Justine Tuma is a Lead Instructor at Mt. Pleasant School of Dance and teaches jazz and contemporary. She began dancing at the age of three and grew up training and competing at studios throughout Michigan. With more than 20 years of dance experience, she has had training in styles such as jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, modern, contemporary, and hip-hop.

In addition to her training, she has been teaching since she was a teenager and has experience working with dancers ages two and up. Justine recently graduated from Central Michigan University, where she earned a B.S. in psychology and a minor in dance. During her time at CMU she was a member of the University Theatre Dance Company, and had the opportunity to perform and choreograph for numerous University Theatre productions.

She was also involved with many student lead productions including “Cupid and Psyche: A Ballet in Four Acts” which she choreographed, and “Bloom”, an original dance production in which she choreographed and directed. Justine will soon begin working towards her masters degree to become a certified Dance/Movement Therapist.

You can contact Justine directly at justine@mpschoolofdance.com.

Bird Clarkson has been a featured music video dancer having contracts with Warner Bros., and Atlantic Records; a top 25 ART PRIZE vote finalist, and a Main Stage performer at Electric Forest, Breakaway, and Prime Music Festival.

He is also under contract and sponsored by Red Bull as a promotor. Choreographing for National Dance Champions twice, Bird's passion is educating and helping create confidence in aspiring dancers.

"I have often told many that I mentor and guide I’m from Saturn; (third ring) of course. It’s a whole lot better than saying born on an army base in Heidelberg, Germany, then off to Japan, Korea and a bunch of states due to a parent in the military; and all before graduating college. I am a Psych Major that played college basketball for 2 years, but after taking a trip to the East Coast, I let life guide me back to DANCE. It has led me to many dance floors, studios, and concert/festival stages. Above all I get my fill and true satisfaction from educating; CMU, to workshops, to fitness classes and everywhere in between; nothing is quite like being apart of a student or persons journey to excel and reach new levels."

You can contact Bird directly at bird@mpschoolofdance.com.