History
Staff
Michelle Hanbury, Director
Michelle began studying dance at the age of 5. She studied various forms of dance including jazz, tap, modern, ballet, point and lyrical. She began her journey as a dance teacher at age 12, where she instructed children ages 3-11. While attending Carrick High School, Michelle was a member of their competing indoor and outdoor colorguard team as well as the independent colorgurad team “Dark Horizons”. While she was a member of both teams she was featured on rifle, sabre and movement. While Michelle was in her senior year at Carrick High School she had the opportunity to design and choreograph their competitive color guard team for the Raider Marching Band and the indoor winterguard. Along with Carrick High School, Michelle instructed the colorguard and winterguard at Elizabeth Forward High School. She continued to teach dance as well. Michelle is married and is the mother of 3 beautiful children. She has been the head instructor for CoMotion Dance team since 2006 and currently serves as director. With much hard work and dedication Michelle has helped to grow the organization from one team to several teams ranging in both age and skill set. For the past seven years, Michelle has served as the Vice President for the Region 8 Tournament of Bands/Tournament Indoor Association organization. She is in sales for Aerotek which is a skilled trade staffing company. Michelle is extremely grateful for the opportunity to coach these amazing young people but more than her love for teaching she is proud to be a mentor and role model for all whom she comes in contact with.
Jillian Bergener, Coach
With a deep-rooted passion for both the performing arts and healthcare, Jillian Bergener brings a unique blend of discipline, leadership, and compassion to everything she does. Jillian spent several incredible years as a student instructor and assistant dance coach, leading the very team she once proudly danced for – CoMotion. Her journey with CoMotion began as a dedicated dancer, where she developed not only her technical skills but also a deep sense of camaraderie and perseverance. Transitioning into the role of coach, she is honored to mentor and inspire the next generation of dancers, guiding them through competitions, performances, and personal growth.
Her time as a coach sharpens her ability to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and foster a supportive team environment—skills that have seamlessly translated into her current profession as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse. Today, she cares for the most vulnerable patients with the same dedication and heart she brought to the dance floor, combining clinical expertise with nurturing support for families during their most critical moments. Her journey continues to be driven by a passion for making a positive impact, whether through movement or medicine.
Morgan Pokora, Coach
Dance has been a central thread throughout Morgan Pokora’s life. She started dancing at a young age and quickly fell in love with the way movement could express what words sometimes couldn’t. Over the years, she trained in multiple styles—ballet, jazz, and contemporary—and poured her heart into every performance and rehearsal. Dance shaped her discipline, creativity, and resilience.
After spending many years as a performer, she transitioned into coaching. Becoming a dance coach was a natural step—it allowed her to pass on everything she learned and to help shape the next generation of dancers. Watching her students grow, not just as performers but as confident individuals, has been one of the most fulfilling parts of her journey.
Life took another beautiful turn when she became a mom and pursued her passion for helping others by becoming a nurse. Balancing motherhood, nursing, and coaching has its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Each role she plays—nurse, mom, coach—feeds into the other, making her more empathetic, organized, and grounded.
Though her life has evolved, dance will always be at the heart of who she is. It taught her strength, grace, and perseverance—qualities she carries into every aspect of her life today.