STAFF
Jen Tompkins - Co-Owner/Director
Jen Tompkins has been teaching all disciplines of dance and choreographing competition routines for more than twenty years. She has studied Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Jen is currently the owner/director of planetdance located in Belleville, MI. Her students have won numerous scholarships, overall awards at conventions and competitions, full scholarships to Point Park in Pittsburgh, toured with Megan Trainor, industry commercials, and toured with several recording artists. Jen has traveled with several dance conventions and has choreographed for “America's Best Dance Crew.” Her cutting edge choreography has won numerous awards at both regional and national competitions and teaches workshops all around the United States. She loves teaching dance and instilling the same love in her students, which carries through all their years of dance.
Cadance Toby
Cadance Toby was born to dance. From her earliest memories growing up at Planetdance, she was immersed in a culture that celebrated the artistry of movement. As the daughter of Jen, our esteemed owner, Cadance was practically raised on the dance floor. Cadance's journey in the world of dance has been marked by countless achievements and accolades. Most recently, she won the national title of Groove's Teen Dancer of the Year But for Cadance, the joy of dance extends far beyond the trophies and awards—it's about the movement and the opportunity to express herself in ways words cannot capture. As a teacher at Planetdance, Cadance shares her incredible gift with her students, igniting the same passion and dedication in them that has driven her own journey. She carefully guides them along their own paths and instilling in them a love for dance that will last a lifetime.
Yanna Caldito- Co-Owner
Yanna Caldito was a competitive dancer for 8 years. She has been assistant teaching/teaching for the past 5 years and is now a co owner of Planetdance dance studio. Yanna will be choreographing full time for Planetdance as they approach their next season. She has traveled and worked for ID Dance Competition for the past 2 years in multiple manager and backstage positions. Yanna has worked with many well known choreographers from all around the country and has won multiple awards at regional and national events. She now loves to teach and is excited to share her passion with other dancers!
Mia Quesada
Bio coming soon.
Karen Eck
Karen Eck has been dancing since the age of 4 beginning at St. Marys School of Dance in Detroit, and later becoming a member of the Mid-West Ballet Theater Company. She is a long standing member of Dance Masters of Michigan and Dance Masters of America, and has been living the dream of teaching for the past 30+ years! Miss Karen has served on the Board of Directors and is currently the Secretary for DMM. Passing all of the traditional core exams (Ballet, Tap, Jazz), she is a Post Graduate of Teachers Training School at State University of New York at Buffalo through DMA, and having passed her Cecchetti Teacher Exams through Grade V, she is continually bringing up to date dance training to her students. She creatively includes terminology, history and kinesiology. She is married to Chuck for 45 years, has one daughter and a crazy pug!
Shannon Stein
Meet Shannon, the Office Manager at PlanetDance. With her unwavering dedication and exceptional organizational skills, Shannon plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our dance studio. Her warm personality and approachable nature create a welcoming atmosphere for both staff and students alike. Shannon's contributions are fundamental to the success of PlanetDance. With her passion for dance and commitment to excellence, Shannon continues to elevate the studio's operations.
ASSISTANT TEACHERS
2024/25 assistant teachers
Riley Stein
Audrey Fellows
BALLET - TAP - JAZZ - LYRICAL - CONTEMPORARY - TECHNIQUE - HIP HOP - MUSICAL THEATRE