Meet Our Expert Dance Instructors
Where Experience & Passion Create Excellence
Westside Dance Academy’s instructors are trained professionals with years of teaching and performance experience. Each team member is committed to guiding students through every step of their dance journey, offering expert instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and more. Meet the educators shaping confident, skilled, and inspired dancers in our Waukee studio.
Abby Frascht
Abby Frascht
Dance Experience & Professional Background
Abby is the proud owner of Westside Dance Academy, the very place where her own love of dance began at just 2½ years old. Growing up at WDA, she spent countless joyful hours performing in recitals, competing at dance competitions, and building lifelong friendships and memories. Her passion for performance expanded through productions such as The Nutcracker and Dracula, as well as through show choir. Abby went on to dance as a member of both the Waukee Varsity Dance Team and the University of Iowa Dance Team, dedicating four years to each.
Beyond performing, Abby has poured her heart into teaching and mentoring dancers. She previously served as the dance team coach at Iowa City West, choreographed for Van Meter Show Choir for several years, and spent over a decade as a dance counselor at the Show Choir Camp of Central Iowa. With more than 15 years of teaching experience at WDA, she has shared her passion across many styles, including lyrical, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, ballet, pointe, tap, and pom.
Abby’s teaching philosophy reaches far beyond technique. She is passionate about helping dancers grow in confidence, creativity, and community, while also instilling lifelong values such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
In 2023, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming the owner of WDA, excited to continue the legacy of guiding dancers through their own journeys. For Abby, the greatest joy comes from celebrating students’ growth whether it’s mastering a new skill, achieving a goal, or simply finding joy in dance.
She would love to welcome your dancer into the WDA family, where passion, friendship, and artistry come together.
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Cj Frascht
Cj Frascht
Dance Experience & Professional Background
Cj has been dancing since the age of three, developing a lifelong passion for the art. Growing up in a small town, she trained in all genres of dance and was a member of the competition team, where she performed solos, small groups, large groups, and production pieces earning numerous top honors throughout her youth.
After high school, Cj moved to Des Moines to continue pursuing her passion. She performed with the Iowa Stars Hockey Dance Team and the Iowa Barnstormers, gaining valuable professional experience on both the sidelines and the stage. Along the way, she has trained and worked with renowned LA choreographers Mariah Spears, Mikalea Jagim, and Keenan Peters, and she has provided dancers opportunities to participate in the Tribe 99 Experience, helping them connect with college coaches and industry leaders.
Cj is deeply committed to her students’ growth both in and out of the studio. She believes in being a constant source of support, whether it’s guiding dancers through new skills or offering encouragement in life. Watching her students achieve their goals and gain confidence through dance is one of her greatest rewards.
Her love for dance has also come full circle as her daughter shares the same passion and is now a proud member of the WDA Competition Team. Being able to experience dance together has been one of the most meaningful parts of her journey.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Alissa Eischeid
Alissa Eischeid
Dance Experience & Professional Background
Alissa began her dance training at the age of five and has studied for over 30 years in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, modern, and contemporary. As a teen, she competed at regional and national competitions, was a member of her high school dance team, attended conventions and master classes, and began teaching studio dance lessons.
While attending the University of Northern Iowa, Alissa pursued a dance minor, performing with the Orchesis Dance Company, teaching ballet, tap, and jazz at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, and choreographing for local high school dance teams. She graduated with a double major in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. After college, Alissa performed for multiple seasons with the Iowa Energy (now Iowa Wolves) Dance Team in the NBA D-League, and she continues to serve as a judge for the team’s auditions each year. She also spent several years teaching Kindergarten in Urbandale.
Currently, Alissa lives in Clive with her husband, Blake, and their four children. She is ecstatic to be part of the Westside Dance Academy family and is passionate about sharing her love of teaching and dance with the next generation of dancers.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Brooke Nelson
Brooke Nelson
Dance Experience & Professional Background
Brooke’s favorite childhood memories are filled with dance. She began training and competing nationally in ballet, tap, and jazz at a young age. As her passion for ballet deepened, she was honored with the opportunity to study under Dame Sonia Arova at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.
In addition to her dance training, Brooke earned a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology. She finds great joy in watching children grow and learn, and she brings her expertise in child development into the studio. Brooke hopes to inspire a love of dance in the youngest dancers, nurturing both their artistic expression and personal growth.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Jamie Jo Hatchitt
Jamie Jo Hatchitt
Dance Experience & Professional Background
amie Jo discovered her love of dance at the age of three and has been passionate about it ever since. Her training spans traditional styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and lyrical, as well as modern and ballroom dance. While at Iowa State University, she performed with the modern dance company Orchesis I and competed with the Iowa State Ballroom Dance Company in both Latin and classical styles. After college, she furthered her training through an internship with the Joel Hall Dance Company in Chicago.
Transitioning from dancer to educator, Jamie Jo began coaching and teaching, leading both the North Polk Dance Team and the ADM Dance Team before joining Westside Dance Academy, where she has been teaching for the past 12 years.
In addition to her dance career, Jamie Jo holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education. Her passion for working with children shines through in everything she does. She loves watching her students grow in skill, confidence, and pride throughout the year, and she is excited to continue sharing her love of dance with the dancers at WDA.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Brett Machamer
Dance Experience & Professional Background
Brett’s dance journey began locally at Westside Dance Academy and Iowa Ballet Academy. While her main focus lies in ballet and pointe, she has also dedicated herself to studying jazz, tap, hip hop, and modern dance. Seeking additional training, she ventured to the Milwaukee School of Ballet to expand her artistic horizons. Notably, she performed with the Iowa Dance Theatre and Yaro Dance Company, often gracing the stage in lead roles. Her association with Iowa Dance Theatre allowed her to learn from numerous influential teachers in the Des Moines area. In 2016, she had the privilege of being selected to perform a piece by Jessica Lang when her company visited Iowa.
As a guest artist, Brett recently showcased her talent with Hurley and Dancers as well as in the Iowa Choreography Festival. Additionally, she demonstrated her choreographic ability by creating original pieces for Iowa Dance Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker.” As a Senior member of Dance Masters of Mid-America, Brett remains committed to furthering her dance education and sharing her knowledge with others. She has also obtained certification in Progressing Ballet Techniques. While working as a Physical Therapist Assistant and pursuing her Masters degree in Kinesiology, she continues to prioritize her dance training, attending classes and seizing performance opportunities whenever possible.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Gigi Oerter
Dance Experience & Professional Background
Gigi earned both her high school diploma and her BFA in Ballet from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She went on to perform soloist and principal roles with Milwaukee Ballet (WI), San Antonio Ballet (TX), and Des Moines Ballet (IA), touring extensively throughout her career.
In addition to performing, Gigi served as Ballet Mistress for Des Moines Ballet/Ballet Iowa and has taught at numerous organizations across the country, including Nevada Dance Theatre (NV), Eugene Ballet Company (OR), San Antonio Ballet (TX), School of Ballet Iowa, Iowa Dance Theatre, Iowa State Dance Festival, and the Siouxland Dance Association (IA), as well as several studios in the Des Moines area.
Gigi is thrilled to continue sharing her love of ballet and her professional experience with the dancers of Westside.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Kristi Ickowitz
Dance Experience & Professional Background
Kristi grew up dancing at Westside Dance Academy under the guidance of Cindy Jones. Throughout her school years and even after graduation, she continued her training by joining Cindy and other dancers for summer intensives in Chicago. In high school, Kristi competed at dance competitions, was a four-year member of her varsity cheerleading team, and spent two years as part of the Iowa All-Star Cheer Squad, performing at the State Basketball Tournaments.
Kristi went on to complete teacher training through the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, earning certification in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz instruction. She returned home to Westside in 2004 to begin teaching alongside Cindy and has since choreographed numerous award-winning routines at both regional and national levels.
Kristi is passionate about sharing her love of dance with her students and is dedicated to helping them grow in confidence, creativity, and strong technical skill.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Melanie Meyer
Dance Experience & Professional Background
Melanie is a senior at Waukee Northwest High School and a member of the Varsity Dance Team. This year marks her fourth and final season as she prepares to graduate in the spring. She has been dancing for 14 years, and her passion for the art continues to grow. In addition to dance, Melanie is involved in her school’s Varsity Show Choir and the top audition choir, showcasing her love for the performing arts.
She has also had the opportunity to train with LA choreographers Mariah Spears and Mikalea Jagim, which has helped her grow both technically and artistically.
Melanie loves to stay involved, challenge herself, and push to become a better person each day. She is excited to share her dedication and love for dance with others!
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Sami Ickowitz
Dance Experience & Professional Background
Sami is a junior at Roosevelt High School and a member of the Varsity Dance Team, as well as Westside’s Competition Team. She has been dancing for 14 years and it continues to be one of her greatest
passions.
She has had the opportunity to train with the University of Minnesota Dance Team, Iowa State Dance Team, University of Iowa Dance Team, and LA choreographers Mariah Spears and Mikalea Jagim,
experiences that have strengthened both her skills and her love for dance.
Sami enjoys making new friends, sharing her knowledge, and helping students grow in their own dance journeys. She is thrilled to be teaching and can’t wait to inspire her students!
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Start Your Dance Journey at Westside Dance Academy
From beginners to competitive dancers, our expert instructors provide training, support, and inspiration. Register today and take the first step toward your dance goals in Waukee!