ABOUT ELITE DANCE PROJECT'S STAFF

Qualified, Educated, Caring, Positive.

Elite Dance Project employs only the most educated and highest quality instructors. Almost all of our teachers have earned Bachelor's degrees in Dance from reputable universities such as Oakland University, University of Michigan, and Michigan State University. Following college, our teachers have gone on to accomplish great things, such as winning national choreography awards and being hired as NFL cheerleaders. Our choreographers are extremely experienced in the competition and professional dance industry and lead our dancers to victory at every competition we attend. Our instructors provide a solid technical foundation which allows our students to thrive in the art of dance and reach their fullest potential.

MEET THE TEAM

Where the Passion Begins

Come dance with us at Elite Dance Project! Our team of instructors is dedicated to teaching you the moves and techniques you need to take your dancing to the next level. Whether you’re here for recreation or for professional training, we can help you reach your goals. Continue browsing our team profiles below to learn more.

BELLA MIRZA

Co-Owner, Competitive Dance Choreographer, Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, Leaps + Turns, Preschool

Bella began her dance and gymnastics training at 4 years old and spent her adolescence training under some of the most sought out instructors such as Veronica Chapp and Jeanette Cota. Bella spent three years coaching competitive gymnastics and All-Star cheerleading before committing to training dance. Bella is an award winning choreographer on the national level and has a passion for teaching proper dance technique. She is the varsity dance coach at Lapeer High School. Some of her recent accomplishments include winning an overall national choreography award at EnerGy's Midwest 2021 Nationals and choreographing ten routines that have won national championships, two of which have won GRAND national championships, including "Oceans", which was undefeated for an entire season consisting of 11 competitions. Oceans also received a golden ticket at Revolution regionals, and was the only routine at EnerGy Regionals in Grand Rapids to win a People's Choice nominee and have a chance to compete in the Industry Dance Awards. Most recently, one of Bella's pieces was awarded the highest scoring group routine of an entire competition of more than 400 routines! Bella is also a competition judge for several national dance competitions around the country including Breakout, Beyond the Stars and I Love Dance.

PAIGE SALAYKO

Competitive Dance Choreographer, Preschool, Jazz, Hiphop

Paige has been dancing competitively since she was 9 years old. She is an extremely accomplished competitive dancer who has won countless incredible standout awards and first overalls. Paige recently won an overall National choreography award! She was also the Miss Detroit KAR titleholder for the 2018-2019 dance season. Paige has been teaching for two years and she has a gift for it. Our students love taking class from her and she makes learning dance technique fun!

DANA BREWER

Competition Dance Choreographer, Lyrical

Dana has been teaching for more than 15 years. She earned a BS in Education from Central Michigan University and a Master's in Teaching from Marygrove College and went on to teach dance programs in public school districts. She currently directs the Oxford Dance Conservatory at Oxford High School, preparing college and career bound students for the next steps in their dance endeavors. She has taught ever age, level and style including jazz, modern, ballet, contemporary, ballroom, Bollywood and African. Dana has choreographed multiple musicals including Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, the Sound of Music.

NATALIE WARDLAW

Conditioning, Tap

Natalie graduated from the University of Michigan with her BA in dance. She has performed in Krist Faulkner's Woman Work and the Detroit Dance Race. Throughout her college career she attended the American College Dance Association where she performed in the adjudication show. Along with performing at the ACDA she also choreographed a piece which was performed in the informal show. Natalie is also a NASM trainer. In addition to all of these accomplishments, Natalie is extremely well versed in the competition dance world and grew up training at a competitive dance studio.

SYDNEY NASS

Tap

Sydney is our level 1 tap Instructor and one of our most loved team members, well respected by our team and students alike. Her passion for dance and teaching others to feel confident dancing is a true inspiration. She grew up dancing competitively and was an extremely accomplished competitive dancer. Sydney won first runner up to the prestigious title of Miss KAR Detroit Dance for the 2018-2019 year. She is now sharing her vast knowledge with our students and we're so lucky to have her on our team!

TIANNA JONES

Tianna is an Oakland University graduate with a BFA in dance. She has performed with competitive studios, collegiate teams, and professional organizations including the Detroit Pistons, and most recently being a Detroit Lions Cheerleader for three seasons. Throughout her dance career, she has spent three years being the only dance teacher in Michigan through the DEA Youth Program held in elementary schools. In addition to teaching jazz and hiphop at EDP, she is also a physical therapy technician.