6075 N. Hagadorn, East Lansing, MI I 517-225-0096 I manager@spartandancecenter.com
Spartan Dance Center
PLEASE TEXT YOUR DANCER/NINJAS NAME TO 517-225-0096 FOR IMPORTANT STUDIO INFORMATION INCLUDING CLOSURES.
FACULTY
Owner
Tiffany Burton - Owner / Choreographer / Instructor
Tiffany has been dancing all her life. She was trained at Bay Valley Academy, Perry Woodard School of Dance, Russian Ballet Academy and Broadway Dance Center. She traveled internationally (1998-1999), touring in 7 countries and 55 cities and completed over 100 performances. In 2002, Tiffany obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in fashion design from the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. Her artistic talents, knowledge and passion for the art of dance is the foundation for Spartan Dance Center.
Company Director
Leah Seery - Choreographer / Instructor
Coming soon!
Staff
Bianca Ala - Choreographer / Instructor
Bianca grew up in Macomb, MI and took her first dance class when she was 2 years old. She trained for 12 years in all styles at Underground Dance Company, a diverse competitive dance studio, and danced for three years on the Dakota Varsity Dance Team. Bianca is currently a junior at Michigan State University, where she is majoring in Accounting and is a third-year member of the Michigan State Dance Team. As a member of the team, Bianca has the privilege of cheering on Michigan State’s athletes at football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and many other campus events. She also trains year-round with her team for UDA Nationals, where they compete at the highest level, D1A, in both Pom and Jazz.
Bianca can’t imagine her life without dance and is passionate about sharing her love of dance with the next generation. She is most excited to continue dancing, teaching, and helping young dancers grow their skills and confidence at Spartan Dance Center!
Jared Autrey - Choreographer / Instructor
Jared was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. Over more than 20 years, he has honed his skills as a dancer and instructor in a diverse range of styles, including contemporary, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. His extensive training and experience have shaped him into a versatile and accomplished dancer and choreographer.
Jared has had the privilege of dancing with various dance companies such as Happendance Professional Dance Company and Release Detroit Performance Dance Team. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Frxsco Dance Sessions, formerly known as Dance Lansing Hip Hop Club.
His talent and creativity as a choreographer have earned him significant recognition. His work has been showcased on prominent platforms like MTV TRL, the Harlem Globetrotters Pregame Show, and the Detroit Pistons Pregame Show. In addition to these performances, Jared has made a substantialt impact in the local dance community. He has taught at various schools and studios, where his choreography has garnered numerous top overall and judges’ awards in competitive settings. Moreover, he is dedicated to sharing his passion for dance and teaching recreational dance classes to instill a love of dance in his students.
Sarah Baringer - Choreographer / Instructor
Sarah cannot imagine her life without dance! She started dancing at age three and after her first competition at age seven, she was hooked. Sarah grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she danced competitively at Extravadance and Tumble for 10 years. She was an assistant teacher for her final four years at Extravadance and really enjoyed working with the younger dancers. Sarah was also very involved with her high school dance department and was the recipient of the coveted Dance Department Award her senior year.
Sarah has been a committed dance instructor for several years, working with dancers as young as 2 all the way through the college level. She is very excited to continue her dance journey at Spartan Dance Center and is so thankful for her local dance family!
Hannah Beauregard - Choreographer / Instructor
Hannah Beauregard took her first dance class when she was 2 years old and fell in love with tap dancing when she was 6. Hannah joined her studio’s competitive team at 7 years old and continued on competitive teams till she graduated high school. During this time she won numerous awards including showmanship, Regional Titles, Emerging Artist Title, and Stand Out Dancer. Hannah danced on Western Michigan’s Dance Team and was a part of the WMU Dance Department. She also worked for CRU Dance National Dance Competition as an Event Staff Member during college and took on the role of Logistic Manager post graduation. Hannah first met Spartan Dance Center when they attended CRU Nationals in 2023!
Hannah is now a teacher nearby. In her free time, Hannah enjoys puzzling, being in the sun, and reading. Hannah is most excited about being back in a dance studio and sharing her love for dance with you!
Aubrie Clingaman - Choreographer / Instructor
Aubrie was born in Arizona and danced since the age of 5. She danced in several DisneyLand parades, on a cruise ship, and for multiple hometown festivals. Aubrie moved to East Lansing and finished her senior year at Spartan Dance Center where she was welcomed with open arms.
Aubrie went to Central Michigan University where she was on University Theatre Dance Company where she performed in and choreographed/directed her own dance production. She lived in New York for a couple of years and tried to take as many dance classes as she could. Aubrie is so excited to be back home at Spartan Dance Center and share her love of dance with kids!
Addison Czischke - Choreographer / Instructor
Addison grew up dancing in Commerce, Michigan, where she spent many years as a competitive dancer. From a young age, she developed a love for performing and later found a passion for teaching and working with younger dancers.
Throughout her dance career, Addison has trained in a variety of styles, with a special love for lyrical, contemporary, and jazz. She also has experience teaching and assisting dancers of all ages.
Now, Addison attends Michigan State University, where she continues to make dance a big part of her life through a Dance minor and involvement in multiple dance clubs on campus. She is excited to share her passion for dance while helping her students grow in their confidence, technique, and love for performing!
Chloe Foster - Choreographer / Instructor
Chloe began dance at the age of 3. Originally from Indiana, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Dance from Ball State University, where she trained in jazz, modern, hip hop, ballet, tap, and musical theatre. During her senior year, Chloe created Fostering Development, a creative movement curriculum designed to support preschool-aged children through dance.
Chloe has been dedicated to teaching dancers of all ages through studio classes, summer intensives, gymnastics camps, and private lessons. She is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging environment where every dancer feels confident, challenged, and inspired to grow.
In addition to teaching, Chloe completed a season as a backstage manager with Nexstar and currently serves as a full-time Media Support Specialist for DanceOne. She is thrilled to be sharing her love of dance with the Spartan Dance Center family!
Elizabeth Gurski - Choreographer / Instructor
Elizabeth Gurski has been dancing for as long as she can remember and trained competitively for 18 years at Miss Lore’s Dance Rage in Bay City, MI. She trained in a variety of styles and continued her competitive dance career at Michigan State University as a member of the MSU Elite Competitive Dance Team, competing at NDA College Nationals in the D1A division in both Jazz and Pom.
Elizabeth is currently a Dean’s List junior at Michigan State University studying Interior Design and Architecture. She loves teaching dancers of all ages and helping them build confidence, express themselves, and enjoy everything that dance has to offer. Elizabeth is so excited to share her energy and passion for dance with the Spartan Dance Center community!
Alex Houseman - Choreographer / Instructor
Dance has been a huge part of Alex’s life since she was 2.5! She started out dancing ballet and tap and over the years has added jazz, pointe, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, and modern to her background. Alex danced at her mom’s studio on the East side until she went to college at Grand Valley State University. There, she danced and choreographed for Grand Valley Dance Troupe, the university’s largest club, while also teaching back at her mom’s dance studio.
She spent two seasons dancing professionally for the Grand Rapids Drive, the former g-league for the Detroit Pistons, to end her college career. After college, she went on to dance for the Detroit Pistons and is now excited to bring her passion and experience to Spartan Dance Center! In her free time, her favorite thing to do is to spend time with her husband and daughter and she loves to help people buy/sell real estate.
Miriam Marnier - Choreographer / Instructor
Miriam grew up dancing at a studio in Northern Michigan, as both a recreational and competitive dancer. From a young age she has always had a passion for dancing, along with assisting younger dancers while she was in high school.
Miriam has traveled to many states to compete in competitions, winning multiple regional and national level awards, and has performed at Disney World! She has extensive training in many dance styles, including contemporary, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, musical theater, and African-funk, some training done with nationally known dance professionals.
Now Miriam is studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University. She is very thankful to be a part of the SDC family and loves being able to share her passion for dancing with her students!
Gina Matheson - Choreographer / Instructor
Gina Matheson is a passionate creator and dancer whose journey blends artistry with digital content creation. Originally from Livonia, Michigan, Gina graduated from Churchill High School, where her love for dance and creativity flourished. She began dancing at the age of three and has spent over a decade competing with Michigan Dance Alliance (MDA). Throughout her dance career, she has earned honors including MDA Senior Most Valuable Dancer, CAPA Hardest Working in Dance Award, CAPA Most Professional in Dance Award, and multiple Choreographer Awards. Currently, Gina is pursuing a degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University, with minors in Dance and Social Media. Her interest in content creation began with creating videos on TikTok and has evolved into a professional pursuit.
Beyond performing, Gina has embraced leadership roles in dance. Since 2025, she has taught at Spartan Dance Company, sharing her passion for dance with the next generation of performers. She has also assisted instructors with group and solo routines and choreographed for her high school dance program and Peer Connections musical. Gina was selected as President of her National Dance Honor Society. Her dedication to mentoring others reflects her belief in collaboration, creativity, and growth through the arts.
Jordyn Scheuerlein - Choreographer / Instructor
Jordyn grew up dancing at a studio for 15 years, where she trained and competed in a variety of dance styles. She has always had a passion for dance, with hip hop and tap being two of her favorites. Throughout her dance career, Jordyn has traveled to compete and has earned multiple regional and national titles. She also found a love for teaching and mentoring younger dancers along the way.
Jordyn has had the opportunity to work with the Dance Team Union Crew as a summer camp instructor and regional event staff, where she gained experience working with dancers and teams in many different settings. In addition to dance, she has spent the past four years coaching competitive gymnastics, continuing to grow her passion for working with and encouraging athletes.
Jordyn is so excited to be part of the SDC family and looks forward to sharing her love of dance with her students, working alongside an amazing staff, and having an incredible season!
David Schmidt - Acro/Tumbling Instructor
David started dancing at the age 6 at Perry Woodard School of Dance in Bay City, Michigan.
David moved to Lansing to teach dance at Everett High School. He taught jazz, lyrical, acro and beginning ballet. David also has choreographed for numerous local plays and production for Pitt and Balcony, ABC Summer Productions, One Acts at John Glenn High School and Saginaw Valley State University. He currently a high school math teacher at Grand Ledge High School.
In his spare time he enjoy spending time with his wife and two boys.
Carlie Shaw - Choreographer / Instructor
Carlie Shaw grew up in Muskegon, Michigan. She was an active member of the local performing arts community and danced competitively with her home studio for 8 years.
Carlie graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 2022 with a B.A. in PreLaw and with Minors in Dance and Law, Justice, and Public Policy. While at MSU, she danced with and was the Marketing Chair for Impulse Dance Team. She is now attending Wayne State University Law School to pursue her J.D.
Carlie has been an instructor at SDC for 6 years and is an award-winning choreographer, most recently for her 2024 Rainbow National Grand Champion routine “Back to School.” She loves sharing her love of dance with her SDC students who inspire her every day.
MacKenzie Wegner - Choreographer / Instructor
Mackenzie, also known as Kenzie, will be a freshman at Michigan State University this fall, where she will be studying Business Management and Spanish. Kenzie has been dancing competitively for 9 years and trained at Michigan Dance Alliance, as well as danced on the PCEP Dance Team. Her favorite styles of dance are Jazz and Acro! In addition to dance, Kenzie has been training in aerial arts for 5 years, with silks and trapeze being her favorite apparatuses.
Kenzie loves the creativity and challenge that dance and aerial arts bring, and she can’t wait to bring that same excitement into the studio with her students at Spartan Dance Center!
Brielle Wynne - Choreographer / Instructor
Brielle started dancing at 3 years old and competing at 4. She graduated from Grandville high school where she was a part of their theater and had been in multiple shows such as her favorite Clue while competing at Body Language Dance Company for most of her career and Expressions Dance Academy towards the end. She is currently a Freshman at Michigan State University where she has taken and taught some classes with the MSU ballet club. She’s majoring in Human Biology and hopes to be an anesthesiologist someday but she loves to teach to all ages and can’t wait to teach more!
Summer Staff
Elaina Andrews - Choreographer / Instructor
Elaina began dancing at Spartan Dance Center in 2015 and quickly became a dedicated member of the competitive team. She trained in every style offered at SDC, practiced four days a week, competed, and eventually taught her own classes, gaining valuable experience as both a dancer and teacher.
During high school, Elaina was a Co-Captain of the East Lansing High School Dance Team.
Elaina is now a rising sophomore at Louisiana State University, where she is studying Computer Science while continuing her passion for dance. She is a member of LSU Hiphop and LSU Dance Ambassadors, performing in two showcases during her freshman year and co-choreographing a tap duet for LSU's Spring Showcase.
Elaina is excited to return to Spartan Dance Center and share her knowledge, creativity, and love of dance with the next generation of dancers!
Madeleine Beckwith - Choreographer / Instructor
Madeleine has been a proud member of the Spartan Dance Center family since 2012. She began competing in 2015 and has trained in every style offered at SDC, building a strong and well-rounded foundation throughout her years at the studio.
Madeleine currently attends the University of Michigan, where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing. She also continues to share her passion for dance as a member of Pure Dance at U-M.
With years of experience at SDC and a continued commitment to dance, Madeleine is excited to give back to the studio that has played such an important role in her journey.
Chloe Heethuis - Choreographer / Instructor
Chloe began her dance journey at Spartan Dance Center in 2012 at just five years old and joined SDC's competitive team the following year. As a "homegrown" Spartan dancer, Chloe trained extensively in a variety of dance styles throughout her years at the studio. She graduated from East Lansing High School, where she also served as Co-Captain of the East Lansing High School Dance Team.
Chloe began teaching at Spartan Dance Center at the age of 14 and quickly developed a passion for sharing her knowledge and love of dance with the next generation. She has choreographed dances for the recreational program and taught technique to some of SDC's youngest competitive dancers.
Chloe is currently studying Exercise Science at Grand Valley State University, where she is also a member of the Grand Valley State University Laker Dance Team, a National Championship collegiate dance team. Her continued dedication to dance, both in college and at Spartan Dance Center, allows her to bring new experiences, training, and inspiration back to the dancers she teaches.
Claire Heethuis - Choreographer / Instructor
Claire has been a proud member of the Spartan Dance Center family since 2012. She began in the recreational program and quickly found her passion for competition, beginning her competitive career at just four years old.
Now entering her junior year, Claire trains four days a week at Spartan Dance Center while assisting younger dancers. Outside of the studio, she is co-captain of the East Lansing Dance Team, continuing to grow as both a dancer and leader.
Throughout her years at SDC, Claire has had the opportunity to learn from and assist some of the studio's best teachers. These experiences have shaped her as a dancer and given her a strong appreciation for technique, mentorship, education, and encouragement.
Claire is excited to share her love of dance with younger dancers at Spartan Dance Center and hopes to inspire them to work hard, believe in themselves, and find the same joy in dance that has made it such an important part of her life.
Addison Ricks - Choreographer / Instructor
Addison began her dance journey at Spartan Dance Center in 2016 where she immediately became an active member of the SDC competitive team. Throughout her years at the studio, she trained in a variety of dance styles, performed on competitive stages, and continued to challenge herself as both a dancer and performer.
As Addison progressed through the program, she began assisting classes and eventually had the opportunity to teach her own classes. These experiences allowed her to develop her leadership skills while discovering how much she enjoys helping younger dancers learn, grow, and gain confidence.
Addison is currently studying Allied Health Sciences at Grand Valley State University, where she is also a member of the Grand Valley State University Laker Dance Team, a National Championship collegiate dance team. She continues to pursue her passion for dance while balancing her academics and bringing the experience she has gained throughout her dance career back to the SDC classroom.
Kayla Warner - Choreographer / Instructor
Kayla began her dance career at Spartan Dance Center in 2012, where she trained and competed in every style offered at the studio. Her years of diverse training helped her develop a strong understanding of movement, musicality, and performance.
Kayla is currently studying Elementary Education at Calvin University. She is also a member of Calvin's Dance Guild, serving as the Publicity and Social Media Coordinator while teaching and choreographing advanced contemporary, tap, and hip hop.
In addition to her dance training and education, Kayla is certified in group fitness, including barre and Pilates. She loves combining her passion for movement, teaching, and creativity and is excited to bring her experience and energy back to the dancers at Spartan Dance Center.