Our Team
Monica Timmons
Owner & Director
Owner & Director
Monica Timmons, a native of Richmond, VA, began dancing at Shuffles Dance Center under the direction of Peggy Thibodeau. She went on to attend the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, where she studied all genres of dance under master teachers including Michael Sheridan, Kim Bears-Bailey, Zane Booker, Molly Misgalla, and Wayne St. David, among others. During her time there she was chosen to perform in several works including Louis Johnson’s "Forces of Rhythm.”
After graduating from University of the Arts in 2010, she went on to dance professionally with several companies in Philadelphia including Eleone Connection, D/2, Philadanco and Waheed Works. Her other performance experience includes performing with Starr Foster Dance Project (Richmond, VA), Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Since 2006, Monica has had the opportunity to teach students of all ages and backgrounds in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Monica started Momentum Dance Center in 2015 with the mission to provide students with exceptional dance education, while also helping to develop compassionate, responsible young people. She teaches a variety of genres and also directs Momentum's competitive teams. Her work has been recognized with numerous choreography awards and high score awards as well as a "Stand Out Studio" award. Although you will see Monica in the studio each week, she and her military husband, Hunter, live in Wilmington, DE with their dog, and two cats.
After graduating from University of the Arts in 2010, she went on to dance professionally with several companies in Philadelphia including Eleone Connection, D/2, Philadanco and Waheed Works. Her other performance experience includes performing with Starr Foster Dance Project (Richmond, VA), Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Since 2006, Monica has had the opportunity to teach students of all ages and backgrounds in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Monica started Momentum Dance Center in 2015 with the mission to provide students with exceptional dance education, while also helping to develop compassionate, responsible young people. She teaches a variety of genres and also directs Momentum's competitive teams. Her work has been recognized with numerous choreography awards and high score awards as well as a "Stand Out Studio" award. Although you will see Monica in the studio each week, she and her military husband, Hunter, live in Wilmington, DE with their dog, and two cats.
Hank Bamberger
Jazz & Contemporary Instructor
Jazz & Contemporary Instructor
Hank Bamberger is originally from Richmond, VA, where he began dancing at the age of fifteen. He received his BFA in modern dance from Marymount Manhattan College, and danced with the Paul Taylor II Dance Company for five years. For three years, Bamberger served as the Artistic Director of the West End Academy of Dance before attending Sarah Lawrence College, where he received his MFA in dance and choreography. He is the Artistic Director of his own experimental dance company, Bamberger Dance Projects, and has choreographed work centered around ocean sustainability for the United Nations Peace Boat, Azimut Yachts, and Design Pavilion NYC. Bamberger has worked with a multitude of experimental and modern-based choreographers over the past twelve years such as David Grenke, Kota Yamazaki, Lacina Coulibaly, Elizabeth Dement of Big Dance Theater, John Jasperse, and Sara Rudner. After almost nine years of serving as a recurring guest artist and choreographer for the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School Dance Department, Hank will be joining the ARGS faculty and family as an educator of dance. Mr. Bamberger continues to guest teach and choreograph nationally because his passion for movement artistry reaches far and wide. He is lucky enough to engage with creative artists from all walks of life and encourages his students to dance with unapologetic gusto and relentless fervor.
J.T. Beverly
Tap Instructor
Tap Instructor
J.T. Beverly is a native of Richmond, Virginia and the Artistic Director of Da Boom Tap Company in Philadelphia PA. In 2001, J.T. graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and was awarded the Tap Honor Award for Tap excellence. In 2001, J.T. was commissioned by the Bermuda Dance Company teaching Master classes in Bermuda and choreographing two tap numbers for the company. In 2008, Dance Educators of America (DEA) brought him to their National Competition in New York City where he taught master classes to over 400 students. Dance Educators of America National Competition took J.T. to their 2009 National Competition in Orlando, Florida where he received the President’s Cup for having the Highest Overall Score for his tap production, Tapology. J.T. was on tour with” Stomp” and “42nd Street”, being the dance captain for both productions. He also taught classes in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Along with teaching classes, J.T. works for Young Audiences of America where he teaches in schools nationwide the history of Tap and how math, music, and dance come together. J.T. would like to thank the Lord above, (“He brought me through it to get me to it!”) and to his wonderful parents, Clyde and Emma Beverly.
Lauryn Everic
Studio Manager & Pre-K Instructor
Studio Manager & Pre-K Instructor
Lauryn is a native of Powhatan, VA, and began dancing at the age of 4. She continued dancing throughout her childhood at several studios, including Powhatan School of Performing Arts and Premiere Dance Studio, where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and lyrical. She also danced for two years on Competition Team and assisted classes for several years. After high school Lauryn attended college at Regent University where she earned her B.A. in Christian Ministry, and after completing this degree attended seminary at Baylor University in Waco, TX. While living in Waco, Lauryn held the position of Director of Urban Movements for two years at the nonprofit, Mission Waco, where she worked to make dance classes accessible to children in the after school programs and in the community. This included teaching, as well as, coordinating volunteer teachers, and organizing parent performances. Lauryn also assisted with DotBuds classes through Out On A Limb Dance Company, a class that provided dance, coordination and cultural education to pre-schoolers and kindergarteners, and volunteered with Waco's 254 Dance Festival and Cultural Arts Festival. Previously Lauryn has also taught at Joy's School of Dance in Waco, TX, but left her position in December of 2018 to relocate back to the Richmond area. Currently, Lauryn is Momentum's Studio Manager and Pre-K instructor. She also works as a part time Associate Minister to Youth at Grace Baptist Church in Richmond. She is excited to continue to get to know the families and students in the Momentum community!
Tristi McMaster Robinson
Ballet & Pointe Instructor
Ballet & Pointe Instructor
Tristi Ann McMaster Robinson is a native of Carson City, Nevada, where she began her early training at Pinkerton Dance Academy, under the direction of Fern Pinkerton. Later she went on to train with Barbra Monibi, and then moved to California at 15 to study with Maria Vegh, Ruth Petrinovic, Jocelyn Volmar and Margaret Swarthout, Melinda Bach, among others, at the Marin Ballet School and Company in California. Through the years she trained in many styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, character and gymnastics. Her career has spanned over 30 years as a professional dancer and teacher.
She was formerly a Principal dancer with the Washington Ballet and Richmond Ballet, as well as a soloist with the Atlanta Ballet and a member of the Milwaukee Ballet Company. She has also performed across the nation as a guest artist. She has worked with choreographers and coaches such as Robert Barnett, Mary Day, Kirk Peterson, Maria Youskevitch, Baayork Lee, Val Caniparoli, Vincente Nebrada, Kevin McKenzie, Christian Holder, Suzanne Farrell, William Soleau, Victoria Simon, Philip Jerry, Dennis Nahat, Maurico Wainrot and Simon Dow. Her Principal roles included Kirk Peterson's Vortex, Choo San Goh's Birds of Paradise, Kurt Jooss' The Green Table, John Butler's Carmina Burana, Lambros Lambrou's Shostakovich Piano Concerto #2, and The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, as well as Balanchine's Apollo, Allegro Brilliante, Serenade, Valse Fantasie, and Scotch Symphony, Four Temperaments’, and Stars and Stripes to name a few. In 1997, she was awarded OYA, Outstanding Young Women of America.
Now a master teacher, she has been on the faculty of the School of the Richmond Ballet, as well as a national guest artist for many schools including The Atlanta Ballet, Northwest Florida Ballet, West End Academy of Dance, Busch Gardens, and Pinkerton Dance Academy, to name a few. She has taught many different levels and styles of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Tap, Jazz, Creative Movement, and dance exercise classes. She is the Artistic Director for a non-profit PDM Productions, Inc which will begin their 7th season and provides performance opportunities for those in Richmond and the surrounding counties. She has directed the Ballet “The Nutcracker Sweet” for 9 seasons, now under the new non-profit organization, PDM Productions, Inc.
She is married to Norvell Robinson. They have three beautiful children who are constant reminders of humility, love, joy and happiness.
She was formerly a Principal dancer with the Washington Ballet and Richmond Ballet, as well as a soloist with the Atlanta Ballet and a member of the Milwaukee Ballet Company. She has also performed across the nation as a guest artist. She has worked with choreographers and coaches such as Robert Barnett, Mary Day, Kirk Peterson, Maria Youskevitch, Baayork Lee, Val Caniparoli, Vincente Nebrada, Kevin McKenzie, Christian Holder, Suzanne Farrell, William Soleau, Victoria Simon, Philip Jerry, Dennis Nahat, Maurico Wainrot and Simon Dow. Her Principal roles included Kirk Peterson's Vortex, Choo San Goh's Birds of Paradise, Kurt Jooss' The Green Table, John Butler's Carmina Burana, Lambros Lambrou's Shostakovich Piano Concerto #2, and The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, as well as Balanchine's Apollo, Allegro Brilliante, Serenade, Valse Fantasie, and Scotch Symphony, Four Temperaments’, and Stars and Stripes to name a few. In 1997, she was awarded OYA, Outstanding Young Women of America.
Now a master teacher, she has been on the faculty of the School of the Richmond Ballet, as well as a national guest artist for many schools including The Atlanta Ballet, Northwest Florida Ballet, West End Academy of Dance, Busch Gardens, and Pinkerton Dance Academy, to name a few. She has taught many different levels and styles of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Tap, Jazz, Creative Movement, and dance exercise classes. She is the Artistic Director for a non-profit PDM Productions, Inc which will begin their 7th season and provides performance opportunities for those in Richmond and the surrounding counties. She has directed the Ballet “The Nutcracker Sweet” for 9 seasons, now under the new non-profit organization, PDM Productions, Inc.
She is married to Norvell Robinson. They have three beautiful children who are constant reminders of humility, love, joy and happiness.
Melissa Tiggle
Hip Hop Instructor
Hip Hop Instructor
Melissa Tiggle started dancing around the age of 5. She received formal dance training in the Magnet program at Woodside High School in Newport News Virginia under the direction of Dr. MaryAnn Laverty. There she studied ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and African dance.
In 2004, she progressed to Virginia Commonwealth University studying business administration. While in school, she joined 4 The Streetz, a professional hip-hop dance company that competed in annual competitions, danced at local events, and danced back-up for local artists. She also used this time to train at different studios along the east coast including Broadway Dance Center, Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts, Gotta Dance Atlanta, and Dance 411.
Melissa is a former member of The Honey; dance troupe for The Virginia Hornets Semi-Pro Football Team. In 2010, she was featured as an instructor for MOVE! Dance workshops & Seminars in Newport News VA and Charlotte NC. From 2013-2014 she was the hip-hop instructor at Encore Dance Studio. In addition to teaching, she has assisted local artists with choreography and artistic direction for their live shows.
Melissa continues to offer her choreography services to groups and individuals in the Richmond area and beyond. She has organized flash mobs for Altria and Haley Auto Group. In 2016, she choreographed for Suntrust’s OnUp! Campaign which included performances at the Richmond Coliseum and The Philips Arena in Atlanta. Recently, she has been commissioned by Maryland Live Casinos to choreograph for events that include “Dirty Dancing’s" 30th anniversary celebration and “Thriller” during the halloween season.
Currently, Melissa is a member of Studio 4 Dance Company where she teaches monthly classes and workshops at Dogtown Dance Theatre. Through Studio 4, she’s had her work featured in the Richmond Dance Festival as well as The Small Plates Choreography Festival. Melissa continues to train as well as learn new techniques to help develop her dance and teaching style.
In 2004, she progressed to Virginia Commonwealth University studying business administration. While in school, she joined 4 The Streetz, a professional hip-hop dance company that competed in annual competitions, danced at local events, and danced back-up for local artists. She also used this time to train at different studios along the east coast including Broadway Dance Center, Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts, Gotta Dance Atlanta, and Dance 411.
Melissa is a former member of The Honey; dance troupe for The Virginia Hornets Semi-Pro Football Team. In 2010, she was featured as an instructor for MOVE! Dance workshops & Seminars in Newport News VA and Charlotte NC. From 2013-2014 she was the hip-hop instructor at Encore Dance Studio. In addition to teaching, she has assisted local artists with choreography and artistic direction for their live shows.
Melissa continues to offer her choreography services to groups and individuals in the Richmond area and beyond. She has organized flash mobs for Altria and Haley Auto Group. In 2016, she choreographed for Suntrust’s OnUp! Campaign which included performances at the Richmond Coliseum and The Philips Arena in Atlanta. Recently, she has been commissioned by Maryland Live Casinos to choreograph for events that include “Dirty Dancing’s" 30th anniversary celebration and “Thriller” during the halloween season.
Currently, Melissa is a member of Studio 4 Dance Company where she teaches monthly classes and workshops at Dogtown Dance Theatre. Through Studio 4, she’s had her work featured in the Richmond Dance Festival as well as The Small Plates Choreography Festival. Melissa continues to train as well as learn new techniques to help develop her dance and teaching style.
Ashley Wyatt
Contemporary & Jazz Instructor
Contemporary & Jazz Instructor
Ashley grew up dancing and training at local studios in Richmond, Virginia. She attended Henrico High School Center for the Arts where she studied dance for four years. After graduating from high school, she attended James Madison University and earned a B.A. in Dance and minor in Kinesiology.
While at JMU she was apart of the Associate Dance Ensemble and the Contemporary Dance Ensemble. She was also the President and choreographer for both MOZAIC and Madison Dance’s hip-hop dance clubs. She has previously performed with the Z Mullis Dance Company, Rapture, Mayzoul and RADAR dance companies. Ashley has taught many styles and levels of dance including lyrical, jazz, ballet, tap, and hip-hop. She has received several awards for Best Choreography, Best Direction and scholarships to teacher training workshops. Most recently her work was presented at the Small Plates Choreography Festival.
Ashley continues to train and learn from instructors all over. Last summer she attended The Dance Teacher's Summit in New York Center and was able to take classes from Tessandra Chavez, Martha Nichols, Denise Walls, Stacey Tookey and many other well-known choreographers. When not at the studio Ashley can be found teaching dance every day to Lower and Middle school students at St. Catherine’s school and choreographing the Upper School Musicals. She is married to Chris and they have two dancing daughters Addisyn and Ava Grace. Ashley is so excited to continue sharing her love and knowledge of dance with the dancers of Momentum!
While at JMU she was apart of the Associate Dance Ensemble and the Contemporary Dance Ensemble. She was also the President and choreographer for both MOZAIC and Madison Dance’s hip-hop dance clubs. She has previously performed with the Z Mullis Dance Company, Rapture, Mayzoul and RADAR dance companies. Ashley has taught many styles and levels of dance including lyrical, jazz, ballet, tap, and hip-hop. She has received several awards for Best Choreography, Best Direction and scholarships to teacher training workshops. Most recently her work was presented at the Small Plates Choreography Festival.
Ashley continues to train and learn from instructors all over. Last summer she attended The Dance Teacher's Summit in New York Center and was able to take classes from Tessandra Chavez, Martha Nichols, Denise Walls, Stacey Tookey and many other well-known choreographers. When not at the studio Ashley can be found teaching dance every day to Lower and Middle school students at St. Catherine’s school and choreographing the Upper School Musicals. She is married to Chris and they have two dancing daughters Addisyn and Ava Grace. Ashley is so excited to continue sharing her love and knowledge of dance with the dancers of Momentum!
Photography by MoPic's Photography.
