Dance has been a part of Colette Howell’s story for the past twenty-three years. She started dancing at the age of nine and choreographed her first piece at age twelve. She was granted a scholarship to attend a summer workshop in New York City, as well as a scholarship through Access Broadway. While training with the Jeraldyne School of Dance, Colette discovered her love of the modern and contemporary styles, and by age 18 she earned her first choreography award. 

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After high school, Colette attended Wright State University where she majored in Dance, was a recipient of a scholarship in the dance major program, and danced with DCDC2. Her choreographed piece entitled “Chronicles” was selected to perform at the American College Dance Festival in 2010. Alongside her dance accomplishments, she was also casted in WSU’s production of “Aida” as a featured ensemble dancer. She graduated spring of 2011 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. 

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Over the years, Colette has won over twenty choreography awards, has had three dances nominated for the People’s Choice award for the Industry Awards, and has had several students who have transitioned into the professional dance world. Her students have trained at Wright State University, Pointe Park, The Ohio State University, and have been casted in professional shows on Broadway. 

Colette is excited to start this new chapter as one of the Directors of MPOWER DANCE COMPANY alongside her sister Deja Miller. She is especially excited to continue exploring her choreography and pushing dancers to be the best version of themselves. Colette also plans to continue her education through the classes and conventions that MPOWER will attend in the future.

Following in both of her sisters’ footsteps, Deja started dancing at the age of two and a half. By the age of five, she started competing competitively. She trained at Z Company Arts, Pontecorvo Ballet Studios, and under her sister Colette to strengthen her dance skills. During her run as a dancer, she received several accomplishments, including top soloist placements, and a scholarship to the PULSE dance convention. Outside of dance Deja danced in many performances include Wright State University Dance Ensemble concerts under her sisters instruction, and a live show for the singer Angela Ai. Alongside dance, she spent her time doing gymnastics and cheerleading both for her school and competitively. 

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After high school, Deja received an academic scholarship to Ohio University where she studied biological sciences, pre-med. Later, Deja also received a full scholarship to study molecular biology at Wright State University where she received her Master’s Degree in 2018. During grad school, and post grad school, Deja taught undergraduate courses in cellular and molecular biology, and animal physiology. She has also extensively studied anatomy and physiology and how that pertains to sports and dance. 

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When she was 13 years old, Deja took a teachers in training program to learn to teach children aged 3 and older. A year later, she began assisting her sister Colette, and was an independent teacher by age 19. Deja began choreographing in 2015. Her choreography has won regional choreography awards every year since her start, and she has even earned two national choreography awards. One of her most notable pieces “Glory” was performed around the Hamilton community, and her work can be seen on several youtube pages, including “Dancingwithyt”. 

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Deja is thrilled to begin this journey of being a co-director of MPOWER DANCE COMPANY alongside her sister Colette, and in honor of their family. As with her sister, she will continue to train in all aspects of dance and encourage dancers to be the best versions of themselves. 

Yolanda Lowe is the mother of Colette and Deja, and their older sister Brittney. She has been a beautician for 29 years. As a side passion, she learned to sew and make clothes, including costuming for her daughters dances. She is very proud of her girls, and is excited to work in the office as well as being the lead costume designer.  

Olivia started her dance career at Joy’s Dance Studio at the age of three. From there,

she began competing and fell in love with the art of dance. She was trained in Jazz, Tap, and

Ballet for 14 years. Olivia was introduced to Contemporary by Colette Howell in 2010 and

continued to train under her for the last 6 years of her competitive dance career. Though She

was no longer in the studio on a regular basis, Olivia never stopped dancing.

After high school, Olivia volunteered with the Invincible Foundation and their “Dance

Beyond Your Dreams” Dance Camp as a choreographer. She taught dance to girls in under

resourced communities where dance instruction was not easily accessible. Olivia also worked as

a counselor at Flying Horse Farms, a camp for children with serious illnesses. She planned and

executed programming that was inclusive to all the needs of the campers and their families.

Olivia celebrated every milestone with the children she worked with and these two experiences

led her to her passion for working with children.

Now Olivia attends the University of Dayton and studies Middle Childhood and

Intervention Specialist Education with a concentration in Social Studies and Language Arts. She

has had many opportunities to observe different classrooms in schools all over the Dayton area.

This year, she will be student teaching and working towards receiving her teaching license all

before she graduates in May.

Olivia cannot wait to share her passion for dance with the MPOWER community,

specifically the performance program. In order to give your child the best dance education

possible, she will never stop learning and continue to better herself and her knowledge of

dance. Her goal is to create an environment where dancers can feel comfortable in their own

skin and give them a space where they can freely express themselves.

Dede Coomer is your tumbling instructor . She has has taught competition dance tumbling for over 10 years and has coached sports for 20 years. Dede helps your child gain strength, confidence and flexibility . She believes in challenging and supporting your child in the goals they want to achieve.