session 1 faculty
Our faculty is more than just instructors—they’re mentors, motivators, and part of the community.
Each teacher brings their own unique background and perspective, creating a space where dancers feel supported while still being pushed to grow. Their goal is to make every class meaningful, challenging, and something dancers genuinely look forward to.
founder/artistic director/faculty
sydney ast
Sydney Ast from Cincinnati, Ohio began her dance career at the age of 4 with over 20 years of experience. Sydney brings a strong technical foundation and creative spirit to every class and performance. She went on to train at Prestige Dance Center under Emily Dean and Meghan Fey, receiving numerous national titles. During all of this, Sydney also attended The School For Creative and Performing Arts 4th-12th grade majoring in dance. While at SCPA, Sydney traveled to Milan, Italy to perform with an Italian ballet company. She has also performed in many ballets such as; The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Peter Pan. After high school, Sydney went on to Northern Kentucky University and got her Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science and Minor in Dance For the last 5 years Sydney has also been training at Lachey Arts where she is still training in numerous styles while also teaching. Summer of 2024 Sydney was apart of the Lachey Arts Off Broadway production of Label.less at Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park. Being mentored and trained under Drew and Lea Lachey. Over the years, Sydney has trained under esteemed instructors at the regional and national levels. She has also performed in numerous productions, showcases, and community events. In addition to being a performer, Sydney is a passionate instructor and choreographer. Sydney has taught students of all ages and levels. Sydneys goal is to help every dancer find their unique voice through movement at The Collective.
faculty
jon paul
Jon-Paul began training in a variety of dance styles at a young age, competing in jazz and hip hop before making his stage debut as Fritz in The Nutcracker with the Cincinnati Ballet at 11 years old, Ever since Jon-Paul has found a passion in performing in live shows and videos. After graduating high school, he continued his education at the renowned CLI Conservatory, where he trained with some of the industry’s top teachers and choreographers. Most recently, Jon-Paul spent time touring the Mediterranean Sea as a dancer with Celebrity Cruise Lines. He is thrilled to be back home, reconnecting with and contributing to the Cincinnati dance community. Jon-Paul is passionate about building confidence in dancers, fostering meaningful connections, and spreading kindness and positivity through movement. He is excited to share the knowledge and creativity he has gained with all the dancers at The Collective and looks forward to inspiring those around him.
co founder/faculty
meghan fey
Meghan has been dancing since the age of 3, spending the last three decades immersed in every corner of the art form. She trained at Point Park University on scholarship as a jazz major before stepping away to pursue a professional contract with Exhale Dance Tribe. From performing in the Orange Bowl to choreographing award-winning pieces and earning Regional Choreographer of the Year, her passion has always lived both on stage and in the studio. As co-founder of her own dance studio, Meghan spent a decade mentoring and inspiring the next generation before stepping into full time motherhood, where her creativity never skipped a beat. She continues to teach, train, and choreograph in Cincinnati and is excited to bring her experience, energy, and talent to The Collective, collaborating with incredible artists and people!
faculty
ally jo buck
Ally Jo Buck started dancing at the age of three. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical, hip-hop, and acro at Broadway Bound Dance Academy. She began assisting and teaching dance classes at the age of thirteen, where she found a passion for teaching. Ally Jo is going into her senior year as a dance major at Wright State University, where she has had the opportunity to experience voice and acting lessons, along with dance styles such as ballroom, heels, modern, and contemporary. She has performed in Wright State Universities fall, spring, and emerging choreographers concerts, as well as the Wright State Arts Gala (artists in motion performer) and most recent production of The Wedding Singer (featured ensemble). She is excited to share a fun learning environment for dancers to learn and grow through movement.