Meet Our Team.

Founder & Lead Ballet Instructor

​

At David Matthew Studios, every dancer is guided by a standard of excellence that blends strong technical training with artistic expression—shaping not just skilled performers, but true artists.

​

Founder David Braciak discovered his love of ballet at an early age and trained at the world-renowned School of American Ballet for three years. His professional career included dancing with Pacific Northwest Ballet, where he performed in classics like Western Symphony and Stars and Stripes, as well as in an original work by Kent Stowell. He later joined Kansas City Ballet, where he grew through the challenges of a rich classical repertoire.

​

Bringing this wealth of experience back home to Ada, David has led DMS to national recognition. His choreography has been honored at competitions such as Artist Simply Human, Tremaine, and Youth America Grand Prix—where he has earned the prestigious “Best Choreography” award for fifteen consecutive years.

​

David’s greatest joy is seeing his dancers succeed. His students have gone on to perform with leading ballet companies including New York City Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and Grand Rapids Ballet, and have earned scholarships to top performing arts programs such as NYU, University of Michigan, and Butler University.

​

At DMS, David’s mission is simple yet powerful: to develop, nurture, and inspire each dancer’s journey—helping them grow in skill, confidence, and artistry while discovering the very best version of themselves

Instructor

​

Aliya VanTuinen has been dancing for 22 years and is currently a member of the Grand Rapids Gold Dance Team. She has attended numerous NFL and NBA clinics, including Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and ect. She also danced on the Western Michigan University Dance Team, where she served as captain her senior year. Aliya attended summer intensives at American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, and Orlando Ballet, ect. 

For the past five years, she has been coaching and directing the Youth America Grand Prix program at Ballet Kalamazoo, guiding dancers toward excellence in both artistry and technique. With a strong foundation in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and performance-based styles, Aliya is passionate about sharing her love of dance while inspiring her students to grow in confidence, discipline, and creativity.

Instructor

​

Gracelyn Guild has been dedicated to dance from a young age, training and competing at a high level throughout her middle and high school years. She went on to further her education at Grand Valley State University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance.

 

Gracelyn is currently a member of the Grand Rapids Gold Dance Team in the NBA G League, where she has performed for three seasons. In addition to her work with the team, she has choreographed for dance teams and a variety of projects, sharing her artistry and creative vision with other dancers.

 

With a strong foundation in performance, choreography, and leadership, Gracelyn continues to grow as both an artist and mentor within the dance community.

Instructor

​

Aimee’s love for dance started when she was 3. As a dancer she trained in Tap,  Jazz,  Ballet,  Lyrical, and Hip Hop for over 15 years. As a dancer she has participated in performances for the Detroit Lions and Mariah Carey, as well as the Y2K celebration at Van Andel.

 

Aimee began teaching over 10 years ago and enjoys sharing her passion for proper technique with all her students!

Instructor

​

Leah Koski, also known as "NewSense" is a professional educator, and performance artist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her most recent work choreographing and featuring in the "Hip Opera" with Opera Grand Rapids. With a deep-rooted passion for movement and expression, Leah draws inspiration from music, abstract art, breaking culture, emotions, and her students. Her unique style reflects a versatile training background in breaking, ballet, jazz, and contemporary.

​

Leah is as dedicated to education as she is to performance. Her classes foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive. She emphasizes respect, discipline, and self-expression, cultivaitng not just strong dancers, but strong individuals. 

​

NewSense is actively competing in breaking battles, performing, and choreographing for local shows. With a decade of teaching experience, she is thrilled to introduce true Hip-Hop dance and culture to Ada.

Instructor

​

Janeil Foy, also known as Alienj, is a prominent figure in the breaking community and the owner of Teknique Street Dance Academy in West Michigan. As a dancer and educator, he has made significant contributions to promoting breaking and street dance culture.

​

Under the alias Alienj, Foy is known for his creativity as a breaker and is a member of the 61syx Teknique Crew. He actively participates in competitions and performances, showcasing his talent and helping to elevate and innovate the art form. 

​

Foy emphasizes the importance of teaching not just technical skills but also the cultural aspects of breaking, fostering a sense of community among his students. His leadership and dedication to nurturing talent has earned him recognition, including awards like the Play expert of the Year 2024 from the Playground GR organization.