STAFF
The Platinum Team provides a safe place for our dancers to learn and grow. We are dedicated to our studio mission, core values, and positive culture. We invite you to meet our amazing team below, some of whom have been inspiring the Minnesota dance community for decades!
ERICA WILLEMSEN
Owner / Founder
Coming Soon!
LEXI SWENSON
Owner / Founder
Coming Soon!
ABBY LLOYD
Teacher
Abby is combining her background as an elementary teacher with a lifelong dance career by joining the PD community. She is excited to introduce the youngest dancers at Platinum to what could be their greatest passion! Abby is a mom of three baseball/softball players (Emilia, Eddie, and Robbie) and one Cavapoo named Mabel. She and her husband Ryan both love to be with family and friends and neighbors - and need to be reminded to slow down. She enjoys going to the theater, making arts and crafts, drinking coffee and snuggling with her family.
ANNA MIGLIORI
Student Teacher
Coming Soon!
ASHA KELKAR
Student Teacher
Coming Soon!
BRITTNEY KEATING
Teacher
Brittney began her dance journey at just three years old in the Twin Cities and went on to continue her passion while studying at Michigan State University. With 12 years of competitive dance experience, she has extensive training in tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, and modern.
In addition to her dance background, Brittney holds a master’s degree in School Counseling and loves working with children both in schools and at the studio. This is her third year at Platinum Dance, where she teaches across the Recreation, Performance Team, and Competitive programs.
Brittney believes in creating a supportive, encouraging, and positive learning environment. She is passionate about guiding dancers of all ages and levels, and she feels grateful to be part of their dance journey every step of the way.
CAMRYN BUELOW
Sales Coordinator
As a Minnesota native, Camryn holds a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance from the University of Minnesota Duluth. When she is not at the studio, she works professionally as an actor and choreographer. In addition to performing, she is passionate about arts education, working with The Blake School and the Performing Institute of Minnesota to inspire and train the next generation of performers.
CAROLINE BUNDSCHUH
Teacher
Caroline Bundschuh began her dance training at St. Louis Ballet under the artistic direction of former New York City Ballet principal Gen Horiuchi. In high school, she was selected for their inaugural elite competition team and at sixteen she was invited to join the company as a trainee. Caroline continued her education at the University of Utah, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet and a Bachelor of Science in Family, Community, and Human Development. Following her graduation, Caroline got her first professional job with Roanoke Ballet Theatre as a company artist under the artistic direction of Rolando Sarabia. During that time, Caroline also guested with Krolewski Ballet, a Polish company, in their American tour of Swan Lake. She later moved to Minneapolis to dance with Continental Ballet Company and is now pursuing a career as a freelance artist in the region.
She first began teaching at a local studio while in college, where she got her first opportunities to set and choreograph works for the Nutcracker and other full length ballets. She also taught at Roanoke Ballet Theatre, and set two professional pieces on her fellow company artists. This is her eighth year as a dance instructor and she is very excited to continue teaching and sharing her expertise and love of dance with the students at Platinum!
CASSIDY STEIGAUF
Studio & Billing Coordinator
As a former dancer of 12 years (tap was my specialty), I love being back in the studio. Creating a fun and safe space for all the dancers is what I love most about my job. I'm also a cat mom and love to read in my free time!
CHRYSTIE WAGNER
Teacher
Coming Soon!
DANI FITZGERALD
Teacher
Miss Dani is going into her third year teaching dance at Platinum. Her background in dance extends to her toddler years, from competitions, to concert dance, to professional work. Her favorite styles are modern, contemporary, and ballet. She is also a first grade teacher!
GODZE VAUGHT
Teacher
Coming Soon!
GRACE LENNON
Teacher
Grace danced competitively at Janet Lang Dance Studio and The Dance Lab in Rochester, MN. After graduating high school she moved to Chicago to train at A&A Ballet under Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik. Upon returning to Minnesota, Grace danced for 4 seasons with the Company of Ballet Co.Laboratory in St. Paul. This is Grace's 4th season at Platinum and she can't wait to see you in ballet or acro class!
HAILEY FORST
Teacher
Hi my name is Hailey! I’ve been dancing for over 5 years, I started in 8th grade at Irondale High School and stayed on their dance team until I graduated. From there I had the opportunity to continue dancing at a studio located in White Bear! Now I get to continue doing what I love as my job!
HOLLY BRYANT
Teacher
Holly is a Recreational Instructor at Platinum and loves teaching and sharing her passion of dance! Outside of dance, Holly works as an Analyst for Boston Scientific and lives in Apple Valley with her three daughters Isabella (20), Josetta (13) and Vera (10). She loves traveling, themed get togethers & anything sparkly!
HUNTER BATTERSON
Marketing Coordinator
Hunter Batterson is a dancer and arts administrator originally from Chicago, IL. She began her competitive, multidisciplinary movement training with the Dance and Music Academy before transitioning into a pre-professional program at The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), receiving additional instruction through the Kansas City Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago summer intensives. She then went on to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and minor in History from the University of Minnesota, graduating with high distinction in 2021 under the distinguished Barbara Barker Dance Scholarship. Here, she had the opportunity to perform in works by Andrea Miller (Gallim Dance), Vie Boheme, Chris Schlichting, Annie Hanauer, Carl Flink, and Joe Chvala (Pippin). In her professional endeavors, Hunter has worked closely with Willmeng Dances, Borealis Dance Theatre, Corpus Dance Works, and Kendall Kramer, appearing at the MN Fringe Festival, CANDY BOX Dance Festival, Dances at the Lake Festival, and Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater. Hunter is currently a company member with Concerto Dance and a freelance dancer around the Twin Cities—specializing in jazz, modern, and contemporary dance forms.
Along with performing, Hunter has also worked administratively within numerous dance-based organizations, previously with institutions like Zenon Dance School, ARENA DANCES, and Northrop. She has been the Marketing Coordinator with Platinum Dance since 2023 and continues to love all things Canva!
ISABELLE CAREY
Teacher
Isabelle grew up dancing competitively in Michigan and has loved dance from age two! She attended Michigan State University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations and stayed connected to her passion by dancing in college. Isabelle works full time in HR, but loves spending her evenings in the studio teaching, encouraging, and sharing her love of dance with the next generation.
JADYN SELISKER
Programs Assistant / Teacher
Jadyn grew up in the Brainerd Lakes Area dancing at Music General Dance Studio. She is trained in various styles including Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet and Contemporary. She learned under choreographers such as Melody Lacayanga, Jennifer Silvas, and Mike Minery. She also worked along side them as assistant teachers throughout her dance career and while going to college. She also grew up going to many conventions and dance workshops all around the country such as NUVO, Jump, and Dancerpalooza to name a few. She made the decision to move down to the Twin Cities and continue her dance journey. She has 10+ years combined of assistant teaching and solo teaching experience and loves being a part of the Platinum Dance community.
JENNY BROTHEN
Director of Studio Operations & Billing
Coming Soon!
JEREMIAH LEWIS
Teacher
Coming Soon!
KEARA NICHOLS
Teacher
Keara grew up as a competition dancer in Southern California until the age of 13. She then began training in classical ballet. After graduating high school, she moved to Denver and danced in Colorado Ballet’s studio company for two years, and also choreographed for Colorado Ballet Academy’s pre-professional division. She then moved to Minnesota last year and joined Twin Cities Ballet as a company member and performed in ballet’s such as Frankenstein, The Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast, and more! She also began teaching at Platinum Dance last year! She is going into her second season with Platinum and couldn’t be more excited for another amazing year!
KIA CAIN
Performance Team & STEP Director / Teacher
Kia is an experienced and dedicated dance instructor who is passionate about sharing her love of dance while teaching life skills. She supports dancers in the classroom with an engaging, energetic environment and strives to create an atmosphere where dancers feel safe, confident and supported. Kia's true love of the Performance Team and Competition Program continues to grow each season as she heads into year #5 with Platinum. She is grateful for all of the support and trust from PD families.
KIRSTEN MOSSER
Recreational Director / Teacher
Kirsten holds a BA in Dance from UW-Stevens Point and has been teaching all styles of dance for over 10 years. Inside the classroom, her goal is to provide an environment where dancers are curious and creative while exploring technique. Her favorite part of the year is seeing each dancer's growth from September to the end-of-year recital!
LADIA DODD
Teacher
With over a decade of teaching experience, LaDia Dodd is known for her fun, supportive, and high-energy teaching style. She holds a BFA in Dance from Marygrove College in Detroit and has choreographed hundreds of award-winning routines for dancers of all ages. LaDia loves creating a classroom environment where dancers feel encouraged to challenge themselves and push their limits all while finding joy in movement.
LAURIE EDIN
Teacher
Coming Soon!
MACY GOERGES
Teacher
Macy grew up in Chaska, Minnesota and danced competitively for 15 years in Shakopee, MN. Her summers growing up were primarily spent in Park Rapids, MN where she performed in many shows at her family owned theater, Jasper’s Theater. During her senior year, she enjoyed her time assisting with Fluid Dance Convention.
After graduating high school, Macy moved to Fargo, ND to attend NDSU majoring in Management Communication. Her passion for dance stayed fulfilled by teaching at Red River Dance and Performing Company as well as dancing on the Bison Dance Team. After graduating college, Macy expanded her time at the studio and became the Competition Director at Red River Dance from 2020-2021. In 2021, she started working full-time for midwest media company, You Betcha as Personal Assistant to CEO, Myles.
Just this past summer, Macy & her husband moved back to the Twin Cities and is thrilled to be teaching at Platinum this season. Nothing fills her cup more than teaching and mentoring the youth and nurturing the love of dance in all those she teaches!
MADDIE METZ
Teacher
Hi, I’m Maddie! I grew up in Eau Claire, WI. After high school, I attended the CLI Conservatory Pre-Professional Program ran by Teddy Forance. The past few years I have been dancing professionally in Los Angeles, CA. A few of my favorite jobs I’ve worked have been; Dancing in the finale of LA Fashion Week, being a part of Erica Klein’s Contemporary Company, and Judging for Symposium Talent! Teaching is my passion and I love sharing it with dancers across the country!
MEGAN R.
Competition Director / Teacher
Megan is entering her third season with Platinum, bringing over a decade of dance education, performance, and leadership experience. A graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in Dance Education, Megan has trained extensively under renowned instructors. Her choreography and teaching have supported dancers ages 2–20 across both recreational and competitive programs. Megan is passionate about blending strong technique with anatomical awareness and is excited to continue growing alongside the incredible dancers in the Platinum community.
MISSY GOERS
Artistic Director / Teacher
Coming Soon!
PAIGE SILVA
Teacher
Hi! I’m Paige, a dance teacher currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Teaching. I love connecting with students and cheering on their growth—seeing them progress and glow is what makes my day. When I’m not dancing or studying, I’m a dog mom and an avid crocheter.
SAM FRENCH
Teacher
Coming Soon!
SARAH JOHNSON
Teacher
I grew up doing studio dance since the age of 2. I attended the University of Minnesota Duluth to study biology and marketing. During my time at school, I was on the UMD Dance Team and led the team as a captain for 2 years. After college I moved back to the Twin Cities where I now work as a direct sales representative for Coloplast full time and part time teaching for Platinum!
SOLANA NELSON
Ballet Director / Teacher
Solana (Temple) Nelson, originally from Arizona, began her training with the Tucson Regional Ballet, later dancing as a company trainee for Ballet Tucson, through her high school years. She spent her adolescent summers training with Boston Ballet, State Street Ballet, Ballet Austin and Movement Invention Project. Continuing her education, Solana attended The Juilliard School, in New York City, where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts, and was awarded the Martha Hill Prize for outstanding leadership and achievement in dance.
Post graduation, Solana moved to the Twin Cities to become an artist with Minnesota Dance Theatre. She completed her professional tenure there after eight fulfilling seasons. Throughout her career Solana had the honor to perform masterworks choreographed by Liam Scarlett, Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, José Limón, Eliot Feld, Alexander Hille, Glen Tetley, Loyce Houlton and Christopher Bruce. Also, enjoying the creative process side of dance, Solana has collaborated with Adam Barruch, Lise Houlton, Larry Keigwin, Emery LeCrone, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Darwin Black and Zach Manske. Now calling the Twin Cities home, Solana has been fortunate to work alongside many local artists and creators such as Wynn Fricke, Penelope Freeh, Elayna Waxse, Alanna Morris-Van Tassel, Helen Hatch and Berit Ahlgren.
Once retired from her performing career, Solana took on the role as Program Coordinator for Minnesota Dance Theatre & School. Here she was able to grow and refine her communication and leadership skills. All the while living in Minnesota, Solana has worked at Platinum Dance since May of 2016 where she became a YPAD certified instructor. She has taught master classes all over the cities and had a residency teaching at Minnesota Dance Theatre and School, and Community Movement Collective. She thrives in the classroom with hard working, dedicated dancers. Solana is well versed in teaching ballet, pointe, variations, strength training and injury prevention. From her 10+ years in the ballet industry she has an abundance of knowledge to be passed along to our current rising generation of dancers.
SOPHIA TUTT
Teacher
Sophia is a junior at the University of Minnesota, studying Political Science, Business Law, and Developmental Psychology, with hopes of going to law school once she graduates. Through every class she teaches, she hopes to share the joy of dance that has guided her life. To keep up with our youngest dancers you can almost always find her with a Caribou Coffee!
SUSAN BURNAP
Administrator
Susan, originally from New Hampshire, grew up dancing in New England. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Utah in Modern Dance and is now a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Minnesota. Susan stays involved with the dance community working at Platinum and taking local artist's classes. In her free time Susan loves to ski, climb, run, and do basically anything outside!
VERONICA JACOBSEN
Bookkeeper
Veronica discovered her love for bookkeeping when she realized that they weren't just numbers, they can tell a story. She is a mom of a high school son and a daughter in college and along with the kids when they are home, lives in Richfield with her husband and her two dogs. In her spare time she enjoys baseball games, working on house projects, and going to museums.