Meet the FDDG Staff

Jamie Rigterink - Instructor/Digital Media Manager/Recital Director/Front Desk

Hi! My name is Jamie Rigterink. I have been dancing for a total of 18 years. I love all types of dance and have competed in many kinds including jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and pointe. I am currently enrolled at Saginaw Valley State University to get a bachelor’s degree in business management. My main goal is to teach dancers what dance can bring to them and their lives and to show them the same love and passion for dance that I’ve been fortunate enough to have. Most recently, I took over the responsibilities of Recital Director and Media Manager for FDDG. I look forward to the opportunity to continue teaching what I love to others!

Ashley Allen - Instructor/ Ballet Director/ Assistant Competition Director

Hello, my name is Ashley Allen. I danced at the Flint School of Performing Arts for 16 years. I was taught many ballet techniques, such as Russian ballet, Russian Vaganova, Balanchine (American ballet), and the Cecchetti method (Italian ballet). I also studied modern dance techniques for seven years and pointe for eight years. Additionally, I studied with the Burklyn Ballet Theater and toured Europe with “The Stars of Tomorrow” in 2015 and 2019. I’ve received choreographic acceptance into Michigan Youth Arts in 2019, Burklyn Ballets Emerging Choreographic program in 2018, and Flint Youth Ballets Emerging Choreographer in 2018 and 2019. I love choreographing and expressing myself through movement. I want to share my love of ballet through teaching and inspiring the next generation with dance. Outside of dance, I figure skate, play music, and do photography. I am excited to get to work this coming season!

Emily Naylor - Dance Instructor, Tumbling Instructor, and Gymnastic Coach

Hello I’m Emily Naylor I have been dancing for 16 years. 15 years in tap and jazz, 12 years in ballet, 11 years in acro, 9 years in competition and lyrical, 5 years in hip hop and 3 years in kickline. I have also been teaching/assisting dance classes for the past 5 years. Dance has been apart of my life since I was 3 and I’m so blessed to be able to incorporate it into my adulthood.

Kylie Helwer - Dance Instructor and Gymnastics Instructor

Hi! My name is Kylie Helwer. I have over 16 years of gymnastics and dance experience. I started in gymnastics at age 2, and competitive gymnastics at age 8. I spent many years dancing with Ms. Ammiee and trained competitive Acro, Lyrical, and Jazz until I graduated high school in 2018. I’m currently in school pursuing a Marketing degree at Saginaw Valley State University. I love dance and gymnastics because you have the opportunity to work hard, face your fears and accomplish your goals. I’m ecstatic to share my passion for the sport and super excited for the new dance season!

LaChaya Fields - Dance Instructor and Gymnastic Coach

Hi everyone my name is LaChaya Fields (Chay). I’ve been dancing since I was 10 years old with an amazing dance coach Ms. Phyllis Alexander where I was taught Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and Gospel along with gymnastics for a small season as well. I am currently a full-time student at Delta College/ Northwood University studying for my bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Management. My favorite part of dancing is being able to choreograph routines allowing students to express themselves through music. Growing up I was very introverted and dancing was the only way I knew how to express myself. This is my first year with FDD and I plan to continue help create, advise and spread the love of dance and gymnastics!

Brianna Jacobs - Instructor

Hello everyone! My name is Brianna Jacobs. I teach Beginner, Junior, and Senior competition classes. Dance has been a love of mine since I was three years old. I have been instructed for most of my dance years by the one and only Ms. Ammiee, who taught me various styles. Since becoming an instructor, every year, my teaching methods and choreography have continued to positively develop from previous teachers and self-research, my peers at the studio, and, undeniably, my students. Different styles I teach are Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary. I strive to provide an environment for my dancers that give them countless opportunities to challenge themselves, learn new things, dance at a competitive level, and have fun! I’m undoubtedly a goof but ask anyone, and they’ll tell you how incredibly passionate I am about my work and dance.

Alison Winter - Assistant Gymnastics Program Director/ Comp Director

Hi! I’m so excited to be back to teaching gymnastics! I took some time off after having my son, who’s almost 3. He was born very prematurely and developed a lung disease. He requires a trach and ventilator, but he’s doing so well and is expected to make a full recovery. Being a new mom and medical mom is a full-time adventure but I’m ready to share my love of gymnastics again.

I began competing at age 6 at the compulsory level in USAG and continued through high school, plus one year of club gymnastics in college. After that, I spent 10 wonderful years coaching gymnastics, and I loved every minute of it! My favorite part of gymnastics is watching the kids grow, not just in skill, but in confidence, discipline, and agility. Gymnastics teaches balance, strength, listening skills, coordination, and even how to safely fall. I truly believe it’s one of the best sports for creating well-rounded athletes and resilient individuals.

I grew up inspired by Olympic gymnasts like Carly Patterson, Shawn Johnson, and McKayla Maroney, and I love sharing that same passion with my students.

Outside the gym, I enjoy walks with my husband, son, and our dog, as well as swimming, biking, traveling, and anything outdoors.

I can’t wait to meet all my students this year and help them grow both in gymnastics and as people!

Lisa Bond - Gymnastics Coach

Hi, I'm Lisa Bond and I coach gymnastics on Saturdays and help where I can during the week when needed. I grew up in a gymnastics/dance studio in my hometown of Bay City and it has always held a huge piece of my heart! I still have all the VHS tapes of my recitals and love to watch them periodically with a big bowl of popcorn. I am also a member of USA Gymnastics and have a daughter who is a USA Gymnastics competitive gymnast. I look forward to working with each gymnast as they work to achieve their own personal goals and watch them grow in their confidence with their body and their abilities as an athlete. I live and work in Frankenmuth and my husband and I have two children still at home that attend St. Lorenz and two Cocker Spaniels (Daisy and Paws) that make our home complete. Please feel free to stop in and say hi and ask how your child is doing in class! I would love to discuss their progress with you.

Evelyn Matthias - Gymnastics Coach

Hello! My name is Evelyn Matthias. I have 10 years of gymnastics experience, I competed for 8 years with AGA Gymnastics in Grand Blanc.

I love to stay active doing things like snowboarding, playing tennis and walking my dogs at the park!

I am so excited to start coaching gymnastics, I have so much love for the sport and can’t wait to help the athletes learn new skills and gain confidence in themselves and in their gymnastics!

Joni Johnson - Tumbling Instructor

Hi, I'm Joni Johnson, and I truly enjoy being a part of the Dance Direction's staff. I have been an assistant teacher/teacher under various dance instructors for the past ten years. I have always loved to dance. As a child, I was enrolled in a variety of dance classes and cheerleading, and gymnastics. I currently teach the tumbling class at the Frankenmuth Dance Direction's studio, and I'm an elementary teacher at Vassar Central Elementary. Teaching has always been a lifelong dream of mine. I have always enjoyed working with children. I love being a part of a child's excitement and joy of learning new things. Their smiles are priceless! I'm looking forward to another great year with my students at Dance Directions!