trained in both dance and education, are devoted to their students. They join our director and founder in their dedication to making each dance year a happy and productive experience. Each of our teachers brings a personal spark of enthusiasm and talent to our studios, and we all work together as a team, developing a curriculum that provides growth and excitement.
Here's Our Dance Magic Faculty!
Susie Hunter has an excellent ability to work with children and outstanding education credentials. A graduate of the Betty Hill Studios and Saint Mary’s of Notre Dame, Susie is a master teacher and mentor. She also teaches reading in the Des Moines Schools.
Melrita Hamilton, a veteran of our faculty, teaches and choreographs lyrical and pointe at our Windsor Studio. A student of Rose Lorenz and Betty Hill, Melrita brings grace, technique, and the beauty of movement to our studios, and is a valuable asset.
Christy Giblin is a professional educator, graduating from the University of Iowa, as well as a well-rounded dancer and performer. Christy’s range of expertise includes all forms of dance, as well as baton. Christy, a Betty Hill graduate, teaches Juniors.
Gigi Oerter, former Ballet Mistress of the Des Moines Ballet Company, teaches classical ballet. Gigi has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet from the North Carolina School of Arts. We are honored to have Gigi sharing her extensive professional background and expertise.
Kathy Bixler, a Betty Hill graduate, is a veteran member of our faculty. Kathy excelled in all dance forms, was captain of her high-school gymnastics team, a competitive baton twirler and performed at the Iowa State Fair Bill Riley Talent Search!
Karen Sissel, a Betty Hill graduate, teaches and choreographs for senior students. With a college degree in theatre and education, Karen brings the expertise of the dramatic arts to our students. A dynamic performer, Karen also teaches middle school.
Michelle Pechinovsky brings her talent in competitive gymnastics and acrobatics to our students, as well as her experience as a Betty Hill Dancer. Michelle teaches several levels of acrobatics at our Windsor studio, as well as our senior partners.
Shari Bergman, a Betty Hill graduate, teaches lyrical, jazz, private lessons, and many advanced students. Her technical
expertise and classical training make a valuable contribution to our students, and her creative and artistic ability are an asset to us.
Lindsey Motsenbocker, a Betty Hill graduate, has taught Dance Team, private lessons, acrobatics, and jazz. A competition dancer in high school, Lindsey is a University of Northern Iowa graduate and teaches at first grade in West Des Moines.
Lyndsay Childers, a Betty Hill graduate, has taught at all three of studios. Lyndsay has a degree in human resources management from Upper Iowa University. Lyndsay teaches at Windsor, teaches summer classes, and helps with our Iowa State Fair performances.
Jayme Ammann is a Betty Hill graduate, has a nursing degree from Grandview College. A member of her high school and college dance teams and show choir, Jayme won first place in the collegiate dance regional solo competition. Jayme teaches at the WDM studio.
Melissa Parks, a Betty Hill graduate, graduated from Iowa State University in psychology and has a masters degree in human resources. Melissa toured the Midwest with Universal Dance Association training high school and college dance team squads.
Alice Hoffmeister, a graduate in education from Drake University, grew up dancing in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, studying a diversity of dance styles. A junior high teacher in West Des Moines, Alice has been with us for several years and teaches at our WDM studio.
Vicki Williams, returned to our studios to teach preschool and intermediate combination at WDM, private lessons, and adults. A graduate from our studios, Vicki has a degree in music education and teaches both vocal and instrumental music.
Kelly Conroy teaches jazz and children’s classes at our West Des Moines studios . A Betty Hill graduate, Kelly excelled in all dance forms, especially jazz and lyrical, and assists Debbie in developing our curriculum. Kelly has been with us for several years.
Jenna Kollings, a Betty Hill alum, graduated from the University of Iowa where she was a member of the well-respected Iowa Dance Team. Jenna excels at all dance styles and her creativity, skill, and energy are an asset to our older students. We are glad she’s with us!
Nicole McBride, a Betty Hill graduate, returned to Des Moines after graduating with an elementary teaching degree from the University of North Carolina. An award-winning singer, Nicole teaches Zumba, teaches children’s classes, and assists Debbie.
Amanda Moede, a Betty Hill Dancer, returned to our studios to teach children’s combination, jazz, and acrobatics at our SDM studio. Amanda excelled as a dancer, partner, acrobat, and cheerleader while in high school, and has coached local cheerleading squads.
A very special thank you to former dancers and teachers who return to help us with our June performance and special events, particularly Jason Carpp (Citizen Schools National Teaching Fellowship) and Ryan Dixon (University of Northern Iowa).
We've Got the Hardest Working Team In Show Business!