Vanessa Spicer is the previous owner and director of All About Dance in Vandalia where she brought her heart, faith, and community to the forefront of every step taken. For 18 seasons, all about DANCE has become a cherished studio in the region—offering quality dance education for preschoolers through high school students, as well as classes for adults. The studio has also expanded to include pre-K martial arts, making it a hub for youth development beyond the stage.

Though not a dancer herself, Vanessa’s journey into the dance world began when her daughter Emily fell in love with the art form. Inspired by Emily’s passion and talent, Vanessa opened the studio with the vision of creating a safe, welcoming space for children to learn and grow. That vision continues to flourish today.

Vanessa’s leadership is rooted in her unwavering faith, which guides the studio’s warm and inclusive environment. Supported by a dedicated team, she has cultivated a space where families feel valued and loved. The studio’s heartfelt slogan—“all are welcome, it’s what we’re all about”—remains at the core of everything she does.

Vanessa is the owner of All About Dancewear in Vandalia and strives for excellency in bringing performers everything they need to the stage and dance class!

Blair Downey started teaching at Dance Etcetera in the fall of 2007, but has actually been dancing for over 35 years and loving every beat. Her main dance background is in jazz and lyrical, but she has also trained in ballet, contemporary, modern, acrobats, hip hop, tap, Middle-Eastern, and whatever else she can get her hands (and feet) on! She has received a Liberal Arts degree with a concentration in dance, as well as an Associates degree in Marketing Management from Sinclair Community College. 

She keeps up with continuing her dance education by attending various dance conventions with a variety of choreographers and styles, in and out of state such as: The Pulse with teachers like Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Laurieann Gibson and Brian Friedman; Monsters of Hip Hop & Contemporary with teachers such as B-boy Flomaster, Rhapsody James and Will Wingfield; JUMP Tour with Doug Caldwell, Teddy Forance, and Misha Gabriel, and annual local dance conventions with various teachers. 

A long standing member of the Miami Valley Dance Teacher Association and recently volunteered to help in the role of Secretary alongside her fellow teachers. She is our recital finale coordinator/choreographer, as well as organizer of our participation in the Star Spangled Heights 4th of July Parade when we are able to attend. She lives in Vandalia with her husband Eric and their daughter Moira. She and her husband each attribute to a lot of our success throughout our regular & competition dance season.

Ms. Aliya danced as a student at Center Stage Academy of Dance ("CSA") for 14 years and has been a dedicated instructor since 2015. During high school, she also trained at the Dayton Ballet, focusing on Ballet and Pointe technique. Her passion for choreography led her to create a competitive acrobatic duo routine that was performed at Acrobatic Nationals in 2018.

Over the years, Ms. Aliya has taught a wide range of styles including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop for dancers of all ages. She has played an active role in the behind-the-scenes operations of CSA, working closely under the mentorship of Ms. Jenell, founder of CSA, and gaining invaluable experience in studio leadership and management.

Now in her third year as owner, Ms. Aliya is honored to continue building upon the strong foundation and legacy of excellence that CSA is known for. She remains passionate about fostering a positive, inspiring environment where dancers can grow in both skill and confidence.

In addition, this year marks Ms. Aliya's first year serving on staff and as Treasurer for the Miami Valley Dance Teachers Association, further deepening her commitment to the local dance community and continued professional growth.

Ms. Aliya resides in Tipp City with her husband, Nick, and their two children, Willow and Oliver.

Ashley Lowe has been part of the Dance Etcetera family since the age of four. Over the years, she has trained and competed in a wide variety of styles—both in group routines and as a soloist. A 2017 graduate of Wayne High School, Ashley is currently pursuing a degree in Education at Sinclair Community College.

Her passion for dance continues to grow as she regularly attends conventions to stay current and inspired. Beginning as a student teacher at just ten years old, Ashley now teaches her own classes. She has been instrumental in developing the studio’s acro program, utilizing the Acrobatic Arts syllabus to create a safe and structured learning environment.

Ashley teaches multiple styles including ballet, tap, jazz, acro, contemporary, and lyrical, with contemporary being her personal favorite. In addition to her work at the studio, she serves as a paraprofessional in the MD (Multiple Disabilities) classroom at Huber Schools. Ashley’s dedication, versatility, and team spirit make her an invaluable member of our dance community.

Laurie Deptula Wilson opened her dance studio the fall of 1983.  She graduated from Wright State University with a BFA in Dance June 1986.  She danced on several different professional dance teams in the 1990's.  She stayed active in her community choreographing competition cheer routines for HHYFC.  She coached Varsity Football at Wayne HS for 8 years. 

After becoming a single mother she closed her dance studio in 2006. 

Laurie held several officer positions for MVDTA in the past.  She was Secretary, Vice President, President and board member.  She started teaching dance at Madonna's School of Dance in 2007 until Madonna retired in 2020. Laurie choreographed dance routines for Carroll HS dance team from 2012-2020.  She is currently teaching at Electric Dance Center as well as All About Dance and has been MVDTA President since elections fall of 2019.  

Alycia Ketter, M.S., is a passionate educator, healthcare professional, and lifelong dancer who currently serves as the Vice President of the Miami Valley Dance Teachers' Association (MVDTA). Alycia is the Ballet and Acro Director at Dance Etcetera in Huber Heights. She has been dancing since the age of two, growing up in the world of dance and baton teams, and participating in the Miss Twirl of Ohio Pageants. She began her educational career attending Sinclair for dance and business. Over the years, she has trained in various styles, attended national conventions and competitions, and learned from world-renowned choreographers, including artists featured on her favorite show, So You Think You Can Dance.

Alycia is Acrobatic Arts certified and committed to fostering strong, confident, and expressive young dancers with safety as the focus. She studied dance at Sinclair Community College and continues to support the growth of dance education throughout the Miami Valley.

In addition to her work in the arts, Alycia is a dedicated leader in healthcare education and organizational development. She currently serves as the Program Manager at Wright State University’s Center for Health Professions, where she prepares students for careers in medical and health-related fields. She holds a master’s degree in Pharmacology & Toxicology from the WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine and brings experience in clinical research, academic coaching, and organizational change.

Alycia is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Studies with a leadership focus, further deepening her expertise in leadership, change management, and institutional effectiveness. Whether in the studio, the classroom, or an organization, she is committed to lifelong learning, meaningful mentorship, and empowering others to achieve their full potential.

Stephanie Moore has been with Dance Etcetera since the studio opened in August 2003. She has been dancing since the age of 7 and twirling since the age of 10. She has studied and continues to grow in all areas of dance. 

She was a member of the Twirl Magic Competition Team and soloist, which is under the direction of Ms. Brenda Ketter. She was the Feature Twirler at Walter E. Stebbins High School and Co-Captain of the Drill Team. She started teaching as a student teacher with Ms. Brenda. 

After high school Mrs. Stephanie went on to be an Assistant Coach of the Impressions Dance Team in Beavercreek for 3 years. She then moved on to coaching the Dance Team and Color Guard at her alma mater for 3 years; before returning to studio teaching. She has donated her time to help choreograph dances for several local cheerleading and dance teams. She is a judge for Showcase American Unlimited and was a staff member with All American Cheer and Dance Pro Bowl Tour. Over the last several years she has held various officer positions with Miami Valley Dance Teacher Association. 

At Dance Etcetera, she is our Dance Competition Director, as well as our Fundraising Coordinator. In addition to teaching she works full time. She is married to her supportive husband, Paul and step mom to 2 wonderful boys, Zach and Preston. 

Colette Miller has been a part of the dance community for 26 years, both as a performer and choreographer/teacher. She earned her B.F.A in dance at Wright State University and was a dancer for Dayton Contemporary Dance Company for two seasons. Colette’s primary focus has been choreography and set her first piece at 11 years old. She earned her first choreography award at 17 years old and has won 37 to date. Her most recent honor was being nominated for Choreographer of the Year for her hip-hop piece “Mozart” and made it to the top 10 in the country.  

Colette has taught at several amazing studios over the years, has set piece across the state of Ohio, and was an Adjunct Professor for Wright State University for three years. She now owns Mpower Dance Company in Hamilton, OH with her sister Deja Miller…and are embarking on their fifth season.  

You can find several of Colette’s students on cruise ships, in New York on Broadway, working with celebrity artist in music videos, teaching/choreographing, and dancing professionally in cities such as Cincinnati, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and internation companies overseas. 

Outside of dance, Colette is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  and plans to further her education with a PsyD.