Michelle Nelson
Owner, Executive Director
Michelle and her husband, Willie, decided to open Madison Dance Collective with their daughters' love of dance and the belief that a dance studio should be a place where all feel included, supported, and encouraged, while keeping a balance for a school and home life balance, in mind.
Michelle graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and received her Masters in Management from the University of Alabama. She currently works for the Missile Defense Agency as the Deputy Director for Test Resources. She has 30+ years of experience in managing cost, schedule, and the performance of programs, with 15+ years in a leadership position. She was recently recognized with the 2025 National Defense Industrial Association's Leadership Award. Michelle's management skills enable her to focus on the business operations of Madison Dance Collective, while her leadership and supervision skills ensure the MDC directors and staff are trained and supported, so that your children receive the best instruction.
Michelle brings a deep passion for creating a positive, organized, and inspiring environment where dancers and instructors can thrive. Her focus is on building a community, supporting our incredible teaching team, and making sure ever family feels welcomed and valued. She lives in Madison, AL with her husband, Willie. Together they have 5 children: TJ, Ethan (and wife Emily), Emily, David, and Sydney. Sydney is also a part of our Collective Company Team.
Michelle graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and received her Masters in Management from the University of Alabama. She currently works for the Missile Defense Agency as the Deputy Director for Test Resources. She has 30+ years of experience in managing cost, schedule, and the performance of programs, with 15+ years in a leadership position. She was recently recognized with the 2025 National Defense Industrial Association's Leadership Award. Michelle's management skills enable her to focus on the business operations of Madison Dance Collective, while her leadership and supervision skills ensure the MDC directors and staff are trained and supported, so that your children receive the best instruction.
Michelle brings a deep passion for creating a positive, organized, and inspiring environment where dancers and instructors can thrive. Her focus is on building a community, supporting our incredible teaching team, and making sure ever family feels welcomed and valued. She lives in Madison, AL with her husband, Willie. Together they have 5 children: TJ, Ethan (and wife Emily), Emily, David, and Sydney. Sydney is also a part of our Collective Company Team.
Sara Rogers
The Collective Company Director, Costume Director
Sara began her dance journey as a young competitor, performing at regional and national competitions throughout the southeast. She was a dedicated four-year member of her school's varsity dance team, helping lead the team to three consecutive national titles in hip hop and several Top 10 placements in other categories. While still in high school, Sara gained early teaching experience and administrative skills, working both as a dance instructor and an office aide. Her passion and dedication earned her a prestigious dancer of the year award at the end of her senior year.
With 14 years of experience as a choreographer, Sara has earned numerous accolades, including 11 choreography awards and 3 top teacher awards. Her greatest joy comes from seeing her student perform - often with tears of pride as they take the stage. As a mentor, she finds deep fulfillment in guiding her dancers not only in their artistry but in their growth as individuals.
Sara is thrilled to begin a new chapter with Madison Dance Collective and is excited to help build something fresh, inspiring, and full of passion. This new venture marks a meaningful next step in her dance journey, and she's eager to share her experience, creativity, and heart with a new generation of dancers. Committed to continued growth as both a teacher and artist, Sara is investing in her own development this summer through specialized training programs and workshops focused on technique, choreography, and dancer wellness. She believes that staying connected to the evolving world of dance is essential to bringing her best to the studio and to the dancers she mentors.
Outside the studio, Sara supports executive leadership at T2S-Solutions. She and her husband, Cody, are proud parents to three daughter - Neely, Stella, and Vivi. Two of them are already following in their mother's footsteps and have embraced the love of dance themselves.
With 14 years of experience as a choreographer, Sara has earned numerous accolades, including 11 choreography awards and 3 top teacher awards. Her greatest joy comes from seeing her student perform - often with tears of pride as they take the stage. As a mentor, she finds deep fulfillment in guiding her dancers not only in their artistry but in their growth as individuals.
Sara is thrilled to begin a new chapter with Madison Dance Collective and is excited to help build something fresh, inspiring, and full of passion. This new venture marks a meaningful next step in her dance journey, and she's eager to share her experience, creativity, and heart with a new generation of dancers. Committed to continued growth as both a teacher and artist, Sara is investing in her own development this summer through specialized training programs and workshops focused on technique, choreography, and dancer wellness. She believes that staying connected to the evolving world of dance is essential to bringing her best to the studio and to the dancers she mentors.
Outside the studio, Sara supports executive leadership at T2S-Solutions. She and her husband, Cody, are proud parents to three daughter - Neely, Stella, and Vivi. Two of them are already following in their mother's footsteps and have embraced the love of dance themselves.
Taylor Juergens
The Collective Assistant Company Director, Tap Program Director, The Collective Fellowship & Outreach Director
With a passion for movement and a dedication to teaching, Mrs. Taylor has been inspiring dancers of all levels for 6 years. Specializing in tap, jazz, lyrical, technique and strength & conditioning, she brings a dynamic and engaging approach to each class, focusing on technique, artistry, and self-expression.
Mrs. Taylor trained at North Alabama Dance Center and Southern Sensations Dance Studio since the age of 3 years old. She has performed and choreographed for many notable dance competitions and conventions at a regional and national level. She received her first choreography award for a tap number, last year. She is currently training under the world-renowned tap instructor Hillary-Marie and working to complete her iTap Teacher Certification Program. As a dance instructor, Mrs. Taylor strives to create an inclusive and motivating environment where students feel encouraged to grow, challenge themselves, and find JOY in dance.
Whether teaching beginners or advanced dancers, Mrs. Taylor believes in the transformative power of dance and is committed to helping each student reach their full potential. In her spare time, she is helping her husband, Nick, design and build custom homes with his company, Ridgewood Homes. Taylor and Nick are parents to their son, JohnCrew, who will be two in July.
Mrs. Taylor trained at North Alabama Dance Center and Southern Sensations Dance Studio since the age of 3 years old. She has performed and choreographed for many notable dance competitions and conventions at a regional and national level. She received her first choreography award for a tap number, last year. She is currently training under the world-renowned tap instructor Hillary-Marie and working to complete her iTap Teacher Certification Program. As a dance instructor, Mrs. Taylor strives to create an inclusive and motivating environment where students feel encouraged to grow, challenge themselves, and find JOY in dance.
Whether teaching beginners or advanced dancers, Mrs. Taylor believes in the transformative power of dance and is committed to helping each student reach their full potential. In her spare time, she is helping her husband, Nick, design and build custom homes with his company, Ridgewood Homes. Taylor and Nick are parents to their son, JohnCrew, who will be two in July.
Annie Eisenhart
Curriculum Director, Artistic & Creative Director
Annie began dancing at the age of 10 and trained for seven years, spending five of those as a competitive company member. She was recognized for her dedication to growth and was awarded Most Improved Dancer after her second year on the company team for her commitment to developing her technique. Annie was part of several award-winning groups and trios, including a hip hop production that won a national championship with Platinum Dance. She was also honored with a tap scholarship from 24Seven Dance Convention. In 2015, she was named Dancer of the Year at her home studio.
After graduating from Madison Academy, Annie continued her education while training with The Huntsville Ballet Company. She later became a member of The ROAR Dance Team at The University of North Alabama and began teaching Jazz and Lyrical at a local studio. She earned her degree in Business Management and currently works at Davidson Technologies as a Procurement Manager.
Over the past five years, Annie has assisted with company teams ranging from ages 5 to 18, while also directing the technique and jazz program specifically for the 6 to 8 age group at a local studio in Madison. She and Mrs. Taylor recently earned their first choreography award for the tiny tap routine, "Ay Caramba." This recognition was more than just a milestone - it served as a heartfelt reminder of Annie's deep passion for hard work, creativity, and inspiring young dancers through disciplined, meaningful movement.
Annie is known for her strong organizational skills and technical expertise, which she will use to help lead curriculum development and guide fellow teachers in their growth. She is especially passionate about learning new methods and techniques and applying them in ways that help dancers truly understand the why and how behind their movement. Her approach builds a strong technical foundation, ensuring long-term success for her students and the overall excellence of Madison Dance Collective's training program.
After graduating from Madison Academy, Annie continued her education while training with The Huntsville Ballet Company. She later became a member of The ROAR Dance Team at The University of North Alabama and began teaching Jazz and Lyrical at a local studio. She earned her degree in Business Management and currently works at Davidson Technologies as a Procurement Manager.
Over the past five years, Annie has assisted with company teams ranging from ages 5 to 18, while also directing the technique and jazz program specifically for the 6 to 8 age group at a local studio in Madison. She and Mrs. Taylor recently earned their first choreography award for the tiny tap routine, "Ay Caramba." This recognition was more than just a milestone - it served as a heartfelt reminder of Annie's deep passion for hard work, creativity, and inspiring young dancers through disciplined, meaningful movement.
Annie is known for her strong organizational skills and technical expertise, which she will use to help lead curriculum development and guide fellow teachers in their growth. She is especially passionate about learning new methods and techniques and applying them in ways that help dancers truly understand the why and how behind their movement. Her approach builds a strong technical foundation, ensuring long-term success for her students and the overall excellence of Madison Dance Collective's training program.
Alivia Rosenthal
Early Childhood Program Director, Social Media & Content Coordinator
Alivia began her dance journey at the age of 5 with North Star Ballet in Fairbanks, Alaska. At 9, she relocated to Huntsville and continued her training at North Alabama Dance Center where she began her competitive dance journey. Over the years, she expanded her dance education to include contemporary, hip hop, tap, and jazz, building a well-rounded foundation in both performance and technique.
A graduate of Sparkman High School, Alivia was a member of the Varsity Dance Team for two years. She gained valuable performance and teamwork experience, as well as Top 10 national placement in both Pom and Hip Hop. Alivia was actively involved in student teaching and has worked in varying early childhood education programs - developing a strong foundation that helped shape her love or working with young dancers. She's thrilled to bring that passion to Madison Dance Collective.
Now in her sixth year of teaching, Alivia brings warmth, patience, and creativity to every class. Younger dancers thrive around her nurturing personality and playful yet structured teaching style, making her a favorite among the tiniest performers. She creates a welcoming environment where children feel encouraged, capable, and excited to learn.
Alivia is now a proud member of DiscoverDance, an early childhood dance education program dedicated to learning, creating, and educating during the foundational early years. Through this program, she continues to grow as an educator while bringing fresh, developmentally appropriate techniques into her classes. She's especially grateful to continue sharing her passion with many ages.
Alivia has a daughter Parker, who just began her dance journey at MDC.
A graduate of Sparkman High School, Alivia was a member of the Varsity Dance Team for two years. She gained valuable performance and teamwork experience, as well as Top 10 national placement in both Pom and Hip Hop. Alivia was actively involved in student teaching and has worked in varying early childhood education programs - developing a strong foundation that helped shape her love or working with young dancers. She's thrilled to bring that passion to Madison Dance Collective.
Now in her sixth year of teaching, Alivia brings warmth, patience, and creativity to every class. Younger dancers thrive around her nurturing personality and playful yet structured teaching style, making her a favorite among the tiniest performers. She creates a welcoming environment where children feel encouraged, capable, and excited to learn.
Alivia is now a proud member of DiscoverDance, an early childhood dance education program dedicated to learning, creating, and educating during the foundational early years. Through this program, she continues to grow as an educator while bringing fresh, developmentally appropriate techniques into her classes. She's especially grateful to continue sharing her passion with many ages.
Alivia has a daughter Parker, who just began her dance journey at MDC.
Alex Garner
Head Ballet Instructor
With over 25 years of experience, Mrs. Alex brings a unique blend of technical training, performance experience, and educational expertise to every class she teaches. She is trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, jazz funk, musical theatre, and modern, with a background in methods including Vaganova, Balanchine, Horton, Luigi, and Fosse.
Mrs. Alex spent a decade as a competitive dancer, earning national titles, including Celebration Dancer of the Year, NUVO's Die Hard Dancer, and Hall of Fame National All-Star. She holds a bachelor's degree in Dance and Dance Therapy from the University of Alabama, where she performed with Dance Alabama! and choreographed for award-winning productions.
She has taught at dance camps, led summer intensives, and worked with dancers of all ages and abilities. Over the years, she has taught full-year classes across multiple styles and age groups, choreographing pieces highlighting technical growth and stage presence. Her classes are known for being inclusive, focused, and fun - emphasizing musicality, technique, and body awareness. She especially enjoys teaching young dancers, teens, and seniors dedicated to growing their craft.
Outside the studio, Mrs. Alex is a full-time elementary school teacher with a master's degree in special education and is currently pursuing instructional leadership certification. Named her school's Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year, she brings structure, creativity, and heart into everything she does.
Mrs. Alex lives in Huntsville with her husband Austin, their Goldendoodle Nilla, and their cat Beasley. She loves homemaking, being active, and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Alex spent a decade as a competitive dancer, earning national titles, including Celebration Dancer of the Year, NUVO's Die Hard Dancer, and Hall of Fame National All-Star. She holds a bachelor's degree in Dance and Dance Therapy from the University of Alabama, where she performed with Dance Alabama! and choreographed for award-winning productions.
She has taught at dance camps, led summer intensives, and worked with dancers of all ages and abilities. Over the years, she has taught full-year classes across multiple styles and age groups, choreographing pieces highlighting technical growth and stage presence. Her classes are known for being inclusive, focused, and fun - emphasizing musicality, technique, and body awareness. She especially enjoys teaching young dancers, teens, and seniors dedicated to growing their craft.
Outside the studio, Mrs. Alex is a full-time elementary school teacher with a master's degree in special education and is currently pursuing instructional leadership certification. Named her school's Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year, she brings structure, creativity, and heart into everything she does.
Mrs. Alex lives in Huntsville with her husband Austin, their Goldendoodle Nilla, and their cat Beasley. She loves homemaking, being active, and spending time with her family.