OUR STAFF

At Next Level Dance, our staff is composed of elite instructors who have reached the highest levels in both collegiate and professional dance. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for teaching, our coaches bring unparalleled expertise to every class. Dedicated to pushing dancers beyond their limits, they provide personalized guidance and elite-level training. Whether you're mastering the fundamentals or chasing advanced goals, our team is here to help you unlock your full potential and reach the next level.

Katie James

-Owner

-Began dancing at the age of 2

-Seasoned dance studio director

-Coached and choreographed for a state and nationally ranked dance team for 9 years & coached numerous alumni to progress to collegiate and pro level.

-Danced professionally in the Yuletide Celebration for 2 seasons

-Spent 3 seasons as a Colts Cheerleader including 2 seasons as a head instructor for the Junior Cheer Program, Teammate of the Year in 2020, and currently a coordinator for the Junior Cheer program.

Makenna Blacklidge

-Instructor

-Began dancing at age 4 -9 years at Expressenz Dance Center

-4 year member of The Ohio State Dance Team—6X UDA D1A National Champion

-Current Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Indianapolis

Other experiences:

-Competed on World of Dance Season 2

-Competed on Americas Got Talent Season 14

-Performer in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration 2018

Morgan Mclain

Instructor

-Studio trained in tap, jazz, ballet, and modern

-3 year member of the Center Grove Varsity Team, captain for two of those years

-4 year member of the IU RedStepper Dance team, captain for two of those years, awarded outstanding RedStepper of the Year her junior year

-Current rookie of the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders

-Doctorate of Occupational Therapy student

Kortney Criswell

-Instructor

- Grew up as a competitive dancer at a studio, where I was trained in all styles including jazz, ballet, rap, hip hop, and contemporary

- In high school, I traveled with Hollywood Connection Dance Convention as a member of their teen company, where I assisted the different choreographers

- Graduated from Ball State University, where I was a four year member of the Ball State Code Red Dance Team

- I have choreographed for high school teams around Indiana as well as choreographed for Code Red Dance Team

Ali Hoover

-Started dancing at 2 years old

-4 year member and 2 year captain of Western Michigan University’s Dance Team with opportunities to choreograph for gameday and organize events

⁃ Awarded most dedicated in 2022 and named NDA All American in 2023

⁃ Trained competitively at a dance studio in Michigan from the age of 2 through 18 where I trained in styles from ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, and more. I was an assistant teacher during my Senior year then transitioned to choreographing for competitions during college. ⁃ Had the opportunity to perform in “Kidz Roc” in Branson, MO ⁃ Cecchetti certified grades 1-4

⁃ Varsity Cheerleader for 4 years during Highschool

Elena Eberwine

⁃ Studio trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical

⁃ Danced on the Center Grove Varsity Dance Team

⁃ Gained a variety of performance experiences through high school cheerleading and varsity mixed show choir as the dance captain.

⁃ Led the Purdue University Golduster Dance Team as the captain and was awarded Outstanding Member in 2022.

⁃ Attended numerous conventions and intensives across the nation throughout my 20+ years of dance.

⁃ Performed in venues worldwide including collegiate stadiums, NFL stadiums, concert halls, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indy 500, and on the streets of Dublin, Ireland for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.