About Dancer's Edge

Philosophy

Welcome to Dancer's Edge! We believe in finding the hidden talent and potential in every student! Helping dancers achieve all of their personal and professional goals are essential to establishing a foundation for future success. Dance teaches us dedication, hard work, leadership, perseverance, teamwork and much more. Developing a well-rounded dancer with concrete life-skills enhances self-confidence and is the core of our curriculum. Using positive feedback, teacher analysis and self-analysis, students are encouraged to continually learn and grow through self-motivation, determination and a passion for excellence. Come dance with us and see the difference!

Dancer's Edge Instructors 
 

Valerie P.

As the head coach of the nationally ranked University of Michigan Dance Team for 20 years from 2000-2022, Valerie Stead Potsos is the Director/Owner of Dancer's Edge in Dexter, Michigan. She has choreographed for professional corporate sponsors including Ford Motor Company and much more. Dancer’s Edge was named as “Top Studios on the Move” in Dance Spirit for 2007. Her articles on coaching and dance have appeared in Dance Spirit, American Cheerleader and in Motion Magazines. She is a seminar presenter, and consultant for AACCA (American Association of Cheer Coaches and Administrators) and staff member for Universal Dance Association on topics such as Motivation, Leadership, Team-building and many more!

Along with judging local and state competitions, Valerie has judged studio, high school, College Dance Nationals and Worlds as well for various organizations including Nexstar, Contest of Champions and many more. She coached The Royal Oak Kimball Dance Company and The Royal Oak Kimball Varsity Dance Team for 8 years. She also teaches for the kinesiology department, “U-Move” at The University of Michigan. A choreographer for several teams and studios, Valerie has also choreographed for professional singers and for Ford Motor Company at Ford Field. She has been dancing since age three and teaching dance since age fourteen and was a member and captain of The University of Michigan Dance Team. Valerie graduated with a B.A. from the University of Michigan in Communication and Dance Education and has additional graduate studies in Secondary Education from Michigan State University. Valerie resides in Dexter, MI with her husband and three children.

Jenn B.

Jenn has been teaching dance in the Dexter area for over 20 years. She specializes in the young dancer and teaches tap, jazz, ballet, and musical theatre. Jenn was the director of the Very Young Dancer program at Dexter Academy of Dance under Mollie Murphy for 7 years. She has 10 years' experience in private Summer Camp Administration and lesson planning/teaching in numerous subjects from reading to fine Italian cooking. She is an avid musical theatre performer and choreographer. She works with many area theatre groups such as Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, Dexter Community Players, Saline Area Players, Pinckney Players, and the University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society both onstage, as a choreographer, and as a dance captain.

Laney B.

With 14 years of experience in various dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary, Laney brings a rich background to her teaching. She started dancing at the age of 2 and has been passionately involved in dance ever since. Laney has been teaching students under the age of 13 for the past 2 years, sharing her knowledge and love for dance. Additionally, she is a proud member of the Dexter High School Varsity Dance Team. Laney's commitment to both her own dance education and the development of her students makes her an invaluable asset at Dancer's Edge!

Ruby B.

Ruby has been dancing since she was eight and began competing at the age of ten. She is a recent alumni of both the Dancer’s Edge Competition Team and Dexter Varsity Dance Team. Through experiences like these, Ruby has acquired a deep love for the art of dance and the strong community it builds. She has a strong background in leadership and extensive training in numerous dance styles - all of which she is eager to pass down to her students. She’s been teaching at Dancer’s Edge for three years, and can’t wait to start a fourth!

Emily C.

Emily C. is a dancer and choreographer originally from Grand Blanc, Michigan. She began dancing at age three at The Pelio School of Dance and later trained at Young People's Ballet Theatre under Nicholas and Laura Schultz, Denise Paavola, Heather Liskiewitz, Jennifer Wiley, and Katie Wiley, where she performed several lead roles. During her senior year of high school, she continued her training at the Flint School of Performing Arts under the direction of Karen Jennings, Elizabeth Philippi, Bohuslava Jelinkova, and Michael Woodberry-Means.

Emily earned a BFA in Dance and a BS in Healthcare Services and Sciences from Western Michigan University in 2024. While at WMU, she performed in works by Seyong Kim, Monique Haley, Kia Smith, and Terk Lewis, and toured with Western Dance Project under the direction of Kelsey Paschich. She is a certified personal trainer and currently works as the Program Administrator for the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at Michigan Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, meal prepping, and spending time with friends and family. 

Jess D. 

Jess Daniels is originally from the Chicagoland area and that’s where her dance journey began at the age of 4. She fell in love with the art and knew it was going to be part of her life forever. Jess is trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and tap. Jess danced throughout high school, college, and beyond. At Elmhurst University, Jess was the captain of the Poms team and the first student teacher in the dance department. Teaching became her main focus and she earned a degree in dance education. Jess was also accepted into the MFA program at The University of Northern Colorado. 

Post graduation, Jess taught at local studios and danced professionally in L.A, Nashville, and Chicago. She’s worked with top choreographers including Ryan Heffington, Chris Xayarath, and Matt Stefanina. Jess was also fortunate enough to dance with the Chicago Luvabulls. In 2024, she moved to Chelsea MI with her husband & two kiddos. She is SO EXCITED to be a part of the Dancer’s Edge family! In Jess’ classes you can expect lots of energy, encouragement, and positivity. Jess wants every student to feel confident, comfortable to express themselves, and have fun! 

Dasani D. 

Dasani is in her second year as a dance teacher at Dancer’s Edge. She received dance training from Noretta Dunworth School of Dance in Dearborn, Michigan for four years, danced competitively for three years, and has been trained in the styles of ballet, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, musical theater, and ballroom. She has attended various conventions and taken classes from industry choreographers such as Blake McGrath, Nika Kljun, Randi Kemper, Hef Tuita and more. She has also trained with the Blake McGrath Online Mentorship as a mentee in the pre-professional program and has taken classes under choreographers including Brian Friedman, Kelly Sweeney, Sammy McFadden, and Grant Gilmore. Dasani is currently studying business at Schoolcraft College and is passionate to continue pursuing a professional career in the commercial dance industry. She is so excited to continue teaching and wants to help every student reach their full potential and grow to be one step better each day. Dasani wants all dancers to enjoy their training to the fullest and continue experiencing the joy and love that dance brings to them.

Celia E.

Celia Ebener is about to begin her first-year teaching at Dancer's Edge but has been teaching dance since 2022! She is currently working towards a BFA degree in dance from Wayne State University's Maggie Allesse Department of Dance. But before Wayne, Celia trained at Academy of the Arts (in Spring Arbor, Mi) for 10 years and competed with their competitive company, The Jackson Dance Company, for 6. Throughout her high school and college career, Celia has spent her time training in Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Irish, Acro, African, Improvisation, and Ethio-Modern Dance. Last year at Wayne Celia was able to spend some time training with many renowned artists, Benito "Mav-One" Vasquez, Waverly T. Lucas & Nina Gilreath with BallEthnic, Maddy Petz, Devon "Uri Mercury" Campbell, as well as Amadi Washington & Sam Pratt with Baye & Asa. Celia is excited to be starting her journey with Dancers Edge and to start dancing with all of you! 

Ashley F.

Ashley is a competition and ballet instructor at Dancer's Edge. She has been dancing for over 30 years and teaching for 15. She has taught all ages at a variety of studios but is happy to have returned to Dancer's Edge where she fell in love with teaching. She has extensive ballet training, but also enjoys jazz, contemporary, modern, and lyrical. Ashley received a Bachelor's of Science from Eastern Michigan University in Dance Studio Management. She began her dance training under Wendi DuBois and became a member of Youth Dance Theatre. Ashley enjoys choreographing for her students and has won choreography awards over the years. Ashley believes in building a strong technical foundation for her students to be able to develop their skills safely in a positive environment. Ashley lives on Belleville Lake with her son and two kitties. 

Addie G.

Addie has been dancing competitively at Dancer’s Edge since age 6. She is trained in all styles and particularly enjoys Pom. She was a member of the Edge All-Star team for five years, including being a member of the National Championship team in 2025. She has continued her dance career as a second year member on the MSU Elite Competitive Dance Team. Addie has been teaching at Dancer’s Edge for the past two years and enjoys sharing her passion of dance with her students. Addie is currently attending Michigan State University, majoring in Psychology and pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree.

Justin G.

Justin Grady is a New York-based dancer. Recently graduating from the esteemed professional semester at Broadway Dance Center. He has been dancing since he was 14 years old with his focus being movement and proper technique. Personally assisting choreographers like Alex Wong and Tom Richardson and performing at the Edinburgh film festival in Scotland, Justin has worked his way to create a dance career for himself. With multiple scholarships from conventions and his own choreography awards through dance films and competitions, he is looking to grow his knowledge and experience as he continues to expand his career.

Katy H.

Katy Hepner is excited to be back as an instructor at Dancer’s Edge! She began dancing at the age of nine and has not stopped since. Katy began teaching at Dancer’s Edge in 2005 and specializes in our youngest dancers as well as all levels of tap. When not teaching dance she works as the Director of Special Events for the University of Michigan Athletic Department as well as teaches Jazzercise. Katy lives in Dexter with her husband Aaron and two children, Jackson & Lucy. 

Nicole K.

Nicole began dancing at the age of three years old at Spotlight dance studio in Pinckney and went on to join their competition dance team. In high school she was on the Varsity cheer team, but you could always find her in her zone at homecoming dancing at the pep rallies. She has been coaching her daughters youth cheer and pom team through PYA in Pinckney for three years now. She started teaching at Dancers Edge during her daughter’s third competitive dance season here at dancers edge and absolutely loves being back in the studio. When not teaching or coaching Nicole is a registered nurse at Michigan Medicine in the operating rooms focusing on general, transplant, and orthopedic surgery. She is also the mom that is always in the waiting room or dressing room at competitions with a bag of yarn crocheting or crafting. Nicole lives in Pinckney with her husband Brandon and their four children Grayson, Vivi-Anne, Brooks, and Hutch.

Julia K.

Julia Kirkey is a student at the University of Michigan. She is also a teacher at Dancer’s Edge. She was a student at Dancer’s edge for over a decade, and began working as a teacher in 2022. She was also a member of the Dexter Highschool Varsity Dance Team for four years. She is a member of U of M’s Women in Math Club and Student Astronomical Society. Julia believes that dance should be fun while also teaching real world skills like hard work and discipline.

Anna K.

Anna has been dancing for 15 years and has been teaching at Dancer’s Edge for the past four years. Throughout her training, she has studied ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, and pom. She has experience teaching a variety of classes and working with dancers on technique, solos, duets, trios, and more. Anna enjoys teaching dancers of all ages and skill levels and loves helping each student grow in their own way and at their own pace. She strives to create a positive and supportive environment where dancers feel comfortable challenging themselves, making mistakes, and building confidence. 

Anna currently attends Michigan State University, where she is majoring in Human Development and Family Studies and plans to minor in Cognitive Science. Her studies have given her a deeper understanding of child development, learning, and the ways the brain works. She brings this knowledge into her teaching philosophy, recognizing that every dancer learns differently and that it is important to adapt to each student’s individual needs and learning style.

Ali M.

Ali has been competitively dancing for 13 years, and has been teaching Solos, Private Lessons, and Group Lessons for 5. She began her dance education at a young age, and is well versed in a variety of styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Acro, and Contemporary. She is currently attending the University of Michigan and plans to minor in Dance. 

Kate M.

Kate is excited to begin her 2nd year as a dance instructor at Dancer's Edge! She has been dancing since the age of 2 and competing since age 5 in a wide range of styles, with pom being her favorite. Kate is currently a co-captain of the Dexter High School Varsity Dance Team, who won their first national title at DTU in 2026. She is extremely passionate about dance and strives to make learning engaging, enjoyable and rewarding for every student. Kate can't wait for another amazing year of watching her students grow!

Izzy N.

Izzy is in her second year as a dance instructor at Dancer’s Edge. She has been dancing her entire life and has trained in a wide range of styles, including All-Star Pom, Cecchetti Ballet, Modern, Open, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Throughout her dance journey, she has had the privilege of working with notable choreographers such as Chelsea Sebes, Frankie Zulferino, and Sara Brendel. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Western Michigan University, where she developed a strong passion for mental well-being. Izzy believes it is especially important for athletes to prioritize their mental health alongside their physical training. Izzy began teaching and choreographing seven years ago, and since then has earned numerous choreography awards and recognition at the national level. She loves teaching dancers of all ages and abilities, and values the life skills and lessons that extend beyond dance training in the studio. Above all, Izzy believes dance should be fun, inspiring, and a way to spark confidence in every child.

Maura P.

Maura began dancing at the age of 3 and later competed as a member of Dance Connection in Davison, MI for 10 years, primarily training in musical theatre, jazz, and tap. Alongside her dance and vocal training she worked at a local daycare where her passion to help mold young minds evolved. Maura recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering and a Minor in Dance, focusing on Dance Education. While studying under her ballet and pedagogical teacher Missy Beck, her understanding of anatomy based technique grew, becoming her main goal as an instructor. During her time at U of M, Maura served as the Co-President of the Dance Student Assembly and produced the W26 Student Choreography Showcase which she also choreographed and performed in across multiple semesters. At U of M she trained in various styles including ballet, hip hop, musical theatre, jazz, contemporary, and modern (Martha Graham technique). After teaching with us the past summer, Maura is excited to begin her first full year with the Dancer’s Edge family she has already grown to love.

Kimberly S.

Kimberly has been an Instructor and Choreographer for over 15 years, and has been a part of Dancer's Edge since 2018. She is experienced in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and tap. Kim trained as a competitive dancer for 10 years, where she also had the opportunity to perform with Jerry Lewis, Ricky Martin in Palm Springs, members from N*sync at Detroit's Hob Nobble Gobble and was featured in Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She attended The University of Michigan where she obtained her BFA in dance performance and choreography and was a member of The University of Michigan Dance team. Upon graduation, Kimberly accepted a scholarship to the River North Dance Company summer intensive in Chicago and relocated to NYC in the fall to further pursue her professional career. While in New York, Kim was a company member of The Next Stage Project, Jennifer Muller/ The Works, and Double Take Dance Company. She has performed throughout the east coast at renowned venues such as New York's City Center. New York's Summer Stage, Brooklyn Ballet Theater, and Peridance Theater. Her favorite project was a collaborative performance with her husband; a percussionist, at The Juilliard School. Kimberly hopes to pass on her passion for dance to all of her students, by giving them a solid technical foundation that allows them freedom and exploration in their movement. She is beyond grateful to all of her current and former students and to her Dancer's Edge Family for the opportunity to do what she loves! When Kimberly is not at Dancer's Edge she is a mom to two busy boys! 

Julia W.

Julia has been sharing her love of dance with students since 2011. A lifelong dancer, Julia began her training in Polish dance and ballet before joining a studio at the age of ten. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Wayne State University, following additional study at Marygrove College. Julia is trained in all styles of dance, with specialties in Ballet, Contemporary & Modern. Throughout her dance career, Julia has competed extensively, earning numerous awards including the title of Miss Senior Dance USA at Dance USA Nationals for two consecutive years. She has also been recognized for her choreography and performance in solos, duets, and group routines. Julia was a proud member of the National Dance Honor Society during high school and her college years and continues to be passionate about professional growth within the dance community. Outside the studio, Julia enjoys swimming, cooking, and writing poetry. She lives in Livonia with her loving husband and continues to find inspiration in both the art of dance and the joy of everyday life.

Dancer's Edge Administrative Staff

Katy B., Studio Manager

Jenn B., Administrative Assistant

Sabrina P., Front Desk & Administrative Assistant

Alicia J., Front Desk & Customer Service

Rachael K., Front Desk & Customer Service