About | Inspired Movement Academy

The owners of the Inspired Movement Academy.

Our Story

Inspired Movement Academy opened its doors in May 2025, founded by Shanna, Alyssa, and Whitney, a team brought together by a shared mission: to create a space where every dancer feels seen, valued, and inspired. With Shanna and Alyssa leading instruction, and Whitney managing enrollment and studio operations, we’ve built a studio that supports each dancer’s journey, both on and off the dance floor.

At IMA, inspiration is more than a goal, it’s woven into everything we do. We believe in encouraging dancers to embrace their individuality, celebrate progress, and find joy in the process. Through positive guidance, creative expression, and challenging technique, we aim to spark confidence, resilience, and a lifelong

love for movement.

We offer classes for dancers ages 3–18, as well as adult classes for those continuing their dance journey or stepping into it for the first time. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, our studio is a place to grow, connect, and thrive.

We’re not just teaching dance, we’re helping dancers discover their voice, push their limits, and realize what they’re truly capable of. No matter your age, background, or ability, you belong here, and your journey matters.

Location: 8354 IL-127, Taylor Springs, IL, USA

Meet the Team

Co-Owner | Instructor

Shanna Connor

Dance has been a lifelong passion for Shanna Connor—she has been dancing since the age of 3, and it has shaped nearly every chapter of her life. She grew up in a small town in Ohio, where she danced competitively throughout junior high and high school, and continued her journey on dance teams in both high school and college. In 2002, Shanna moved to Hillsboro and quickly became a part of the local dance community.

For 13 years, Shanna was a dance instructor at Fusion Dance Center, where she helped launch the Hillsboro studio. Now, as a proud co-owner of IMA Dance Studio, she is thrilled to share her love for dance with a new generation of performers.

In addition to dance, Shanna has dedicated over two decades to education. She is currently starting her 23rd year as an 8th grade English Language Arts teacher at Gillespie Middle School. For the past 19 years, she has also had the honor of coaching the Hillsboro High School Topperettes Dance Team—a role that combines her love for teaching and her passion for dance.

Shanna and her husband Jeremy recently celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary, and they are blessed with three wonderful children—Bryce, Brynn, and Brylee—along with three dogs and a cat who keep life exciting.

Whether in the studio, classroom, or on the sidelines at a dance competition, Shanna’s goal is always the same: to inspire kids and adults to love dance as much as she does!

Co-Owner | Instructor

Alyssa Watson

Alyssa Watson found her love for dance at the age of six in the same place where she earned her degree, the Dunham Hall dance studio at SIUE. With the help of her teachers, from a young age, she developed a passion for ballet and contemporary styles and knew that she wanted to pursue dance as a career.

At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville she trained daily in ballet and modern, as well as jazz, countertechnique, composition pedagogy, and kinesiology. She had the opportunity to work with choreographers from all over the country, and made connections that led her to a traineeship with St. Louis Dance Theatre (previously The Big Muddy Dance Company). While completing her traineeship, she continued to develop her passion for ballet and contemporary styles and expanded her horizons through participating in choreographic processes with esteemed artists from all over the globe.

Throughout this time she was also juggling multiple teaching jobs, and even started diving into social media work as well as the various behind the scenes tasks that studio owners take on. Alyssa believes that her purpose in life is to bring high quality dance to her students while leading with transparency, empathy, understanding, and genuine positivity. She is so grateful to be able to now have the opportunity to direct IMA under these values alongside Shanna and Whitney.

Co-Owner | Office Manager

Whitney Lesmeister

Whitney is the Office Manager and Co-Owner of IMA, bringing over 7 years of experience managing dance studios. She is passionate about the dance community and loves watching dancers grow and thrive both on and off the stage.

At IMA, Whitney is the go-to person for registration, account management, and any questions families may have. She values the connections she builds with dance families and works hard to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through the door.

Whitney lives in Greenville, with her husband, Kyle, and their three children—Myles, Crace, and Ellie. She’s proud to be part of a studio that feels like home and is excited to cheer on all the dancers!