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
Collective Choreographer and Instructor
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 high school’s varsity dance team, helping lead the team to three consecutive national hip hop titles while earning several Top 10 placements in additional categories. While still in high school, Sara discovered her passion for teaching by working as both a dance instructor and an office aide. Her dedication and love for the art earned her the prestigious Dancer of the Year award at the conclusion of her senior year.
Now entering her 16th year as a choreographer, Sara has received numerous honors, including 13 Choreography Awards and 3 Top Teacher Awards. She is passionate about creating meaningful pieces that challenge dancers artistically while building their confidence, character, and love for performing. Her greatest joy comes from watching her students take the stage and celebrating the growth they achieve both in and out of the studio.
After an incredible first season with Madison Dance Collective, Sara is excited to continue helping shape the studio’s future. She is grateful to be part of a team that is building something truly special and is committed to creating a positive, inspiring environment where dancers feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to become the best version of themselves. She looks forward to watching the studio continue to grow and to seeing the lasting impact it will have on dancers and their families for years to come.
Outside the studio, Sara supports executive leadership at T2S Solutions. She and her husband, Cody, are proud parents to three daughters, Neely, Stella, and Vivi. Sharing the joy of dance with her own girls has made her love for teaching even more meaningful, and she is grateful to watch them grow alongside the next generation of dancers she has the privilege to mentor.
Taylor Juergens
The Collective Company Director, Tap Program Director, The Collective Fellowship & Outreach Director
Collective Choreographer and Instructor
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 every class while emphasizing strong foundations, technique, artistry, confidence, and self-expression.
Mrs. Taylor began dancing at the age of three, training at North Alabama Dance Center and Southern Sensations Dance Studio. Throughout her dance career, she has performed and choreographed for numerous regional and national dance competitions and conventions. As an instructor and choreographer, she has been recognized with several choreography awards throughout her teaching career.
Most recently, Mrs. Taylor expanded her tap education by completing training under world-renowned tap educator Hillary-Marie, earning both her Level 1 and Level 2 certifications through her iTap Teacher Training Program. She is passionate about continuing her education as an instructor and bringing new knowledge, techniques, and inspiration back to her students. As a dance educator, Mrs. Taylor strives to create an inclusive, encouraging, and motivating environment where every dancer feels supported as they grow, challenge themselves, and most importantly, find JOY in dance. Whether working with a beginner stepping into the studio for the first time or an advanced dancer pursuing the next level of their training, she believes in the transformative power of dance and is committed to helping each student discover their confidence and reach their fullest potential.
Outside of the studio, Taylor and her husband, Nick, own Ridgewood Homes, where they build and renovate custom homes. Together, they are parents to their son, JohnCrew, who turned three this July and already loves dance just as much as his mama!
Mrs. Taylor began dancing at the age of three, training at North Alabama Dance Center and Southern Sensations Dance Studio. Throughout her dance career, she has performed and choreographed for numerous regional and national dance competitions and conventions. As an instructor and choreographer, she has been recognized with several choreography awards throughout her teaching career.
Most recently, Mrs. Taylor expanded her tap education by completing training under world-renowned tap educator Hillary-Marie, earning both her Level 1 and Level 2 certifications through her iTap Teacher Training Program. She is passionate about continuing her education as an instructor and bringing new knowledge, techniques, and inspiration back to her students. As a dance educator, Mrs. Taylor strives to create an inclusive, encouraging, and motivating environment where every dancer feels supported as they grow, challenge themselves, and most importantly, find JOY in dance. Whether working with a beginner stepping into the studio for the first time or an advanced dancer pursuing the next level of their training, she believes in the transformative power of dance and is committed to helping each student discover their confidence and reach their fullest potential.
Outside of the studio, Taylor and her husband, Nick, own Ridgewood Homes, where they build and renovate custom homes. Together, they are parents to their son, JohnCrew, who turned three this July and already loves dance just as much as his mama!
Annie Lambdin
Curriculum Director, Artistic & Creative Director
Collective Choreographer and Instructor
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 six years, Annie has taught with company teams ranging from ages 5 to 18, while also creating the technique class structure for our studio. She and Mrs. Taylor received 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 six years, Annie has taught with company teams ranging from ages 5 to 18, while also creating the technique class structure for our studio. She and Mrs. Taylor received 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 Davidson
Early Childhood Program Director, Social Media & Content Coordinator
Collective Choreographer and Instructor
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 seventh 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 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 seventh 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 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 taught dance therapy classes following the Dance for Parkinson's curriculum at a local assisted living facility.
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 recently obtained instructional leadership certification. She was named her school's Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year, and has recently been invited to attend the 2026 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference to assist her school's principal in presenting to schools across the country on the importance of creating a positive school culture.
Mrs. Alex is a passionate educator both in the classroom and at the studio. She lives in Huntsville with her husband Austin and became a mom to her baby boy in March 2026.
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 taught dance therapy classes following the Dance for Parkinson's curriculum at a local assisted living facility.
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 recently obtained instructional leadership certification. She was named her school's Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year, and has recently been invited to attend the 2026 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference to assist her school's principal in presenting to schools across the country on the importance of creating a positive school culture.
Mrs. Alex is a passionate educator both in the classroom and at the studio. She lives in Huntsville with her husband Austin and became a mom to her baby boy in March 2026.
Nikki Moore
Lead Acro Instructor
With over 10 years of experience coaching acrobatics, tumbling, gymnastics, dance, and cheerleading, Nikki is passionate about helping every student build strength, confidence, flexibility, and strong technical fundamentals in a positive and encouraging environment.
Nikki is a USA Gymnastics (USAG) Certified Instructor and a USASF Certified Tumbling Coach (Levels 1 - 5). She is the former owner of Royalty Athletics, where she trained athletes of all ages and skill levels while fostering a love for movement and personal growth.
As a former University of Kentucky Cheerleader, Nikki brings a wealth of athletic experience and a commitment to safe, progressive instruction. Her classes emphasize proper technique, body awareness, and confidence, ensuring each dancer develops at their own pace while having fun along the way.
Whether a student is taking their very first acro class or working toward more advanced skills, Nikki is dedicated to helping every dancer reach their full potential. She is thrilled to be joining the Madison Dance Collective family and can't wait to inspire, encourage, and celebrate each dancer throughout the season!
Nikki is a USA Gymnastics (USAG) Certified Instructor and a USASF Certified Tumbling Coach (Levels 1 - 5). She is the former owner of Royalty Athletics, where she trained athletes of all ages and skill levels while fostering a love for movement and personal growth.
As a former University of Kentucky Cheerleader, Nikki brings a wealth of athletic experience and a commitment to safe, progressive instruction. Her classes emphasize proper technique, body awareness, and confidence, ensuring each dancer develops at their own pace while having fun along the way.
Whether a student is taking their very first acro class or working toward more advanced skills, Nikki is dedicated to helping every dancer reach their full potential. She is thrilled to be joining the Madison Dance Collective family and can't wait to inspire, encourage, and celebrate each dancer throughout the season!
Morgan Ryan
Instructor
Morgan began dancing at just 3 years old and trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, pointe, and baton. Morgan later served as captain of her high school's dance team for two years before proudly twirling with the University of Alabama Crimsonettes from 2021 to 2025. During my time as a Crimsonette, I had the honor of performing at SEC Championships, bowl games. the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rose Parade, Radio City Music Hall, and many other unforgettable events.
Growing up on the recital stage, the dance studio has always felt like home. While Morgan loves teaching technique and fun dances, she is especially passionate about helping girls discover their confidence, embrace showmanship, and become the very best version of themselves both on and off the stage.
Outside of the studio, Morgan is married to my wonderful husband, Jack, am a proud cat mom, and work as the business manager for Ledgewood Fine Stationery. Morgan truly believes the Lord has called her to teach, and she feels so blessed to have the opportunity to invest in these young dancers and be the kind of role model she looked up to growing up. She cant wait for an amazing season!
Growing up on the recital stage, the dance studio has always felt like home. While Morgan loves teaching technique and fun dances, she is especially passionate about helping girls discover their confidence, embrace showmanship, and become the very best version of themselves both on and off the stage.
Outside of the studio, Morgan is married to my wonderful husband, Jack, am a proud cat mom, and work as the business manager for Ledgewood Fine Stationery. Morgan truly believes the Lord has called her to teach, and she feels so blessed to have the opportunity to invest in these young dancers and be the kind of role model she looked up to growing up. She cant wait for an amazing season!
Tori Smith
Acro Instructor
Tori is a certified dance instructor through Dance Educators of America, bringing a lifelong passion for movement and a diverse performance background to the studio. A native of Huntsville, Alabama, her journey began at just four years old. She spent her formative years training in both recreational and competitive tracks, eventually serving as a four-year member of the Buckhorn High School Varsity Dance Team.
Driven to pursue dance at the collegiate level, she moved to Jacksonville, Alabama, where she earned a coveted spot as a Marching Ballerina in the renowned Marching Southerners Band at Jacksonville State University. This elite experience instilled a deep sense of precision, accountability, and leadership that shapers her teaching style today. Her performance career eventually brought her back home to Huntsville as a member of the Alabama Hammer girls, dancing for the Alabama Hammers arena football team. Before transitioning to full-time dance education, she utilized her high-level focus and care in the healthcare field, working as a Surgical Assistant in Eye, Plastic, and Orthopedic surgery.
Today, her mission is to give back to the dance community that gave her so much. Her training spans a wide variety of disciplines, allowing her to provide student with a strong technical foundation while encouraging versatility, creativity, and artistic expression. She is dedicated to helping every student grow into a confident, well-rounded dancer while fostering a genuine love for the art of movement.
Outside of the studio, she is happily married to her husband, Josh, and loves spending time with their beautiful blended family of one son and two daughters. You can almost always find her at the baseball field being a proud sports momma, diving deep into a book or movie, or crafting at home.
Driven to pursue dance at the collegiate level, she moved to Jacksonville, Alabama, where she earned a coveted spot as a Marching Ballerina in the renowned Marching Southerners Band at Jacksonville State University. This elite experience instilled a deep sense of precision, accountability, and leadership that shapers her teaching style today. Her performance career eventually brought her back home to Huntsville as a member of the Alabama Hammer girls, dancing for the Alabama Hammers arena football team. Before transitioning to full-time dance education, she utilized her high-level focus and care in the healthcare field, working as a Surgical Assistant in Eye, Plastic, and Orthopedic surgery.
Today, her mission is to give back to the dance community that gave her so much. Her training spans a wide variety of disciplines, allowing her to provide student with a strong technical foundation while encouraging versatility, creativity, and artistic expression. She is dedicated to helping every student grow into a confident, well-rounded dancer while fostering a genuine love for the art of movement.
Outside of the studio, she is happily married to her husband, Josh, and loves spending time with their beautiful blended family of one son and two daughters. You can almost always find her at the baseball field being a proud sports momma, diving deep into a book or movie, or crafting at home.
Gerah Watson
Instructor
Gerah's dance journey began at the age of six and continued through age eighteen when she graduated high school, where she trained at Heidi Knight School of Dance. Throughout her years of training, she explored a variety of dance styles, developing versatility and a strong technical foundation. While Gerah enjoyed learning many genres, jazz and hip hop remained my true passion and became the cornerstone of my dance journey.
In addition to her studio training, Gerah was a member of the Sparkman High School Varsity Dance Team for two years. During that time, she competed in jazz, pom, hip hop, and game day routines.
Over the past year, Gerah has expanded her experience into choreography by helping create and teach liturgical dances for her church. This opportunity has allowed her to combine my passion for dance with her faith while inspiring and leading others through movement and worship.
Outside of dance, Gerah enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family and friends She is incredibly excited for this new journey and cant wait to be a part of such an amazing team while continuing to learn, grow, and share her passion for dance.
In addition to her studio training, Gerah was a member of the Sparkman High School Varsity Dance Team for two years. During that time, she competed in jazz, pom, hip hop, and game day routines.
Over the past year, Gerah has expanded her experience into choreography by helping create and teach liturgical dances for her church. This opportunity has allowed her to combine my passion for dance with her faith while inspiring and leading others through movement and worship.
Outside of dance, Gerah enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family and friends She is incredibly excited for this new journey and cant wait to be a part of such an amazing team while continuing to learn, grow, and share her passion for dance.
Shara Lingenfelter
Office Administrator
Shara serves as the Office Administrator for Madison Dance Collective and is proud to support the studio's dancers, families, and staff. She brings a lifelong passion for the performing arts, having twirled the baton for 12 years and served as a high school majorette at Tuscaloosa County High School. Over the past 25 years, she has enjoyed judging baton competitions and both dance team and majorette tryouts throughout the region.
As a 16-year dance mom, Shara understands firsthand the dedication, commitment, and joy that come with a dancer's journey. She also serves on the MDC Cares Board of Directors and is honored to help support the studio's mission both on and off the stage.
Shara has been married to her husband, Terry, for 20 years, and together they have two children. Their daughter, Emma (19), continues her love of dance as a Marching Ballerina at Jacksonville State University, while their son, Troy (15), loves playing baseball and is a sophomore at Sparkman High School. Her weekdays are spent as an Executive Assistant at L3Harris, where she has worked for the last 8 years. Shara is grateful to be part of the Madison Dance Collective family and looks forward to being a part of this Legacy for many years to come.
As a 16-year dance mom, Shara understands firsthand the dedication, commitment, and joy that come with a dancer's journey. She also serves on the MDC Cares Board of Directors and is honored to help support the studio's mission both on and off the stage.
Shara has been married to her husband, Terry, for 20 years, and together they have two children. Their daughter, Emma (19), continues her love of dance as a Marching Ballerina at Jacksonville State University, while their son, Troy (15), loves playing baseball and is a sophomore at Sparkman High School. Her weekdays are spent as an Executive Assistant at L3Harris, where she has worked for the last 8 years. Shara is grateful to be part of the Madison Dance Collective family and looks forward to being a part of this Legacy for many years to come.