Meet the family
MYRNA RAE MATLICK
Myrna Rae Matlick established the studio in 1952. She taught her first student in her living room at the age of 14. From there she taught in a chicken coop that her uncles refurbished. When she got married to Dale Matlick she started teaching in the basement at her home. As her business grew she moved to downtown Reynolds and then in 2000 the studio moved to Aledo. Through all of the years, her family joined in the business. Her children, Kyle and Kim, taught, her grand children and great grand children as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins danced with her. In her journey, she has touched the lives of many children. In 1980 April Leonard Plohr started teaching with Myrna. April was inspired, her passion for dance grew and at the age of 14 she started teaching her own classes. In 2015 Myrna officially handed over ownership of the studio to April and Joey(her grand daughter). Myrna taught for 69 years until she retired in 2021. Her passion and love for dance will be carried on for many years to come. Even in retirement, Myrna still attends shows and events and enjoys watching all the dancers grow.
KYRSTIN PLOHR
APRIL PLOHR
JOEY LINCOLN
Hi friends! I’m Kyrstin Plohr. I graduated from Maryville University with my bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. In June of 2022, I received my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. During the day, I teach kindergarten at New Boston Elementary! This will be my fourth year as a dance teacher at the studio. Prior to this, I taught gymnastics and dance for five years in St. Louis. I started dancing when I was two years old and have loved it ever since! I am qualified to work with children but it first and always has been my passion. They say, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I find my work at the studio to be so fulfilling and couldn’t imagine my life without it!
Hi I’m Joey, “How you doin???” (Friends fans will understand). I am one of the co-owners here at MRSD. Myrna Matlick (the founder) is my grandma! I grew up dancing both recreationally and competitively before I became an assistant. I took over teaching my own classes 14 years ago! My favorite thing about teaching at MRSD is getting to know all of our kids and their families. I love fostering the family-feel our studio has!
Hey, I’m April. So here’s the thing (if you know, you know). I started teaching dance here when I was 14 and the rest is history. I now co-own the studio with Joey Lincoln. I grew up dancing at Myrna’s and competed until I was 28. I even competed when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, Kyrstin, who works here now. Working here has turned into my whole life and I wouldn’t change a thing.
KIM MATLICK
I don't remember not dancing. My earliest memories are sitting on the speaker while Mom was teaching. My feet didn't even touch the floor. I was with her all the time. When I was little I danced with every class it seemed like. As I got older I worked right beside her, eventually teaching my own classes. In my early 20's I taught a day each week in Matherville, Viola, New Windsor, and three in Reynolds. I taught tap, tumbling, jazz, baton, & ballet, with tap being my passion. I love teaching it all. I took a long break from teaching when I started working at the Casino but dancing & teaching never left my heart. When I came back five years ago it made my soul so happy & now April & Joey are stuck with me!
KATE HATLESTAD
Hi there! My name is Kate Hatlestad. I’m in my junior year studying to be a social studies teacher at Augustana College!!! I absolutely love going to Augie and it’s a perk that it’s so close to home so I can stay connected with the studio. I started dancing at age 5 and closed out my 11th and final year of competition last season. The studio and the teachers are a home away from home and a second family; I am hooked for life! The 70th year at the studio marks my 3rd year teaching! I am so looking forward to grooving with all of the cool kids! Dance is my passion and it’s so fun to be able to share that.
Hi everyone! I am Ashley Hebbeln. I started dancing at MRSD when I was 4 years and began competing when I was 7. I attended Northern Illinois University where I received my bachelor’s in Elementary Education. While I was there I took dance class through their dance program and was able to attend class at Joel Hall Dance Center in Chicago for a summer. After moving back to the area and starting my family, I began to teach at the studio. During the day I teach 1st grade in Pleasant Valley. Dance and working with kids has always been a passion of mine and I am so thankful that I get to do both at the studio.