29173 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI, USA
OUR LEGACY TEAM...
Our Founder, Ms. Crystall Winkler
Our Founder, Ms. Crystall Winkler
Our Founder, Ms. Crystall Winkler
Crystall White Winkler, Director, M.S., B.A., began studying dance at age 8 in Detroit under the direction of Gwendolyn B. Smith at Northwest School of Dance. At age 13, she augmented her training at Marygrove College in Detroit with mentor Madame Penny Godboldo. In 1985, Crystall began the Certificate Dance Program at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York.
Crystall has been featured in countless performances, incorporating all forms of dance including Modern, Jazz, African, Dunham Technique and Ballet at Marygrove College where she has been a featured dancer as well as performing member of the corps. Crystall has also had the rare opportunity to perform with the European Tour of Broadway’s“Black and Blue” where she traveled to Switzerland, Germany and France, performing the world famous choreography of Herny LaTang and Cholly Atkins. Crystall has also toured with, “Tap Girls” in Lake Tahoe, NV, Los Angeles, CA and Atlantic City, NJ. Additionally, Crystall was a performer and guest choreographer for the Los Angeles Academy of Fine Arts Chocolate Nutcracker narrated by Debbie Allen. In addition to all of Crystall’s performing credits she has choreographed, directed and staged numerous recitals, full length dance productions and local performances of the classical ballet, “The Nutcracker”. Crystall is a true dance enthusiast and wishes to share her love of learning and discipline for the great art form of dance with students everywhere.
Ms. Taylor Ester, Esq.
Our Founder, Ms. Crystall Winkler
Our Founder, Ms. Crystall Winkler
Taylor Ester is an accomplished rhythm tap artist, choreographer, educator, and attorney whose passion for dance has taken her to stages across the United States and internationally, including performances in Los Angeles, Germany, and beyond. A lifelong student of the art form, she has trained with some of the world's most celebrated tap masters, including Robert L. Reed, Dianne "Lady Di" Walker, Chloe Arnold, Maud Arnold, and Jason Samuels Smith, among many others.
At just 15 years old, Taylor became one of the youngest dancers ever selected to participate in the prestigious Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival program. She has since performed at numerous tap festivals, showcases, and professional events as part of Jacob's Pillow Dance, the St. Louis Hoofers Club, and as a founding member of Tappin' Soles of Detroit, continually expanding her artistry while honoring the rich traditions of rhythm tap.
Taylor began her dance training under the direction of Crystall Winkler at Artistry In Motion Dance School, where she developed a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for excellence in dance education. Today, she proudly carries that legacy forward as a leader and instructor at Legacy Dance Studio: The Next Generation, inspiring young dancers to achieve their fullest potential.
As a choreographer, Ms. Taylor has earned widespread recognition for her innovative, musical, and technically challenging work. Her choreography has received numerous Regional and National awards, including honors for Best Choreography, Outstanding Precision, and Intricate Rhythm, with award-winning routines performed by dancers from Legacy Dance Studio and K Company Dance of Bloomfield, Michigan.
Outside the dance studio, Taylor is also a practicing attorney, demonstrating that dedication, discipline, and passion can lead to success in multiple professions. She is committed to mentoring the next generation of dancers while encouraging them to pursue excellence both on the stage and in every aspect of life.
Ms. Tylar Spencer
Our Founder, Ms. Crystall Winkler
Ms. Tylar Spencer
Tylar Spencer is a recent graduate of the Professional Independent Training Program at The Ailey School, a former company member at Garth Fagan Dance company, and alumna of Wayne State University-- where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA from the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts in 2015.
Due Tylar's quick aptitude towards the anatomy, kinesiology, and movement analysis courses during her tenure at WSU, she was blessed to be sponsored to partake in a Stott Pilates Teacher Certification Course. In addition to academia, she has received dance training via AIM, Fem Fatale, The Zone Dance Center, Marygrove College Intensive, Howard University, Debbie Allen Dance Academy Intensive, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Intensive, and Martha Graham School for Contemporary Dance Intensive. She has also had the opportunity to perform for The James Tatum Foundation, The Woodward Dream Cruise, Wayne State University's Company One, Jeff Rebudal, Amy Chavasse, TJ Hemphill's Perilous Times, the Table of Silence Project under the direction of Jacqulyn Buglisi, and SambaSalsa Entertainment Group.
"I love dance! For me, in my youth, it was my only means of freedom of expression. I continue to dance because it facilitates self-expression and the opportunity to influence the culture of society, simultaneously. I believe dance is a vehicle of social commentary that helps the artist learn, foremost, about oneself, but also, how each of us is connected and mutually affected. It allows one to become more in tune with the connection of body, spirit, and mind; developing an understanding and practice of crucial life skills and indispensable ethical and moral values. I love to spread love and positivity which is why I want to share this passion that dance has impressed upon my heart with others. I am excited to partner with my dance family at Legacy to facilitate great experiences and memories for the children in my charge.”
Ms. Michelle Brye
Ms. Michelle Brye
Ms. Tylar Spencer
Michelle Brye is a dedicated ballet and pointe instructor with over 30 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for developing strong, confident dancers. She trained for 11 years at Ziggy Johnson's Dance School, where she studied ballet, tap, and modern dance.
Ms. Michelle began her teaching career at Artistry in Motion Dance School in Southfield, Michigan, under the direction of Gwendolyn Smith, Crystall Winkler, and Teresa White. Throughout her career, she has inspired generations of dancers with her exceptional technical knowledge, patient instruction, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Known for her beautiful artistry and ability to nurture each student's potential, Ms. Michelle has shared her love of dance with students throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. She believes that a strong ballet foundation builds confidence, discipline, grace, and artistry that benefits dancers in every style.
In addition to teaching, Ms. Michelle has choreographed the dance presentations for the New Hope Christian Debutante Ball and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Southfield Chapter, where her choreography has helped create elegant and memorable performances for countless young women.
Ms. Michelle is excited to begin this new chapter with Legacy Dance Studio: The Next Generation, where she looks forward to continuing her passion for teaching, inspiring young dancers, and helping them reach their fullest potential. She is honored to be part of a team committed to excellence, tradition, and the future of dance.
Ms. Deleah Sharp
Ms. Michelle Brye
Ms. Erica Coleman
Ms. Deleah is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for serving children both inside and outside the classroom. She is the founder of the Identify Your Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1996 following the tragic loss of Dean J. Samuel.
The foundation was created to inspire young people who have experienced the violent loss of a parent—not only to survive, but to thrive. Through encouragement, mentorship, and personal development, the foundation teaches children to discover the unique gifts within themselves, unlocking the hope, purpose, and potential that can carry them beyond their pain.
A cherished member of the Legacy Dance family since its very beginning, Ms. Deleah has been helping shape young dancers for more than 20 years. She is known for her innovative teaching style, endless patience, and nurturing spirit. Understanding that every child learns differently, she creates a positive and engaging environment where dancers feel encouraged to grow, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of dance. Her thoughtful approach lays the proper technical and developmental foundation that prepares each student for future success.
At Legacy Dance...Next Generation, Ms. Deleah teaches our Kinderdance I classes (ages 3–4) and Tiny Tot Hip Hop classes (ages 4–8). Her infectious enthusiasm, gentle encouragement, and genuine love for children make her one of our youngest dancers' favorite teachers. From their very first plié to their first performance on stage, Ms. Deleah ensures every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
Ms. Erica Coleman
Ms. Michelle Brye
Ms. Erica Coleman
Erica Coleman-Beckum is a dynamic and accomplished dance educator and choreographer with a passion for inspiring dancers of all ages and skill levels. She teaches lyrical, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, and ballet, bringing creativity, energy, and technical excellence to every class.
Ms. Erica began her dance training at Artistry in Motion Dance School in Southfield, Michigan, under the direction of Gwendolyn Smith, Crystall Winkler, and Teresa White. Her strong technical foundation and innovative choreography have made her one of the area's most respected instructors and sought-after competition choreographers.
Throughout her career, Ms. Erica has created numerous award-winning routines for dancers at both the regional and national levels. Her choreography continues to receive top honors and recognition for its creativity, musicality, and cutting-edge style. She has earned choreography awards at prestigious events including VIP Dance Competition, Legacy Dance Championships, and StarQuest National Talent Competition, among many others.
Known for her ability to challenge and motivate dancers while building their confidence, Ms. Erica is committed to helping every student discover their unique strengths and reach their highest potential. Her classes are filled with passion, discipline, and a genuine love for the art of dance.
Beyond the studio, Ms. Erica is a proud mother to her two talented daughters, Chandler and Cassidy, who have followed in her footsteps and are accomplished dancers in their own right.
Ms. Erica is excited to continue her journey with Legacy Dance Studio: The Next Generation, where she looks forward to mentoring the next generation of dancers, creating inspiring choreography, and helping students grow both on and off the stage.
Ms. Marletta Boyd, II
Mr. Devon Uri Mercury Campbell
Marletta Marsha Boyd II was born and raised in Northwest Detroit and group up dancing at Artistry in Motion Dance School, teaching her first class at the age of 14. After receiving her B.A. in Finance at Howard University Marletta moved to Seattle Washington to work for Microsoft Corporation as a Finance Manager. Dance being her passion, she immediately joined the dance teams for the NBA’s Seattle Sonics and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm basketball teams, and later joined a traveling West African dance troupe, performing for a local king in rural Ghana. In 2011 Marletta returned home with the goal of being a catalyst of change for the Metro Detroit area. Marletta is the Director of Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy for The Children’s Center and is responsible for developing and growing efforts around corporate engagement. In addition to working at Legacy she assists with the Liturgical Dance Ministry
Mr. Devon Uri Mercury Campbell
Mr. Devon Uri Mercury Campbell
Devon Campbell known professionally as “Uri Mercury”, has been an active Michigan dancer/choreographer for the past 17 years. Some of his most notable work includes being a featured dancer on “Screamtour 2012” with Mindless Behavior, OMG Girls, and Diggy Simmons, opening for Lil Wayne, back up dancer/choreographer for The Shop Boys, R&B singers: LaBritney, Princeton, Loreal, Rocco, Libra, Ryan Allen, Nielle, Deleante Kareer, Cullen Emadrey, Remington Loyd, JaVon Lewis, Female Emcee B. Focus, Rodney Howard, Male Impersonator: Ric Key, as well as Drag Icons: Kourtney Breeze, and Melanie Von Kruz. Mr. Campbell also had the opportunity to choreograph 17 consecutive sets for Motor City Choreographers Collective, as well as a set choreography for the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade and being a featured dancer in the traveling Opera "Blue".
His signature style is a unique blend of hip-hop, contemporary, and jazz-funk he likes to call “PerFUNKtory” which stands for “Perfect Funk Factory”. Being that his style has a bit of a different approach to mainstream hip-hop, Uri began to develop a following and soon began teaching. He has taught at Michigan Based studios including Michael & Beverly Stone School of the Arts, Angie Hahn’s Academy of Dance, The University of Michigan, Art Lab J, Crowell Recreation Center, Fantasy Fitness Studio, Flex Point Performing Arts Center, Warner Rogers Academy of Art, Kercheval Dance Center, L.A. Dance, Big City Dance Center, Legacy Dance Studio, Synergy Dance Academy, Rhythm n Jump Dance Academy, Wayne State University, Movement Project Dance Center, Novi High School, Mercy High School, as well as Brookfield Center for The Arts, and Studio One Dance Company, both located in Wisconsin.
Outside of studio work and commercial work, Uri’s true love comes from Dance Crews/Companies. His most notable piece of work is his dance company, “Melodic Nocturne Dance Tribe”. Since creating this group, Uri’s work took on a new form spreading to all areas of the Michigan dance scene, Chicago, Ohio, Milwaukee, and abroad. Melodic Nocturne is the longest-running non-collegiate dance organization in the State of Michigan, running 11 years long as of January 19th, 2019. Coming second only to "Hardcore Detroit.
Welcome Ms. Jade Moore
Bio coming soon.
Welcome Ms. JaNay Miles
Welcome Ms. JaNay Miles
Bio coming soon.
