Our Instructors

The Detroit Dance Center team of professional, nurturing experienced, and friendly dance instructors have a range of skills and expertise to share with our dancers.

Meet Ms. Abrey

A junior electrical and computer engineering student at Wayne State University, Aubrey Hammis, thrives on STEM learning. Yet, she's more than circuits and codes. With a lifelong dance journey spanning jazz, ballet, contemporary, tap, and acro since age 3, dance is her soul's language.

Tap is her groove, and her dance voyage has taken her nationwide. Under talents like Sarah Reich and Heather Cornell, she honed her craft from Los Angeles to New York City. Dance fuels her, and teaching ignites her spirit. For 5 years, she's been a classroom ally, guiding ages 2 to 18. For 4 years, she's been the maestro, mentoring, choreographing, and shaping award-winning performances. Aubrey's passion finds home at Detroit Dance Center, where she fuels dreams and spreads the dance magic.

Meet Ms. Dom

Dominique, a seasoned dance professional with over 25 years of experience, originates from Detroit, MI. Her dance journey commenced at the tender age of 10, flourishing at the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy. Having trained in jazz, modern, hip hop, ballet, and Traditional West African Dance, Dominique's expertise was honed through her active participation in the academy's Pre-Professional Dance Company and Teacher's Assistant Program.

Having obtained certification in the Ready Set Move Toddler Program, Dominique cultivates a secure, all-embracing space where young dancers can immerse themselves in the magic of movement. Fueled by an ardent passion for teaching across all age groups, her mission revolves around nurturing a deep-seated adoration for dance within every individual. Beyond her dance achievements, Dominique's multifaceted persona shines through her role as a Project Manager and her academic accomplishments, which encompass an Associates of Arts degree from Schoolcraft College.Furthermore, her certification in Meditation from the Complimentary Therapist Accredited Association underscores her mindful and holistic teaching approach, establishing her as an dedicated and nurturing dance educator.

Meet Ms. Ja'Niya

Ja’Niya Hughes embarked on her dance journey at the age of 4, captivated by dance performances on television. Her innate passion led her to formal training at LaShelle’s School Of Dance, where she began her transformative journey at the age of 7. A distinguished alumna of LSODance Company and a graduate of Detroit School Of Arts Performing High School, Ja’Niya's dedication and talent have garnered numerous accolades, including prestigious scholarships such as the Dance Theater Of Harlem Summer Intensive and Tremaine Dance Conventions.

Ja’Niya's artistic endeavors have graced illustrious stages, including the historic Fox Theater and the acclaimed Little Caesars Arena. Her artistic contributions extend beyond performances, as she has showcased her skills as an assistant choreographer for notable productions such as "Passing Strange," directed by John Sloan. Additionally, she has demonstrated her choreographic prowess alongside accomplished choreographer Tislarm Bouie for the 2023 "Evening Of Fine Arts" at Fox Theater, hosted by Detroit School of Arts. With a passion for the arts that has been nurtured from a young age, Ja’Niya aspires to inspire and empower individuals who share her devotion to the world of dance.

Meet Ms. Jasmine

Jasmine began dancing at age 5 at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy and hasn’t stopped dancing since. She received training in ballet, modern, hip-hop, and jazz there. While dancing there, she learned her love for teaching by being a part of the Teen Mentoring Program. She has performed locally, regionally, and internationally, representing Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, Cass Technical High School, and Michigan State University. After graduating from Michigan State with her BA in Chemistry, she went on to teach in the Detroit Public Community District as a science teacher.

Her love for education and curriculum extends far beyond the classroom. After graduation, Jasmine returned to her roots and began teaching dance as an instructor at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy. During the duration of her teaching, she obtained a Master of Science in Chemistry to extend her knowledge of Chemistry beyond high school. Jasmine has over ten years of experience in teaching and curriculum. Teaching children is truly her passion. Jasmine currently holds a certification in Horton Technique.

Meet Ms. Linda

Linda put on her first pair of tap shoes at age 3. She competed in dance competitions locally, regionally, and nationally throughout her training, representing Sheryl's School of Dance in Novi, MI, and Wendy's School of Dance in Detroit, MI. After receiving a BBA in Accounting from Howard University, Linda worked in auditing for a Big 4 accounting firm and became an instructor at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, specializing in jazz and tap. Once accepting a position as an internal audit manager in New York, she simultaneously continued her dance training in ballet, hip-hop, and tap at Alvin Ailey Extension and Broadway Dance Center.

Linda has over 20 years of experience in training students in the art of dance, ranging in age from 3-adult, and has been choreographing pieces for various performances and competitions. Linda is an ABT® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She also holds certifications in the Acrobatic Arts and the Progressing Ballet Technique curriculum.

Meet Ms. Olivia

Hailing from the heart of Detroit, Michigan, Olivia Rae McKinstry brings a whirlwind of creativity and energy to every step she takes. A Detroit School of Arts graduate, she emerged as a dance major, paving the way for an exhilarating journey ahead. From her roots, Olivia ventured to Alabama State University, embracing the arts with fervor.

Her time at ASU spun a tapestry of accomplishments, from captivating performances within the Theatre and Dance Department to collaborating with choreographer Nathan Trice on an electrifying screen dance film. With a triumphant stride, Olivia earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Alabama State, solidifying her prowess. Today, she dances through life as a multifaceted artist—dancer, actor, writer—and now, an inspiring dance instructor at Detroit Dance Center. Olivia's vibrant spirit paints her journey, making her an invaluable addition to the dance world and Detroit's artistic tapestry.

Meet Mr. Ryan

Born and bred in Detroit's heartbeat, Ryan C. Harvey's dance journey ignited at 11, carving a path that defies the norm. With Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy as his canvas, Ryan's gift sparked his swift ascent into their Pre-Professional Dance Company. His steps resonated on international stages, echoing through South Africa's air.

The Detroit School of Arts High School beckoned, where Ryan's artistry flourished. As a performing arts maven, he wove his essence into the fabric of the DSA Dance Workshop, leaving his mark at the All-City Performing Arts Showcase and Michigan Youth Arts Festival. Ryan's dance voyage continued as a teacher, igniting young flames, and a choreographer, summoning magic onto the Detroit Opera House stage with "Fatherhood." His achievements encompass a Dancer Teacher's Certification from DanceTeacher Web and University of Nevada Las Vegas, illuminating his path as a luminary in the dance realm. With over 15 years nurturing young talents, Ryan stands tall, a testament to perseverance and dreams realized. A choreographer, performer, mentor—his legacy empowers dancers to carve their own extraordinary path in the world of dance.