Our Teachers

Melissa Prettyman Meranda

Owner/Director

Melissa Prettyman Meranda is an honors graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a B.A. in Dance. Melissa has trained with world-renowned dancers including some from the NYC Ballet. Since opening Motions in 2004, Melissa has had the opportunity to create a broad portfolio of original choreography for her dancers, including the orignal ballets: A Bird of Many Colors, The Star Sisters, Velveteen Rabbit and Steppin’ Out on the Town. Melissa shares her passion for dance with her passion for parenting. "Being a mother myself makes me a better, more caring and empathetic teacher."

Lindsay Swartz

Instructor/Assistant Director

Lindsay Swartz has been dancing since age three. Through her dancing career, she has performed in The Nutcracker, and excelled in national dance competitions earning several awards. She was also a Captain of the Lincoln Southwest Emeralds dance team. She was a member of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Scarlet dance squad for two consecutive years and is a graduate of UNL with a B.S. in Education and Human Sciences with Elementary (K-3) and Early Childhood Education endorsements. Lindsay has taught at Motions for seven years. In addition to teaching at Motions, Lindsay is a teacher with Lincoln Public Schools.

Jaime Michelsen

Instructor

Jaime Michelsen began formal dance training at the age of 3. Melissa was her instructor for nine of those years. She has trained in all styles of dance, gymnastics, cheerleading and theatre performance. She was a Lincoln East Cheerleader for four years, holding leadership positions each year. She is currently attending the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where she is studying Industrial Engineering. Jaime will be teaching for her fourth year at Motions.

Katelyn Richter

Instructor

Katelyn Richter began dancing at age three and has maintained a passion for it throughout her life. She participated in dance competitions for several years and danced solos in some of Motions’ first recitals. Katelyn was the captain of the varsity cheer squad and a member of the Star Strutters dance team at Lincoln Northeast. She graduated with a bachelor of journalism from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2011 and is now attending Nebraska Law School.