Teachers & Staff
Jill Hoggard
Jill Hoggard has been dancing since 1964 and teaching since 1974 with Owatonna Dance Theatre, under the direction of her mother, Jacquie Quinlivan-Day. Jill changed the name of Owatonna's hometown dance studio to Jill Hoggard Academy of Dance in 1980. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dance with certification from Texas Women's University. This specialized degree allows her to teach dance in the Texas Public School System. In 1992, Jill performed at St. Clements Church in New York City with Theatre of the Heart. She has been a member of many dance associations. Jill has continued her studies in dance by attending workshops throughout the United States. Jill has attended Costume Conventions in Chicago and St. Louis, as well as Rhee Gold's seminars for teachers.
Katie Gillespie
Katie Gillespie was a student at Jill Hoggard Academy of Dance beginning in 1983. In high school, she was a dance assistant before attending Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. She studied Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Dance Composition while at Gustavus and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Dance. In the summer of 2002, she began teaching a variety of classes at the studio and working in the studio business office. She continues to work in the studio business office and teaches a variety of classes.
Michelle Honsey
Michelle Honsey grew up dancing at Jill Hoggard Academy of Dance. Through high school, she was a dance assistant, competition team member, and an award-winning soloist. In May of 2020, Michelle graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Dance and Economics. At St. Olaf she worked with various dance companies, including Shapiro and Smith, Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theatre, and choreographer Erin Rockwell. Michelle began teaching at the studio in 2018. She now teaches Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Street Jazz, Pointe, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and coaches 3 of our competition teams.
2023-24 Staff
Front Row: Emery Vick & Sofia Maas
Middle Row: Jordan Otte & Ava Carroll
Back Row: Michelle Honsey, Jill Hoggard, Lauren Roberts
Not Pictured: Katie Gillespie