Nikki Spinden-Meagher
Nikki Spinden-Meagher is the owner/competitive director of S & R Dance.
Nikki started singing and acting at the age of 4. She was involved in Madrigals, Pep Band, Concert Choir, IMEA Choirs, NCIC Bands and choirs all through school. She received the Excellence in Music Award for her graduating class. She attended SVCC on a music and academic scholarship where she received her Associates Degree. She continued on to study at NIU in the pursuit of a vocal/opera music BA degree. Although Nikki loved singing and performing opera and music, she found her calling at a very young age!
Nikki started dancing at the age of 10 at Centerstage In Dixon, IL. She started teaching at Centerstage when she was 12 years old and teaching competitve at 13. She continues to teach competitive teams and advanced technique/ballet there today. In 1994, Nikki continued on to study at Forest Hills Dance in Rockford, IL where she received the Dancer of the Year award in 1997. In the late 90's, Nikki started choreographing competitive numbers for S&R Dance in Freeport, IL. In her later years in college, Nikki began to teach competitive teams, techniques and ballet techniques at S&R. Nikki became the competitive director in 2001 and the proud new owner of S&R Dance in the fall of 2007. She had a goal and vision to make S&R something different. A small town studio that could compete with the best of the best and quality dance education/choreography at a fair and affordable price. "I wanted to give something back to a small comunity and continue on the legacy that Mary started back in 1983." Nikki continues to take classes all over the country from some of the top teachers and choreographers in the industry. Over the last 20 years, Nikki and her students have competed in and won hundreds of overall, highpoint, choreography and speicalty awards at competitions all over the country.
Nikki is passionate about teaching, educating, choreographing, music, organization and Starbucks! Nikki says: ”There is nothing in the world I love more than my students and dance. Watching them grow, learn teamwork, confidence, motivation, and dedication to improve and succeed, not only in dance, but in life. I look forward to many more years of sharing my artistry and knowledge with others”.