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 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 May 2009 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 five years. In addition to teaching at Motions, Lindsay is a preschool teacher with Crete Public Schools.

Jaime Michelsen

Jazz Instructor

Jaime Michelsen began formal dance training at the age of 3. Melissa has been 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 second year at Motions.