MEET OUR FACULTY
Stephanie Michalowski
Owner/Instructor/Co-Company Director
Stephanie started dancing at the age of 3. She has studied many styles including: ballet, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, & contemporary. Stephanie attended Illinois State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance Education. She was a member of the Illinois State Dance Theater where she had the privilege of working with many different choreographers. She has many years experience of preforming but her love for dance brought her to teaching. She has experience teaching ages from 18 months to adults. Since graduating she has taught at different dance studios around the area spreading her passion for dance. From there, she has decided to fulfill a life long dream of hers to open her own dance studio. Stephanie's goal is to share her love and passion for dance to all the students who attend her studio.
Owner/Instructor/Co-Company Director
Stephanie started dancing at the age of 3. She has studied many styles including: ballet, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, & contemporary. Stephanie attended Illinois State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance Education. She was a member of the Illinois State Dance Theater where she had the privilege of working with many different choreographers. She has many years experience of preforming but her love for dance brought her to teaching. She has experience teaching ages from 18 months to adults. Since graduating she has taught at different dance studios around the area spreading her passion for dance. From there, she has decided to fulfill a life long dream of hers to open her own dance studio. Stephanie's goal is to share her love and passion for dance to all the students who attend her studio.
Destiny Barnes
Instructor/Co-Company Director
Miss Destiny started dancing at three years old and has studied Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Tap. After dancing competitively for years, she joined her Orchesis team at Elk Grove High School, where she fell in love with choreography and storytelling. She has now been teaching and choreographing for 8+ years. Miss Destiny has received prestigious awards such “Best Choreographer”, “Best Performer”, “Outstanding Leadership” and other awards that she feels honored to have received. She has taken classes from Mia Michaels, Bobby Newberry, CJ Salvador, Nick Pupillo and many other inspiring choreographers. She trained and performed with Insideout Dance Project in their 2019-2020 season. Today, she furthers her training by taking classes at Visceral Dance Studio, The Rooted Space and other studios in Chicago; as well as trains on and choreographs for professional company, Outlet Dance Company. Miss Destiny works backstage and as an emcee at dance competitions. Her goal is to push her dancers to be the best version of themselves that they can be. She strives to get her students to emote, tell a story and think about movement quality, as she believes artistry is just as important for a dancer to have as technique. She loves sharing her passion of dance and choreography with the next generation of dancers.
Instructor/Co-Company Director
Miss Destiny started dancing at three years old and has studied Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Tap. After dancing competitively for years, she joined her Orchesis team at Elk Grove High School, where she fell in love with choreography and storytelling. She has now been teaching and choreographing for 8+ years. Miss Destiny has received prestigious awards such “Best Choreographer”, “Best Performer”, “Outstanding Leadership” and other awards that she feels honored to have received. She has taken classes from Mia Michaels, Bobby Newberry, CJ Salvador, Nick Pupillo and many other inspiring choreographers. She trained and performed with Insideout Dance Project in their 2019-2020 season. Today, she furthers her training by taking classes at Visceral Dance Studio, The Rooted Space and other studios in Chicago; as well as trains on and choreographs for professional company, Outlet Dance Company. Miss Destiny works backstage and as an emcee at dance competitions. Her goal is to push her dancers to be the best version of themselves that they can be. She strives to get her students to emote, tell a story and think about movement quality, as she believes artistry is just as important for a dancer to have as technique. She loves sharing her passion of dance and choreography with the next generation of dancers.
Gabby Estes
Instructor
Gabriella Estes is a BFA alumni of the University of Arizona School of Dance. During her time there, she trained at the professional level in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, and commercial dance styles. She was selected as an artist for the University of Arizona Dance Ensemble, where she performed works by Tamara Dyke- Compton, Michael Williams, Cat Cogliandro and Juel D. Lane. Growing up in the Chicago area, she competed across the Midwest, receiving scholarships to study at summer programs throughout the country. Most recently she performed in the Finale of Dance For Life Chicago at Auditorium Theatre in August of 2025. In the past decade, she has had the opportunity to spend her summers training with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Visceral Dance Company, Alonzo Kings Lines Ballet, River North Dance Chicago, and Interlochen Academy for the Arts, to name a few, under partial and full scholarships. Currently she is a freelance professional in Chicago who is excited to be teaching the next generation of dancers.
Instructor
Gabriella Estes is a BFA alumni of the University of Arizona School of Dance. During her time there, she trained at the professional level in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, and commercial dance styles. She was selected as an artist for the University of Arizona Dance Ensemble, where she performed works by Tamara Dyke- Compton, Michael Williams, Cat Cogliandro and Juel D. Lane. Growing up in the Chicago area, she competed across the Midwest, receiving scholarships to study at summer programs throughout the country. Most recently she performed in the Finale of Dance For Life Chicago at Auditorium Theatre in August of 2025. In the past decade, she has had the opportunity to spend her summers training with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Visceral Dance Company, Alonzo Kings Lines Ballet, River North Dance Chicago, and Interlochen Academy for the Arts, to name a few, under partial and full scholarships. Currently she is a freelance professional in Chicago who is excited to be teaching the next generation of dancers.
Analia La Spisa
Instructor
Analia began dancing at Dance Motions when she was just two years old and instantly fell in love with the art form. Over the years, she trained in a variety of styles, building a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for performance and discipline.
Analia continued her dance career at the University of Illinois, where she was a proud member and squad leader of the Illinettes Dance Team. During her time on the team, she performed at major collegiate events and took on a leadership role that allowed her to mentor and support her teammates both on and off the field. After college, Analia began substitute teaching dance, where she discovered a passion for guiding and encouraging young dancers. She is now excited to return to Dance Motions—not just as an alum, but as an instructor—ready to give back to the studio that shaped her and inspire the next generation of dancers.
Instructor
Analia began dancing at Dance Motions when she was just two years old and instantly fell in love with the art form. Over the years, she trained in a variety of styles, building a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for performance and discipline.
Analia continued her dance career at the University of Illinois, where she was a proud member and squad leader of the Illinettes Dance Team. During her time on the team, she performed at major collegiate events and took on a leadership role that allowed her to mentor and support her teammates both on and off the field. After college, Analia began substitute teaching dance, where she discovered a passion for guiding and encouraging young dancers. She is now excited to return to Dance Motions—not just as an alum, but as an instructor—ready to give back to the studio that shaped her and inspire the next generation of dancers.
Jelyssa Ramos
Instuctor
Since the age of ten, Jelyssa knew her feet belonged to the dance floor. Embracing her Spanish heritage, she began training in Bachata & Salsa before branching off into Hip-Hop. As a recreational, competitive and professional dancer, Jelyssa has been fortunate enough to train under premiere educators in both Chicago & Los Angeles. Studying under Sam Renzetti, Matt Pumanes, Gil Mata, Cameron Lee, Nika Kiljun, Hollywood, Kolanie Marks & Antoine Troupe, Jelyssa has contracted versatility that is unmatched. In 2015, Jelyssa was given the special honor to perform alongside Team USA for a performance tour across China. Her continuous training has led her to not only be a featured dancer on Netflix’s “Soundtrack” , a backup dancer for Grammy nominated DJ Steve Aoki, and Fox’s “Empire”, but also at WE Day Chicago featuring Jordan Fisher & Monique Coleman. In 2019, Jelyssa moved to Los Angeles to join LA’s exclusive elite training facility, KreativMndz Dance Academy as both a dancer and creative strategist. Since relocating back to her hometown in Chicago, Jelyssa has high hopes to educate young dancers to become industry professionals. Her expertise transcends mediums, gracing screens big and small, from television and film to live performances, music videos, and tours. Jelyssa infuses her work with an ambitious style, seamlessly intertwining movement with elements of fashion, intentionality, and love. Through her distinct approach, she endeavors to leave an indelible mark on this ever-evolving industry.
Instuctor
Since the age of ten, Jelyssa knew her feet belonged to the dance floor. Embracing her Spanish heritage, she began training in Bachata & Salsa before branching off into Hip-Hop. As a recreational, competitive and professional dancer, Jelyssa has been fortunate enough to train under premiere educators in both Chicago & Los Angeles. Studying under Sam Renzetti, Matt Pumanes, Gil Mata, Cameron Lee, Nika Kiljun, Hollywood, Kolanie Marks & Antoine Troupe, Jelyssa has contracted versatility that is unmatched. In 2015, Jelyssa was given the special honor to perform alongside Team USA for a performance tour across China. Her continuous training has led her to not only be a featured dancer on Netflix’s “Soundtrack” , a backup dancer for Grammy nominated DJ Steve Aoki, and Fox’s “Empire”, but also at WE Day Chicago featuring Jordan Fisher & Monique Coleman. In 2019, Jelyssa moved to Los Angeles to join LA’s exclusive elite training facility, KreativMndz Dance Academy as both a dancer and creative strategist. Since relocating back to her hometown in Chicago, Jelyssa has high hopes to educate young dancers to become industry professionals. Her expertise transcends mediums, gracing screens big and small, from television and film to live performances, music videos, and tours. Jelyssa infuses her work with an ambitious style, seamlessly intertwining movement with elements of fashion, intentionality, and love. Through her distinct approach, she endeavors to leave an indelible mark on this ever-evolving industry.
Haley Shike
Instructor
Haley’s passion for dance and the acrobatic arts began at the age of four. Her training began with her Mother Susan Ross who owned her own dance studio. She was a member of their competitive dance team along with training under Brittany Mikeski and Mark Swanhart. Haley won many first place awards and always placing in the overall categories enjoying the rewards of dancing competitively. At 12 years old she began training at Giordano Dance Chicago under the direction of Nan Giordano, Cesar Salinas Homer Bryant and the entire staff of the Giordano studio. She there became a valued member of their competitive dance team. Haley attended Rolling Meadows High School dancing under the direction of Reggie Goode on her Orchesis dance team. She later transferred to Fremd High School and began putting her acrobatic skills to use on the Fremd cheer team. Haley earned a full ride scholarship in dance to the University of Illinois, Champaign. She then became certified in the Acrobatics Arts program. Later she became a member of Aerial Dance Chicago training and performing in the aerial arts. Haley has taught and choreographed many competitive dance pieces at Rise Up Dance Studio. She also has choreographed for Carl Sandburg High School Dance Team. She directed and choreographed Annie, Beauty & The Beast and Best of Broadway for the Roselle Park District. Haley continues to do master classes throughout the Chicagoland area in Dance, Acro and Aerial arts. Presently she is on staff at The Dance Loft and continues to choreograph many award winning pieces and earning numerous choreography awards at dance competitions over the past ten years. Her goal is to provide the passion of the Arts to all she teaches and nurturing each dancer not just in dance technique but as individuals as well. Haley is a proud owner of Sassy the Chihuahua and her hobbies include working out and bedazzling and designing costumes for her competitive dancers. She looks forward always to a positive upbeat way of learning inside her classroom and lives by the saying DANCE FROM YOUR HEART!
Instructor
Haley’s passion for dance and the acrobatic arts began at the age of four. Her training began with her Mother Susan Ross who owned her own dance studio. She was a member of their competitive dance team along with training under Brittany Mikeski and Mark Swanhart. Haley won many first place awards and always placing in the overall categories enjoying the rewards of dancing competitively. At 12 years old she began training at Giordano Dance Chicago under the direction of Nan Giordano, Cesar Salinas Homer Bryant and the entire staff of the Giordano studio. She there became a valued member of their competitive dance team. Haley attended Rolling Meadows High School dancing under the direction of Reggie Goode on her Orchesis dance team. She later transferred to Fremd High School and began putting her acrobatic skills to use on the Fremd cheer team. Haley earned a full ride scholarship in dance to the University of Illinois, Champaign. She then became certified in the Acrobatics Arts program. Later she became a member of Aerial Dance Chicago training and performing in the aerial arts. Haley has taught and choreographed many competitive dance pieces at Rise Up Dance Studio. She also has choreographed for Carl Sandburg High School Dance Team. She directed and choreographed Annie, Beauty & The Beast and Best of Broadway for the Roselle Park District. Haley continues to do master classes throughout the Chicagoland area in Dance, Acro and Aerial arts. Presently she is on staff at The Dance Loft and continues to choreograph many award winning pieces and earning numerous choreography awards at dance competitions over the past ten years. Her goal is to provide the passion of the Arts to all she teaches and nurturing each dancer not just in dance technique but as individuals as well. Haley is a proud owner of Sassy the Chihuahua and her hobbies include working out and bedazzling and designing costumes for her competitive dancers. She looks forward always to a positive upbeat way of learning inside her classroom and lives by the saying DANCE FROM YOUR HEART!
Eliana Weinert
Instructor
Eliana began training at 3 years old, where she took classes at Main Stage Center for the Arts in her hometown of Armada, MI. There, she studied ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, pointe, and contemporary styles. She has attended summer intensives with the Cecchetti International Ballet School, Cincinnati Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. After graduating from high school, she continued her dance journey at Grand Valley State University to study Dance with a minor in Psychology. Throughout her time at Grand Valley, she has had the opportunity to perform guest artists works by Renaldo Maurice, Aya Wilson, Christopher Page-Sanders, Devin Baker, and DJ Smart. After her college graduation in 2026 she will be dancing with The LAUNCH Chicago. Throughout her dance journey, she has developed a love and passion for teaching. She has previously taught at Main Stage Dance and Michigan Ballet Academy, working with children and adults of all ages. She is excited to join Dance Motions and encourage her students to work towards all their dance goals!
Instructor
Eliana began training at 3 years old, where she took classes at Main Stage Center for the Arts in her hometown of Armada, MI. There, she studied ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, pointe, and contemporary styles. She has attended summer intensives with the Cecchetti International Ballet School, Cincinnati Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. After graduating from high school, she continued her dance journey at Grand Valley State University to study Dance with a minor in Psychology. Throughout her time at Grand Valley, she has had the opportunity to perform guest artists works by Renaldo Maurice, Aya Wilson, Christopher Page-Sanders, Devin Baker, and DJ Smart. After her college graduation in 2026 she will be dancing with The LAUNCH Chicago. Throughout her dance journey, she has developed a love and passion for teaching. She has previously taught at Main Stage Dance and Michigan Ballet Academy, working with children and adults of all ages. She is excited to join Dance Motions and encourage her students to work towards all their dance goals!