Meet our staff

Owner, Artistic Director, Instructor & Choreographer

Simply stated, Hayley does not remember a life before or without dance. It’s been all she’s known ever since she could walk - with hours on end spent dancing around her grandma’s dark-lit living room, while her cousins followed every move she made with makeshift spotlights (flashlights). 

Like most kids who find themselves dancing throughout their lives, as luck may have it, Hayley’s mom enrolled her in her very first dance class at the age of 3. What started out as a single Ballet, Tap & Jazz combination class once a week soon grew to include Hip Hop, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary and Modern styles of dance, as well. An introduction to Competition Dance followed shortly thereafter, which was something Hayley thoroughly enjoyed not only because of the competitive nature of the sport, but because it allowed her a front row seat to other performances and competitors her age. Keep in mind, this was back when television sets still had knobs on them and compact discs were a luxury. There was no such thing as a Google search or YouTube - so being able to sit and watch other dancers perform the unique choreography styles of instructors from around the country was absolutely mesmerizing for a kid who ate, slept and breathed dance, themself. Hayley supplemented her studio dance schedule with also being a 4 year member and Captain of the Strongsville High School Dance Team, where she had the once in a lifetime experience of performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2002 through UDA. Whether it was a genre that came naturally or needed a little extra work to excel in, DANCE has always just felt “right" to Hayley. It’s been her outlet and it’s where she feels she belongs in this world, DANCING. She played the violin, took singing lessons, dabbled in basketball and even learned to twirl a baton as a child… but all roads ultimately led back to DANCE.

Hayley was fortunate to be able to continue her education into College, where she earned a Dance Minor in Performance & Choreography from the esteemed Ohio University School of Dance in Athens, Ohio while also obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Magna Cum Laude. Upon entering the workforce as a Transportation Broker and Business Development Specialist for the Allen Lund Company, Hayley began teaching recreational and competitive dance locally in the evenings and on weekends, as she wasn’t ready to turn the page on the Dance Chapter of her life.

In 2014, Hayley made the best decision of her entire life, to date. She realized that her true calling was to be a dance educator, and she opened Caliber Dance Company. She takes great pride in having an extremely hands-on approach to being a studio owner, where she not only oversees the day to day experiences of her students and their families, but teaches a number of the classes, herself. Hayley is trained and certified in Acrobatic Arts, Pre-School AcroDance, Progressing Ballet Technique, Alixa Flexibility and CIZE LIVE. Her choreography and work have been awarded at both a regional and national level for their entertainment value, creativity, showmanship, precise movement and high scores. Hayley's students hold countless Regional and National Championships, while also being individual National Title Holders on an annual basis. The best part? The Caliber Dancers are constantly bringing home awards that include Best Sportsmanship, Kindness In The Wings, Studio Spirit and Studio of Excellence. The point-based awards are nice, of course - but the awards based upon being GOOD and kind humans and young adults in a competitive environment are truly everything and then some. THAT is what it is ALL about. THAT is why Hayley opened Caliber Dance Company in the first place - and she is so proud to be the leader of such a kind, hardworking, talented, humble, driven and modest studio of dancers.

Outside of Caliber Dance Company, Hayley is an elected member of the Strongsville City Schools Board of Education and co-owner of BZ Salon & Spa in Broadview Heights, Ohio. She is the Founder and President of the Susan Stovcik Stovcik Memorial Foundation (susanstovcik.org) and an active volunteer with the Cleveland Animal Protective League and Meals On Wheels. Some may say she is an aficionado when it comes to rescue animals, so it should come as no surprise at all that she is currently working to obtain her Wildlife Rehabilitation License for the State of Ohio, while simultaneously lifting her newest non-profit idea of GROOVE FOR GOOD off the ground and into motion.

Director of Curriculum and Performance, Instructor & Choreographer 

Maria has been immersed in the dance world since the age of three and has spent over a decade teaching and choreographing. Her journey began at the recreational level and gradually progressed to the competitive stage, where she gained recognition for her storytelling, technique, drive, and overall artistry. Over the years, she earned numerous accolades including high score awards, special judges' awards, opening number invitations, and company offers.

As her time as a competitor came to a close, Maria transitioned into choreography and instruction. Her work has been featured at national competitions, where she has been honored with awards such as Outstanding Choreography, Ultimate Entertainment, Cleanliness, and Judge's Pick.

Maria is certified in Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) and in aerials and back handspring training through Acrobatic Arts. She also serves as the Head Dance Team Coach at Cleveland State University, continuing to share her passion and expertise with the next generation of dancers.

Outside of the dance world, Maria is pursuing her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) at University of St. Augustine  for Health Sciences.

Director of Curriculum and Performance, Instructor & Choreographer

Instructor & Choreographer 

Meredith Bruch a native of Ohio, began her dance training at the age of 3 studying ballet and later modern dance. She is a dancer, teacher, coach, and choreographer in Northeast, OH. Bruch holds a B.A. in Theatre and Dance with a concentration in dance and a minor in geology from The College of Wooster (2018) and an M.A. in Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University (2020). In addition to her accreditations in dance she is a certified yoga instructor and reiki practitioner. She has attended and taught at dance intensives, conferences and workshops in varying areas of focus and size, including American Dance Festival, ADF in CLE, Dance/USA Conference, MADI, Dancing Wheels Summer Intensive, Cleveland Dance Project, and Yoga Farm Fest. In 2023, she was selected to represent Ohio for the Betsy Miller Dance Projects about american / women. Currently she teaches dance and yoga throughout Northeast Ohio.

Instructor & Choreographer

Instructor & Choreographer

Peri Hotz is a passionate and dedicated dance educator who has been dancing since the age of five. She began her training in Hip-Hop and Ballet and quickly expanded her repertoire to include Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theater, Modern, Improvisation, Partnering, and more. With over eight years of competitive dance experience, Peri is a proud member of several Elevated Dance teams, performing at high-profile events and competitions.

Primarily focused in Hip-Hop and Contemporary, Peri brings energy, creativity, and a deep love for the art of dance to every class she teaches. She currently teaches students of all ages and levels across multiple studios, sharing her knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm with the next generation of dancers.

Peri is continuing her education at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) while actively pursuing her own dance training and growth as both a performer and instructor.

Instructor & Choreographer

Instructor & Choreographer

Mary Kay Manning, former owner of Mary Kay Manning Dance Studios for 30 years, is no stranger to the world of dance.  Mary Kay has a wide background in her dance studies.  Locally, Mary Kay’s training includes that of several well respected teachers, including Dee Hillier, Jerry Burr, Dennis Nahat, Pam Pabisco, Alex Martin and Dave and Shirley Morganstern.  Mary Kay went on to continue her education as a Dance Major at Ohio University in Athens. 

During the course of her career, Mary Kay never stopped her training and education in order to continue to stay fit, knowledgeable and current with the dance and fitness world!  Through her 30 year journey as a dance studio owner, Mary Kay was a certified active member of Dance Masters of America.  Her frequent trips to New York City and LA gave her the opportunity to study with world renown dance educators including Luigi, Frank Hatchett, Charles Kelly and Joe Tremaine. 

Mary Kay’s extensive background in teaching, choreographing, producing and directing annual shows and shows throughout the year has helped to lead her students to many successful endeavors and careers!  These include participation on professional dance teams, teaching professionally, dancing on cruise ships, and starting successful dance businesses themselves! 

Mary Kay has been a resident of North Royalton for 43 years and active in the community through the North Royalton Chamber of Commerce, involvement with Home Day entertainment scheduling, and Pageant Emcee.  She is currently teaching group exercise fitness classes at the YMCA in North Royalton, Ohio and gets to encourage a fit and healthy life style through her high energy, choreographed and fun fitness routines! 

Mary Kay is thrilled to be back in the dance circuit and is excited to once again spread her joy, passion and love of dance in the dance studio arena! 

Instructor & Choreographer

Emily started dancing at the age of 5 years old. By the age of 15 she was assisting classes and at 18, began teaching. While in high school Emily was very active in the Show Choir as well as the theater. She played in Footloose, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, and Grease. She also helped start the Spotlighters group at North Royalton High School and was a Thespian member. After graduating, Emily continued to dance at Slippery Rock University on their Rocklette Dance team. She continued her music as well and had a role in the opera Mikado, sang in several choirs, directed Womens’ Ensemble, and was nominated for Outstanding Female. When moving back to Ohio, Emily started a Show Choir at her home studio and went back to teaching dance. She became a director for Jayson Michaels Energy Source Dance Association. In this company she taught all age groups, levels, and disciplines. The company toured the United States bringing workshops and conventions into studios, and also ran a national company and show. Emily has since continued to teach classes, choreograph solos, and has taught master classes in Michigan and Missouri. When not in the studio she teaches music in the Lorain Public School District.

Guest Choreographer

Aydin Boone-Long is a dynamic dancer and choreographer from Pittsburgh, PA, now working in Los Angeles as a commercial dancer. A proud graduate of Westinghouse Arts Academy, he trained in various styles and honed his skills in teaching and choreography.

Aydin’s journey in dance began at age 5 in an all-boys Acrobatics class, igniting his passion for the art form. While he is trained in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap, he is most known for his High-Energy Jazz and power tumbling.

Starting his choreography journey at 15, Aydin has since collaborated with numerous dance studios and high school teams all over the country, earning multiple choreography awards, including Choreographer of the Year from ID Dance in 2022. Recently, he was honored to be one of the Top 100 dancers selected for Season 18 of So You Think You Can Dance.

Aydin is grateful for the opportunity to have worked with many professional dancers & choreographers in the industry such as Derek Hough, Gabriel Ash, and more. Aydin is passionate about sharing his love for dance and is always seeking new opportunities to grow!