CMI offers high class instructors that will make you feel like you are part of the CMI family!
Our instructors are changing children's lives - one step at a time!
MADELINE HOAG
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Madeline will be instructing Acro, Tap, Ballet and Jazz this season.
Madeline is both an instructor and our Studio Director who is sure to keep things moving, organized, and full of fun! She has been in charge of everything from cutting music, ordering costumes, planning classes and organizing end of season shows to planning her own individual classes and assisting in choreography for other instructors for over a decade. Madeline has always loved to perform and has been dancing since the age of 4. Her attention to not only technique, but also terminology is one of the many reasons her students love her classes. Educating kids on not only proper placement and movement techniques as well as what they are called and even the history of where they originated from is one of her many teaching passions! She is certified in the Acrobatic Arts Program as well as their Arial and Back Handspring program. During her time in competitive dance, Madeline ensured she participated in every available competition workshop and intensive offered, as well as taking in-studio workshops at her locally attended studio. She has participated in ballet intensives instructed by previous members of professional ballet companies as well as long standing professional dancers. Madeline will keep your dancer encouraged, excited and will ensure they set and reach the goals they desire! |
ALEXIS LOGAN
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Alexis will be instructing Jazz, Lyrical and Hip Hop this season.
Her dance skills are as amazing as she is! Having spent over 20 years gaining dance experience, Alexis has grown her dance skills in various directions. Starting at the age of 3, Alexis was a competitive dancer and has been instructed by a variety of professional dancers, including a Cavs Girl, a previous member of the Russian Ballet, and individuals whom have performed in movies and on Broadway, such as Gregg Russell. She has attended many workshops throughout the "dance world", with one the most notable and well known names being So You Think You Can Dance. Outside of dance performance, Alexis has experience in theatrical performance having been involved with multiple musical stage productions over the past several decades as well. Alexis has been teaching competitive dance for 6 years. In addition, she has attended intensives in hip-hop, that have pushed her skills far beyond mastering the pop and lock. She produces creative and fun routines for all ages and will keep your kids movin' in class! |
JULIE SHAULL
Julie will be instructing Hip Hop and Jazz classes this season.
She trained at Studio L Dance Center for 14 years and experiences many styles of dance including Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballroom and more. During her time at Studio L, she became a student instructor while also dancing for the Cuyahoga Falls Cougars INB Basketball Team. Upon graduating high school, Julie continued on to head teaching, focusing on Hip-Hop and Jazz. She also attended Kent State University as a Dance Major where she continued to pursue her dance and performance passion. In addition, she has participated in various Tremaine Dance workshops multiple years in a row, become certified in LABlast Ballroom Dance Fitness, and performed in Youngstown’s Dance Expo with Ballroom. Julie is a wife and a mother to three beautiful children. She has made dance an integral part of her life and is excited to bring her skills and spunk to the studio. Her fun loving personality, style and energy will bring some smiles to your child's face and put some pep in their step! |
CASSIE SHANE
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Cassie will be instructing our beginner Combo dancers, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro and Musical Theatre students this season.
Cassie is a previous CMI Competition Team Member and student who has graduated and has decided to stay on and join the CMI Instructor Training Program. She spent the 22-23 season assisting and participating in our instructing training program and we couldn't be more pleased she has decided to join us as an instructor for the 23-24 season while continuing her dance education through workshops and certification programs! Cassie danced competitively for 15 years. She achieved overall awards and top placements with her Tap, Lyrical & "Broadway Style" solos and has been a member of multiple award winning and National Title Winning Competition Groups. She started with a basic ballet summer class at a recreational center and was instantly hooked - so she enrolled in her local dance studio and began her dance career with tap, acro, ballet and jazz. Later she added classes like Lyrical, Hip Hop, Pointe and even threw in Acting & Singing when her schedule permitted. Cassie was also selected to perform in several shows over several seasons at the Huron Playhouse (prior to their closing) and held parts in musicals such as Carousel and The King and I during her time there. |
AMIE SMARR

Amie’s got it all when it comes to a Cheer Dance program! Starting off her own education, Amie was a Cheerleader throughout Middle and High School, for a total of 7 years experience! In addition to cheerleading, Amie was a dancer for 12 years, focusing on Ballet and Jazz.
After graduating High School, she continued her passion through coaching Competitive Cheerleading. Over the course of her 8 years coaching, she not only gained hands on experience, but also, a USASF certification for tumbling and stunting. Amie has proudly helped lead her teams to gain State and National rankings in all 5 divisions of Competitive Cheer.
Outside of her coaching, Amie is a teacher of 1st grade, as well as a mother to two fun loving children. Amies positive attitude and encouraging personality provide a perfect environment for her students to learn their craft and stay excited every step of the way. She has made it her mission- “to instill confidence in all of my students. I want them to know that they can do absolutely anything they put their minds to.”
You can find Amie leading our Cheer Dance (non-competitive) classes this season... and maybe even popping in to assist a jazz class or two.
After graduating High School, she continued her passion through coaching Competitive Cheerleading. Over the course of her 8 years coaching, she not only gained hands on experience, but also, a USASF certification for tumbling and stunting. Amie has proudly helped lead her teams to gain State and National rankings in all 5 divisions of Competitive Cheer.
Outside of her coaching, Amie is a teacher of 1st grade, as well as a mother to two fun loving children. Amies positive attitude and encouraging personality provide a perfect environment for her students to learn their craft and stay excited every step of the way. She has made it her mission- “to instill confidence in all of my students. I want them to know that they can do absolutely anything they put their minds to.”
You can find Amie leading our Cheer Dance (non-competitive) classes this season... and maybe even popping in to assist a jazz class or two.
ASHLEY HILLMAN
Photo & Bio Coming Soon
Ashley will be instructing our Combo 1 class and assisting several other classes.
Ashley will be instructing our Combo 1 class and assisting several other classes.
ALLISON DRUMM

Not only has she been a dancer for 15 years; training in Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Tap, and Acro...but was also part of a Competitive Dance Team during her dance years as well.
In addition to dance, Allison also has 6 years experience holding membership of a Cheer Squad.
Having recently graduated from Huron High School and EHOVE Career Center with a certification in Cosmetology, she is currently a student at LCCC majoring in Business. She will be joining the CMI faculty this upcoming season as our newest Apprentice! “My passion is helping people feel good about themselves and giving them a positive outlet to express their feelings,” Allison says.
Her sweet demeanor and warmth to others make Allison a wonderful addition to the CMI staff and our dance family... we are super excited to have her join us for the 23-24 season!
In addition to dance, Allison also has 6 years experience holding membership of a Cheer Squad.
Having recently graduated from Huron High School and EHOVE Career Center with a certification in Cosmetology, she is currently a student at LCCC majoring in Business. She will be joining the CMI faculty this upcoming season as our newest Apprentice! “My passion is helping people feel good about themselves and giving them a positive outlet to express their feelings,” Allison says.
Her sweet demeanor and warmth to others make Allison a wonderful addition to the CMI staff and our dance family... we are super excited to have her join us for the 23-24 season!
KELLIE SPETTLE

Kellie will be instructing our new Health & Conditioning for Dancers Class!
Kellie is a Nutritionist (of 4 years) and Personal Trainer(of 8 years). In an effort to help other people live their best life and feel good while doing it, she began to study the body and the way it uses food for energy, nourishment and healing. Soon, she realized how much she enjoyed it, and before she knew it, healthy habits were taking over her own household and her vision to share it with all of you became a dream.
Kelli's background in dance, coupled with her background in personal training will make her a great addition to our training program.
Her class will be based around fueling a dancers body as well as conditioning it with cross training to build up stamina while preventing injuries....a benefit to ANY dancer at ANY level!
Kellie is a Nutritionist (of 4 years) and Personal Trainer(of 8 years). In an effort to help other people live their best life and feel good while doing it, she began to study the body and the way it uses food for energy, nourishment and healing. Soon, she realized how much she enjoyed it, and before she knew it, healthy habits were taking over her own household and her vision to share it with all of you became a dream.
Kelli's background in dance, coupled with her background in personal training will make her a great addition to our training program.
Her class will be based around fueling a dancers body as well as conditioning it with cross training to build up stamina while preventing injuries....a benefit to ANY dancer at ANY level!
AMANDA SHANE
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Amanda is not only the owner of the studio, but she is also a performer at heart! Although she spent her more recent years involved in the environmental industry - and managing Amazing Moments event entertainment company - she has continued to keep up with her craft and puts her performing arts knowledge from Otterbein University to good use.
Amanda received scholarships to attend Otterbein University in Ohio as a Performing Arts Major, with a concentration in vocal performance and was a double major spending time not only singing, but also playing piano and concert trombone in their orchestra. During her time there she was fortunate enough to travel to Holland, France and England to perform. After college she spent several years singing with bands at weddings and other venues. More recently she participated in the Huron Playhouse performance of The King and I prior to their closing...which is another reason she was prompted to find a facility that would be able to house all forms of arts and entertainment. Amanda is a wife and mother to two children, Cassie & Colton. Cassie spent her childhood as a dancer, and now as a young adult, she is working as one of the CMI Instructors - while Colton enjoying taking Acro and Jazz classes currently as well. Amanda is sure to keep your kids on task and working towards their goals while entertained with her humor and and improv skills! |
Retired Instructors - Appreciated and Never Forgotten
GARNETT HOAG
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Garnett has officially retired at the end of the 2023 season after instructing for over 16 years. She has provided such dedication and service to the Acrobatic Arts Industry and Dance world, and we could not be more appreciative of her time and service.....but don't be surprised if you see her around the studio stopping in to say "hi" or lend a helping hand on occasion.
Garnett first found her love for instructing while her three daughters were enrolled in dance classes. She has been instructing acrobatic tumbling for 12 years. In addition to her initial training, she has continued to grow as an instructor through participating in floor tumbling and acrobatic workshops. Not only does she have a Certification in the Acrobatic Arts program but in their Ariel and Back Handspring program as well. Garnett has been known as "a stickler" for proper and safe tumbling technique - which is why her students are some of the most technically skilled around and are easily able to move up levels at an appropriate pace. More than a decade of educating kids on Acrobatic Arts techniques has taught her quite a few "tricks of the trade" that you won't find with the instructors who are new to the field. Just ask her students about doing their "doughnuts" and "bug belly balancing" and you will quickly find out why her classes are fun while still being structured. Garnett is also a wife and mother to three beautiful daughters, Madeline, Emma & Lydia - and was so happy to finally be able to have a studio where she could work with her family as she had been hoping for for many years! Garnett’s goal in all of her teaching was to emphasize proper technique as they are the building blocks to more advanced skills. One of her known sayings is "GRACE OVER POWER". |
CMI STUDENT ASSISTANT MENTOR PROGRAM:
We do not allow any students to teach/instruct classes. However, we DO have an extensive assistant program where we utilize current CMI students (13 and older) to be class assistants. This allows them to both help our instructors during class as well as allows them to receive training on how to be an instructor in the future.
We only approach a small number of students at the end of each dance season and ask them to be a class assistant in the coming season. We encourage all students to strive to be class assistants and are looking for students with dedication to their dance studies both inside and outside of the classroom. Good attendance, ability to both take instruction and apply corrections and showing us that CMI is a priority to them are just a few of the qualities that we look for when selecting our student instructors.
We want them to be as dedicated to our studio and our instruction program as they are to their own dance artistry so they can pass those qualities and training dedication on to the students they are assisting!
We only approach a small number of students at the end of each dance season and ask them to be a class assistant in the coming season. We encourage all students to strive to be class assistants and are looking for students with dedication to their dance studies both inside and outside of the classroom. Good attendance, ability to both take instruction and apply corrections and showing us that CMI is a priority to them are just a few of the qualities that we look for when selecting our student instructors.
We want them to be as dedicated to our studio and our instruction program as they are to their own dance artistry so they can pass those qualities and training dedication on to the students they are assisting!
COMING SOON
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We will allow all current CMI students 13 and older who are interested in being a student assistant SIGN UP at the front desk over the Summer Session. Assistants will be selected and contacted over the summer to schedule them for specific classes during the upcoming Fall Season.
A meeting will be scheduled for all 23-24 Fall student assistants to attend prior to the first week of classes. |