Susie Anania Hunter has an excellent ability to work with children and outstanding professional credentials.  A graduate in elementary education from Saint Mary’s of Notre Dame, Susie is a literacy leader and staff development coach in the Des Moines Schools.

A graduate of Betty Hill Dance, Susie advises dancers to study a variety of dance styles and have fun!  Dance has been a life-long passion for Susie, and she appreciates the poise, confidence, and grace that dance brings to her life.

Christy Harris Giblin is a professional educator, graduating from the University of Iowa with a teaching certificate in secondary education.  Christy has taught middle school in Des Moines for several years.

A Betty Hill graduate, Christy excelled in all forms of dance, as well as baton.  A well-rounded dancer and performer, Christy teaches Junior Performing Arts, jazz, private lessons, and summer dance camps.  Christy says that dance is the best gift her parents ever gave her.

Shari Bergman, a Betty Hill graduate, teaches lyrical, pointe, private lessons, and many advanced students.  Shari performed in the Nutcracker Ballet at CY Stephens for many years, and studied from Sally Garfield at Drake University.

Shari's creativity and artistic ability extend to the visual arts where she loves painting on canvas.  Her technical expertise, classical training, and interesting choreography make a valuable contribution to our students.

Lindsey Crawford Motsenbocker, a Betty Hill graduate, has a degree from the University of Northern Iowa in elementary education with a reading endorsement.  She teaches in the West Des Moines Schools.

Lindsey studied all dance styles, including acrobatics and partnering, and competed on her high school dance team, as well as our studio team.  Lindsey's skill with production numbers makes her a valuable asset to our studios, particularly in working with our Juniors and Seniors.  Lindsey advises serious dancers to attend classical ballet!

Lyndsay Gold Nielsen, a Betty Hill graduate, has a degree in human resources management from Upper Iowa University and loves working with people, especially children.

Lyndsay has taught at both of our studios, and has helped with summer camps, Christmas Shows, and State Fair performances.  Lyndsay encourages dancers to try the diverse classes we offer in order to build confidence and technique.  She especially appreciates the lasting friendships she has acquired through dance.

Melissa Short Parks, a Betty Hill graduate, received her bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in psychology and has a master's degree in human resources. She toured the Midwest with the Universal Dance Association, training high school and college dance teams.

Melissa shares her knack of sassy, funky moves in our Junior and Senior hip-hop classes, as well as assisting Senior Performing Arts.  She loves seeing her students improve, and she enjoys helping build their confidence and ability through positive reinforcement and correction.  She tells her dancers, "Never stop learning."

Alice Hoffmeister Fuglsang is a graduate of Drake University with a teaching certificate in secondary education, as well as a master's degree.  A junior high teacher in West Des Moines, Alice has been a team leader and innovative teacher in secondary education.

Alice grew up dancing in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, studying diverse dance styles.  She stopped at our studios the first weekend of her freshman year at Drake, and she's been with us ever since.  Alice tells her students to try their hardest and to say, "I can!"  She loves the arts and the feelings she is able to express through dance.

Nicole Dixon McBride, a Betty Hill graduate, received her degree in elementary education with a teaching certificate from the University of North Carolina.  Nicole was a featured singer in show choir throughout high school and won national recognition as a soloist her senior year.

Nicole brings her musicality and showmanship to jazz and hip hop classes at WDM. Nicole also teaches Dance Camp, Christmas Show, and Iowa State Fair practices.

Erin Riley, a Betty Hill graduate, teaches children's classes at our Windsor studio.  An outstanding and diverse dancer, Erin studied all dance styles, was a strong student leader, and competed on our dance team, winning overall high points at Dance Champs.

Erin graduated with a degree in biology from Loras College, where she performed on the Dance Team for 4 years.  A captain, Erin's squad won first place in hip hop, jazz and pom.  Erin also participated in the Disney World college internship program in Orlando.

Robbie Robinson works with our Boys Club, bringing his experience as an educator and his hip-hop savvy to our crew.  A BHD graduate, Robbie excelled at tap and hip hop as a teen, and then jumped into the "B-Boy" scene.

Robbie has an education degree from the University of Iowa and a master's degree in administrative leadership and policy studies.  A junior high teacher in West Des Moines, Robbie enjoys sharing his "cool moves" and B-Boy beats with our guys.

John Swander teaches Boys Club and Senior tap, in addition to working in our main office.  A graduate of our studios, John brings us his showmanship and rhythm, enhanced by participation in show choir, jazz band, and puppetry.

As a teacher, John emphasizes musicality and the Broadway roots of our studio.  He loves building the confidence of younger students, as well as challenging our most advanced tap dancers with his funky and intricate moves.  The third generation of our Dance Magic family, John enjoys extending our legacy into the future.

Kristin Riley, a Betty Hill alum, graduated from Iowa State University in kinesiology and health, and later studied at Des Moines University in the physical therapy doctorate program. An excellent dancer, Kristin continued her love of movement in college by teaching fitness and Zumba classes.

A cheerleader and a dancer on our Competition Team, Kristin was an outstanding Student Leader at our studios. She advises students to “let loose” and have fun while at dance!

Penny Pinneke Pugh is a Betty Hill graduate who was on the Dowling Dance Team (captain senior year) and a four-year cheerleader (captain senior year).  She attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, earning a degree in hotel administration and finance.

An excellent student leader and performer of all dance styles, Penny teaches children's classes at our West Des Moines studio.  She feels her experience with dance brought her joy, taught her confidence, and developed her work ethic.

Meg Cunningham, a Betty Hill graduate, teaches children's acrobatic classes at our Windsor studio.  Meg has a master’s degree in social work, and we’re glad she’s with us!

Claudia Jannes Worth, a Betty Hill graduate, attended the University of Iowa majoring in English and creative writing, with endorsements in coaching, speech, and theatre.  When not mentoring students in Waukee, she teaches our advanced jazz dancers in West Des Moines.

A strong performer and excellent leader, Claudia is thankful for the confidence that dance has brought to her.  She advises her students to always dance like every moment counts!

Gigi Oerter, former Ballet Mistress of the Des Moines Ballet Company, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet from the North Carolina School of the Arts.  She was a featured performer and soloist with the Milwaukee Ballet and San Antonio Ballet, and has toured extensively.

Gigi is well respected as a master ballet teacher and brings the grace, strength, and discipline of classical ballet to her classes.  Gigi has coached our developing and advanced students for many years and we are blessed to have her!