OUR TEAM
A powerhouse of visionary choreographers and movers. Individuals with opposite strengths that together make a strong and balanced unit. We redefine the boundaries of dance and the environments it takes place in. We push beyond what is expected and make space for what is next. We turn movement into a statement, individuality into identity, and a room full of dancers into a force. It’s culture. It’s expression. It’s community.
MEGAN COREY
CO-FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Megan Corey, born and raised in West Michigan, has been dancing since the age of three. She is a technically trained dancer, completing Cecchetti Grade IV, and versed in jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. Megan grew up in the competitive dance world, performing in award-winning pieces through the age of 18. During her time in college, she discovered the midwest urban dance scene, where she began training with local dance groups, taking classes, and immersing herself in the community. She has trained around the US, with a primary focus on hip-hop and commercial choreography.
From an early age, Megan was surrounded by music. R&B, soul, rock, and hip-hop filled her parents’ stereo for as long as she can remember. Her Father would play acoustic guitar and blast rock ‘n’ roll and rap, while her Mother would sing along to R&B songs with enough soul for the whole house. Megan spent countless hours watching hip-hop music videos and movies, daydreaming that it was her dancing in the films. She was undeniably drawn to the culture and the authenticity of the artform which sparked in her an internal vow to learn the true history and art of it. While she loves a multitude of dance styles, hip-hop has her heart.
After graduating with a Bachelors in Business and Human Resource Management from Grand Valley State University, Megan came to a crossroads and believed there could be more for her community. She created Essence Movement Collective in 2022 and throughout, she has continued to develop her creative voice, inspire countless dancers, and build bridges between Midwest communities. She has directed and choreographed incredible pieces, with work taking 3rd Place at Prelude Midwest in 2025 and 2026 and a showing in the 2025 West Michigan Dance Film Festival. She now resides in Los Angeles, California to obtain industry level training and expand what is possible for herself.
Megan oversees the creative direction of Essence from branding, business structure, and executive direction. Her vision stems from a deep-rooted belief that who we are as people cannot be separated from dance. That you can physically train relentlessly, but the internal work is just as important, as dance is merely a physical manifestation of our inner world. She runs Essence with the belief that in order for longevity to be possible, an environment must be truly safe and ran with pure intent.
ANTONIO JAIMES
CO-FOUNDER
Antonio Jaimes-Bautista started dancing at the age of nine at the Cook Arts Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He did Break Dancing, Salsa, and Beginner Hip-Hop. Breaking quickly became his one true love and he began battling all over the US independently and with his crew Aerial Tactics. Antonio began diving into the realm of choreo at 16. He is self taught but has also trained with different groups throughout the MidWest. Now, he is pursuing a career within the dance industry in Los Angeles, California by continuing to dive deep into training at prestigious institutions such as Millenium Dance Complex. He has over a decade worth of experience performing in dance. From breakdancing at small local events, to dancing on the biggest stages in the US. His credits include, Tomorrow X Tomorrow, Yeonjun, KOSMIK Spacespeakers Las Vegas, A$AP Rocky, Anh Trai "Say Hi" Live Las Vegas Show, ÐÀM VĪNH HUNG, Bellakath, BMW. Antonio continues to train and audition in Los Angeles and is committed to continuous growth and development within the dance industry.
Antonio brings the history of hip-hop, the relentless pursuit and desire to be great at an art form, combined with current real-world commercial industry experience lived and applied. He is a genius at freestyle and proof that where you can go is determined by your passion and work ethic, not by where you start.
KATE HYMAN
Assistant Director
Wisconsin native, Kate Hyman, converged competitive training at the Madison Professional Dance Center with foundational hip-hop training in a crew to build roots in the cross-disciplinary field of Open Styles dance. Her training expanded deeper through performing with various dance companies in Milwaukee, and while on scholarship with Monsters of Hip Hop. She continued on to receive her BFA from Kendall College of Art and Design with a concentration in Collaborative Design. To her, movement is a language; speaking through the soma offers the possibility to touch upon common humanity. For Kate, it is an honor to work alongside dancers in caring for their whole being.
Kate engages the art, heart, experimentation, and well-being of Essence. She is the embodiment of a holistic, complete approach to dance—mirroring both physical and inner work. She ensures that the morale and culture of our dance environment is intact. Kate creates breathtaking visual art experiences that have been awarded a showing in the 2025 West Michigan Dance Film Festival and a 2026 Gallery Art Exhibition.
DIEGO QUINTINO
Assistant Director
Diego Quintino is a versatile hip-hop dancer and choreographer. He began his journey as a self-taught artist at age 15. He has performed across the Midwest and choreographed for schools and studios throughout West Michigan, including teaching at Grand Rapids Ballet. He continues to pursue a professional career in dance by expanding his knowledge in any way possible. He has extensive training in Grand Rapids, Detroit, and as well as dance conventions such as Monsters of Dance, and Reveal Dance Chicago. Since joining Essence Movement Collective at its founding in 2022, Diego has grown into his current role as Assistant Director.
Diego encapsulates musicality, texture of movement, hip-hop culture, and the discipline of training. He understands the depth of music and how to bring the expression of sound and lyrics to life through movement. He is a free-style practitioner and showcases the power of practice, repetition, and exploration. Diego has choreographed several numbers, with work taking 3rd Place at Prelude Midwest in 2025 and 2026.
TYLER PLETS
Assistant Director
Tyler Plets grew up on the East Side of Michigan. She began her formal training at Dancer’s Edge Studio in Shelby Township, where she trained competitively for 15 years in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and pom. Her competitive career was marked by significant achievement, including numerous UDA National titles and five World Championship titles at The Dance Worlds through USASF. After graduating in 2019, she moved to the west side to attend Grand Valley State University and started training in street dance styles with various professional dance groups. She has since then danced backup for musicians, coached multiple high school dance teams and studio’s, and taught in all styles.
Tyler embodies the ambition, precession, attention to detail, and grit that is required in bringing high-level work to fruition. She understands how to not only create a concept but how to perfect the details so the concept can come to life. She has won multiple overall awards for her choreography and coaching, with work recently taking 3rd Place at Prelude Midwest in 2025 and 2026.
LENA GODAMUNNE
Marketing & Operations Director
Lena Godamunne grew up in Sumy, Ukraine where she began dancing at the age of three. She trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. Lena later spent three years dancing in Iceland, expanding her training before moving to the states. After taking a break from dance, she found her way back through drop-in classes and became immersed in the urban dance community. She performed at ArtPrize in 2017 and has competed at events including Prelude and World of Dance, while also participating in numerous showcases throughout Michigan. She has been a member of Essence since its beginning and stepped into a leadership role during the 2024–2025 season.
Lena is the epitome of initiation, execution, focus, and intentionality. She sees an opportunity for growth and takes charge. She oversees marketing, ideation campaigns, and team operations. She has directed and choreographed incredible pieces, with work taking 3rd Place at Prelude Midwest 2026 and a showing in the 2025 West Michigan Dance Film Festival.