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 and grand children were taught by her as well as taught classes of their own. Her great grand children along with many nieces, nephews and cousins have also taken from 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 granddaughter). 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.
APRIL PLOHR - Co-owner & Instructor
April’s dance story began when she laced up her first tap shoes at age 6. From that early spark of movement, she quickly found her rhythm, and by age 14 she had already choreographed her first routine. Over the years she immersed herself in a wide array of dance styles - tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, ballet and baton - yet tap remained her true love.
For more than 37 years, April has shared her passion as a teacher, guiding generations of students with energy, musicality and heart. Her choreography has been featured by numerous national award winning groups, a testament to her creative vision and dedication to technical excellence. Perhaps most meaningful to her: the opportunity to teach all of her children—sharing not just dance steps, but family, legacy and joy.
Her philosophy is simple: Dance is rhythm made visible, voice without words, connection without speaking. In the studio, she invites students to listen to the beat, to each other, to themselves, and then respond with feet, body, and spirit. She believes that foundational technique opens the door to freedom, and that bold creativity blossoms from disciplined practice.
Looking ahead, April aims to expand her teaching, perhaps by mentoring new instructors, developing curriculum for aspiring tap teachers, or choreographing new works that merge tap with other styles. She remains committed to celebrating the joyful click-of-the-shoe, the communal pulse of group performance, and the personal breakthroughs that happen in every beginner’s first time-step.
KYRSTIN SWANSON
JOEY LINCOLN - Co-owner & Instructor
Kyrstin is a passionate and dedicated dance teacher who brings both heart and expertise to every class she leads. A lifelong dancer and proud MRSD alumna, she began her dance journey at just two years old and has been sharing her love for movement ever since. With a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Kyrstin combines her strong educational background with her creative artistry to inspire dancers of all ages. During the day, she teaches kindergarten at Denkmann Elementary, where her warmth and enthusiasm shine just as brightly as they do in the studio. Her goal is to help each student develop integrity, character, and a strong sense of self, while fostering confidence, technique, and a lasting love for dance—both on and off the stage.
As the granddaughter of Myrna, the studio has been part of my life since day one! I grew up dancing both recreationally and competitively before becoming an assistant, and in 2009, I began teaching my own classes. When l'm not at the studio, you can find me at the YMCA Children's School where I work as the teacher's assistant in the Bulldog preschool room. My favorite part of teaching at MRSD is getting to know all of our amazing kids and their families. I love helping foster the family feel that makes our studio so special!
Hi everyone! I am Ashley Hebbeln. I started dancing at MRSD when I was 4 years old 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.
ASHLEY HEBBELN
KATE HATLESTAD
This is my seventh year of teaching dance! I’ve been dancing for around 14 years and discovered my passion for it at a young age at Myrna Rae’s Studio of Dance. I love being able to share that same joy and creativity with young dancers today!
In addition to teaching at the studio, I also teach high school social studies in Monmouth. Outside of the classroom and the studio, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Lu, my family, and diving into my favorite subjects—especially U.S. history. I’m also a big fan of Mexican food, pasta, and, of course, all things dance!
KAYLEE PLOHR
Hello everyone! My name is Kaylee Plohr. I started dancing at MRSD when I was two years old. I started competing when I was six years old. I currently attend Maryville University to earn a degree in Elementary Education and have been a part of the college dance team for three years. I have been doing choreography for competition dancers for three years and have been teaching during the summer since I graduated high school. Dance has been in my life since I came into this world and I could not imagine a life without it.
Assistants
Lee Ann Baldwin
Kit Bruning
Ariana Glidden
Ava Weist
