The Dance Studio, Inc.
OUR STAFF
Mrs. Sandy Michalski-Shefferly
Studio Director/Dance Instructor
Meet the owner and studio director of TDS, Ms. Sandy. Beginning dance at the age of 3 and teaching dance for over 30 years, Ms. Sandy is a highly experienced businesswoman in the world of dance. She is recognized for her ability to push students past their previous perceived limits. Ms. Sandy has won many awards over the years, most recently a scholarship from the nationally recognized dance competition L.A. Dance Magic for the dedication she gives to not only her business, but to the children who call TDS a second home.
MsSandy@TheDanceStudioInc.com
Sarah Riggen
Dance Instructor
Sarah began dancing at the age of 7 and was a student at TDS while in high school. She later attended Hope College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Performance/Choreography in May of 2014. She was awarded a Distinguished Artist Award scholarship in dance during her freshman year. While at Hope, she performed with two of the college’s affiliated dance companies; dANCEpROjEct for it's final two seasons and H2 Dance Co. for it's premiere season. As a company member, she trained closely with Steven Iannacone, Matthew Farmer, and Crystal Frazier, and was able to perform with Chicago Tap Theater. She also began teaching at local dance studios while in college. Sarah spent a year after graduation in Buffalo, New York dancing with Jon Lehrer Dance Company, formerly LehrerDance, a professional modern and jazz company under the direction of Jon Lehrer. She was recently living in Chicago where she attended the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in May of 2018. She is happy to be back in Michigan again starting her career as a PT and teaching dance at the same time!
Mr. Michael Blasius
Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba, Baritone, and Piano Instructor
Call him a jack of all trades! After earning his bachelors in Music Education from Central Michigan University, Mike is more than ready to work with young aspiring musicians, particularly students interested in learning marching or jazz band style in the instruments mentioned above. Mr. Mike began his studies at TDS learning the flute in 4th grade, eventually growing into a highly versatile musician. In college, he spent 2 years with the Marching Chips on Alto Saxophone, while his main instrument of study was the oboe. Additionally, he played oboe and English horn with Central’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Central’s Premier Ensemble) for two years. In 2011, he was a substitute for the second oboe in the Sioux Saint Marie Philharmonic Orchestra in Canada. Mr. Mike says he is very passionate about music and what it can add to anybody’s life and looks forward to being a part of The Dance Studio’s Musical Team
