Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Melanie Haynes
With 25 years of dance leadership, Melanie Haynes is the heart and heritage behind Legacy Dance Connection. For over a decade, she successfully navigated the ultimate "double threat" in the industry: owning and operating her own successful studio for 23 years while simultaneously serving as a Collegiate Dance Team Coach for 11 years. An expert in competitive excellence, Melanie has coached and trained numerous solos, duets, trios, and groups to prestigious national awards. However, her true passion lies in the heart of the dancer. She believes in a teaching philosophy rooted deeply in love, building unwavering confidence and self-esteem in every student. By making every child feel important and celebrated, she creates an environment where they can truly shine. After stepping away to focus on her family, Melanie is thrilled to be back in the studio alongside her daughter, continuing the legacy of love and excellence she started decades ago.
Co-Founder & Competition Director
Haygan Haynes
Haygan Haynes brings an elite, modern edge to Legacy Dance Connection. Her journey began in her mother’s studio and led to the national convention network, where she earned extensive regional and national titles and prestigious scholarships. Her professional path took her to New York City, where she attended the AMDA Summer Intensive during high school and later earned her certificate from the Pre-Professional Program at the legendary Broadway Dance Center.
This elite foundation led her to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance, served as a member of the dance team, and was named Captain and MVP her senior year. Haygan’s expertise includes choreographing award-winning pieces for multiple studios and serving on the NDA Staff, mentoring collegiate dancers nationwide. As a professional NFL Cheerleader and Rookie of the Year, she combines "pro-league" precision with a nurturing spirit. Haygan is dedicated to making every child feel loved and valued, using dance as a tool to build their self-esteem and share the electric energy that has defined her career from the studio to the sidelines.
Ballet Instructor
Daisy Wyatt
Daisy Wyatt is a professional ballet dancer with extensive international performance experience. She trained at Artistic Motion Preparatory and continued her studies at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. Throughout her career, Daisy has performed internationally with Paris Ballet Theater and the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Alongside her performing career, she is also a Pilates and ballet conditioning instructor, combining her professional experience, technical knowledge, and passion for movement to hep others develop strength, artistry, and confidence.
Tumbling & Acro Technique Coach
Alyssa Rasmesson
Alyssa Rasmusson's journey in the studio began with 13 years of elite competitive dance experience, sparking a lifelong passion for movement and mentorship. Today, she channels that rich background into teaching tumbling, where she focuses on cultivating the "whole athlete". Alyssa believes the best technical growth happens in an environment rooted in encouragement and joy. Her classes are designed to build core strength, perfect tumbling skills, and instill a deep sense of confidence in students of all levels.
