Meet the Staff

Dayna Kopecky

Miss Dayna was born and raised in Springfield, where she began dancing at the age of 3 and competing by 6. At 10 years old she began assisting with classes, which is where she discovered her passion for working with students. In 2015 she began teaching recreational classes and running competition rehearsals. She choreographed her first competition piece her senior year of high school which went on to win the national title for highest scoring recreational duo/trio in the 9-11 category.

Miss Dayna attended the University of Iowa where she obtained a degree in Business Leadership and Management and a Dance Minor. She was able to continue growing her passion for teaching by working for a local recreational studio. Miss Dayna opened Dayna’s Dance Revolution to share her passion for dance in a safe and creative environment where students can explore the power of dance. Miss Dayna and her staff aspire to build an environment where all students can grow as dancers and future leaders!

Morgan Antonacci

Miss Morgan’s love for dance began when she started taking classes at the young age of 3. Just a few years later she joined her studio’s competition team and her love for the art grew even more. As she got older, she was given the opportunity to become an assistant instructor. Miss Morgan assisted classes for young recreational and competitive dancers. When she entered high school, she was given the chance to run competition rehearsals for the junior team and assist a class designed specifically for individuals with special needs. It was in these experiences that she realized the true passion she has for teaching and working with children.

In 2020, Miss Morgan took on the role of being a teacher to a class of recreational junior high students. Even through the trials of teaching over zoom for much of the year, working with these students solidified the love for teaching she had discovered. These experiences led her to Illinois State University where she currently studies Elementary Education. Miss Morgan is very excited to be a part of Dayna’s Dance Revolution where she can continue to spread the love of dance!

Jennifer Allender

Miss Jen began her journey in dance at the age of 3 at Vitina Sansone’s School of Dance in Springfield, Illinois. She trained in all genres of dance with a particular focus and passion in ballet, pointe, acrobatics, tumbling and competitive gymnastics. In addition to her training, she was a member of the Springfield Ballet Company and a competitive gymnast with Midstate Gymnastics Academy coached by Randy and Cathy Peebles. She is an Illinois State Champion in Vault. Miss Jen was one of six area gymnasts representing Illinois in the Prairie State Games for two consecutive years, competing among the top gymnasts statewide. She received many sectional and state championship awards.

Miss Jen graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors in Education and is a Learning Behavioral Specialist with an Endorsement in Early Childhood. She will finish a Masters in Education this Spring. In 2006, she created an adaptive dance class devoted to individuals with special needs and has taught it ever since, free of charge to participating dancers. Beginning her 27th year of teaching in District 186, she is a reading interventionist at Franklin Middle School. She is a two time finalist for Horace Mann Educator of the Year and received the 2012 CEC Exceptional Teacher of the Year.

A dancer, choreographer, and educator, Miss Jen brings over 33 years of teaching experience to the studio. Having devoted a lifetime to teaching, learning and creating with dancers of all abilities, she continues to expand her knowledge and expertise in the fields of dance and physical therapies and is passionate about her dancers' well being. She is well known for her compassion and care of each and every one of her dancers, helping them to reach their fullest potential. She strives to instill in them a belief in themselves, the power of perseverance to see through hard work, determination and dedication to the possibilities of what they can achieve.

Cate Conlon

Miss Cate started dancing at the age of 4 and has danced competitively since 8. Growing up she won many awards in a multitude of styles, and was well known for her strong technique. She began teaching and choreographing at 16, both recreationally and competitively. Miss Cate also trained with the Springfield Ballet Company.

Miss Cate is currently attending Illinois State University pursuing a degree in Special Education Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She continues her dance training in college by participating in the Dance Association (a student led group) and working towards a dance endorsement. She enjoys working closely with her dancers and watching their growth each week. Miss Cate is very excited to continue her dance teaching career at Dayna’s Dance Revolution.