Dance Department > Faculty

The Directors

Michele Hamlett-Weith, Artistic Director
Michele brings a strong foundation and a deep love of dance to Legacy. As a young dancer, Michele trained with the Paris Opera Ballet, Ballet Lucerne and the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, under the direction of Tatiana Dokoudovska. As a professional, Michele
performed as a principal dancer with the Kansas City Ballet and as a guest artist with many mid-state regional companies. She worked with numerous legendary and contemporary choreographers and performers including: Vladimir Dokoudovsky, George Skibine, David Howard, Peter Martins and Helgi Thomassen, to name a few.

Michele taught dance at the Johnson County Community College for eight years and developed solid dance course offerings and performance opportunities for her students. She is active in high school and community theatre as she choreographs regularly in the Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley Districts and for Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park. Her credits also include film (Ang Lee's "Ride with the Devil"), children's television (Hallmark Cards, "Zoobilee Zoo"), television commercial work and industrials.

Maura Neighbor Landers, Artistic Director
Maura has entertained audiences from Europe to Branson. She danced for Silja Cruise Lines in Scandinavia then returned ashore to work with Andy Williams at his Moon River Theater. She also appeared in his latest television specials. In addition, Maura was a member of a former Kansas City jazz company and the Missouri Theatre Dance Company. As a student, she was selected to perform in 'Serenade' for a nationwide Balanchine Celebration in Philadelphia. Maura also had the opportunity to work with Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison and David Parsons.

Some of her training includes: University of the Arts, Giordano Dance Center, Joffrey Ballet School, Lou Conte Dance Studio and Balettakademien in Stockholm. Maura has also studied with jazz legends, Gus Giordano and Phil Black. In addition, her credits include commercial work, musical theatre, live television and industrials. Following her performing career, Maura graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Advertising from the University of Kansas with highest honors and was the recipient of
numerous academic honors, including Phi Beta Kappa. She has been teaching dance in the area for over seven years and is excited to be a part of Legacy. Maura brings to the classroom boundless energy and a passion for dance.

Diane Neighbor, Administrative Director
The mother of three artists, grandmother and former teacher, Diane appreciates the importance of education and the development of the "whole person." She believes everyone's life can be enriched with exposure to the arts. With over 20 years experience, Diane has established and directed numerous school and community arts programs. She has also served as administrative director for a professional performing company. In 1996, Diane helped establish and co-direct Summerdance at Johnson County Community College.

As Administrative Director, she will develop new programs and oversee the daily operation of Legacy. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Diane. She will help find an answer.

More faculty bios coming soon!