2550 Eastern SE (Alger Heights)

Grand Rapids, MI 49507

616.245.9501

Sarah Grace McDaniel has been dancing since she was four years old.  She received her core ballet training from the Grand Rapids School of Ballet, Turning Pointe School of Dance as well as from private instructors Jennifer Norder and Neva James.  She has also attended Ballet Magnificat's Summer Workshop in Jackson, MS as well as Joffrey Midwest Summer Master Classes in 2004.  Sarah Grace grew up in a Christian home and has a strong desire to glorify God with her dancing.  She has been teaching dance for eight years and loves to encourage girls to glorify God with their gifts in dance.  She has also traveled to the Dominican Republic in 2004 and 2007 to teach dance workshops with the Project Serve Mission Team. This is Miss Sarah Grace's second year with Hearts In Step teaching Preschool, Primary and Go! Lyrical. Her Choreography is seen in "The revival at the Hive"

MEET THE FACULTY

Lauren Brock-“ I would rather dance poorly with Jesus than sit perfectly still with anyone else.” Ms. Lauren started dancing at the age of five years old with many studios in the Grand Rapids area. She danced on her high school dance team and influenced the styles of dance, according to her beliefs. She is also responsible for helping to introduce Liturgical dance to her Church in Caledonia. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a minor in Dance. This is her second year teaching, she feels so blessed to be a part of Hearts in Step and to be doing what she loves most, while sharing it with your children. “The Savior himself has called our name, extended his hand and invites us not only to be with him, but to partner with him in the work that he is doing in the world…The Lord of the Dance does not want us to worry about our feet. He merely wants us to feel the music, fall into his arms and follow his lead.”

Tassia Hooks-Johnson - Ms. Tassia trained at the prestigious San Francisco Ballet School.  In 1984, she joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem where she performed feature roles.  She has produced pieces for the Dance Institute of Washington, the Grand Rapids Symphony, School of Grand Rapids Ballet, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, and many others. Her ballet Belinda-O was a winner in the New York City based New Choreographers En Pointe Competition and was performed at the Lincoln Center in 1995.  In addition to her accomplishments as a dancer and choreographer, she is also known for her great teaching experience. As a teacher and mentor, she has worked with many dance organizations and schools such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey, T-3's Dance Elite, CARE, and Dance Dimensions. Presently, is co-owner of PT Arts, LLC. Performing Arts Consultants.  Ms Tassia loves sharing her gift of dance to help HIS develop young dancers in body, mind, and spirit through Christ. This will be Ms. Tassia's third year with Hearts In Step. She teaches our Int Teen Baller; Ballet II/ III /IV and Pointe classes as well as ENSEMBLE.  Her beautiful choregraphy has inspired many throughout the community as her pieces have been seen in "The Door" , "Revival at the Hive" and taken out by our Outreach teams.

James Martin - Mr. Martin,a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, began his dance training there and has performed with the Grand Rapids Civic Ballet under the direction of Sally Seven, former soloist with Ballet Resse De Monte Carlo.  He continued his studies on a  full stipend scholarship at the renowned Dance Theater of Harlem - Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook Co-Directors.  Mr. Martin owes his extensive knowledge of diverse dance forms and styles as well as his professional dance career of 15 years to wonderful instructors:  Karel Shook, Rosella Hightower, Tanquil Leclerq, Melissa Hayden, Zena Rommett, Francissca Corkle (Ballet); Mary Hinkson, Mary Barnett -Graham Technique (Modern); Milton Meyers, Horton Technique (Modern); Fred Benjamin, Alfred Gallman, Abdell Salaam (Jazz); and Charles Moore (Ethnic).  He has been a member of the Linca Dance Company, Gallman's Newark Dance Theater, Charles Moore Dance Theater, The Forces of Nature Dance Company, The Fred Benjamin Dance Company, Dance Art Stuttgart (in Stuttgart, Germany), of which he is Co-Founder, and Boulder Ballet.  He has also worked on Broadway with well known artists:  Patti Labelle, Vanessa Williams, Harry Belafonte, Susan Anton, Roz Ryan, Gregory Hines, Ossie Davis, and Rube Dee.  In his over 30 years as a dance instructor, Mr. Martin has taught and held master classes and workshops in America, Canada, Europe and Israel.  His choreography has been performed by dance companies in America and Europe.  James specializes in Balafromojazz  This is will be Mr. James third year teaching at Hearts In Step. He has been the writing director and choregrapher of the Ensemble  for both "The Door" and "Revival at the Hive"

Lucia Martin - Ms. Lucia, born Lucia Hutchins, a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, began her relationship with dance in her hometown at The Academy of Ballet Arts under the direction of Suzanne Pomerantzeff and continued her training with The San Francisco Ballet School on full scholarship.  Her God given talent was quickly noticed.  She was spotted by well-known artists, Edward Villella and Violette Verdy, who praised her at the early age of ten.  Mrs. Martin decided then and there that she was going to be a dance artist.  She has trained with well known teachers from around the world and has worked and performed with many leading choreographers and dance companies throughout America, Europe and Israel.  As a principle dancer, she has performed the leads in many well known classical works such as "Romeo & Juliet", "Nutcracker", "Alice in Wonderland", Cinderella", "Giselle", "Swan Lake", to name a few.  She is a versatile artist,being at home in both classical and contemporary roles.  Critics describe her as having crystal clear lines and impeccable technique (Stuttgarter Zeitung).  She acquired her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, specializing in Kindergarten at the Waldorf Academy in Stuttgart, Germany.  As a teacher, it has been said that Mrs. Martin is a must for every faculty.  She has a wonderful way with students of all ages, regardless of their handicaps.  She is a real people person.  James and Lucia  are born again Christians who believe that the ultimate goal of every true Christian should be to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. "Being blessed with the opportunity to work with dancers at Hearts In Step, who also desire to use their gift as a means to accomplish His will, fulfills one of our greatest desires!" This will be Ms. Lucia's third year at Hearts in Step and she teaches Preschool/Primary ballet; Beg Ballet; Ballet I/IIB/III/IV and Preprofessional. She is also a choreographer for the Ensemble "The Door" and "Revival at the Hive"

Kelly Boggus - Miss Kelly has had over 21 years of dance experience and 11years of teaching experience. She graduated with a minor in Dance from Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama.  Kelly has been certified by Dance Masters of America to teach ballet, tap, and jazz.  She has worked with many other organizations including Turning Pointe School of Dance and Wealthy Theater, teaching Ballet and leading Sacred Dance Workshops.  This is Kelly's seventh year teaching at Hearts In Step. She  teaches Preschool/Primary, Beg Ballet/Tap; Ballet I /IIa, Special Needs and our Apprentice Group.  Her choreography was seen in "The Door" and "Revival at the Hive" As our parent surveys will attest, "Miss Kelly radiates the love of Jesus in all she does. She is a very special teacher!"

Cynthia McAuliffe - Ms Cynthia has over 10 years of teaching experience.  This is her third year with Hearts In Step. She studied at the American Ballet Center- School of Joffrey Ballet Company in New York City and received her Masters of Science in Ballet Teaching from Indiana University School of Music. She also studied dance at the National Music Camp-Interlochen. Ms Cynthia is the Sunday School Director at her church, and has been singing with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus for 19 years.Ms Cynthia brings a very classical style, hands on approach that is both challenging and encouraging.  Ms Cynthia will be teaching Ballet II a at both the Alger and North locations. She believes that God gave each student a beautiful body and they need to use it to worship Him!

Sarah Jantzen- Miss Sarah moved to the area from Bend, Oregon. She trained for 12 years and began teaching 9yrs ago.  Miss Sarah has had the opportunity to participate in dance programs at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington DC, the Sacramento Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, and has performed at the Vail International Dance Festival in Colorado.While in Portland OR, she had the opportunity to study under a well known performer, Gelsey Kirkland.  In 1999 Miss Sarah founded the Christian Dance Fellowship, a Christian dance program in Oregon. Under her direction, she choreographed an original ballet to Pilgrim's Progress.

After becoming a Christian at the age of 5, Miss Sarah committed to live her life for Him. She continues to live (and dance!) for Him today loves investing into the lives of the Hearts In Step dancers.  Miss Sarah teaches Preschool/Primary Ballet, and  Home School Beg/Int Ballet at our North Location.

Sue Wilson - Miss Sue has been dancing for over 20 years.  She was a member of the Grand Rapids Civic Ballet under the dirction of Sally Sevens.  She has directed liturgical dance at her church for 16 years.  She also has been teaching group fitness classes at the Michigan Athletic Club for 18yrs, specializing in aquafitness and pilates.  She is certified by the American Council of Exercise. She graduated from the University of Michigan School of Nursing and worked as an OB nurse for many years. This will be Miss Sue's sixth year teaching Beg.Ballet , Ballet I , and Adult Ballet at Hearts In Step. Miss Sue pours into each student her love of Jesus as well as the importance of proper technique, instilling in them a confidence to use their gift of dance for Him!

Joe Stanitzak - "I can do all things through Christ who stengthens me" - Phillipians 4:13, Without Jesus Christ I am nothing, a nobody who deserves the wrath of God.  It is by God's Grace that I've been saved and my passion is to serve Jesus Christ in all that I do.  Not just in my home, not just in my car, but in the work place, when I dance, in my speech, taking captive of my thoughts.. I encourage you to look at my lifestyle and not these words coming from my bio, and then you may determine the fruit that I bear for Christ.  I am not ashamed of the gospel and I will not deny the evidence of Christ in my life.  Jesus Christ is not all I need.. Jesus Christ is all I have!  My purpose is to Glorify God and to advance the Kingdom of God through dance ministry by using my spiritual gifts ordained by God.  To reach out to the lost and show them the love of Christ, knowing that salvation comes from the Lord and not from me.  To encourage and inspire your children in their walk with the Lord.  "Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in heaven!" - Mathew 5:12

Nancy Wax received a B.F.A. in Dance from Temple University (Philadelphia) in 1990.  She has enjoyed teaching for over 21 years.  Nancy is also a certified group fitness instructor with a passion for Pilates. One of Nancy's favorite dance roles is Mrs. Cratchit in "A Christmas Carole".  She was a company member of Dance DelBello (Phila. area) in the 90's until she and her family moved to Tennessee. While in Tennessee, Nancy formed her own troupe of performers.  This dance company's main purpose was to perform spiritual dance in praise to the Lord.  "(For me), dancing has much more meaning when it's purpose is to connect with God.  I am very happy to be on the staff of H.I.S."