Lindsay Roberts is the owner and director of Lexington Dance Factory. Dance has been her life since the age of 3. When she was 7, she asked Santa for a piece of land to build a dane studio on. Santa didn’t come through that year, but this year she is excited to be celebrating her 22nd year of teaching and her 13th year of living her dream and owning LDF! Ms. Lindsay is certified through Dance Masters of America and is an active member of our local chapter. She is married to Brad and they have two children- Sylvie and Silas. Ms. Lindsay is so thankful for her LDF dance family!

Jamie is a Lexington native and began his dance training at a private studio

at the age of 10. He was later accepted into the School for Creative and

Performing Arts (SCAPA) as a Contemporary Dance major. Throughout middle school and high school he was fortunate to compete for and win several regional titles (Jr, Teen, and Mr. Dance of Ohio) and was crowned “Grand National Champion” through the Dance Masters of America Organization. He was also accepted into the class of 2010 Governor’s School of the Arts program for the discipline of dance. Jamie continued his dance education through college by attending Western Kentucky University as a Dance Major. During his time there, he was accepted into several

summer intensives with companies such as Joffrey Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem, Inaside Chicago Dance, Visceral Dance Chicago, and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. After graduating, he began choreographing and teaching in Orlando, FL. While in Florida he earned his certification through Dance Masters of America, and was also given the opportunity to become a judge for Kids Artistic Review. After two years there, he moved back to his Old Kentucky Home where he has continued to grow as a choreographer and teacher. 

Ms. Kendall is currently studying at the University of Kentucky with a major in Elementary Education. She has danced since the age of 3 and was a Lexington Dance Factory compeition dancer for 10 years. In addition, she trained and performed in the pre-professional ballet academy with LDF for 6 years. During that time she was fortunate enough to compete with a hip-hop team at the World of Dance, in Chicago. To further her training, she became a certified member and teacher by Dance Masters of America in Jazz and Ballet. For the last 5 years, she has been fortunate enough to teach a variety of dance styles to a variety of ages at LDF. Ms. Kendall loves that she can combine the two things she loves the most, children and dance!

Ms. Shay was born and raised in Bethesda, MD and started gymnastics at 3 years old. She was a member of the University of Kentucky Gymnastics Team from 2011-2015. She then went in to complete her masters degree in teaching from Eastern Kentucky University. She is now an elementary school teacher in Lexington. Ms. Shay will be going into her 6th season teaching acro at LDF. She is grateful to have the opportunity to help dancers reach their goals in acro. Ms. Shay loves her LDF family! 

Ms. Ashley grew up dancing at Town and Village in Paris, Ky. She was a member of the modern dance company at Murray State University where she got obtained a degree in Theatre & Dance. After graduation she spent 2 summers teaching and choreographing at Stagedoor Manor, a performing arts camp in New York. Ms. Ashley was lucky enough to join LDF during its first year back in 2010 and spent 12 years teaching some of the most amazing kids in Lexington. She left last year to open her own bakery, but is now so excited to be back with her LDF family! She is also certified in jazz and ballet with Dance Masters of America. When she's not at the studio or the bakery, she can be found spending time with her family, reading, or cheering on the Cats!

Ms. Nancy began her dance career in Frankfort, KY; dancing for 13 years at Capital City Dance Studio.  While at CCDS Nancy was chosen to assist with the younger classes.  While she would have loved to have returned there to teach as an adult; life took her to Lexington, KY where she resides and has found her new dance home at LDF!  Nancy is in her sixth year at LDF teaching ballet, tap, jazz and acro.  She is certified in Ballet and Jazz through Dance Masters of America and is an active member of our local chapter. She loves seeing her tiny dancers fall in love with dance for the first time! Nancy is married to Clay and has two sons Cody and Drake, and a daughter Victoria who dances on one of our LDF competition teams. Family keeps her busy but in her free time she loves pool time, Disney and all things UK!  Nancy loves her LDF family and is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of all these sweet dancers.

Ms. Lauren has been a dance teacher at Lexington Dance Factory since 2017. She is from Lexington and recently graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences with a Human Health Sciences major on the Pre-Physical Therapy track with a minor in Dance. She was also honored to graduate from the Lewis Honors College. Lauren began dancing at age 3 and danced with LDF all the way through high school. Some of her favorite roles she performed with LDF were as Clara in LDF’s first production of the Nutcracker, Princess Annalise in the Princess and the Pauper, Princess Fallon in the 12 Dancing Princesses, and Snow Queen, Arabian Lead, and Rose Doll in the Nutcracker. She is a Dance Masters of America Certified Active Member, 2020. Lauren is very excited to be attending the University of Kentucky’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program to work towards her goal of becoming a physical therapist one day. She is looking forward to staying in Lexington and continuing to be a part of the LDF family.

Ms. Katelin has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She started dancing for a competitive team at the age of 7. She went to SCAPA as a ballet major until 8th grade and continued dancing through high school at her home dance studio. She attended Western Kentucky University where she got her bachelor's degree in elementary education. Ms. Katelin is the dance team coach at Frederick Douglass High School and loves seeing some of her dancers at the studio. This is her 3rd year teaching dance at LDF, and she is so excited to share her love for dance with her preschool classes. 

Ms. Melanie Biggs was born and raised in Northeastern Kentucky and now resides in Lexington, KY. She has a BA in Communications and Psychology with a minor in Elementary Education from George Mason University. She has been dancing since age 4 and studied at Tammy Jo’s Studio, in Greenup, Ky, under the teaching of Ms. Leah Copley Summers & Tammy Jo Edge. Melanie is a former competitive and

performing dancer with a variety of experiences, including both individual and team exposures. Her High School Dance Team – Greenup Co. – won the Nationals Dance Team Title in 1992. Ms. Melanie previously taught at LDF and sadly, due to health concerns, was unable to continue teaching full time as

of 2017. In 2019 and 2020, she taught dance at a local homeschool coop to a smaller group of students. Melanie is a mom of 3 – Isaac, Eric, & Lauren – who dance at LDF and aspire to dance professionally. She has been homeschooling for 11 years and is currently teaching 7 th grade to her12 year-old duaghter, Lauren. Eric, 14, attends SCAPA as a ballet major and Isaac, 16, attends Frederick Douglas HS. Ms. Melanie is the director of Stretch, Strengthen & Plie – SS&P – virtual and in person conditioning for dancers to help increase and maintain flexibility and strength, refine technique and skills, and build

confidence in young dancers. SS&P also hosts an annual spring Dance Festival & Competition in Lexington, KY. Ms. Melanie is elated to be back at LDF teaching ballet!

Kayleigh Western is from Lexington, Kentucky and has been dancing for 20 years. Her training began at the Lexington Ballet in 2002 and continued both there and at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts until 2015. In 2015, she became one of the inaugural students of Cary Ballet Conservatory’s Professional Training Program under the guidance of Mariaelena Ruiz. During her time at Cary Ballet Conservatory, she competed and received recognition in many competitions, such as Youth America Grand Prix, World Ballet Competition, and American Dance Competition. As a result of her success in these competitions, she was selected to be featured in Pointe Magazine and photographed for the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine. During her summers, she had the privilege of working with renowned dancers while attending summer courses at Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, and Ballet Chicago, many on scholarship. Kayleigh has since danced with the Louisville Ballet, where she performed soloist roles in both classical and contemporary works choreographed by George Balanchine, Stanton Welch, Ronald Hynd, and Val Caniparoli, among many other esteemed choreographers. After a year of free-lancing, she will be returning to the Lexington Ballet as a company member for their 2022/23 season.

Currently pursuing her degree in Korean Language Studies from Sejong University Samantha stays busy as the Artistic Director at Winchester Christian Ballet and private Variations Coach around Lexington. Before graduating, she grew up attending schools and programs such as GSA Kentucky, American Ballet Theater, Louisville Ballet, Gregory Hancock Dance Theater, and Cincinnati Ballet. She has also been a recipient of fully-funded scholarships for the Aurora Bosch Intensive, Grand Premiere Invitational and Indianapolis Ballet Academy. Samantha is a Graduate and Ex-company member of Kentucky Ballet Theater, but with the twist of Covid-19, she pivoted to teaching. Her passion for the discipline extends beyond the regular season as she spends her summers as a Choreographer for Ballet under the Stars.

She also continues her dance education during the summer, honing her skills at renowned institutes like Steps on Broadway and the Ballet Arts Center for Dance, NYC.

While home, her professional growth continues with private lessons from esteemed instructors like Runqiao Du and Isabella McGuire Mayes. Samantha is very excited to be back at LDF for her 4th season!

Katie is a born and raised Kentucky native that fell for the dance artform

 at the young age of six.  After spending 8 years with her small-town studio in Pulaski County, KY, Katie’s dedication to the artform led her to further her classical training at the Wilmore Christian Ballet school in  2016. There she received training in classical ballet and modern dance under the direction of Hannah Henderson, former Louisville Ballet principal dancer, David Goud and choreographer, Faryn Kelly. After two years of training with WCB, Katie attended the 2018 Next Generation Ballet Summer Intensive, at the Patel Conservatory located in Tampa, FL. In the fall of 2018, she was accepted into the conservatory’s trainee program and continued her training there until the spring of 2020. There, she studied classical ballet under the direction of former New York City Ballet principal dancer and current program director, Phillip Neal, former Ballet National of Cuba/Royal Winnipeg Ballet soloist and head ballet mistress of Next Generation Ballet, Ivonne Lemus and ballet master Julio Montano. Katie also received proficient training in contemporary, jazz, tap, precision dance and musical theater, under the direction of former Radio City Rockette captain, Kelly King as well as contemporary and modern dance under the direction of choreographer, Maria Konrad. During her time at

 the conservatory, Katie performed in several  major productions such as Le Corsaire, Swan Lake, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,

 and  Western Symphony, in addition to commercial spring dance showcases, competitions such as  YAGP, charity galas and community outreach performances. Katie is currently a junior at the University of Kentucky pursuing a B.A. in Dance with a minor in Psychology, and is on course to becoming a performance psychologist. “Dance has been a huge part of my life and has greatly influenced who I am today and who I strive to become. The physical, emotional, and spiritual fulfillment I receive from this art form is unique beyond compare, as it is the way one can communicate without speaking. It is a privilege to share this perspective, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach the next generation of dancers here at LDF.”

Danielle Dunmire, a California native, started her formal dance training as a student in the prestigious Ballet San Jose School under the direction of Donna Delsini and Lise La Cour.  Dani’s love for ballet continued to grow through watching and performing with Ballet San Jose's professional ballet company as well as attending summer intensives around the US including the American Academy of Ballet, Princeton Dance Theater (under the direction of Susan Jaffe), and Alonzo King's Lines Ballet. After performing as the lead in Ballet San Jose School’s production of The Little Mermaid when she was sixteen, Dani became a trainee with the professional company, Ballet San Jose, under the direction of Dennis Nahat.  While there, Ms. Dunmire had the opportunity to perform corps roles in the Nutcracker, Giselle, Firebird, Swan Lake, A Mid Summer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet. After graduating from high school, Ms. Dunmire attended The University of California - Irvine where her passion for performing, teaching and entertaining grew. She graduated with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance and a minor in Business Management. Following her diploma, Danielle Dunmire was a guest artist and teacher at many dance studios throughout the San Francisco Bay Area before becoming a dancer on Celebrity Cruises where she performed in production shows, was a magician’s assistant, and led weekly ballroom classes. After her time working on the ship, Dunmire toured with the Utah Ballroom Dance Company as the dance captain where she performed and taught across the United States. Dunmire ventured into the competitive ballroom scene, winning many competitions in the Theater Arts/Cabaret ballroom category. Danielle Dunmire now lives in Lexington, Kentucky where she continues to dance, perform and teach within the commercial and concert dance world as well as owns First Dance Lexington.   You can also find Danielle Dunmire coaching the Frederick Douglass High School as well as teaching group fitness classes around Lexington, KY.

Melissa Shearer Goble was born and raised in Lexington Kentucky.  As a child she was a dancer, gymnast, and cheerleader.  After high school graduation she attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia Pennsylvania where she pursued a degree in dance (specializing in ballet).  When she left the University of the Arts she signed a contract with Charleston Ballet Theatre and moved to South Carolina to begin her professional career.  After some time with the ballet company, Melissa took a break from dance and returned to her home state where she got married and had children.  After a short hiatus, Mrs. Goble returned to the stage and danced briefly with Kentucky Ballet Theatre.  She also went back to school and earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University.  In the early 2000’s Melissa moved to South Florida with her husband and children.  There she continued her performance career and began teaching classes in dance studios and gymnastics gyms all over the area.  She danced with various modern dance, entertainment, and cirque companies throughout South Florida and danced in ‘Go Diego Go’, a Nickelodeon production at Miami Metrozoo with Advanced Productions and Entertainment.  Mrs. Goble has traveled throughout the U.S., Japan, and Brazil dancing with cirque companies from the Miami area.  In 2010, Melissa opened her own dance studio, Florida Artistic Ballet Academy, and dance entertainment company, Dance Mystique, where she served as the company’s primary choreographer and also worked as a dancer and aerialist.  She continued to dance professionally until 2013 and has worked teaching multiple disciplines of dance, gymnastics, acrobatics and aerial silks throughout various studios and gyms in Florida and Kentucky for over twenty years now. She has relocated back to Kentucky and is excited to be joining Lexington Dance Factory.  

Ms. Cassidy is currently studying at Eastern Kentucky University with a major in Sport Management and a minor is Business. She is also a captain member of the EKU Dance Team. Beginning at an early age, Cassidy has had the pleasure of attending and competing in various dance competitions and conventions. Cassidy started her dance career at Studio 19 Dance Complex in Cranberry Township, PA at the age of 4. While on the competition team, Cassidy had the privilege to train in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, and acro. Upon moving to Maryland at 10 years old, Cassidy studied at CityDance Conservatory and 24/7 Dance Studio. She was a member of 24/7 Dance Studio’s SRC PRIDE Company. Cassidy was also on her high school’s Varsity Pom team for 3 years before graduating in 2021. In addition to being on Northwest High School Poms Team in high school, Cassidy was also an all-star cheerleader. Cassidy’s love for acro and tumbling is continuously growing and she cannot wait to share her love with all LDF dancers!

Ms. Conley is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She was a competitive gymnast for 13 years and spent the last years of her career coaching lower level competitive gymnast. When she is home you will find her coaching the girls at Gymtek Academy or working at NHC Fort Sanders. She now attends the Univeristy of Kentucky, majoring in Human Health Sciences and minoring in Nutrition. Her goal over the next years in school is to graduate with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Ms. Conley has always loved to tumble, jump, turn, and leap. Floor was her favorite event to perform and watch. She is looking forward to meeting all the girls and teaching acro skills!!!!

Ms. Madi was raised in Naperville, IL. She started dancing for a competitive team at the age of 10. She took all styles from ballet to hip hop but hip hop became her favorite style. She joined her high school dance team where she took a captain position and head choreography spot. She attended the University of Kentucky where she got her degree in elementary education. Currently she is teaching 5th grade here in Lexington! This is Ms. Madi’s first year with LDF and she is extremely excited to be a part of the family! 

Ms. Kiara has been dancing since the age of 3. She went to SCAPA as a contemporary dance major, was on the Lafayette High School dance team, was a company member at LDF, and was a captain of the EKU dance team. She has been teaching dance at LDF for 10 years. Ms. Kiara received her Bachelors and Master of Arts in Education from Eastern Kentucky University. Currently, she is one of the head coaches of the EKU dance team and is a school counselor at a local elementary school. She loves spending time with her friends and family, binge watching old movies and tv series, and cheering on the EKU colonels at football and basketball games. She loves working at LDF and sharing her passion for dance with her students. 

Ms. Abby is a Junior at the University of Kentucky studying Social Work. Ms Abby has been dancing since she was 4 years old and has been a dancer at LDF since it opened. She danced on a competition team at LDF for 8 years and had the honor to compete in the Dance Masters of America solo title competition and win the title of Miss Dance of the Bluegrass 2019. She has also danced many roles in LDF’s ballet academy performances like: Clara, Dew Drop, Snow Queen, and two years as the Sugarplum Fairy. This will be Ms Abby’s 3rd year teaching at LDF and she is so excited to share her love for dance with her students.

Grace Lyon is a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky recieving a Bachelor’s degree in Dance and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. A native of Georgetown, Kentucky, Lyon has danced at various dance institutions throughout the United States since the age of 2. Previous credits include: Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center NYC on scholarship, Dancewerks Chicago, Dance Masters of America Summer Programs, BASE Dance Studio London, The Michael Thomas Dance Center, United Talent Dance, and Barbara Ann’s School of Dance. Lyon has apprenticed with Platinum Dance Convention, led Dancewerks as their Chicago National Student of Distinction, and was admitted into the Steps on Broadway Conservatory Program and the Commercial School of Dance. In 2017, Lyon won the state title and represented Kentucky as Miss Dance of the Bluegrass. Through this, she competed at the Dance Masters of America Competition in New Orleans, Louisiana. Lyon has also been featured in Dance Spirit Magazines for her work and training in musical theatre performance.
Lyon has consistently trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, lyrical, and hip-hop. Her collegiate studies have focused on modern pursuits with additional technique, history, creative theory, performance, and elective credits.
As an individual with an authentic passion for service, Lyon has volunteered for 10 years with the Central Kentucky non-profit, A Chance to Dance. Founded by her sister, Jenna Lyon Ward, A Chance to Dance offers dance classes to students of all ages with varying special needs and has reached more than 50 students since its founding. Lyon is now a full-time teacher at A Chance to Dance, in addition to teaching and choreographing at Lexington Dance Factory in Lexington, KY.
Lyon attended John Cabot University in Rome, Italy during the Spring of 2022 to study Art History and Business Administration. She hopes to explore dance study opportunities abroad in the future.

Lily is currently a freshman, studying at the University of Kentucky with a major in Kinesiology. She is also on the University of Kentucky Dance Team this season. Lily has danced at Lexington Dance Factory for 7 years, as well as training and performing in the pre-professional ballet academy with LDF. She performed the role of Clara in last year’s Nutcracker. Lily is so excited to return to LDF to work with young students while sharing her love for dance!

Joseph “Jojo” Edmonds is a student at the university of Kentucky and was born and raised in Lexington. Jojo has been training and dancing at The Lexington Dance Factory for 10 years. Starting in an all boys hip hop class and graduating from their competitive company program earning many judges awards, scholarship and even being crowned Mr. Dance of the Bluegrass. Since then Jojo has been granted the opportunity to work with The Fam, The Allegro Dance Project and other companies. He loves Hip Hop and is so excited to share his passion with the dancers!