Meet Our Faculty...Inspiration.Dedication.Teamwork.
Mandy Moore
Owner and Artistic Director
Ms. Mandy "grew up" in her mother's dance studio that originated in Memphis, Tennessee then later relocated to Auburn, Al. She was technically trained and studied under Master educators such as Jane Bischoff, Jerry Leatherwood, Al Gilbert, Darryl Retter, Joe Tremaine, Barry Lather, Joan Lather (Miss Puffy), Doug Caldwell, Janice Barringer, Frank Hatchett, Joe Melchiona, and Marcus Alford .
Ms. Mandy teaches tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet and contemporary/lyrical. Her use of age appropriate music and choreography and the ability to create an instant rapport with children of all ages is one of her greatest talents.
Make Your Move Performing Arts Studio is Ms. Mandy's most treasured accomplishment. Her vision to create a safe haven for children to study the art of dance is a dream come true. Daughter Mallory is her inspiration.
She has received numerous awards for her innovative choreography for her competitive "Allstar Showtroop" as well as the "Wacoochee Junior High", "Smith Station High School", and "Opelika High School Showstoppers" kicklines and dance teams.
Her credits also include: National Competition Adjudicator, Advisory Board Member for "StageWear LA" costume company, and script and choreography awards for local and regional pageants affiliated with the Miss Alabama Organization.
Jaime Moore-Wells
Co-Director of Make Your Move.
Ms Jaime has traveled the United States teaching and educating numerous high school and college dance teams with the Marching Auxillaries Dance Camps of America. Her degree in commercial entertainment from Columbia State was very useful in landing the prestigious position of "Show Captain" for the NickToons Summer Jam Show at Paramount's King's Island in Cincinnati, Ohio. During her two years at PKI she was honored with the coveted "IAPA Award" for Most Outstanding Performer in a Children's Show.
This exciting motivator, educator, choreographer, and dancer has worked with Justin Timberlake, Henry LeTang, Marcus Alford, Jerry Leatherwood, Eric Henderson, Donald Frison, Tommy Sutton, Frank Hatchett, Joe Tremaine, Hank Crabtree, Nilo Toledo, and more. Jaime was also a featured dancer in the "DC Talk" video "Farewell my Friend".
Her goals are many. High on the list is to instruct dance in a positive manner, to create thinking and intelligent dancers who are not only technically brilliant, but creative and passionate about dance. Daughter Camden lights up her life each day. Ms. Wells has taught for the past 17 years.
Many of Jaime's proteges operate successful dance studios and appear on Broadway, in films, and on television.
Other Credits include: Dance Educator, Master Teacher with National Conventions; "Dancewerks", "Applause Intesity", and "Fuzion".
National Award Winning Choreographer, National Competition Adjudicator.
Jennifer Ambrose
Co-Director of Starlet Academy, Levels 1 and 2 Instructor/Educator, ZUMBA certified Instructor/Educator
Miss Jennifer first began her dance studies with Marty Moore of Dance Syndicate in Auburn, Al. After receiving her Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University, Miss Jennifer decided to start checking items off of her "buscket list" and returned to dance in 2005. She quickly devoted all of her spare time to learning, studying and absorbing everything she could about teaching, performing and choreographing. Her organizational skills and ability to quickly adapt to any situation are infectious!
Her love for the Art form and her energy and zest for life is truly an inspiration to all that come in contact with her!
Sandra Spikes
Office Manager
Ms. Sandra is our amazing Office Manager here at MYM. She is the person that can answer all of your questions, register you for classes, size you for shoes, check on your account and make sure you are having the best experience possible here at MYM~ ALL with a SMILE! :)
She is the mom of 2 beautiful dancers and loves being a part of the "hustle and bustle" of the dance studio! If you need ANYTHING~ Ms. Sandra is the "go to girl!"
We are so lucky to have her in office! <3
Kimberly Latimore
Starlet Academy, KidzHop, Levels 1 and 2 Educator, Instructor, Choreographer
Kim has been dancing at MYM since the age of 12. She began in the Starlet Academy program and rapidly moved into intensive studies, later progressing into the assistant/teacher training program.
Miss Kim is a phenomenal tap dancer but chose to expanded her studies to all areas of dance.
She was a member of the Award winning MYM Allstar Showtroop and the OHS Showstoppers kickline.
Miss Kim has the ability to instantly connect with children of all ages. Her love for dance and children shines from her beautiful light within.
Currently she is enrolled as a Junior at Auburn University.
Brooke Hightower
Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary Educator, Instructor, Choreographer
Ms Brooke is an incredibly talented dancer who grew up in Orem, Utah. She studied dance intensively at her home studios "The Dance Club" and "Center Stage" in Utah. She has been dancing since the age of 3, and assisting,teaching and choreographing since the age of 15. While in Utah, Ms. Brooke was able to study under some of the best educators in the industry including: Mandy Moore, Dee Caspary, Brian Friedman, Justin Giles, Andy Blankenbueler and Jason Parsons (to name a few).
Ms. Brooke's love for jazz,ballet and contemporary genres shines through in her amazing choreography. A brilliant performer who can readily translate her skills to the classroom, Ms. Brooke is truly a gift to have on staff here at MYM.
Candace Whitehurst
Kidz Hop, Hip Hop 1
Miss Candace has been on staff here at MYM for over 3 years. She grew up dancing in Enterprise, Al and was a member of their award winning show choir. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Communication Disorders at Auburn University and will be graduating in early 2011.
Miss Candace is a ray of light and constant energy in the classroom! The students love her vibrancy and outgoing attitude. She is truly gifted when it comes to connecting with children! We are thankful to have her on staff again this season!
Payton Moeller
Teaching Assistant
Payton began dancing at age 4 and has been with MYM for 12 years. Payton is currently a Senior at OHS and is in her second year of our teacher training program as a teaching assistant.
She loves being in the studio, working with children, modeling, and cheering. She is very active in our community and currently serves as the President of the Lee County chapter of Jr. Arts.
Heather Styes
Teaching Assistant
Heather is in her second year as a teaching assistant after being a student demonstrator/assistant for 2 years. She has been dancing since the age of 4 and has been with us for 12 years.
Heather loves spending most of her free time at the studio mentoring to younger students and being involved in all things dance!
She is a senior at Beauregard High School where she serves as Class President.
Heather enjoys all aspects of dance including performances,competitions, conventions, and just being in the classroom!
Mallory Hagan
Guest Artist/Choreographer
Mallory has been teaching and choreographing for 7years. She has received numerous dance awards including the Stage One Super Star Award, Miss Teen D.E.A, the Teen Miss Alabama State Talent winner, Dance Olympus and DMI scholarship recipient, Broadway Dance Center work/study intern and numerous Overall High Score and Platinum awards at Regional and National Dance competitions.
Mallory is currently residing in Brooklyn, NY where she is the reigning Miss Brooklyn and first runner up to Miss New York (of the Miss America Organization).
She travels to Alabama several times a year to choreograph and guest teach our Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary classes.