About The Dance Refinery

Taylor Allen grew up dancing at The Dance Refinery and attended her first recital in 2003. She danced and tumbled in numerous recitals before she became a member of various performing groups, including The Definition hip-hop group and AIM Senior. She is a graduate of Roncalli High School where she performed with the dance team.Taylor has been a staff member at TDR since 2019. She thanks Miss Lynn and The Dance Refinery staff for the knowledge and opportunities to expand her teaching career. 

Alexis Apers is a Michigan native and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education from Oakland University. Alexis started dancing at the age of 3, and over the years, she found a passion for contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and tap. She has taught instructional and competitive classes for over seven years. Her competitive classes achieved platinum awards and choreography recognition. She has also had the opportunity to adjudicate at several dance competitions around the Detroit area. Alexis is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and passion with all the students at The Dance Refinery.

Sophie Barnes is a senior at Southport High School and has been dancing at TDR for 15 years. She started in the recreational classes when she was 3, and joined the competitive team at 8 years old. She has been in various performing groups such as AIM Sr, Pointe performing group, and The Definition. She has also been participating in TDR’s Nutcracker for 10 years. Sophie has been assisting numerous classes since her Freshman year, and now teaches classes of her own. Her favorite part about teaching is forming bonds with the kids, and sharing her love of dance with them. She is thankful for the many years and opportunities she has gotten from TDR, and is excited to see what the future holds!

Bio coming soon…

Taylor Griffin has been a member of the TDR family since 2001, spending 13 years as a member of various Performing Groups, including Aim Senior and A2F2. While performing at TDR, Taylor won numerous solo regional and national titles, participated in six opening numbers for Dynamite, Showstopper, and Groove Dance Competitions, and performed in Butler University’s The Nutcracker for seven years. During her time in the company, she received ten national titles with her dance and acro groups. Taylor has been teaching at TDR since 2017 and loves training young dancers in dance and life fundamentals. 

Along with her dance and acro training, Taylor received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Management and Marketing from the University of Indianapolis, and now works full-time as a Real Estate Agent in the Greater Indianapolis area. 

Kevin Carmichael graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Kinesiology and Contemporary Dance.  While at IU, Kevin was cast to perform pieces choreographed by modern dance icons, Bill Evans, Bella Lewitzky, Paul Taylor, David Parsons, and the internationally renowned, Liz Lerman Dance Exchange.  He was also a member of the Indiana University Co-ed Cheerleading Squad 2007-2009.  During his 3 year residency in New York City (as Competition Team Director at The Brooklyn Dance Centers), Kevin was named “Choreographer of the Year” in 2012 and 2013, had choreography showcased at the Broadway Dance Center, “AIM Invitational,” at the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and was the National Choreographer and Assistant Director for the Algy Costumes Dance Fashion Show. He also performed as a backup dancer with C+C Music Factory to their chart topping hit “Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” at the 80’s Explosion Concert in Staten Island. Kevin returned to Indianapolis in 2014 to continue teaching and spreading his love for dance & gymnastics to his students at The Dance Refinery! Over the past 15 years, he has also enjoyed working with dancers and studios all over the country, teaching master classes & setting choreography, judging dance competitions, and directing various dance convention events! 

IG: @kevcarmi

Breanna Davis is a Board-Certified Dance/ Movement Therapist and Dance Instructor from Indianapolis, IN. She has a Master’s in Dance/Movement Therapy (psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual to improve health and well-being) and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Breanna loves to provide her knowledge of various dance styles and her therapeutic ideas of the mind-body connection to each dancer to encourage passion, fun, and hard work. 

Being at TDR has opened Breanna to multiple opportunities for growth in her choreography and teaching. With that growth, she started a new Adaptive Dance Program here at TDR geared toward people with disabilities who are looking for an outlet to make friends, work on gross motor skills, and have fun! Breanna continuously works to maintain a fun, cheerful movement environment that also allows space for emotional expression and working on individual specific movement goals.

Briana Dwenger is a passionate dance educator and performer with over 14 years of experience across a variety of styles including Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Ballet, and Tap. She began her training at a competitive studio in Columbus, Indiana, where she developed not only her technical skills but also her leadership, serving as a class assistant for three years before teaching her own classes during her final two years. A 2023 graduate of Columbus North High School, Briana was a dedicated member of the varsity show choirs Vocal Pointe and North Stars. She expanded her impact beyond performing by taking on leadership roles such as directing and choreographing for Northside Middle School’s show choir, Titanium (2023), and choreographing Anastasia for Columbus North’s 2025 spring musical.

Alyssa (Friend) Farris became a student at TDR at the age of 9 and was a member of various dance performing groups, including AIM before graduating from Franklin Community High School in 1996.  Alyssa became an employee at The Dance Refinery at the age of 14 and has worked in various capacities ever since.  After graduation, Alyssa continued to work on all school breaks while attending Indiana State University, where she graduated with a degree in Quality and Decision Systems.  She travelled for one year as a traveling consultant for her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and came home to continue her work with The Dance Refinery where she now serves as the Office Manager.  Alyssa loves spending time with her husband (Jason) and son (Ben) and is truly blessed to still be a member of the TDR family after 30+ years.

Aria has built a dynamic career as a professional dancer, beginning with live entertainment at Cedar Point Amusement Park before earning a coveted spot on the Indiana Pacemates, where she performed for three seasons with the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. She further expanded her training with two years under the direction of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ acclaimed staff and choreographers, honing her versatility and performance style. Alongside her professional work, she has choreographed for both collegiate and professional dance teams, bringing her stage experience into her creative work. A proud alum of The Dance Refinery and the Center Grove Dance Team, Aria continues to share her passion for performance while inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Melissa Meyer grew up dancing at TDR and received her B.A. in Dance with an emphasis in Modern & Jazz from Point Park University. She worked alongside Kiesha Lalama, Ron Tassone, Doug, and Judith Bentzhile assisting Billy Larson and Mark Marino at numerous competitive dance studios. Upon graduation, Melissa relocated to Las Vegas, working industrials, teaching workshops, choreographing, dancing in the American Dance Company, performing in the USA, Italy, and Spain. She was also an Announcer, Judge, and Regional Director for Dance USA and numerous other National Dance Competitions. 

One of her biggest honors was to be on the choreographic team to represent the USA at Prix de’ Italia and Prix de’ Espagna where they won The Crystal Cup four consecutive years in a row! Her choreography has been seen across the US, winning numerous overalls, titles, and choreography awards. Melissa is eager to make a difference at her “Home” studio, TDR!

Margaret Hurrle is one of the best finds in The Dance Depot Margaret Hurrle is one of the best finds in The Dance Depot amongst the lovely dance and gymnastics we carry. After being born in Chicago and raised in Indianapolis, she gave birth to three beautiful daughters alongside her dear husband, John. Executive Director of TDR, Lynn Herrick, feels incredibly blessed to call Margaret her Mother. Grandmother to five beautiful grandchildren, three of whom were born in Canada, often heads north during her time off to visit her family. 

With over thirty years of experience, Margaret’s expertise perfectly sizes, fits, and assists our dancers and gymnasts. Her kindness and wisdom make her a common source of advice and positivity to everyone who walks the studio’s halls. Margaret is an extraordinary member of our TDR family.

Lily Paul has been dancing for 14 years, 7 of those being at TDR. She joined the TDR family in 2018, being a part of various performing groups including AIM Senior, Acro Performing Group, and The Definition. She also participated in TDR’s nutcracker for 7 years. She began assisting classes at TDR during her sophomore year in high school, and now teaches some classes of her own. Her favorite part about teaching and assisting classes is forming bonds with the kids and seeing them grow year after year. Lily is currently attending the University of Indianapolis, majoring in Elementary Education. She is also a member of the UIndy dance team for both gameday and competition. 

Abby has been involved in gymnastics for over 12 years and has spent the last 4 years coaching gymnastics at The Dance Refinery. She is preparing to continue her education after graduating high school by pursuing a degree in elementary education with the goal of becoming a teacher.

Bio Coming Soon…

I started dancing at the age of six at a studio called Dance Connection, which there I learned ever style of dance! Made several friends that turned into family and I then traveled to The Dance Refinery. I finished out my dancing there. I gained more knowledge at The Dance Refinery and grew as a dancer and I’m thankful for that. I was a student and competitor in both the conventions & competitions, these included; Showstoppers, Starquest, Star Search, Dynamite, Tremaine, Rainbow, Dance Educators of America, Groove, NDA, Tap Kids, & I’ve recently done a flash mob in Plainfield and several others for big events and small. Nothing but positive messages coming from these events. The conventions I attend gives a beautiful message to the dancers, to always strive for your very best and to not give up dancing or In life. Dance shapes you in many ways and has taught me real discipline that I still use in my daily life. I now teach Tap, and jazz, and hip hop and it has expanded my mind and it has giving me the opportunity to teach all ages. Learning the art of dance is a beautiful experience. It’s all a learning process and I plan to do my best at this art as my career.

Brian Wesselman is from Indianapolis, IN, and has been teaching at The Dance Refinery since 2012 as a competitive gymnastics coach, competitive dance instructor, and preschool/ recreational dance and gymnastics instructor. Currently, he coaches all events for the TDR women’s gymnastics team, levels two through seven. He has been a professional member with USAG since 2017 and has received certifications in coaching, first aid, and safety. Along with his USAG education, he has continued his gymnastics education by attending Indiana State Congresses, Region 5 Super Camp, local team camps, and Indiana coaches’ clinics. 

Along with his gymnastics and dance education, he received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University Bloomington and is currently a Juris Doctorate candidate at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where he is also a member of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.

Hi I’m Jacob and I graduated from Franklin central in 2024, while I was there I ran cross country and track. I spent 10 years at the dance refinery dancing and tumbling. I was in Acro, hip hop, the all boys and gladiators program, and one AIM dance. I work in the gym and enjoy teaching and helping kids become stronger and develop their tumbling skills.

Bio Coming Soon…

Brooklyn Burbrink started her journey young with her journey of dance at Sonya’s Dance Zone. She trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. While growing up she won many regional and national championships, as well as judges awards for self choreography.
After graduating high school Brooklyn decided to attend the University of Indianapolis to study Business. While at UIndy, she was a member of the UIndy Dance Team all four years. Unfortunately due to COVID, she lost the ability to compete nationally her first two seasons, but luckily was able to compete at DTU College Classic her junior and senior year. In 2022, her team won the DII Team Performance National Championship Title. This was the first national championship in program history. In 2023, her team won the DII Pom National Championship Title.
Brooklyn has always had a passion for teaching and choreographing others She began assisting and teahcing. her own classes in high school and continued through college at her hometown studio. She now teaches at The Dance Refinery and choreographs on the side for her friends.