Michaela Thomas began dancing at the young age of 3, training under the esteemed instruction of A.D. West Dance Company in Douglasville, Georgia. Over the years, Michaela expanded her craft in a wide array of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, modern, clogging, contemporary, and jazz funk. Competing with ADW from 2009 to 2021, she achieved numerous national championships, solidifying her reputation as a dedicated and accomplished performer.

 

Michaela's journey into teaching began in 7th grade, when she became an assistant instructor for ballet and tap classes for children aged 2–4, as well as ballet and jazz for ages 6–8. Since then, teaching dance to children has become a passion of hers, and she finds joy in being someone younger dancers can look up to. In 2016, Michaela's talent and passion led her to audition for and secure an invitation to the prestigious Summer of Hip Hop dance intensive at the Joffrey Ballet in New York City for two weeks. In high school, Michaela was the captain of the “Elite Pantherettes” dance team at Chapel Hill High School during the 2019–2020 school year. As captain, she choreographed all the team’s performances, showcasing her creative vision and leadership abilities.

 

Michaela's collegiate dance career flourished as a member of the Golden Owls Dance Team at Kennesaw State University, where she performed for three years and served as Co-Captain in her final year. The Golden Owls specialized in majorette-style dance, performing at home football games and participating in jazz and ballet routines. Beyond performances, the team emphasized volunteerism, community service, and hosting dance clinics for aspiring dancers.

 

Michaela continued her dance journey with KSU’s club dance team, Talon Tribe, as an active member of both the performance and competition teams. Michaela serves as an instructor at Dynamite Dance Factory and works closely with the Sparks competition team in ballet technique. Her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to dance exemplify her dedication to the art form and her ability to inspire others through movement and creativity. Michaela is now stepping fully into her career as a dance educator, invested in fostering student success while also continuing to learn and grow in her own artistry.