INSTRUCTORS
| OUR LOCATION and CONTACT INFO |
Lynne Taylor - Kilgore, Director/Dance Instructor
Lynne Taylor is the owner and director of Synergy Dance Academy and Performing Arts Studio. She has
been dancing/teaching for over 30 years and prior to that had a background in competitive gymnastics.
Lynne is certified in the Cecchetti method of ballet and is also a member of Dance Educators of America.
Lynne is a former Dance Masters Miss Dance of Michigan and was a top ten finalist for Miss Dance of
America. She has also appeared as a Star Search finalist and was a top ten finalist in the DEA Miss
Broadway contest. Her additional professional experience includes video, television, professional
company work and print ads. Lynne has also worked for Elite Modeling Agency in NYC.
She continues her dance education today by studying with master teachers around the country such as
Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks, Doug Caldwell and Brian Friedman, she has also studied with Frank
Hatchett and the late Gus Giordano, both masters of the jazz discipline. Lynne has produced award
winning choreography for several of her competition groups and soloists and runs the Mini, Junior and
Senior competition groups at Synergy along with her amazing support staff.
Lynne has also judged and staged shows for other dance organizations and has trained teachers for
other local dance studios.
Lynne Taylor is the owner and director of Synergy Dance Academy and Performing Arts Studio. She has
been dancing/teaching for over 30 years and prior to that had a background in competitive gymnastics.
Lynne is certified in the Cecchetti method of ballet and is also a member of Dance Educators of America.
Lynne is a former Dance Masters Miss Dance of Michigan and was a top ten finalist for Miss Dance of
America. She has also appeared as a Star Search finalist and was a top ten finalist in the DEA Miss
Broadway contest. Her additional professional experience includes video, television, professional
company work and print ads. Lynne has also worked for Elite Modeling Agency in NYC.
She continues her dance education today by studying with master teachers around the country such as
Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks, Doug Caldwell and Brian Friedman, she has also studied with Frank
Hatchett and the late Gus Giordano, both masters of the jazz discipline. Lynne has produced award
winning choreography for several of her competition groups and soloists and runs the Mini, Junior and
Senior competition groups at Synergy along with her amazing support staff.
Lynne has also judged and staged shows for other dance organizations and has trained teachers for
other local dance studios.
Katherine Salinas - Dance Instructor
Katherine Salinas received her Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, receiving a
scholarship in her second year. She has over twenty years of dance teaching and performing experience.
Katherine has performed in professional works by Peter Sparling, a University of Michigan professor and
former Martha Graham dancer.
She has also performed in numerous ballets including Swan Lake at the Detroit Opera House, The
Nutcracker, and Carmen. She has performed with Ann Arbor Dance Works, in Lucas Hoving’s Satiana,
under the direction of Gay Delanghe. Katherine has co-directed the Children’s Ballet Theatre of Lansing
and taught for many private dance studios in the Detroit area including, The Dance Centre, The Dance
Connection, CAS Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre and Dance Dynamics.
Katherine’s reputation as a professional, innovative and inspiring teacher has given her a wonderful
student/teacher relationship with all her students. Her family includes her husband Ruben and children
Alexis, Tomas and Julian, and digs Chewy and Dixie.
Katherine Salinas received her Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, receiving a
scholarship in her second year. She has over twenty years of dance teaching and performing experience.
Katherine has performed in professional works by Peter Sparling, a University of Michigan professor and
former Martha Graham dancer.
She has also performed in numerous ballets including Swan Lake at the Detroit Opera House, The
Nutcracker, and Carmen. She has performed with Ann Arbor Dance Works, in Lucas Hoving’s Satiana,
under the direction of Gay Delanghe. Katherine has co-directed the Children’s Ballet Theatre of Lansing
and taught for many private dance studios in the Detroit area including, The Dance Centre, The Dance
Connection, CAS Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre and Dance Dynamics.
Katherine’s reputation as a professional, innovative and inspiring teacher has given her a wonderful
student/teacher relationship with all her students. Her family includes her husband Ruben and children
Alexis, Tomas and Julian, and digs Chewy and Dixie.
| Click on image to contact Lynne |
| Click on image to contact Katherine |
Carrie Neal - Dance Instructor
Carrie graduated from Eastern Michigan University in April of 2009. She has a Communication and
Theatre Arts Degree and well as a Teaching Certificate through the State of Michigan. Carrie has been a
dancer/performer for over 15 years and has studied a wide range of dance styles. She has competed in
many different dance competitions such as Star Power, Premier, Encore and ShowBiz.
She and her father competed a tap duet at ShowBiz National Dance Competetion 1999 in West Virginia
and won the overall first place for their category. Carrie’s dad is her biggest supporter and favorite dance
partner. As a child, Carrie took classes in Cecchetti ballet, performance ballet, lyrical, hip hop, Broadway
tap and rhythm tap. As she got older, she realized that her passion was for tap dancing.
Teaching is another one of Carrie’s passions and the career that she has wanted since childhood. She
feels at home in the classroom and enjoys everything that comes with the job. Building relationships
with students and parents, working with students of all ages and backgrounds, and seeing the students
grow and develop over the years are only a few of the rewarding aspects of teaching. She has experience
teaching all ages; 3-5 year olds through adults over 40. Carrie loves rhythm tap more than any other style
of dancing.
A few of her inspirations are Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, and Savion Glover. One of Carrie’s
goals is to introduce her students to the vast and wonderful world of tap dancing and help them learn to
appreciate it as well as love it. But overall, she wants to inspire her students to find the style of dance that
grabs their heart and won’t let go.
Carrie graduated from Eastern Michigan University in April of 2009. She has a Communication and
Theatre Arts Degree and well as a Teaching Certificate through the State of Michigan. Carrie has been a
dancer/performer for over 15 years and has studied a wide range of dance styles. She has competed in
many different dance competitions such as Star Power, Premier, Encore and ShowBiz.
She and her father competed a tap duet at ShowBiz National Dance Competetion 1999 in West Virginia
and won the overall first place for their category. Carrie’s dad is her biggest supporter and favorite dance
partner. As a child, Carrie took classes in Cecchetti ballet, performance ballet, lyrical, hip hop, Broadway
tap and rhythm tap. As she got older, she realized that her passion was for tap dancing.
Teaching is another one of Carrie’s passions and the career that she has wanted since childhood. She
feels at home in the classroom and enjoys everything that comes with the job. Building relationships
with students and parents, working with students of all ages and backgrounds, and seeing the students
grow and develop over the years are only a few of the rewarding aspects of teaching. She has experience
teaching all ages; 3-5 year olds through adults over 40. Carrie loves rhythm tap more than any other style
of dancing.
A few of her inspirations are Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, and Savion Glover. One of Carrie’s
goals is to introduce her students to the vast and wonderful world of tap dancing and help them learn to
appreciate it as well as love it. But overall, she wants to inspire her students to find the style of dance that
grabs their heart and won’t let go.
| Click on image to contact Carrie |
Amy Troha – Director of recreational dance/Instructor of dance.
Amy began dancing at the tender age of three and her love of dance and performing has continued her
entire life. Amy is a Livonia Churchill graduate where she was a member of the Creative and Performing
Arts Program. She has also participated in numerous regional and national competitions as well as
performances.
As the recipient of a talent scholarship she attended Wayne State University studying dance education.
Amy has also been awarded talent scholarships to Mary Grove College and Eastern Michigan University.
Amy has studied dance at Eastern with a studio management specialty.
In addition to performing with the Wayne State Dance “Company One” Amy has had experience
instructing Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Hip Hop at various local dance studios.
She has also had the pleasure of studying with several master teachers including Addison O’Day
(formerly with the Alabama Ballet), Billy Larson, Michael Woodbury Means, Joanne McNamara, Jaimie
Trepanier, Petty Obey, Keith Clifton and Rhonda Miller. Most recently Amy has performed on stage with
the recording artist Seal for the auto company Audi at the North American International Auto Show Pre
Preview.
Amy is looking forward to sharing her love for dance and performing with all her students this year at
Synergy…
Amy began dancing at the tender age of three and her love of dance and performing has continued her
entire life. Amy is a Livonia Churchill graduate where she was a member of the Creative and Performing
Arts Program. She has also participated in numerous regional and national competitions as well as
performances.
As the recipient of a talent scholarship she attended Wayne State University studying dance education.
Amy has also been awarded talent scholarships to Mary Grove College and Eastern Michigan University.
Amy has studied dance at Eastern with a studio management specialty.
In addition to performing with the Wayne State Dance “Company One” Amy has had experience
instructing Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Hip Hop at various local dance studios.
She has also had the pleasure of studying with several master teachers including Addison O’Day
(formerly with the Alabama Ballet), Billy Larson, Michael Woodbury Means, Joanne McNamara, Jaimie
Trepanier, Petty Obey, Keith Clifton and Rhonda Miller. Most recently Amy has performed on stage with
the recording artist Seal for the auto company Audi at the North American International Auto Show Pre
Preview.
Amy is looking forward to sharing her love for dance and performing with all her students this year at
Synergy…
| Click on image to contact Amy |
Melanie Troha – Dance Instructor
Melanie has been dancing for 17 years and competing since the age of 8. During her years in
competitive dance she has won many regional and national titles and awards.
Melanie is trained in Ballet, Jazz, Gymnastics, Tap, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern and
Precision Pom. She is a Livonia Churchill graduate where she participated in the Creative and
Performing Arts Program. While in CAPA she dances in and choreographed group and solo numbers
for her fellow dancers. She also danced and acted in several CAPA productions including “The Wizard
of Oz” And “Sweet Charity”.
As a student at Churchill Melanie was also a member of the award winning Churchill Chargers Varsity
Pom Squad. Melanie has studied under many master teachers including Glenn Packard (from the
television show – “Brooke Knows Best”), Addison O’Day (formerly of the Alabama Ballet), Billy Larson,
Keith Clifton and Jaimie Trepanier.
Most recently Melanie has auditioned and was selected for a small part in the movie “Youth In Revolt”
(starring Michael Cera). She has also been teaching dance and gymnastics at several local studios.
Melanie will be attending Eastern Michigan University this fall majoring in dance performance.
Melanie is looking forward to sharing her energy and creative choreography with her students
this year.
Melanie has been dancing for 17 years and competing since the age of 8. During her years in
competitive dance she has won many regional and national titles and awards.
Melanie is trained in Ballet, Jazz, Gymnastics, Tap, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern and
Precision Pom. She is a Livonia Churchill graduate where she participated in the Creative and
Performing Arts Program. While in CAPA she dances in and choreographed group and solo numbers
for her fellow dancers. She also danced and acted in several CAPA productions including “The Wizard
of Oz” And “Sweet Charity”.
As a student at Churchill Melanie was also a member of the award winning Churchill Chargers Varsity
Pom Squad. Melanie has studied under many master teachers including Glenn Packard (from the
television show – “Brooke Knows Best”), Addison O’Day (formerly of the Alabama Ballet), Billy Larson,
Keith Clifton and Jaimie Trepanier.
Most recently Melanie has auditioned and was selected for a small part in the movie “Youth In Revolt”
(starring Michael Cera). She has also been teaching dance and gymnastics at several local studios.
Melanie will be attending Eastern Michigan University this fall majoring in dance performance.
Melanie is looking forward to sharing her energy and creative choreography with her students
this year.
| Click on image to contact Melanie |
Shyam Thakker - Hip/Hop & Salsa Instructor
Shyam was born and raised in Kenya and is of Indian decent. Shyam ran his own dance crew in Kenya
before journeying to the United States to attend college. In addition to his dance life he is also a High
School science teacher. Shyam has taught at other local clubs in the past and besides his specialties
of Hip/Hop and Salsa he is also qualified to teach Indian Dance. Shyam is fluent in 6 languages and is
also a certified personal trainer.
Synergy is proud to offer such an amazing and diverse teacher to our students young and old. Shyam’s
classes are run as monthly drop in, check at the desk for rates and availability.
Shyam was born and raised in Kenya and is of Indian decent. Shyam ran his own dance crew in Kenya
before journeying to the United States to attend college. In addition to his dance life he is also a High
School science teacher. Shyam has taught at other local clubs in the past and besides his specialties
of Hip/Hop and Salsa he is also qualified to teach Indian Dance. Shyam is fluent in 6 languages and is
also a certified personal trainer.
Synergy is proud to offer such an amazing and diverse teacher to our students young and old. Shyam’s
classes are run as monthly drop in, check at the desk for rates and availability.
| Click on image to contact Shyam |
Kevin Coleman - Vocal Instructor
Kevin Coleman attended the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University and graduated in
2005 with a BFA in Music Theatre Performance. As a pianist, actor, singer, and dancer he has
performed in dozens of musical and theatre productions, weddings, recitals, and dinner theatre shows.
He has taught voice lessons for several years and has a passion for helping students realize their
singing potential, and also becoming more confident in performance and audition situations. Synergy
is proud to welcome Kevin to our staff of instructors.
Please see the desk to book your private vocal lessons with him
Kevin Coleman attended the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University and graduated in
2005 with a BFA in Music Theatre Performance. As a pianist, actor, singer, and dancer he has
performed in dozens of musical and theatre productions, weddings, recitals, and dinner theatre shows.
He has taught voice lessons for several years and has a passion for helping students realize their
singing potential, and also becoming more confident in performance and audition situations. Synergy
is proud to welcome Kevin to our staff of instructors.
Please see the desk to book your private vocal lessons with him
| Click on image to contact Kevin |
Patti Berlin- Gymnastics & Fitness Instructor
Patti Berlin is a life-long lover of dance and fitness. Her passion for dance began at the age of 6 when
she took her first gymnastics class. Throughout her childhood she expanded her repertoire to include
Jazz, Ballet and Tap. By the time she was in her late teens she was not only performing competitively,
but also sharing her passion for dance through her teaching of children of all ages. She taught mainly
gymnastics and jazz in studios located in mid-Michigan, Indianapolis, Cleveland and here in Plymouth-
Canton. It was this joy of teaching that kept her actively involved in dance up until the time of having her
first child some 18 years ago.
In 1991, after the birth of her oldest son she refocused her energy toward that of fitness. She is a self-
proclaimed, “exercise nut” who has achieved truly significant personal results. Patti is again sharing
her passion for dance and fitness by becoming a member of Synergy Dance Academy. She will be
specializing in gymnastics for the younger students and weight and core training for their parents.
Patti is looking forward to helping the young students develop a love for gymnastics and helping parents
reach their fitness goal.
Patti Berlin is a life-long lover of dance and fitness. Her passion for dance began at the age of 6 when
she took her first gymnastics class. Throughout her childhood she expanded her repertoire to include
Jazz, Ballet and Tap. By the time she was in her late teens she was not only performing competitively,
but also sharing her passion for dance through her teaching of children of all ages. She taught mainly
gymnastics and jazz in studios located in mid-Michigan, Indianapolis, Cleveland and here in Plymouth-
Canton. It was this joy of teaching that kept her actively involved in dance up until the time of having her
first child some 18 years ago.
In 1991, after the birth of her oldest son she refocused her energy toward that of fitness. She is a self-
proclaimed, “exercise nut” who has achieved truly significant personal results. Patti is again sharing
her passion for dance and fitness by becoming a member of Synergy Dance Academy. She will be
specializing in gymnastics for the younger students and weight and core training for their parents.
Patti is looking forward to helping the young students develop a love for gymnastics and helping parents
reach their fitness goal.
| Click on image to contact Patti |
Sheri Grove - Theater Arts Director - Master Teacher
Sheri Grove is currently the director for one of the largest high school theater programs in the state. She
graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1993 with a Bachelors in Theater, Speech, English, &
Literature. She continued her graduate studies and has received two Masters Degrees in Education
and Educational Leadership. Sheri has taught drama at John Glenn High School for 14 years and
directed over 40 musicals and theatrical productions during her career. In addition to directing, Sheri
also choreographs and provides the vocal training for most of her major musicals.
She recently finished directing the Disney hits, "High School Musical 1 & 2" with sell out crowds and
performances. Many of her students continue their studies at the collegiate level including the American
Music and Dramatic Arts Academy in New York. One of her graduates, Josh Gracin, competed in the
television hit, "America Idol", and finished as a top finalist with a recording contract.
When Sheri isn't teaching and directing, she has had an extensive career performing and acting. She
has appeared in several commercials, industrial films, and live theatrical performances. She starred in
the hit production, "Tony and Maria's Wedding" as Maria for three years. With experience in dance and
theater and voice, she is excited about the opportunity to bring the three elements together to give our
dancers a superior edge on the competition and to create the ideal "triple threat", which every performer
dreams of being.
Sheri Grove is currently the director for one of the largest high school theater programs in the state. She
graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1993 with a Bachelors in Theater, Speech, English, &
Literature. She continued her graduate studies and has received two Masters Degrees in Education
and Educational Leadership. Sheri has taught drama at John Glenn High School for 14 years and
directed over 40 musicals and theatrical productions during her career. In addition to directing, Sheri
also choreographs and provides the vocal training for most of her major musicals.
She recently finished directing the Disney hits, "High School Musical 1 & 2" with sell out crowds and
performances. Many of her students continue their studies at the collegiate level including the American
Music and Dramatic Arts Academy in New York. One of her graduates, Josh Gracin, competed in the
television hit, "America Idol", and finished as a top finalist with a recording contract.
When Sheri isn't teaching and directing, she has had an extensive career performing and acting. She
has appeared in several commercials, industrial films, and live theatrical performances. She starred in
the hit production, "Tony and Maria's Wedding" as Maria for three years. With experience in dance and
theater and voice, she is excited about the opportunity to bring the three elements together to give our
dancers a superior edge on the competition and to create the ideal "triple threat", which every performer
dreams of being.
| Click on image to contact Sheri |
| BALLET - TAP - JAZZ - HIP-HOP - LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY - POINTE - GYMNASTICS MUSIC THEATER - FITNESS TRAINING - VOICE & DRAMA |
500 Main Street - Plymouth MI 48170, 734-207-7808
Click on map for a printable version
| 500 Main Street Plymouth MI 48170 Call for more information 734-207-7808 |
PARKING, is always a challenge in downtown Plymouth if you need
any assistance please check with the front desk.
any assistance please check with the front desk.
Copyright 2012-2013 Synergy Dance Academy and Performing Arts Studio