Dion Leonhard DiDonna
Dion is a certified Pilates/Barre and Fitness Instructor, professional dancer, fire/LED performer, and dance teacher/choreographer both regionally and nationally. With over 30+ years experience, she has worked with multiple professional ballet companies, as well as regional groups throughout Central Florida. Dion choreographs professionally within Theaters, Dance Studios, High/Middle Schools and Colleges in Central Florida; as well as teaching Dance and Fitness Classes. She has, and continues to collaborate with numerous photographers, dance stores and brands nationally. Dion performs as principal dancer “Lady Cimorene”/additional choreographer for the original Victorian/Steampunk/Horror Troupe “Phantasmagoria Orlando”.
(FB/IG @balletbug)
Madelynn Colburn
Madelynn Colburn, originally from Port Orange, Florida, has been dancing since she was three years old. Madelynn was taught by Shannon Thomas since she was eight years old, Madelynn knew then that she wanted to pursue a career in dance because of the positive impact Shannon had on her.
Madelynn graduated in May of 2019 from Florida Southern College, Lakeland with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography with a minor in Business Administration. During her time at FSC, she danced in works by Jen Guy Metcalf, Kim Karpanty, Sharon Wong, Carol Erkes, Erin LaSala, Leah Pinder, Gerald Opdenaker, and Sarah Walston.
Madelynn is a recipient of the “Most Improved Dancer Award” and the “Rising Choreographer Award. Madelynn also co-directed the senior BFA dance concert in the spring of 2019.
Madelynn has taught ages three to eighteen in all genres of dance at The Legacy Dance Studio since graduating with her BFA. Madelynn has choreographed for Volusia County Schools Show Choirs and Dance Teams. Madelynn is also a professional photographer that specializes in Dance Portraits.
Madelynn is beyond grateful to continue her journey teaching at The Legacy Dance Studio and to be working with The Legacy Stars Competition Team this season.
Skylar Carn
Skylar has had a love for dance since she started. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and pointe, as well as been on the Legacy Stars Competitive Team. While on Stars, Skylar has taken home many top overall awards, scholarships and special awards with her team and as a soloist. Including attending CDI Winter Intensive Training Programs.
Skylar is a Professional Dancer and Performer at SeaWorld Orlando and a Dancer for AM Talent Agency out of Orlando. She can be seen modeling for Michelle and Group Models all over the state of Florida in photo shoots and commercials as well. Skylar is also in school working toward becoming an esthetician who specializes in skin beautification.
Skylar loves teaching at Legacy and working with the Legacy Stars Competition Team. She is excited for another fun year dancing with our amazing students!
Makena Mayfield
Makena Mayfield began her early studies in dance at the young age of four. Originally from Port Orange, Florida, Makena continued to train locally and spent her high school years dancing at The Legacy Dance Studio. During her time at Legacy, she competed as a Legacy Star and assisted Miss Shannon in the classroom. Upon her high school graduation, Makena began teaching ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary to children of all ages.
Outside of Legacy, Makena Mayfield enjoys being actively involved in her community. From the age of twelve she began volunteering with the Civic Ballet of Volusia County where she performed in both the Festival of Dance and The Nutcracker. To this day, Makena continues to showcase her love of dance to the community by performing annually in the CBVC’s renowned ballet, The Nutcracker.
As a senior and high Honors student at Stetson University, Makena continues to broaden her knowledge for health and fitness through her extensive research studies in nutrition, exercise science, anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. By May of 2023, Makena Mayfield will have completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology. Makena hopes to one day pursue her dream of opening a unique fitness studio of her own.
Ava Chappell
Ava Chappell grew up training and competing at the Legacy Dance Studio where she is now a resident teacher and choreographer. She’s continued her training and also teaches at various drop-in studios in the Central Florida area, such as Motiv, Underground Movement, Orlando Ballet, and more. She is experienced in styles Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, even Ballroom as well as exposure to Limon repertoire via Zoom classes during the pandemic. Though favoring Contemporary, she finds the most passion exploring fusion movement using all styles she’s trained in.
Her choreography has been awarded at dance competitions such as Dance Makers, Mark of Excellence, and Shake the Ground, and internationally with almost a million views on her Youtube “Online Dance Tutorials”. Ava is currently a traveling assistant with Embody Dance Conference, a non-profit dance convention. She is also working on receiving her 200 Yoga Teacher Training License, which she enjoys incorporating into her dancing. Class with
Dance is just as mental as it is physical. Ava values communication and vulnerability, which is why often starts classes with mental exercises and ends with a brief meditation.