Madison Moniz

Madison finished her time with Synergy in 2020 after competing with the company for 7 years. From a young age she was determined to study dance in college and ended up attending Dean College in Franklin, MA, where she graduated in 2024 with her Bachelor’s in Dance. Madison accredits her professors and dance colleagues with some of the most transformative years of her life, and for forming her into the artist she is now. During her time at Dean, she had the privilege to study abroad in Berlin, Germany where she worked a performing arts internship for Tatwerk Performative Forschung. Madison was a member and eventual captain of the Collective Contemporary Dance Team and had the privilege of performing in many works by her classmates, as well as a piece by Dara Nicole Capely and one by Marc Arensten.  She took her first steps into the choreographic light in her junior year with a piece entitled “A Study of Humanity” and choreographed two more pieces her senior year. Madison was inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and the recipient of the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance Award for Academic Achievement at the end of her senior year. Upon returning to Michigan, Madison attended the FlockWorks Winter Intensive in January of 2025 in Los Angeles, where she was pushed to grow in contemporary partner work and artistry. Most recently, she attended Gibney’s Summer Study in New York City, where she participated in a multitude of classes with professional dancers, as well as workshops and a dance photoshoot with Confidanz dance. Madison completed her Stott Pilates reformer training in the fall at Equilibrium Studios and is hoping to begin teaching once her certification is complete. Feeling as though there is much on the horizon, she is excited to step into the performance realm and experience all that dance has to offer.

Gabriela Morones

Hello! My name is Gabriela, and I am a proud 2017 graduate of Synergy Dance Academy. I went on to attend Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Medicine and my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

While at SVSU, I was an active member of the SVSU Dance Team for two and a half years. During that time, I had the opportunity to compete at NDA Nationals and perform at numerous football and basketball games, continuing my passion for dance throughout my college career.

After graduating, I returned to Synergy as an instructor for a year and currently enjoy staying involved as a substitute teacher. Today, I serve as a School-Based Occupational Therapist and also work as the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator for Camp ABLE. In addition, I am the Head Coach for the Blue Jays at the Miracle League of Plymouth and an Assistant Coach for the Livonia Stevenson High School Dance Team.

I am grateful for the foundation that Synergy Dance Academy provided and for the lasting connections it helped me build in both the dance and professional worlds.

Tori Liptow

Over the past year, I have continued dance at the college level. I just completed my rookie season on Wayne State University’s Dance Team. I had the opportunity to compete at the college classic nationals back in April against many other dII teams. On top of dancing myself, I have continued teaching at Synergy. This is my 4th season teaching here and I have taught ages 3-9. I have also been offered a head coaching position for Stevenson JV dance and I am so excited to help build that program! I’ve had a great experience this past year and can’t wait to see where time takes me. 

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Maisy Schmitt

After graduating in 2024, I have pursued dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) as a Contemporary Dance Major. Here, I have had the opportunity to further my technique by training vigorously in many disciplines of modern, contemporary, ballet, and more. I’ve also been able to work with amazing choreographers such as Kendall Ramirez (featured on Dance Magazine’s 25 to See Live) and Emily Nicolaou, as well as perform existing works by Jose Limón. 

Most recently, while home for the summer, I attended the Joffrey Intensive, enrolled in the Jazz/Contemporary track. Additionally I continue to teach at Synergy when given the opportunity. I plan to pursue dance professionally and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!

Marissa Curtis

Hi, my name is Marissa Curtis. I started dancing at the age of four and then I started competing at the age of six. I continued to compete with Synergy until I graduated high school in 2024. During my four years of high school I also competed with the Stevenson Varsity Dance Team. As well as assisting other teachers with their own classes of all ages. After my graduation in 2024 I started to teach for Synergy with their preschool program and continue to substitute for other teachers as well. 

Emily Ward

Hi! I’m Emily, and I graduated from Synergy in 2024. I am currently studying Movement Science at the University of Michigan with a plan to become a Physical Therapist. Additionally, I am a member of the Michigan Ballroom Dance Team, so I have been able to learn completely new styles of dance and keep my passion for the art alive. I’m so grateful for my time at Synergy because it was there that I gained a deep appreciation for movement, which continues to be such an integral part of my life!