Instructors

Michelle Hutcherson Cooper grew up in Fluvanna County. She began her dance training in the early 80's at Brushwood's School of Dance in Gordonsville. During high school, Michelle choreographed and performed in musicals at Four County Players in Barboursville and and danced with Miki Liszt Dance Company II in Charlottesville.

After graduating from Fluvanna County High School, Michelle continued to pursue her love for dance at James Madison University and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and dance. While attending JMU, she was a member of JMU's Contemporary Dance Ensemble and taught dance classes for Elkton Parks and Recreation as well as BSD.

In 2003, Michelle and her husband, Jason, moved to Lake Monticello to start their family. All five of the Cooper's are involved in dance, theater, and the arts.

Michelle has taught dance in a number of programs throughout Central Virginia over the past two decades, including STAB Lower School's After-School Program, Covenant Lower School's After-School Program, Orange County's Head Start Program, Four County Players Summer Theater Camp, and Zion Christian Children's Center.

From 2007 - 2019, Michelle was an adjunct dance instructor at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Over her 12 years of teaching at PVCC, she helped produce over 15 mainstage and black box productions, was the faculty advisor for the PVCC Dance Club, and participated in/taught at five American College Dance Festivals. 

Michelle's choreography has been performed at the American College Dance Festival, Let There Be Light, Kings Dominion Dance Festival, PVCC Dance Concerts, JMU Dance Concerts, Fluvanna County High School Theatre productions, Four County Players productions, and local events and festivals.