Ashley began taking classes at Starkville Gymnastics and Dancing Feet Academy at age 3, never dreaming of where an instant love of gymnastics and dance would take her! After training and competing in gymnastics for many years, she transitioned more fully into the dance world, and also began teaching gymnastics, dance, and tumbling classes at age 16. While attending classes at MSU, Ashley became the business manager under Dancing Feet Academy’s founder and former owner, Mrs. Glenda Clark, as we transitioned the former businesses into what is now ACPA. She purchased ACPA in 2014, and celebrated my 11 year ownership this past Spring. Choreography has been her favorite creative outlet and pastimes for many years. From coaching and choreographing Dance Team at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School for 10 years, to choreographing countless all-star and school cheerleading, baton, talent, show choir, pageant, wedding, sorority, and competition dance routines and more for the past 20 years, the wonderful memories, students, trips, and concepts leaves me her nothing but gratitude for the opportunity to teach and create art with our students. 

​Lyndsey Miller has been involved in competitive dance for 28 years in various capacities. She trained in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical, and musical theater/production styles for 15 years with Kelli's Steps School of Dance in Biloxi, MS; 11 of which were spent competing both regionally and nationally. Beyond competing in locations such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas, she has also performed for cruise lines and amusement parks. Over the last sixteen years, Lyndsey has served as an instructor, choreographer, and artistic director for several area studios.  She joined APEX Dance Company, a division of the Academy of Competitive and Performing Arts as the company coordinator in the summer of 2017.  She offers an expertise in the styles of ballet, jazz, lyrical, and musical theater as well as expertise in creative elements related to costuming, staging, and performance.  Congruent to her engagement in the dance community, she also serves as an Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University, teaching in the College of Architecture, Art, and Design.  Lyndsey has a passion for performing, graphic, and creative arts, coupled with teaching and mentoring.  The overlay of creative endeavors provides a more diverse manifestation of artistic compositions and methods in both respects and facilitates a unique perspective when engaging students.  

Skylar began dancing in 2001 and has been teaching since 2014. She is certified through both USA Cheer and the National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA), with a strong foundation in both performance and technical instruction.

She has coached at Caledonia High School, Starkville Academy, and East Mississippi Community College. In 2017, she earned an MHSAA State Championship title in Pom. Her choreography has been showcased by middle and high school teams across the southeastern United States.

Classically trained in ballet under Arkadiy Orohovsky at South Mississippi Ballet Theatre, she also studied under respected instructors Maryann DeAngelis, Lee Kastner Ducote, and Sunni Russell. This training informs her well-rounded approach to coaching, emphasizing both strong technique and athlete development.

Skylar is passionate about helping students grow in skill and confidence. Her teaching style blends structure and support, creating an environment where athletes feel both challenged and cared for.

​Jonette Shurden has been an instructor/choreographer with APEX Dance Company (formerly DFA) since 2004. Her career in dance & theatre spans 24 years with choreography credits ranging from Stagedoor Manor in NY, Appel Farm in NJ, Children's Theatre of Charlotte, NC, to MSU, Starkville Community Theatre, & Starkville High School + additional productions across Alabama, Louisiana, Florida & Georgia. With a passion for storytelling through movement, Jonette strives to transport audiences—leaving them a little better than they arrived, or at the very least, with a smile.

Shannon Eaves brings grace, warmth, and decades of classical expertise to our program as Ballet Mistress. A former company member with Ballet El Paso and Colorado Ballet, Shannon's performance career is matched by her dedication to training the next generation of dancers. She studied at the prestigious Harid Conservatory and went on to serve as Ballet Mistress at Ballet Mississippi, where her leadership and kindness left a lasting legacy. With a gentle spirit and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Shannon creates a nurturing, disciplined space where dancers are encouraged to grow in both skill and artistry.

Katie Spinnie is starting her third season working at ACPA. She is and APEX choreographer and instructor, a PEAK instructor, and the Let’s All Dance instructor. She teaches a wide variety of styles and classes but her favorites our lyrical and musical theater!

​Katelyn (Kee) Kaplan is a junior at Mississippi State University majoring in aerospace engineering. She has been dancing for over 14 years as a recreational dancer, a competitive dancer with APEX Dance Company, and she is now training in college with the Terpsichore Dance Company at MSU where she serves as the Outreach Coordinator. Katelyn has been a PEAK dance instructor for 3 years and an APEX instructor for 1 year, working with ages ranging from 2-15.  

Bella has cheered for 10+ years with experience in all-star, high school, and college cheer. I decided to be a coach because I love teaching and making athletes feel great about themselves. I want to be the coach that creates a positive environment so kids can grow and make lasting memories. 

Ayden is at Mississippi State University where she is majoring in Biochemistry with hopes to become a radiologist. She spent the last 16 years years as a dancer at ACPA and with APEX. She is so grateful for the opportunity to share her passion with younger dancers. 

Lilly Rustin is a former APEX Dance Company member from West Point, MS. She began dancing very early in life and has a dedicated passion. 

​My name is Gracie Lane! I am one of the Famous Maroon Band Feature Twirlers. I have experience working with twirling students from high school age to two-year-olds! I have been twirling since the sixth grade. My favorite memory is my first game day in Davis Wade. The crowd was absolutely incredible, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to share my passion for twirling. A fun fact about me is that the summer before attending Mississippi State my dad and I went skydiving! I am so extremely excited to be a part of this team and teach young students twirling!

Hi! I’m Ali Kirby, an outgoing college student from Southeast Missouri. I’m almost 20 and currently a junior at Mississippi State University, majoring in Agriculture Marketing. I’ve cheered since I was young and now help coach young athletes, combining my love for movement with my passion for working with kids. I’ve been babysitting since age 10 and have worked in a variety of roles—tutoring, serving in local restaurants, coaching at a gymnastics gym, working in local agriculture businesses, and helping on my family’s farm. One of my favorite experiences this past year while helping at PEAK was getting to meet so many amazing people. Whether I’m leading, teaching, or helping behind the scenes, I always bring positivity, fun energy, determination, and a kind heart to everything I do.