About Us
At Devotions Dance Company, our motto is “Committed to character. Devoted to excellence.” DDC is a studio where parents will be confident in knowing their child will not be indoctrinated by anything negative, but rather be inspired to be the best version of self in and out of class. We keep a strong focus on modesty, positive attitudes, and attention to detail.
At Devotions Dance Company, staff and students alike, will know they are valued.
About Devotions Dance Company
Welcome to Devotions Dance Company (DDC), where we are more than just a dance studio—we are a community committed to character and devoted to excellence. At DDC, we believe in providing a nurturing and inspiring environment for your child to explore the art of dance while developing essential life skills.
Our motto, “Committed to character. Devoted to excellence,” encapsulates our core values and guides everything we do. We strive to instill in our students the importance of character, integrity, and personal growth, all while pursuing excellence in their dance education.
At DDC, our dedicated instructors not only focus on technique and artistry but also emphasize the significance of modesty, positive attitudes, and attention to detail. We believe that these qualities not only shape our dancers into well-rounded individuals but also set them up for success in all aspects of life.
Our Message To You
When you choose DDC for your child’s dance journey, you can expect a boutique experience like no other. We prioritize creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where parents feel like an integral part of their child’s dance education.
At DDC, we are committed to fostering a love for dance in your child. Through our carefully crafted curriculum, we offer a wide range of dance styles and levels to cater to every student’s interest and ability. Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced dancer, they will find a place to grow and flourish at our studio.
Our experienced and passionate instructors are not just teachers but mentors who guide and encourage each student on their individual dance journey. They provide personalized attention, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to reach their full potential. We believe in celebrating every achievement, no matter how big or small, as we believe that success is built upon a foundation of encouragement and positivity.
Join us at Devotions Dance Company and witness the transformative power of dance. Watch your child develop confidence, discipline, and a deep appreciation for the arts. Let us be the place where their dreams take flight, where they discover their inner strength and passion. Together, we will embark on a journey of growth, learning, and endless possibilities. Enroll Today!
Our Team
Mrs. Michaela began her dance training at age 8 with the School of Dance Arts in Inverness, FL, from 2004 to 2011, where she trained in Classical Ballet,Tap, Jazz, Modern, Pointe, and Acrobatics. There her dance achievements included Gold with Distinction medals at The American Ballet Performance Awards competition and an honorable mention Jazz award from Florida Dance Masters.
In 2011, she transferred to Benson Academy of Dance in Ocala, FL, continuing her Ballet training. There she joined the Marion Ballet Theatre as a company member, performing as a soloist and corps member in productions such as Peter and The Wolf, The Nutcracker Ballet, and Cinderella. She also holds her AcrobaticArts certification since 2020.
Michaela spent many summers training with Christian dance companies such as Ballet Magnificat and Ad Deum Dance Company. In 2013, she performed in a national holiday show with RWS and Associates. She began teaching in 2009 and joined the faculty of Benson Dance Academy in 2013, instructing Jazz, Hip Hop, and Acrobatics.
In May 2014, Michaela became the owner of Reflections Dance in Lecanto, FL, successfully running the studio for nine years before selling it to her protégé in April 2023. From 2017-2022 she worked with one of the largest competition companies Star Dance Alliance in backstage, client care, and registration roles.
Today, Michaela is a proud board member of Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO), President of the board for Ocala Metro Ballet Theatre (OMBT), a nonprofit preprofessional ballet company, and an Ambassador for the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP). She looks forward to bringing her talents and passions to Ocala with a studio committed to character and devoted to excellence.
From a young age, Paula’s Latin roots inspired a deep love for dance. At just six years old, she discovered ballet at the Ana Maria Mejía Ballet School in her hometown in Colombia, where her talented teachers helped nurture her passion. She later earned a degree in International Business and, in 2007, moved to Australia to learn English. That experience opened the door to global travel, where she discovered the power of dance to unite people across cultures without needing words.
In 2017, her daughter Penelope was born, and now shares her mother’s love for ballet. Watching her daughter thrive at DDC has reignited Paula’s own passion for dance. She is excited to bring her administrative skills and love for the arts to the DDC team, supporting families as they begin or continue their dance journeys with the same warmth and enthusiasm that DDC has inspired in her.
Anastasia Zlotnikov was born in Russia where she studied classical ballet and character dance at the renowned Moscow Ballet Academy and later at Ledyah School of Classical Ballet since she was 9 years old. She graduated with a State Diploma as a Classical Ballet Artist. Upon graduation she competed as a soloist at the International Grigorovich Ballet Competition in Ukraine and then continued her education in Elmhurst School of Dance aka School of Birmingham Royal Ballet in England where she received training in classical ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz dance and was awarded a Dance Artist Certificate. Upon graduation Anastasia was accepted as an apprentice at Kremlin Classical Ballet Company and then received a company position in Moscow Chamber Ballet in Moscow, Russia where she performed all classical and neo-classical repertoire and toured in Russia and China. In 2002 Anastasia attended the renowned Joffrey Ballet School, Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in New York City where she was trained by well-known professors. Since 2003, Anastasia has performed as a soloist with many ballet, modern and contemporary dance companies such as New Jersey Ballet, Rebecca Kelly Ballet, Brooklyn Ballet, Westchester Dance Theater, Michael Mao Modern Dance Co, Ballet Long Island and many others. In 2009 Anastasia received Masters of Fine Arts in pedagogics from Moscow State University of Arts, and since then she has taught classes in classical ballet, modern, contemporary and lyrical jazz. Her credits also include: developing numerous dance programs for professional and non-professional students, choreographing and staging many classical ballet and contemporary/jazz numbers and training dancers for professional dance competitions.
Sabrina began her love story with dance at the age of 3 and has been passionately involved in the world of movement, expression, and happiness ever since. Starting with ballet, jazz, and funk dance styles as a child, she has continuously sought to nourish her passion by taking various classes with different teachers from around the world. Her repertoire includes ballet, popping, Latin, hip hop, jazz, and cheerleading. In Canada, her home country, Sabrina coached cheerleading teams for ages 4 to 16 and led a competition team. She also taught hip hop at a highly reputed school for several years. Later, she expanded her expertise to include fitness, teaching Zumba and dance fitness classes, and further exploring Latin dance styles. With a background in daycare teaching, Sabrina brings creativity and dynamism to her children’s classes. She looks forward to sharing her passion for dance with you and your little dancers in one of her classes.
From the age of 2, dance has been Rebecca’s passion and lifelong pursuit. Rebecca has trained extensively for years at multiple studios throughout the Ocala/Gainesville area. With over a decade of training in gymnastics, she brings a unique blend of athleticism and grace to her dance career. Throughout the past 5 years Rebecca has been actively involved in teaching dance and choreographing performances across different age groups. While proficient in various genres, Rebecca specializes in contemporary dance and acrobatics. As a dedicated member of our dance staff, she will continue to inspire and elevate the art of dance, sharing their passion and fostering a positive environment for students who aspire to carry out their own dance journeys.
Ms. Tiffany brings years of experience as a co-teacher and assistant, making her more than prepared to lead and inspire. Her dance journey began at just 3 years old, training in various genres across Ocala. In addition to her extensive dance background, she also excelled in competitive gymnastics, which has instilled in her exceptional strength, precision, and athleticism. While Ms. Tiffany is well-versed in multiple dance styles, her heart belongs to Tap. Her passion for this genre shines through, and she can’t wait to share her love for rhythm, technique, and creativity with our young dancers.
Kristina began her dance journey at just 2 years old and has been devoted to the art form ever since. She received extensive training in ballet, tap, and jazz, studying under highly respected instructors throughout her formative years. Though she enjoyed exploring a variety of styles, classical ballet has always remained her greatest passion. Kristina grew up dancing in Massachusetts, where she was immersed in both competitive and performance-based training, honing not only her technique but also her stage presence and discipline. She also spent several years cheerleading, earning the opportunity to attend elite training camps with the New England Patriots cheerleaders—a testament to her athleticism and commitment to excellence. Her well-rounded background and years of training give her a strong foundation to teach young dancers with confidence, grace, and a deep understanding of the art.
Kristina is a mom to three amazing kids—two boys and her own little ballerina, Julianna, who is going into her third season with DDC. Watching her daughter on stage and in class is everything she ever dreamed of, and being able to teach in the same studio Julianna dances in is such a privilege. Mrs. Kristina is beyond excited to step back into the world of dance and create special memories with your tiny dancers.