Art in Motion School of Dance
Big hearts.
A shared love of dance.
Meet the people who teach, encourage, and celebrate your dancer, from the first hello to the next proud moment.
Our founder · Our story
Meet Andrea Dotson
CEO & Founder
Andrea Dotson is the CEO and Founder of Art in Motion School of Dance and the owner of The Leotard Boutique, an e-commerce dancewear company. Since founding AIM in 2011 at age 23, she has grown the school to two locations in Fairfield Township and Miamisburg and expanded its original location twice.
Her background spans dance education, professional performance, business ownership, and leadership development. Today, Andrea mentors AIM’s teachers and emerging leaders, helping them develop the skills and confidence to guide the next generation. Her leadership centers on quality dance education, staff development, and the well-being of every dancer.
Andrea’s journey & how AIM began
A spark that started early
Andrea’s love of dance began at two years old, watching her older sister through the window of a small dance school in their hometown. She tried to learn every movement she could. Although the school didn’t typically accept children her age, her teacher recognized her enthusiasm and welcomed her into class.
That early opportunity became a lifelong passion for learning, performing, and teaching, along with an appreciation for what can happen when someone recognizes a child’s potential.
Building AIM
The early days of AIM required determination, creativity, and plenty of hands-on work. Andrea laid floors, installed mirrors, and painted alongside her younger sister, Melanie. Still in high school at the time, Melanie was already sharing her love of dance as both a dancer and a teacher. The sisters grew up performing as duet partners, and that partnership has continued beyond the stage. Melanie has been alongside Andrea since AIM’s earliest days, growing with the school and helping shape it into what it is today. Families now know her as Coach Melanie, AIM’s Company Manager. Her journey from young dancer and teacher to leader is a deeply meaningful part of AIM’s story.
Her daughter, Madeline, was just two years old, and her husband, Ryan, was away for an internship while completing graduate school. Together, they were navigating two careers, traveling back and forth to see each other, and balancing the demands of work, school, and family life. She taught classes and managed everything from finances and leases to recital venues, competitions, merchandise, marketing, and sales.
What makes Andrea proudest today is the culture that has grown from those beginnings. Many of AIM’s team members have developed from dancers into teachers and leaders who now help shape the school. Supporting their growth and seeing them create opportunities for others is one of the most meaningful parts of her work.
Learning, leading, and moving forward
Andrea studied dance and business at Northern Kentucky University, training with the Dance Troupe and NKU Dance Team. Financial circumstances meant leaving before completing her degree, but her education continued through teaching, professional development, and the experience of building a business.
She has taught at local dance schools and worked with school show choirs and dance teams. She continues to attend dance conferences, help lead conversations within the dance industry, and invest in her knowledge of teaching and business leadership. Her learning has included Disney Institute courses in quality service and leadership excellence, along with ongoing development through the Dance Studio Owners Association (DSOA).
Her journey informs the encouragement she offers students and team members:
“You don’t have to follow a perfect path to build something meaningful. You can learn, change direction, ask for help, and keep moving toward what matters to you.”
Supporting the whole dancer
Andrea is certified through Acrobatic Arts and YPAD, has completed QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training, and is trained in first aid and CPR. She cares deeply about dancers’ mental and emotional well-being and continues educating herself to better support the students and teachers in her school.
Her approach to dance education extends beyond technique. She wants students to feel heard, respected, and supported as people while developing confidence in what they can do.
Beyond AIM
Outside the school, Andrea loves dancing, gardening, cooking, spending time outdoors, and being with her family. She is working on a master gardener course through the University of Georgia and enjoys traveling to other countries, meeting people, and listening to their adventures and stories.
Whether she is mentoring a teacher, welcoming a family, or planning AIM’s next chapter, Andrea returns to the same purpose: helping people grow while treating one another with kindness and respect.
“My hope is that every student and family finds a place of belonging at AIM. We’re sharing this life journey, even when our experiences and perspectives are different.”
The people behind the progress
Meet your AIM team
Different journeys. A shared commitment to helping dancers learn, grow, and feel they belong. Open a bio to get to know each team member.
Both locations
Kendra Seiter
Operations and School Director · Fairfield Township & Miamisburg
Kendra turns big ideas into the everyday care and support that help AIM dancers and families feel at home.
Meet Kendra
Kendra joined AIM in January 2013 and serves as Operations and School Director for Fairfield Township and Miamisburg. She helps turn big ideas into the everyday details that make dancers and families feel at home. She works closely with AIM’s teachers, managers, and front desk team to make sure families have the information and support they need, from their first trial class through performances and everything in between. As a mom of four, Kendra knows how much trust it takes to bring your child into a new space. She cares deeply about creating a school where dancers are known as people, parents feel comfortable asking questions, and staff have the support to do their best work. You’ll often find her planning what’s next, solving a behind-the-scenes puzzle, or finding a way to make the AIM experience a little better for everyone.
Why I love being part of AIM
I don’t teach dance classes, but I love being part of the moments that happen because of them. Seeing a dancer walk in unsure of themselves and gradually find confidence, friendships, and a place where they belong means so much to me. I love helping create the support behind those moments so our teachers can focus on their dancers and families can enjoy watching them grow.
What I love about dance
I love watching our dancers explore different styles and discover what makes them light up. Some find their confidence through the high energy of hip hop; others come alive telling a story through musical theatre. My favorite part is seeing each dancer find the style that feels like theirs. I have loved watching my own children light up doing a dance they love, when you can tell they are simply having fun!
Beyond the classroom
Spending time with my husband, Brian, and our four kids, homeschooling my school-age children, painting with watercolors, or unwinding with a video game.
Fun fact
I’m a photographer outside of AIM, and I also enjoy watercolor painting and video games. I love having creative ways to slow down and recharge.
My promise
“I promise to keep working behind the scenes to make AIM a place where you feel welcomed, supported, and known. I’ll listen to what dancers and families need, help our team work together, and keep improving the little details that make your experience here special.”
Both locations
Melanie Short
Program Manager · Coach
A caring teacher, mentor, and award-winning choreographer, Melanie helps dancers of every level feel supported and inspired.
Meet Melanie
Melanie is a versatile dance educator, caring mentor, and member of AIM’s Artistry leadership team. Her journey at AIM has taken her from dancer and assistant to coach and national champion competition choreographer. She enjoys teaching across styles and levels, with a special love for hip hop and tap. Through years of dedication and continued learning, she has developed a distinctive creative voice while helping dancers discover their own.
Her choreography and creative concepts have earned numerous awards, along with praise from professional judges across the country for its originality and emotional impact, with judges describing her hip hop pieces as some of the most moving they have seen. Melanie recently trained alongside Gabriel Ash, and both students and fellow teachers have sought her insight and guidance. She continues to challenge herself creatively, explore new ideas, and push beyond what feels familiar.
At the heart of her work is a deep love for her students. Melanie is a caring mentor and role model who celebrates their progress, supports them through challenges, and helps them feel seen and valued. Her warmth, humor, and big heart make her a beloved part of the AIM community. Watching a dancer master a skill or discover new confidence remains one of her greatest joys.
Melanie is YPAD certified and has completed QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training. Her continued education includes Acrobatic Arts, Tap Roots with Julie Kay, and Levels by Bonita Saldana. Through AIM’s partnership with the Dance Studio Owners Association, she participates in monthly calls with Julie Kay and Kelsey Nelson, continuing to grow as an educator, artist, and leader.
Melanie began dancing at three and was fifteen when AIM opened. She has grown with AIM as a student, assistant, head coach, and program manager. Working with kids has always been her passion. If she hadn’t become a dance teacher, she would have been an art teacher; at AIM, she gets to bring both loves together.
Why I love teaching
I love teaching dance because there is no greater gift than dance. Being able to express all different kinds of emotions while dancing is so peaceful and rewarding. To be able to get people to connect to dance through just music and movement is something indescribable. When I watch the kids’ excitement when they nail a skill, when I see their cute little facial expressions when dancing, when I see them feeling the emotion of a lyrical piece or the emotion of a hard hitting hip hop, it’s the feeling of gratitude and accomplishment. Watching their smiles, joy and excitement is always my why. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else in life 💚
Favorite styles
Hip Hop and Tap - I enjoy teaching these genres because I like to give something unexpected. With these genres specifically you can play with so many tempos, beats, and you can do these styles to all kinds of music. I’ve done combinations to pop songs, country songs, slow songs, techno songs, etc! There are so many possibilities when teaching these styles and that’s what I love to show to anyone watching!
Beyond the classroom
You’ll find me, in my bed watching a crime documentary or a cooking show! You’ll find me in the basement playing video games with my partner, or you’ll find me at the park/outside with my sons! Occasionally you can find me at dinner with my besties! I also enjoy crafting, creating routines, gaming on my Nintendo Switch, cheering on the Bengals with my partner, Eric, and watching Dancing with the Stars. I hope to see the show live one day!
Fun fact
Melanie played basketball from third through tenth grade and bowled on her high school team. She received two full-ride scholarship offers from out-of-state colleges, but chose to pursue her passion for teaching and dance.
My promise
“I promise to keep my dancers laughing and smiling, I promise to help build their confidence and push them to their fullest potential! I promise to keep the classroom fun, but educational! We will learn so much!”
Both locations
Maddie Howe Biondo
Coaching Manager · Program Manager · Coach
Maddie brings energy, encouragement, and a belief that every dancer deserves to feel valued.
Meet Maddie
Maddie knew from the moment she stepped into a dance studio that that would quickly become her second home. Maddie started dancing at the age of 7 and has not stopped since! Maddie is an outgoing teacher who will do whatever she can to make her students feel loved, valued and important in her class!
Why I love teaching
I absolutely love teaching dance because of the outlet it has been in my life. I love knowing that I get to help create this outlet, space to escape and so much more for every dancer I teach. I love getting to see the complete joy that dance brings into people’s lives and knowing that I get to help create this immense joy in kids lives is indescribable! I love getting to be a safe space for kids and adults to come and be who they are, all while learning new fun ways to move their bodies!
Favorite styles
My favorite style to dance is Hip Hop because I love high energy movements but my favorite to teach is Lyrical because I love helping dancers learn how to put the words of the song into movements of their body and creating art in expressing certain emotions and stories!
Beyond the classroom
When I’m not at the studio you’ll find me with my friends or family - probably walking around Target with a coffee in my hand or baking cookies! 😉 When I’m at home I’m probably planning my next trip to take with my husband or working with a bride to make her wedding day perfect! During the correct season you’ll find me screaming “who dey” every Sunday!
Fun fact
I married my high school sweetheart, and we’ve been together for ten years! I understand firsthand how nerve-racking it can be to enroll a child with a health condition in an activity. I approach those concerns with an understanding heart and a commitment to a supportive classroom.
My promise
“I promise to always meet my dancers where they are. My classroom will always be a safe place to learn at the pace you need while growing each and every week! I promise to instill and highlight confidence in every dancer because they deserve to be proud of EVERYTHING they are! Your dancer is welcome to come exactly as they are, let go, and have fun, knowing they’re supported every step of the way”
Both locations
Jayson Rodriguez
Acro Manager · Coach
Jayson helps dancers build strength, body awareness, and confidence, one accomplishment at a time.
Meet Jayson
Jayson started his dance journey as a student at Art in Motion in the fall of 2011 and quickly fell in love with dance and the community that came with it. Over the years, his passion for dance grew into a love for teaching and helping students discover what they are capable of. Jayson teaches Acro and loves watching students grow in their strength, confidence, and skills. One of his favorite parts of teaching is seeing the moment a student finally achieves a trick they have worked so hard to accomplish.
Why I love teaching
I love teaching dance because of the impact I get to make on my students. There is nothing quite like watching a student work through something that challenges them and then seeing the excitement on their face when they finally accomplish it. Those moments are what remind me why I teach. My students give me just as much as I hope to give them. They keep me motivated, make me laugh, and constantly remind me how rewarding it is to celebrate the little victories along the way.
Favorite styles
Acro! It’s pure progression in action! Watching students build the physical strength, body awareness, and trust required to master a trick is so awesome to watch. Hip hop gets an honorable mention as I feel like it’s the opposite of acro, there are no rules except straight expression of yourself.
Beyond the classroom
When I’m not at the studio, you’ll probably find me with a book in my hand, spending time with my wife and our cats, or planning our next trip. I’m also a big fan of anime especially Cowboy Bebop and love gaming with friends, whether we’re playing Halo or League of Legends. Outside of that, I also enjoy playing the Pokémon TCG as well as vending at card shows with a close friend of mine!
Fun fact
Jayson is the Dungeon Master for his friends’ Dungeons and Dragons campaign!
My promise
“I promise to create a safe, high energy environment where you can push your limits, build unshakeable confidence, and cheer each other on every step of the way.”
Miamisburg
Abigail Schechter
Coach
Abigail brings a love of teaching, choreography, and joyful movement to every class.
Meet Abigail
Coach Abigail has had a passion for teaching and choreographing since a young age. She danced competitively for 5 years and has been teaching since 2024. She loves sharing her passion for dance with students of all ages and abilities and enjoys teaching a variety of styles, from ballet and tap to jazz, musical theater, and more. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students grow in both their dancing and their confidence. Whether she is working with a brand-new dancer or an experienced student, Coach Abigail strives to create a fun and positive environment where everyone can enjoy their time in the studio!
Why I love teaching
Kids bring me so much joy! Dancing and children are my two favorite things! I love seeing joy in their eyes when they finally get a move or are having the time of their life during freeze Dance! Being able to create a positive and fun environment for all dancers is something I have always put at my top priority. I love teaching!
Favorite styles
I absolutely LOVE all styles, but my top favorites are Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theater! They are so much fun and bring so much energy to the classroom!
Beyond the classroom
When I'm not at the studio, you can find me probably still dancing at home, playing the piano, or hanging out with friends!
Fun fact
Abigail was homeschooled throughout her education!
My promise
“I promise to create a safe and fun classroom where kids can grow not only in their dance skills, but as a person.”
Fairfield Township
Ashlyn Jamison
Coach
Ashlyn celebrates the small joys of dance and what makes each student unique.
Meet Ashlyn
Ashlyn fell in love with dance at two years old and went on to dance competitively for thirteen years. During that time, she also assisted with classes and found joy in watching children fall in love with dance just as she had. She continued dancing recreationally in college before returning to teaching after graduation. Now, as a Children’s and Recreation coach at AIM, she teaches different styles and ages alongside a team she loves.
Why I love teaching
I love teaching dance because I get to experience childlike joy! I love the small moments of getting to hear about dancers’ lives outside of dance, what they notice in the world and what they care about. It brings a perspective of looking for small joys in life. And getting to see kids grow as dancers and people feels like such a privilege! It feels like a gift that I get to be a tiny part of their dance journey and life!
Favorite styles
My favorite style of dance to teach is jazz because I use fun, upbeat (usually Disney!) music and I get to see dancers add some facials to their dance!
Beyond the classroom
Crafting, doing a home DIY, planning a Disney trip, reading my Kindle, drinking a coffee or Diet Coke, or spending time with my friends, family, or husband, Blake. You may also find me at my full time job working in public health at a local FQHC!
Fun fact
Ashlyn got married on July 4, 2026, America’s 250th anniversary!
My promise
“I promise to keep joy in every class and embrace what every dancer brings to the table!”
Both locations
Bella Goheen
Coach
Bella loves seeing practice turn into progress, and celebrating every breakthrough.
Meet Bella
Bella has loved dancing since she started at six years old. The school became a second home, and dance became her favorite way to express herself. She loves challenging herself and continuing to grow as a dancer.
Why I love teaching
When I get a big hug after class or when a kid finally nails something after weeks of practice!
Favorite styles
I love hip hop because of the different textures
Beyond the classroom
At the gym, shopping or at home
Fun fact
Bella can do the worm!
My promise
“I promise to have fun while we learn new things!”
Fairfield Township
Caitlyn Wagonfield
Coach
Caitlyn helps students realize they can do hard things and reach their goals.
Meet Caitlyn
Caitlyn was dancing the second she could walk and began taking class at 3 years old. She competed for 12 years and started teaching at the age of 14.
Why I love teaching
I love seeing kids realize they can do hard things and reach their goals!
Favorite styles
I love musical theatre routines. I love seeing dancers step into a character and making people laugh on stage!
Beyond the classroom
Educating students in the greater Cincinnati area about mental health and suicide prevention. In my free time, I hang out with my nieces and nephews and love to travel with my friends and family!
Fun fact
Caitlyn has been to more than 100 concerts!
My promise
“I promise to push you to be your best, while also being a safe place when you need rest 🩵”
Fairfield Township
Isabelle Seiter
Coach
Isabelle’s journey from young dancer to assistant teacher sparked a love of sharing dance.
Meet Isabelle
Isabelle started dance at age 3, and fell in love! She danced for 11 years, and looked up to all of her coaches. She went into assistant teaching, and absolutely adored teaching kids dance! She now is a Junior Coach, and very excited to teach and spread joy through dance!💚
Why I love teaching
Making kids happy, feel safe and comfortable, is the best feeling in the world!
Favorite styles
Tap! My favorite style of dance since I started as a kid!
Beyond the classroom
At home reading a book/watching movies!
Fun fact
Isabelle has been part of Art in Motion her whole life!
My promise
“I promise to make sure all my classes are fun for everyone!”
Fairfield Township
Josilyn Seiter
Coach
Teaching at the school where she grew up is a special full-circle moment for Josilyn.
Meet Josilyn
Josilyn Seiter has been dancing at Art in Motion for 15 years. Over the years, she has trained in a variety of styles, performed, competed, and made some of her favorite memories in the studio. Now, Josilyn is excited to step into a new role as an instructor and share her love of dance with her own students. She hopes to create a fun and encouraging classroom where dancers feel comfortable being themselves, build confidence, and are excited to learn and grow. Teaching at the studio she grew up in is such a special full-circle moment for Josilyn, and she is excited to give back to a place that has been such a big part of her life.
Why I love teaching
Knowing how excited the kids are to come into class!
Favorite styles
Hip hop! I love this style because I struggled with it while being younger, and I went home and practiced for years till I got better!
Beyond the classroom
Playing games on my laptop or reading a book!
Fun fact
Josilyn plays Fortnite with her mom!
My promise
“I promise to make my classes a safe, inclusive, and fun environment while helping them build their dance skills!”
Fairfield Township
Kristin August
Coach
Kristin combines strong technical foundations with a love of creative expression.
Meet Kristin
Kristin fell in love with dance growing up in Salisbury, Maryland, where she spent her childhood performing at every opportunity. Her passion for dance led her to earn a BFA in Dance with a minor in Theater from Radford University before making the move to Ohio to further her professional performance career where she has continued into her third season with InPulse Dance Company. As an instructor, Kristin specializes in technique, building strong foundations across various styles. When she isn't dancing, she enjoys exploring new areas and coffee shops while building connections with fellow artists. She looks forward to another season, aiming to inspire the next generation of dancers to move with confidence.
Why I love teaching
Each student gives me a new reason to love dance, from the excitement of every new skill to the simplicity of building new friendships. I want to be able to build the same confidence in students that my teachers gave me.
Favorite styles
Contemporary became my favorite style in college as it helped to build my confidence and has the biggest range of self-expression. It allows for any part of other styles to come together, creating different meanings and provoking more thoughtfulness.
Beyond the classroom
I will either be at home cuddled up with my pets and husband watching a new movie, or out building relationships with other artists at coffee shops, classes, and performances. I also love to travel to visit friends and family, mainly on the east coast.
Fun fact
Kristin loves working as a makeup artist at Brimstone Haunt, but hates horror movies!
My promise
“I promise to remind students to celebrate their own personal growth.”
Fairfield Township
Kiersten Dickerscheid
School Administrator
A longtime AIM dance mom, Kiersten welcomes families with the support her own family has experienced.
Meet Kiersten
Kiersten's life took an exciting and creative turn when her daughter was just two years old. That was the year they joined the Art In Motion community, starting with a simple creative movement class and never looking back. Over the years, Art In Motion has provided a vibrant backdrop for building lifelong friendships, discovering new passions, and celebrating creative milestones with Kiersten's family. After eight years as a dance mom, Kiersten joined the Art In Motion team as the Fairfield Township School Admin. Her main passions are children and helping others. Kiersten's favorite part of her job is being there to support AIM dancers and families, the way the Art in Motion team has always supported hers.
Why I love being part of AIM
I love working at Art in Motion because of the village it has created in our community. This is where all three of my kids have taken every dance class they've ever taken. Over the years the Art in Motion team has been amazing to my kids, celebrating every little win and accomplishment. Getting to be a part of that for all dancers, not just the ones in my kids classes, feels special.
Beyond the classroom
When I’m not at the studio you'll find me spending time with my family at Kings Island or watching movies!
Fun fact
Kiersten loves all things Disney and amusement parks, but has never visited a Disney park!
My promise
“I promise to be a listening ear to any dancers who just need to get something off their chest to help lighten their load.”
Ryan Dotson
Growth & Transformation Director
Ryan helps AIM grow behind the scenes so the school can create more opportunities for dancers to learn, develop, and thrive.
Meet Ryan
Ryan is passionate about growth and development. As AIM’s Growth & Transformation Director, he supports the team and organization behind the scenes, helping build the conditions for students to discover and grow their own passions.
He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Miami University and an MBA from Ohio State University, and brings a decade of experience in management consulting and operations strategy. At AIM, he puts that experience to work supporting the people, plans, and processes that help the school move forward.
Ryan has a particular appreciation for ballet, admiring the strength, precision, and technique behind movement that appears elegant and effortless.
Why I love being part of AIM
I love setting up the conditions for children to discover and grow their own passions
What I love about dance
Ballet, because it is the foundation of all the others and it requires such incredible power and technique to execute so elegantly and effortlessly
Beyond the classroom
Biking, Running, Rowing, or in the yard working on the garden
Fun fact
Ryan’s pick: Jupiter’s moon Europa is thought to have an ocean containing about twice as much water as all of Earth’s oceans combined.
My promise
“I promise to grow AIM to create an environment where you can learn, develop, and have fun as dancers.”
Samara Muntzinger
Marketing & Sales Manager + Miamisburg School Administrator
Sam combines her love of the arts with a passion for helping AIM families feel welcome and supported.
Meet Sam
Samara didn’t grow up dancing per se, but she has always had a love for the arts through her time in theatre and show choir. Her daughters, Charlotte and Freya, have both grown up in the AIM classrooms, making AIM a special part of their family’s life for many years. With a background in customer service and sales, Samara loves that her role at AIM combines her experience with something she genuinely cares about. As Marketing and Sales Manager and Miamisburg School Admin, she manages school marketing and works the front desk at Miamisburg, where she enjoys getting to know and support AIM families every day, whether that’s in person, through an email, or even a quick text.
Why I love being part of AIM
I love working the front desk and getting to support our families day in and day out. Getting to know each family and the kids as individuals is such a joy, and there’s something really special about watching our dancers grow, learn, and gain confidence through dance. Being part of that journey makes my heart so happy. 💚
What I love about dance
I don’t teach dance, but I’m a millennial, so obviously I’m going to have a soft spot for a good hip hop moment. 😂
Beyond the classroom
When she’s not at the studio, you can usually find Samara exploring Dayton and Cincinnati with her family, checking out new restaurants, museums, and local events. Her family loves to travel and spends plenty of time cruising whenever they can. At home, she’s happiest curled up with a good book, watching a Bravo series, or hanging out with her cats.
Fun fact
Despite playing several sports growing up and into her early twenties, and describing herself as naturally clumsy, Sam has never broken a bone!
My promise
“I promise our dance families that I’ll always be someone they can come to. Whether they need a helping hand, a listening ear, a hug, or even just a good laugh. 💚”
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