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Premiere Staff

Michelle Jones (aka, Shelly) is the artistic director and proud owner of Premiere Dance Center. Premiere was opened in 2003 with nothing but a vision and a prayer to make a difference. Thankfully, Premiere is now celebrating its 9th year of operation. However, the real journey started for Michelle as a young girl studying dance at Victoria's Dance and Gymnastics in Muncie. She credits her training to Victoria Sayre and is honored to say that she spent many seasons celebrating dance under her wings. Her passion was solidified in a workshop with the late great Henry LeTang who recognized her talent and skill. The rest is history. Michelle was the recipient of countless awards during her competition days and now gets to share in those same moments with her wonderful students. She has received numerous choreography awards and recognition at the regional and national level. She is a two time recipient of the Rising Star Award. Michelle is a graduate of Muncie Central H.S. and an honors graduate of BSU. She looks forward to sharing her love for the arts with the community and abroad for many more years!

Sarah Guinn started hip-hop at age 8. She was a competitive dancer with Premiere for 5 years with much success. Sarah was also a member of the Yorktown Dance Team. Sarah is engaged to her high school sweetheart, Josh, who is an Army soldier and currently serving overseas.

Liberty Harris: began her training in Indianapolis with Linda Rees at the Dance Magic Performing Arts Studio. She attended Interlochen Arts Academy on a dance scholarship for four years. While studying at Butler University, she was asked to join Dance Kaleidoscope for the 1997 production of Carmina Burana. Libby then went on to dance with the Charleston Ballet Theater of South Carolina for two years. Libby is a 2009 recipient of the Martha Graham Award. She is in her twelfth season with Dance Kaleidoscope and her sixth with Premiere.

 

Lindsey Irelan started dancing at the age of six and studied at various places before finding a home at Premiere Dance Center. Lindsey was a member of the PDC dance company for three years. She has studied many different styles of dance including jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theater, ballet, modern and tap. Lindsey is a freshman at Ball State University studying Elementary Education. She is excited to be working with kids while continuing her love for dance.

Katie Lipscomb was introduced to dance at age 6 and shortly thereafter started competing. Katie was a member of the PDC Dance Company for 7 years and won numerous awards and recognition. Katie was also a member of the Muncie Central Dance Team. Katie is a senior at BSU studying hospitality and food management, as well as dance.

 

Krista Miller began dancing at the age of 3 under the instruction of Gay Kroening. Her dance experience includes ballet, pointe, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, and musical theatre. She has been a company member at Premiere since it opened and she is thrilled to continue to be a part of the center! Krista is a freshman at Ball State University and is studying nursing.

Audrey Rees started dance at 3 years old. She has studied jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, ballet, and pointe. Audrey spent her last 5 years of dance at Premiere. Audrey is currently a Ball State student minoring in dance. She is also a member of the Code Red Dance team.

Ian Rees: started dancing at the age of 10 and soon found his niche. Ian studied at various places before finding a home at Premiere Dance Center. Ian was a member of the PDC Dance Company for 3 years and won many awards and honors while competing. Ian is a junior at BSU and is majoring in apparel design.

 

 

Jama Smith: began her training under the instruction of Gay Kroening at the age of 10.  She has 16 years of extensive training in ballet.  Jama has continued her training by attending the summer intensive at Ballet Magnificat, the world's premier Christian ballet company.  Jama leads the Immanuel Praise program at Premiere with great passion and vision. 

Emily Tinkle started dancing at the age of three for Gay Kroening. Emily's repertoire includes tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, modern, and pointe. Emily was one of the original members of the PDC Dance Company and one of Michelle's first students 13 years ago. Emily is a freshman at BSU studying Elementary and Special Education. She has both a love for kids and passion for dancing. We are excited to have her on staff!

 

Amy Wilkins: spent her youth training at Anderson Young Ballet Theatre in Anderson, IN. She also trained as a gymnast for many years with Crandall's, winning the honor of state champion on the floor exercise. Amy served as a cheer director/coach at Anderson Gymnastics for 10+ years. Amy is now the coach for the BSU dance team, Code Red. Amy is a graduate of Anderson University and is a teacher in the Anderson area. She is married to Jay and they have three children: Hallie, Quinn, and Klein.