WBC FACULTY
Allison Wolsey, Owner & Artistic Director
A native of Orem, Allison T. Wolsey always knew she would someday own a dance studio. Upon graduating with a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah with a Teaching and a Performing Emphasis, she and her family moved to New York. There she danced professionally with the Northeast Ballet Company and the Albany Berkshire Ballet while teaching ballet. Having moved back to Utah, Allison opened Wasatch Ballet in 2000. Allison has written and choreographed several original, full-length ballets including It’s a Seussical Life, All Girls are Princesses, Odessa and the Titans, Wonderland and The Good, The Bad, and The Clever. Allison is also an ABT certified teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in the Pre-Primary through level 5 of the ABT National Training Intensive. She feels very fortunate to have a loving family (two children and a very supportive husband) and the studio she always hoped for. She enjoys the fulfillment she receives from teaching children to dance and is thrilled about Wasatch Ballet’s current evolution.
A native of Orem, Allison T. Wolsey always knew she would someday own a dance studio. Upon graduating with a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah with a Teaching and a Performing Emphasis, she and her family moved to New York. There she danced professionally with the Northeast Ballet Company and the Albany Berkshire Ballet while teaching ballet. Having moved back to Utah, Allison opened Wasatch Ballet in 2000. Allison has written and choreographed several original, full-length ballets including It’s a Seussical Life, All Girls are Princesses, Odessa and the Titans, Wonderland and The Good, The Bad, and The Clever. Allison is also an ABT certified teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in the Pre-Primary through level 5 of the ABT National Training Intensive. She feels very fortunate to have a loving family (two children and a very supportive husband) and the studio she always hoped for. She enjoys the fulfillment she receives from teaching children to dance and is thrilled about Wasatch Ballet’s current evolution.
Allison Farnsworth
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Allison Farnsworth received her ballet training and began teaching at Ballet Memphis School, where she performed with the Ballet Memphis Junior Company. She also attended summer programs at Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts and Kansas City Ballet. She received her B.A. in Dance from Brigham Young University, where she performed with Ballet Showcase Company, and was featured as a soloist in works such as Paquita and Le Corsaire. She also explored choreography by setting multiple pieces on the company, and earned the Ballet Division Achievement in Choreography award. During her undergraduate years, she supplemented her studies by performing two seasons with Burklyn Ballet Theatre.
Allison continued her studies at the University of Utah, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Ballet Teaching and Choreography. She also worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Ballet Department, where she primarily taught the Musical Theatre Production majors in their ballet and jazz classes. She served as Ballet Mistress for Utah Ballet, the U's ballet performing company, and in this capacity organized Utah Ballet's outreach program for children in Title I elementary schools. In addition, Allison was invited to guest teach for summer programs at Brigham Young University and Ballet West. After graduation, Allison was hired as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the U and taught technique classes for the department. After the birth of her first child, she focused her attention on studio teaching, directing local ballet programs and choreographing and setting full-length ballets.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Allison Farnsworth received her ballet training and began teaching at Ballet Memphis School, where she performed with the Ballet Memphis Junior Company. She also attended summer programs at Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts and Kansas City Ballet. She received her B.A. in Dance from Brigham Young University, where she performed with Ballet Showcase Company, and was featured as a soloist in works such as Paquita and Le Corsaire. She also explored choreography by setting multiple pieces on the company, and earned the Ballet Division Achievement in Choreography award. During her undergraduate years, she supplemented her studies by performing two seasons with Burklyn Ballet Theatre.
Allison continued her studies at the University of Utah, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Ballet Teaching and Choreography. She also worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Ballet Department, where she primarily taught the Musical Theatre Production majors in their ballet and jazz classes. She served as Ballet Mistress for Utah Ballet, the U's ballet performing company, and in this capacity organized Utah Ballet's outreach program for children in Title I elementary schools. In addition, Allison was invited to guest teach for summer programs at Brigham Young University and Ballet West. After graduation, Allison was hired as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the U and taught technique classes for the department. After the birth of her first child, she focused her attention on studio teaching, directing local ballet programs and choreographing and setting full-length ballets.
Telley Carlson
Telley, originally from South Jordan, Utah, has had extensive training in jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, military, and ballet. In high school she danced on the Bingham High School Minerettes. While she was on the team, the Minerettes won 3 State Championships, and 3 National Championships. During her dance career, she has also won many awards for her solo routines. Telley is a former member of the prestigious, BYU Cougarettes. She served as an officer on the team when they won their 8th national title. After graduating in Elementary Education, she helped coach the Bingham Minerettes to several state and national titles. Telley has taught and choreographed hip-hop, jazz, military, contemporary, and lyrical routines for multiple studios and schools around the country for over 14 years, earning multiple awards for her choreography. Telley enjoys teaching, spending time with her family, and traveling.
Telley, originally from South Jordan, Utah, has had extensive training in jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, military, and ballet. In high school she danced on the Bingham High School Minerettes. While she was on the team, the Minerettes won 3 State Championships, and 3 National Championships. During her dance career, she has also won many awards for her solo routines. Telley is a former member of the prestigious, BYU Cougarettes. She served as an officer on the team when they won their 8th national title. After graduating in Elementary Education, she helped coach the Bingham Minerettes to several state and national titles. Telley has taught and choreographed hip-hop, jazz, military, contemporary, and lyrical routines for multiple studios and schools around the country for over 14 years, earning multiple awards for her choreography. Telley enjoys teaching, spending time with her family, and traveling.
Maile Johnson
Maile received her early years of ballet training at Idaho Falls School of Ballet, under the direction of Deborah Bean until moving to Utah in 2012. She then joined Wasatch Ballet and continued her dance training there under the direction of Allee Wolsey until she graduated in 2017. Since then, Maile has been studying at Brigham Young University, working towards her BFA in dance. She has had the opportunity to dance for two seasons with BYU Theatre Ballet, the university’s resident ballet company, under the direction of Shayla Bott and Ashley Parov. She is looking forward to dancing with them again this upcoming year, serving as the BYU Theatre Ballet company president. Maile has had several demi-solo and solo opportunities throughout the years, but some of her favorites include Princess Kaguya in Idaho Falls School of Ballet’s Bamboo Princess (2011), Coppelia in Wasatch Ballet’s Coppelia (2017), the Cat in the Hat in Wasatch Ballet’s Seusical (2017), and a demi-soloist role in BYU’s Paquita (2021-2022). She recently had the opportunity to attend the Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive in New York City (2021), where she received intensive ballet and character dance training from the the Academy teachers. Maile has enjoyed teaching ballet for several years and is excited to join the Wasatch ballet faculty
Maile received her early years of ballet training at Idaho Falls School of Ballet, under the direction of Deborah Bean until moving to Utah in 2012. She then joined Wasatch Ballet and continued her dance training there under the direction of Allee Wolsey until she graduated in 2017. Since then, Maile has been studying at Brigham Young University, working towards her BFA in dance. She has had the opportunity to dance for two seasons with BYU Theatre Ballet, the university’s resident ballet company, under the direction of Shayla Bott and Ashley Parov. She is looking forward to dancing with them again this upcoming year, serving as the BYU Theatre Ballet company president. Maile has had several demi-solo and solo opportunities throughout the years, but some of her favorites include Princess Kaguya in Idaho Falls School of Ballet’s Bamboo Princess (2011), Coppelia in Wasatch Ballet’s Coppelia (2017), the Cat in the Hat in Wasatch Ballet’s Seusical (2017), and a demi-soloist role in BYU’s Paquita (2021-2022). She recently had the opportunity to attend the Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive in New York City (2021), where she received intensive ballet and character dance training from the the Academy teachers. Maile has enjoyed teaching ballet for several years and is excited to join the Wasatch ballet faculty
Alexandra Sullivan
Alexandra grew up dancing at Wasatch Ballet before moving to North Carolina where she continued her Ballet training with Charlotte Ballet. She received a BA in Communications and a minor in dance with a Contemporary emphasis from BYU. During her studies, she performed with and choreographed for BYU DancEnsemble and had her choreography featured at the Northwest American College Dance Festival. Her training also included assistant teaching with the BYU Children’s Creative Dance program where she developed a love for helping students express their creativity through improvisation and choreography. Alexandra is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3.
Alexandra grew up dancing at Wasatch Ballet before moving to North Carolina where she continued her Ballet training with Charlotte Ballet. She received a BA in Communications and a minor in dance with a Contemporary emphasis from BYU. During her studies, she performed with and choreographed for BYU DancEnsemble and had her choreography featured at the Northwest American College Dance Festival. Her training also included assistant teaching with the BYU Children’s Creative Dance program where she developed a love for helping students express their creativity through improvisation and choreography. Alexandra is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3.
Lindsey Blauer
Lindsey Blauer grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah and trained extensively in Tumbling, Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary. Lindsey's career highlights include commercial work and dancing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in their Christmas Concerts. Lindsey continued her dance education at UVU and graduated with a BS in Family Science and Early Childhood Education with a Psychology Minor. Lindsey has taught pre-school for the last four years and loves combining her passion for dance and working with children.
Lindsey Blauer grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah and trained extensively in Tumbling, Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary. Lindsey's career highlights include commercial work and dancing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in their Christmas Concerts. Lindsey continued her dance education at UVU and graduated with a BS in Family Science and Early Childhood Education with a Psychology Minor. Lindsey has taught pre-school for the last four years and loves combining her passion for dance and working with children.
Brooklyn Brown
Brooklyn Brown is originally from Gilbert, Arizona. She studied at Ballet Etudes, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Brigham Young University. She attended summer courses at Ballet West, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Carolina Ballet, and Nashville Ballet. Brooklyn has professional experience with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Utah Metropolitan Ballet, and Chrysalis Ballet performing in ballets including George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ronald Hynd’s Sleeping Beauty, Jerome Robbins’ Fanfare, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Swan Lake, Paquita, and Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations. She has taught for over seven years at multiple studios and loves helping students discover their potential and achieve their goals.
Brooklyn Brown is originally from Gilbert, Arizona. She studied at Ballet Etudes, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Brigham Young University. She attended summer courses at Ballet West, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Carolina Ballet, and Nashville Ballet. Brooklyn has professional experience with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Utah Metropolitan Ballet, and Chrysalis Ballet performing in ballets including George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ronald Hynd’s Sleeping Beauty, Jerome Robbins’ Fanfare, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Swan Lake, Paquita, and Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations. She has taught for over seven years at multiple studios and loves helping students discover their potential and achieve their goals.
Elena Victoria
Elena Victoria fell in love with performing on stage at the age of three in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. By age six, Elena was training at and performing for the Ada Dance Academy as well as in the West Michigan Youth Ballet. In 2016, she joined the Grand Rapids Ballet School and its Junio Company while training privately with school director Attila Mosolygo. In 2018, at age 15, Elena was invited to join the prestigious Miami City Ballet School's Pre-Professional Division, studying under acclaimed instructors Francis Veyette and Arantxa Ochoa. Upon graduation from the Miami City Ballet School, Elena accepted a position with the Orlando Ballet's Second Company, where she performed for two seasons. In 2023, she joined the Kansas City Caniparoli's U.S. premiere of "Jekyll and Hyde" and George Balanchine's "Jewels." Elena is thrilled to join the Utah Metropolitan Ballet for this season. She finds sharing her experience and knowledge of ballet through teaching just as exciting and fulfilling as performing. Elena recently completed her Pilates Certification training and is thrilled to add this skill set to her repertoire.
Elena Victoria fell in love with performing on stage at the age of three in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. By age six, Elena was training at and performing for the Ada Dance Academy as well as in the West Michigan Youth Ballet. In 2016, she joined the Grand Rapids Ballet School and its Junio Company while training privately with school director Attila Mosolygo. In 2018, at age 15, Elena was invited to join the prestigious Miami City Ballet School's Pre-Professional Division, studying under acclaimed instructors Francis Veyette and Arantxa Ochoa. Upon graduation from the Miami City Ballet School, Elena accepted a position with the Orlando Ballet's Second Company, where she performed for two seasons. In 2023, she joined the Kansas City Caniparoli's U.S. premiere of "Jekyll and Hyde" and George Balanchine's "Jewels." Elena is thrilled to join the Utah Metropolitan Ballet for this season. She finds sharing her experience and knowledge of ballet through teaching just as exciting and fulfilling as performing. Elena recently completed her Pilates Certification training and is thrilled to add this skill set to her repertoire.
Megan Watts
Megan started her dance education at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory and is excited to be back teaching. She is working toward her Bachelor in Dance Education at UVU and has performed with UVU's Synergy dance company.
Megan started her dance education at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory and is excited to be back teaching. She is working toward her Bachelor in Dance Education at UVU and has performed with UVU's Synergy dance company.
WBC OFFICE FACULTY
Jessa Wright
Jessa Wright is originally from Sparks Nevada and moved to Utah in 2019. Jessa danced when she was a child and that led to her developing a love for art in any form and is currently working toward her bachelors degree in Film Production with a minor in Writing at Utah Valley University. She has black belts in two different tyles of Martial Arts; Taekwondo and Karate. She taught Martial Arts for six years and has a passion for helping students reach their goals. She is excited to help out at the front desk.
Jessa Wright is originally from Sparks Nevada and moved to Utah in 2019. Jessa danced when she was a child and that led to her developing a love for art in any form and is currently working toward her bachelors degree in Film Production with a minor in Writing at Utah Valley University. She has black belts in two different tyles of Martial Arts; Taekwondo and Karate. She taught Martial Arts for six years and has a passion for helping students reach their goals. She is excited to help out at the front desk.
Sophie Jackson
Sophie Jackson is originally from Cottonwood Heights, Utah and grew up in Nairobi, Kenya until moving back to Utah in 2022 after high school to begin college. Sophie grew up dancing and studied extensively in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap and Musical Theatre, she now attends Utah Valley University studying Dance Education as well as Business and Analysis. Sophie now works teaching Ballet and Jazz at several studios in the Utah Valley and loves working the front desk for Wasatch Ballet Conservatory.
Sophie Jackson is originally from Cottonwood Heights, Utah and grew up in Nairobi, Kenya until moving back to Utah in 2022 after high school to begin college. Sophie grew up dancing and studied extensively in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap and Musical Theatre, she now attends Utah Valley University studying Dance Education as well as Business and Analysis. Sophie now works teaching Ballet and Jazz at several studios in the Utah Valley and loves working the front desk for Wasatch Ballet Conservatory.
GUEST FACULTY
Stephanie Saul, Assistant Director
Stephanie Saul began her teaching career in Salt Lake City, UT while earning her degree in ballet from the University of Utah with a Character Dance and Teaching Emphasis. After graduating, she moved to Aspen, Colorado where she taught Jazz and Tap for the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet School and the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company. After leaving Colorado, Stephanie continued to work with the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company as a guest teacher and has choreographed two different works on the company for gala events. Following her time in Aspen, Stephanie moved to New York City to pursue her own dance career where she danced with jazz and contemporary companies, including Synthesis Dance Project, Nina Buission Contemporary Move, and The Albany Berkshire Ballet. Stephanie has been in Utah since 2005, where she is currently the Assistant Director and a teacher at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory
Stephanie Saul began her teaching career in Salt Lake City, UT while earning her degree in ballet from the University of Utah with a Character Dance and Teaching Emphasis. After graduating, she moved to Aspen, Colorado where she taught Jazz and Tap for the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet School and the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company. After leaving Colorado, Stephanie continued to work with the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company as a guest teacher and has choreographed two different works on the company for gala events. Following her time in Aspen, Stephanie moved to New York City to pursue her own dance career where she danced with jazz and contemporary companies, including Synthesis Dance Project, Nina Buission Contemporary Move, and The Albany Berkshire Ballet. Stephanie has been in Utah since 2005, where she is currently the Assistant Director and a teacher at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory
Kaya Wolsey
Kaya, born and raised in Orem, Utah received most of her early dance training at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory under the direction of her mother, Allison Wolsey. She then attended the University of Utah, where she received a B.F.A. in Ballet with a Performance Emphasis. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she was a member of Utah Ballet, the resident ballet company at the University. This awarded her the opportunity to perform many soloist and demi soloist roles in both classical and contemporary works. Performance highlights include featured dancer in renowned choreographer Ma Cong’s Passion,There and soloist in two original works by Dr. Jung Sik Roh of Roh Dance Project in Seoul, Korea. Kaya also trained with San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Northwest Dance Project LAUNCH, Moxie Contemporary Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet West. Post college, Kaya moved to Texas to dance with Ballet San Antonio as a Corps de Ballet member. During her career, Kaya has had the pleasure of working with and performing works by renowned choreographers such as Marina Mascarell, Drew Jacoby, Gustavo Ramirez-Sansano, Alex Ketly, Banning Bouldin, Brendan Duggan, Gabrielle Lamb, Katie Scherman, Ching Ching Wong, Joni McDonald and Lindsey Matheis. Kaya joined SALT 2 in 2016 and was promoted to an Apprentice in 2017 and a SALT company member in 2018. She is currently dancing with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.
Aside from her performance resume, Kaya has over 10 years of extensive teaching experience in Ballet, Contemporary, Conditioning and Improv to many different levels and ages of dancers. She loves creating an open and hardworking environment that allows dancers to grow and thrive. Kaya is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique.
Kaya, born and raised in Orem, Utah received most of her early dance training at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory under the direction of her mother, Allison Wolsey. She then attended the University of Utah, where she received a B.F.A. in Ballet with a Performance Emphasis. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she was a member of Utah Ballet, the resident ballet company at the University. This awarded her the opportunity to perform many soloist and demi soloist roles in both classical and contemporary works. Performance highlights include featured dancer in renowned choreographer Ma Cong’s Passion,There and soloist in two original works by Dr. Jung Sik Roh of Roh Dance Project in Seoul, Korea. Kaya also trained with San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Northwest Dance Project LAUNCH, Moxie Contemporary Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet West. Post college, Kaya moved to Texas to dance with Ballet San Antonio as a Corps de Ballet member. During her career, Kaya has had the pleasure of working with and performing works by renowned choreographers such as Marina Mascarell, Drew Jacoby, Gustavo Ramirez-Sansano, Alex Ketly, Banning Bouldin, Brendan Duggan, Gabrielle Lamb, Katie Scherman, Ching Ching Wong, Joni McDonald and Lindsey Matheis. Kaya joined SALT 2 in 2016 and was promoted to an Apprentice in 2017 and a SALT company member in 2018. She is currently dancing with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.
Aside from her performance resume, Kaya has over 10 years of extensive teaching experience in Ballet, Contemporary, Conditioning and Improv to many different levels and ages of dancers. She loves creating an open and hardworking environment that allows dancers to grow and thrive. Kaya is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique.
Dominick Brown
Dominick Brown started his training at age 14, under the direction of CeCe Farha. Growing up, Dominick attended multiple summer intensives with The Washington School of Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Dominick attended the University of The Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfeild as a directors scholar. While at the university, Dominick had the opportunity to work with Ballet Preljocaj in Aix en Provence, France as well as the opportunity to teach in Warsaw, Poland. Dominick also attended The American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina. After graduating from the university in 2021, Dominick joined Kun Yang Lin Dancers in Philadelphia as a company member for the 21/22 season. Dominick has performed works by Merce Cunningham, Andrea Miller, Marguerite Hemmings, Emily Wexler, Kun Yang Lin, and many others. Dominick has recently moved to Utah to join SALT for the 22/23 season.
Dominick Brown started his training at age 14, under the direction of CeCe Farha. Growing up, Dominick attended multiple summer intensives with The Washington School of Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Dominick attended the University of The Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfeild as a directors scholar. While at the university, Dominick had the opportunity to work with Ballet Preljocaj in Aix en Provence, France as well as the opportunity to teach in Warsaw, Poland. Dominick also attended The American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina. After graduating from the university in 2021, Dominick joined Kun Yang Lin Dancers in Philadelphia as a company member for the 21/22 season. Dominick has performed works by Merce Cunningham, Andrea Miller, Marguerite Hemmings, Emily Wexler, Kun Yang Lin, and many others. Dominick has recently moved to Utah to join SALT for the 22/23 season.
Azusa Okamoto
Azusa Okamoto was born in Kyoto, Japan and began her training at the age of three with the Fukutani Yoko Ballet Studio(Japan) At the age of 16, she was offered a full scholarship to attend the Victoria Academy of Ballet(Canada) where she graduated from the Post-Secondary Bridge Program earning a diploma in Classical Ballet. In 2017, Azusa was offered a contract with the Roxey Ballet. She has performed roles such as Snow Queen, Dew Drop, Arabian soloist in The Nutcracker, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Michaela in Carmen, Dancer from Nixon in China, and Carmina Burana both with live choir and orchestra. In 2020, Azusa joined Utah Metropolitan Ballet. She performed Snow Queen and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, Snow White in Snow White and La Coquette in La Coquette. Her awards include: First Prize at the 23rd Kobe Dance Competition, First Prize at the NAMUE Grand Final Ballet Competition, First Prize at the 26th NAMUE Ballet Competition, Second Prize at the Osaka Prix Ballet Competition, Top 12 at the Youth America Grand Prix Seattle in Classical and Contemporary in 2015-2016. First Prize at YAGP 2016 in the Ensemble category.
Azusa Okamoto was born in Kyoto, Japan and began her training at the age of three with the Fukutani Yoko Ballet Studio(Japan) At the age of 16, she was offered a full scholarship to attend the Victoria Academy of Ballet(Canada) where she graduated from the Post-Secondary Bridge Program earning a diploma in Classical Ballet. In 2017, Azusa was offered a contract with the Roxey Ballet. She has performed roles such as Snow Queen, Dew Drop, Arabian soloist in The Nutcracker, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Michaela in Carmen, Dancer from Nixon in China, and Carmina Burana both with live choir and orchestra. In 2020, Azusa joined Utah Metropolitan Ballet. She performed Snow Queen and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, Snow White in Snow White and La Coquette in La Coquette. Her awards include: First Prize at the 23rd Kobe Dance Competition, First Prize at the NAMUE Grand Final Ballet Competition, First Prize at the 26th NAMUE Ballet Competition, Second Prize at the Osaka Prix Ballet Competition, Top 12 at the Youth America Grand Prix Seattle in Classical and Contemporary in 2015-2016. First Prize at YAGP 2016 in the Ensemble category.
Natalie Border
Natalie Border, a Utah native, is beginning her second season with SALT Contemporary Dance as a company dancer and SALT Pro Director. Natalie graduated from the University of Utah with her BFA in Modern Dance Spring of 2015. She has participated in Northwest Dance Project's Launch: 10 program, performed in Repertory Dance Theater's Emerge show, and produced her own show, Nomad. Natalie recently worked with Laja Field and Martin Durov for their premier of "Lucy: Part One" in Salt Lake City. Natalie is open to new experiences in dance performance, teaching, collaboration, and choreography.
Natalie Border, a Utah native, is beginning her second season with SALT Contemporary Dance as a company dancer and SALT Pro Director. Natalie graduated from the University of Utah with her BFA in Modern Dance Spring of 2015. She has participated in Northwest Dance Project's Launch: 10 program, performed in Repertory Dance Theater's Emerge show, and produced her own show, Nomad. Natalie recently worked with Laja Field and Martin Durov for their premier of "Lucy: Part One" in Salt Lake City. Natalie is open to new experiences in dance performance, teaching, collaboration, and choreography.
Annie Breneman
Annie Breneman received most of her early ballet training from Joan Miller's Palm Beach Ballet Center, Florida. She received a scholarship to attend the University of Utah, and later graduated with a BFA in Ballet. After her freshman year, she was hired by Ballet West as an Apprentice. She was promoted to Soloist in 2005. Annie recently retired from Ballet West after dancing with them for 13 years. Some of her favorite roles were "Giselle," in Jonas Kåge’s Giselle, "Snow Queen," in Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker, "Fairy Godmother," in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, "Lilac Fairy," in Jonas Kåge’s Sleeping Beauty, and "Liberty Bell," in George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes. She also enjoyed working on contemporary choreography, such as works by Christopher Bruce, William Forsythe, Hans van Manen, Val Canaparoli, James Canfield, Nicolo Fonte, and many others. Annie has taught over the last fourteen years at various local dance studios in Utah and most recently spent the last year teaching in the Ballet Department at University of Utah, while pursuing her Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. She is constantly inspired by students wanting to learn about ballet and how their body moves.
Annie Breneman received most of her early ballet training from Joan Miller's Palm Beach Ballet Center, Florida. She received a scholarship to attend the University of Utah, and later graduated with a BFA in Ballet. After her freshman year, she was hired by Ballet West as an Apprentice. She was promoted to Soloist in 2005. Annie recently retired from Ballet West after dancing with them for 13 years. Some of her favorite roles were "Giselle," in Jonas Kåge’s Giselle, "Snow Queen," in Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker, "Fairy Godmother," in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, "Lilac Fairy," in Jonas Kåge’s Sleeping Beauty, and "Liberty Bell," in George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes. She also enjoyed working on contemporary choreography, such as works by Christopher Bruce, William Forsythe, Hans van Manen, Val Canaparoli, James Canfield, Nicolo Fonte, and many others. Annie has taught over the last fourteen years at various local dance studios in Utah and most recently spent the last year teaching in the Ballet Department at University of Utah, while pursuing her Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. She is constantly inspired by students wanting to learn about ballet and how their body moves.
Lindsey Brown
As a teacher, Ms. Brown has trained under the tutelage of Finis Jhung, Maria Vegh, Beverly Spells, and American Ballet Theatre where she holds a Level 1 teaching certification. She brings a unique perspective to the studio, seeking to develop the whole individual and create artists from the inside out. Her students know that anyone, regardless of their body type, can achieve their goals in dance with vision, hard work, and accountability.
Ms. Brown has over 15 years of teaching ballet, pointe, pas de deux, and strength training. She has developed a body alignment workshop designed to help students of all ages develop a deeper understanding of their own bodies, thereby creating a solid foundation of technique. Her workshop is in demand throughout the Mountain West by students, teachers, and professionals alike.
Ms. Brown, as a ballet director, was responsible for developing a growing Nutcracker production from a cast of 150 dancers to 3 casts of 300 dancers. Her expertise shaped a sound ballet pointe program at a jazz based studio and created two pointe performing companies. Ms. Brown has also directed, staged, and choreographed productions such as La Bayadere,Le Corsaire Pas de Trois Des Odalisques, Swan Lake, Paquita, Cinderella, and Snow White. Ms. Brown spends her summers traveling to help students create a greater focus, awareness and discipline to develop a stronger and healthier body. Students can then prevent injury and have the confidence to reach their individual technical goals. She breaks down technical walls and barriers to unlock each dancer’s body. Ms. Brown is for grateful every opportunity she gets to teach what she loves.
As a teacher, Ms. Brown has trained under the tutelage of Finis Jhung, Maria Vegh, Beverly Spells, and American Ballet Theatre where she holds a Level 1 teaching certification. She brings a unique perspective to the studio, seeking to develop the whole individual and create artists from the inside out. Her students know that anyone, regardless of their body type, can achieve their goals in dance with vision, hard work, and accountability.
Ms. Brown has over 15 years of teaching ballet, pointe, pas de deux, and strength training. She has developed a body alignment workshop designed to help students of all ages develop a deeper understanding of their own bodies, thereby creating a solid foundation of technique. Her workshop is in demand throughout the Mountain West by students, teachers, and professionals alike.
Ms. Brown, as a ballet director, was responsible for developing a growing Nutcracker production from a cast of 150 dancers to 3 casts of 300 dancers. Her expertise shaped a sound ballet pointe program at a jazz based studio and created two pointe performing companies. Ms. Brown has also directed, staged, and choreographed productions such as La Bayadere,Le Corsaire Pas de Trois Des Odalisques, Swan Lake, Paquita, Cinderella, and Snow White. Ms. Brown spends her summers traveling to help students create a greater focus, awareness and discipline to develop a stronger and healthier body. Students can then prevent injury and have the confidence to reach their individual technical goals. She breaks down technical walls and barriers to unlock each dancer’s body. Ms. Brown is for grateful every opportunity she gets to teach what she loves.
Ginger Leishman
Ginger began her dance training at the age of three in the Royal Academy of Dance where she received high merits and distinction in each level from Pre-Primary through Advanced Two. Ginger received her BFA in Ballet with emphases in Performance, Teaching, and Character Dance from the University of Utah in 2013. During her time at the University of Utah she was a member of Utah Ballet and Character Dance Ensemble, which provided her with the incredible experience of working with world renowned choreographers as well as training and performing in San José, Costa Rica; Kiev, Ukraine; and Seoul, Korea while representing the Ballet Department. She performed and choreographed in most of the student concerts for both the Ballet and Modern departments and was awarded departmental scholarships for each semester at the University. After Graduating, Ginger traveled the world dancing for Disney Cruise Lines on the Disney Wonder. She performed various roles including the Lion King Pas De Deux dancer, a Cinderella Waltz dancer, an Aladdin Harem dancer, a Ribbon dancer for Pocahontas, and a Spanish Web dancer as one of Tarzan’s monkeys. Ginger has taught at various studios throughout Utah since 2008. She loves to watch her students progress and see their love for ballet grow.
Ginger began her dance training at the age of three in the Royal Academy of Dance where she received high merits and distinction in each level from Pre-Primary through Advanced Two. Ginger received her BFA in Ballet with emphases in Performance, Teaching, and Character Dance from the University of Utah in 2013. During her time at the University of Utah she was a member of Utah Ballet and Character Dance Ensemble, which provided her with the incredible experience of working with world renowned choreographers as well as training and performing in San José, Costa Rica; Kiev, Ukraine; and Seoul, Korea while representing the Ballet Department. She performed and choreographed in most of the student concerts for both the Ballet and Modern departments and was awarded departmental scholarships for each semester at the University. After Graduating, Ginger traveled the world dancing for Disney Cruise Lines on the Disney Wonder. She performed various roles including the Lion King Pas De Deux dancer, a Cinderella Waltz dancer, an Aladdin Harem dancer, a Ribbon dancer for Pocahontas, and a Spanish Web dancer as one of Tarzan’s monkeys. Ginger has taught at various studios throughout Utah since 2008. She loves to watch her students progress and see their love for ballet grow.
Jennifer Cowley
Jennifer started dancing at the age of three and was one of the first dancers to join Wasatch Ballet Conservatory when it opened. While growing up, she studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and many other genres of dance, in addition to several years of tumbling and competitive cheerleading. After graduating, she continued on to Brigham Young University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Wellness with a Contemporary Dance minor. While at BYU she had the opportunity to be part of several performing companies including: Ballet Showcase, DancEnsemble Contemporary Company, International Folk Dance Ensemble and Kinnect. She also performed as a guest artist in BYU Theatre Ballet’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” in 2016. In 2014, she participated in a dance study abroad in Italy, which involved daily classes at places such as La Scala School of Ballet, Hamlyn School of Ballet, and World Dance Movement Intensive.
Since her first teaching position in 2011, Jennifer has grown to love working with, and training students. She is certified in advanced Pilates, and has worked at Elevate Fitness and rehab, studying functional training through NASM and ACSM. She has a strong background in Dance Kinesiology and Health through school, and continues to learn what she can about the art form.
Jennifer started dancing at the age of three and was one of the first dancers to join Wasatch Ballet Conservatory when it opened. While growing up, she studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and many other genres of dance, in addition to several years of tumbling and competitive cheerleading. After graduating, she continued on to Brigham Young University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Wellness with a Contemporary Dance minor. While at BYU she had the opportunity to be part of several performing companies including: Ballet Showcase, DancEnsemble Contemporary Company, International Folk Dance Ensemble and Kinnect. She also performed as a guest artist in BYU Theatre Ballet’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” in 2016. In 2014, she participated in a dance study abroad in Italy, which involved daily classes at places such as La Scala School of Ballet, Hamlyn School of Ballet, and World Dance Movement Intensive.
Since her first teaching position in 2011, Jennifer has grown to love working with, and training students. She is certified in advanced Pilates, and has worked at Elevate Fitness and rehab, studying functional training through NASM and ACSM. She has a strong background in Dance Kinesiology and Health through school, and continues to learn what she can about the art form.
Lauren Griffiths
Lauren started dancing at the age of 4 and never stopped. She loves all kinds of dance and will continue to learn her whole life. While growing up, she had the opportunity to work with and perform with members of Odyssey Dance Theater, Ririe-Woodbury, and the Salt Lake Symphony. Lauren came to BYU and received a BA in Dance with a Minor in Family Life. While attending BYU, Lauren performed with BYU’s Ballet Showcase Company and Theatre Ballet. She also taught beginning ballet courses at BYU for three semesters. Lauren loves teaching and had the opportunity to teach at BYU’s Modern and Jazz Summer Dance Camps for two summers.
Not only is Lauren a fantastic teacher, she is also a talented piano player, organizer, and interior designer. She loves Broadway musicals and wishes she could sing so she could perform in one. Not afraid to admit she is a chocoholic, Lauren has a love for life and dance which she loves to pass on to her students.
Lauren started dancing at the age of 4 and never stopped. She loves all kinds of dance and will continue to learn her whole life. While growing up, she had the opportunity to work with and perform with members of Odyssey Dance Theater, Ririe-Woodbury, and the Salt Lake Symphony. Lauren came to BYU and received a BA in Dance with a Minor in Family Life. While attending BYU, Lauren performed with BYU’s Ballet Showcase Company and Theatre Ballet. She also taught beginning ballet courses at BYU for three semesters. Lauren loves teaching and had the opportunity to teach at BYU’s Modern and Jazz Summer Dance Camps for two summers.
Not only is Lauren a fantastic teacher, she is also a talented piano player, organizer, and interior designer. She loves Broadway musicals and wishes she could sing so she could perform in one. Not afraid to admit she is a chocoholic, Lauren has a love for life and dance which she loves to pass on to her students.
Maureen Laird
Maureen Laird received her early training at Point Park College and the Pennsylvania Ballet School. She continued her studies at David Howard’s School and Melissa Hayden’s Studio in New York and then went on to study at the University of Utah where she earned a master's degree in teaching, choreography and research. Maureen performed with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet El Paso, and the American Dance Ensemble as a Soloist before dancing with Ballet West from 1980-87. While with Ballet West,
Maureen appeared in the Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle, White Girl in Etudes, Waltz Pas de Deux, Lead Merliton, the Doll Solo in Nutcracker, Blue Girl in Les Patineurs, the Moth Fairy in The Dream, Bluebird Pas de Deux in Sleeping Beauty, and the title role in Pineapple Poll. Maureen has always made it a priority to stay active teaching and coaching in the community. She is an Associate Professor of Ballet at the University of Utah where she has designed and taught a broad range of the curriculum including all levels of Ballet Technique and Pointe, Conditioning for Dancers, Choreography, Repertoire, and Graduate academic courses. Her research interests include Dancer Transition, Brain and Gender Studies, and Dance Writing. She has been invited to teach and present her research at a number of international conferences and competitions. She is currently pursuing her research, teaching in the community, and enjoying work as a private coach.
Maureen Laird received her early training at Point Park College and the Pennsylvania Ballet School. She continued her studies at David Howard’s School and Melissa Hayden’s Studio in New York and then went on to study at the University of Utah where she earned a master's degree in teaching, choreography and research. Maureen performed with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet El Paso, and the American Dance Ensemble as a Soloist before dancing with Ballet West from 1980-87. While with Ballet West,
Maureen appeared in the Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle, White Girl in Etudes, Waltz Pas de Deux, Lead Merliton, the Doll Solo in Nutcracker, Blue Girl in Les Patineurs, the Moth Fairy in The Dream, Bluebird Pas de Deux in Sleeping Beauty, and the title role in Pineapple Poll. Maureen has always made it a priority to stay active teaching and coaching in the community. She is an Associate Professor of Ballet at the University of Utah where she has designed and taught a broad range of the curriculum including all levels of Ballet Technique and Pointe, Conditioning for Dancers, Choreography, Repertoire, and Graduate academic courses. Her research interests include Dancer Transition, Brain and Gender Studies, and Dance Writing. She has been invited to teach and present her research at a number of international conferences and competitions. She is currently pursuing her research, teaching in the community, and enjoying work as a private coach.
Annie Honebrink
Annie Honebrink grew up in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. She joined Louisville Ballet in 2010 as a Trainee and was promoted to Company Artist in 2012. Annie retired from professional dance last April. During her career, she enjoyed performing many classical and contemporary ballets. Some of her favorites include George Balanchine’s Western Symphony and Rubies, Adam
Hougland’s Rite of Spring, Asaf Messerer’s Spring Waters, Sanjay Saverimuttu’s Amid Exes and Whys, and Alun Jones’s Cinderella. Her most beloved role is Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Annie trained with the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy and danced with the Cincinnati Ballet company’s corps de ballet as a CBII her junior and senior years of high school. While dancing, Annie has loved the opportunity to teach ballet to children and youth of all ages. She is excited to join Wasatch Ballet Conservatory this fall and continue sharing her love and knowledge of ballet with students!
Annie Honebrink grew up in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. She joined Louisville Ballet in 2010 as a Trainee and was promoted to Company Artist in 2012. Annie retired from professional dance last April. During her career, she enjoyed performing many classical and contemporary ballets. Some of her favorites include George Balanchine’s Western Symphony and Rubies, Adam
Hougland’s Rite of Spring, Asaf Messerer’s Spring Waters, Sanjay Saverimuttu’s Amid Exes and Whys, and Alun Jones’s Cinderella. Her most beloved role is Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Annie trained with the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy and danced with the Cincinnati Ballet company’s corps de ballet as a CBII her junior and senior years of high school. While dancing, Annie has loved the opportunity to teach ballet to children and youth of all ages. She is excited to join Wasatch Ballet Conservatory this fall and continue sharing her love and knowledge of ballet with students!
Sydney Jenson
Sydney is from Lindon, Utah and a Wasatch Ballet alum. She started dancing at WBC from the age of 3, the very first year it opened, until she graduated from Timpanogos High School in 2015. Sydney danced with BYU DancEnsemble her freshman year of college before leaving on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Argentina. She graduated in Exercise and Wellness and loves helping others focus on their mental and physical health. She is a mother to her beautiful 1 year old son, Porter, and married to her best friend, Ben. Sydney is so excited to be back at her home-away-from-home to help young dancers build self confidence and express themselves through movement.
Sydney is from Lindon, Utah and a Wasatch Ballet alum. She started dancing at WBC from the age of 3, the very first year it opened, until she graduated from Timpanogos High School in 2015. Sydney danced with BYU DancEnsemble her freshman year of college before leaving on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Argentina. She graduated in Exercise and Wellness and loves helping others focus on their mental and physical health. She is a mother to her beautiful 1 year old son, Porter, and married to her best friend, Ben. Sydney is so excited to be back at her home-away-from-home to help young dancers build self confidence and express themselves through movement.
Morgan Phillips
Morgan Phillips grew up in Mesa Arizona where she started dancing and competing throughout her teenage years. After high school she pursued her passion for martial arts which has influenced her contemporary movement style. She has trained at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance where she performed works by Alex Ketley, Courtney Mazeika, and Ohad Naharin. Morgan believes that an artist should be in a constant state of growth and always strives to try new things. She will be attending the New Dialect Intensive this summer in Nashville Tennessee to further her dance experience and bring new insight to her movement vocabulary. Continuing to develop her knowledge of all art forms, she is pursing a degree at Utah Valley University in Art and Design.
Morgan Phillips grew up in Mesa Arizona where she started dancing and competing throughout her teenage years. After high school she pursued her passion for martial arts which has influenced her contemporary movement style. She has trained at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance where she performed works by Alex Ketley, Courtney Mazeika, and Ohad Naharin. Morgan believes that an artist should be in a constant state of growth and always strives to try new things. She will be attending the New Dialect Intensive this summer in Nashville Tennessee to further her dance experience and bring new insight to her movement vocabulary. Continuing to develop her knowledge of all art forms, she is pursing a degree at Utah Valley University in Art and Design.
Jessica Liu
Jessica is from Sandy, Utah. She graduated cum laude from the University of Utah with a BFA in Ballet as well as a BS in Exercise Physiology. In 2012, Jessica was awarded the Visual & Performing Arts Award by Golden Key International Honour Society for her artistic and academic achievements. She has trained with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, the Washington School of Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, and Ballet West.
Jessica is currently a member of Oakland Ballet Company and has also performed with Municipal Ballet Co., Salt Lake City Ballet, and Utah Ballet. She was also featured in Rebirth, a screen dance film by Ben Estabrook. In addition, Jessica has performed the work of Ohad Naharin, Kyle Abraham, Eddy Toussaint, Shaun Boyle, Carmen Rozenstraten, Alex Kettley, Alessio Silvestrin, and Rick Tjia.
Jessica has choreographed for Ballet West Academy, Municipal Ballet Co., and the University of Utah’s Ballet Showcases. Her work was nominated to represent the ballet department at the American College Dance Festival in the Northwest region.
Jessica is from Sandy, Utah. She graduated cum laude from the University of Utah with a BFA in Ballet as well as a BS in Exercise Physiology. In 2012, Jessica was awarded the Visual & Performing Arts Award by Golden Key International Honour Society for her artistic and academic achievements. She has trained with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, the Washington School of Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, and Ballet West.
Jessica is currently a member of Oakland Ballet Company and has also performed with Municipal Ballet Co., Salt Lake City Ballet, and Utah Ballet. She was also featured in Rebirth, a screen dance film by Ben Estabrook. In addition, Jessica has performed the work of Ohad Naharin, Kyle Abraham, Eddy Toussaint, Shaun Boyle, Carmen Rozenstraten, Alex Kettley, Alessio Silvestrin, and Rick Tjia.
Jessica has choreographed for Ballet West Academy, Municipal Ballet Co., and the University of Utah’s Ballet Showcases. Her work was nominated to represent the ballet department at the American College Dance Festival in the Northwest region.
Amy Symonds
Amy Symonds is a dance professional with a passion for teaching, learning, dance making, and dance sharing. She first began dancing in her early teens and discovered a true love for the art shortly thereafter. Amy has since received numerous scholarships and awards at conventions and competitions, including a national title, and her choreography has been recognized both regionally and nationally. She danced with the Youth American Ballet Company performing both soloist and principal roles in The Nutcracker, Firebird, Giselle, and Paquita. Following this time, Amy expanded her training into modern and postmodern techniques at Scottsdale Community College and at summer programs with LINES, NW Dance Project, chuthis., Camp Protégé, SALT, and GagaLabs. While living in Arizona, she has worked collaboratively on shows and projects with Convergence Ballet Company, Scorpius Dance Theatre, JordanDanielsDance, and CONDER|dance in addition to performing as a guest with Center Dance Ensemble and premiering choreographic work at WestFest Dance Festival, Beta Dance Festival, Arizona Dance Festival, and Taliesin West. Amy is currently exploring the application of dynamic, quality, texture, and intentionality to classical ballet with an emphasis on transitional movements as well as a unique blend of contemporary dance forms influenced by her experiences.
Amy Symonds is a dance professional with a passion for teaching, learning, dance making, and dance sharing. She first began dancing in her early teens and discovered a true love for the art shortly thereafter. Amy has since received numerous scholarships and awards at conventions and competitions, including a national title, and her choreography has been recognized both regionally and nationally. She danced with the Youth American Ballet Company performing both soloist and principal roles in The Nutcracker, Firebird, Giselle, and Paquita. Following this time, Amy expanded her training into modern and postmodern techniques at Scottsdale Community College and at summer programs with LINES, NW Dance Project, chuthis., Camp Protégé, SALT, and GagaLabs. While living in Arizona, she has worked collaboratively on shows and projects with Convergence Ballet Company, Scorpius Dance Theatre, JordanDanielsDance, and CONDER|dance in addition to performing as a guest with Center Dance Ensemble and premiering choreographic work at WestFest Dance Festival, Beta Dance Festival, Arizona Dance Festival, and Taliesin West. Amy is currently exploring the application of dynamic, quality, texture, and intentionality to classical ballet with an emphasis on transitional movements as well as a unique blend of contemporary dance forms influenced by her experiences.
Rachelle Liddiard
Rachelle grew up in Sundace, Utah and started dancing with Wasatch Ballet when she moved to Utah in 2008. She graduated in 2017 and previously worked at Front Desk! She studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-hop. She danced with Orem Dance Company in high school where she trained in hip-hop and jazz. She was Vice President of ODC and choreographed multiple dances for the team. She is currently attending BYU and studying as an Experience Design and Management major and a Contemporary Dance minor. She has choreographed and co-directed an original musical called “Submarine Races. She loves dance and working at the front desk! Come say hi!
Rachelle grew up in Sundace, Utah and started dancing with Wasatch Ballet when she moved to Utah in 2008. She graduated in 2017 and previously worked at Front Desk! She studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-hop. She danced with Orem Dance Company in high school where she trained in hip-hop and jazz. She was Vice President of ODC and choreographed multiple dances for the team. She is currently attending BYU and studying as an Experience Design and Management major and a Contemporary Dance minor. She has choreographed and co-directed an original musical called “Submarine Races. She loves dance and working at the front desk! Come say hi!
Angel Nunez
Angel was born in Cordoba Argentina in the early 70s and began his dance studies at the age of 5. At the age of 16, he graduated with honors from the National School of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was awarded a dance diploma from Colon Theatre's The Advanced Art's Institute in Argentina. He has been taught by greats such as Jorge Tomin, Irupe Pereyra Parodi, Olga Ferri, Enrrique Lommi, Lydia Segnni, Liliana Belfiore, and Manolita Suarez Herrera. Angel won Danzamerica's Cooper Award (1990) and Gold Award (1996), the Jose Neglia Award from the Cultural Foundation of Buenos Aires (1993), and he also received a Ballet Teaching Certificate from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina (1994). During the 90s, he performed with different companies around the world in productions such as Swan Lake and Giselle as well as many other productions. He performed at the Julio Bocca Ballet Company (Ballet Argentino) under the direction of Lydia Segnni, on the production of Paquita, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Manuel de Falla's Songs, and Che Tango. Angel has lived in Utah since 2000, receiving a degree in accounting from BYU. He is excited to share his talents with a new generation of dancers and make teaching ballet his full-time career.
Angel was born in Cordoba Argentina in the early 70s and began his dance studies at the age of 5. At the age of 16, he graduated with honors from the National School of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was awarded a dance diploma from Colon Theatre's The Advanced Art's Institute in Argentina. He has been taught by greats such as Jorge Tomin, Irupe Pereyra Parodi, Olga Ferri, Enrrique Lommi, Lydia Segnni, Liliana Belfiore, and Manolita Suarez Herrera. Angel won Danzamerica's Cooper Award (1990) and Gold Award (1996), the Jose Neglia Award from the Cultural Foundation of Buenos Aires (1993), and he also received a Ballet Teaching Certificate from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina (1994). During the 90s, he performed with different companies around the world in productions such as Swan Lake and Giselle as well as many other productions. He performed at the Julio Bocca Ballet Company (Ballet Argentino) under the direction of Lydia Segnni, on the production of Paquita, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Manuel de Falla's Songs, and Che Tango. Angel has lived in Utah since 2000, receiving a degree in accounting from BYU. He is excited to share his talents with a new generation of dancers and make teaching ballet his full-time career.
Kimberly Paiser
Kimberly Paiser is from Pueblo, Colorado and has been dancing in all styles for the past 18 years, with a passion for ballet. She has been to various summer intensives including Ballet West, Kirov Academy, Ballet Austin and more. Now married and living in Provo, Kimberly is a recent graduate from Brigham Young University with a bachelor degree in dance. Kimberly teaches ballet at BYU as well as Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Dance has always been a love in her life and knows that whether it’s performing or teaching, it will remain so for many years to come.
Kimberly Paiser is from Pueblo, Colorado and has been dancing in all styles for the past 18 years, with a passion for ballet. She has been to various summer intensives including Ballet West, Kirov Academy, Ballet Austin and more. Now married and living in Provo, Kimberly is a recent graduate from Brigham Young University with a bachelor degree in dance. Kimberly teaches ballet at BYU as well as Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Dance has always been a love in her life and knows that whether it’s performing or teaching, it will remain so for many years to come.
Michaela Pickett
Michaela Marie Pickett began her dance training at the age of 6 at Los Angeles Ballet Academy in Encino, CA. During her 12 years at LABA, she studied ballet under the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) method, passing all of her exams with Distinction, in addition to training in a variety of jazz and contemporary dance styles. Michaela went on to attend Chapman University in Orange, CA, where she received a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance Performance Major and Nutrition Minor. She not only continued her ballet, jazz, and contemporary training while at Chapman, but also began to heavily train in various classical and contemporary modern dance techniques. Michaela has studied under many world-renowned teachers and choreographers, and has attended an array of summer intensives, including but not limited to: American Academy of Ballet (Westchester, NY), School of American Ballet (New York, NY), Royal Ballet School (London, England), and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (Chicago, IL). In the span of her professional career, Michaela has danced as Company Member with Sean Greene’s Shield Wall and JESSICA KONDRATH | THE MOVEMENT, both based in Los Angeles, CA - and has also taken part in commercial dance work in the LA area. Michaela is now living in Salt Lake City, UT and dancing as Company Member with SALT Contemporary Dance II.
In addition to pursuing a professional dance career of her own and serving as Creative Assistant for Francisco Gella Dance Works, Michaela possesses an immense passion for teaching dance. She has taught at The Art of Dance and Ballet Academy in Placentia, CA and quite heavily at Los Angeles Ballet Academy in Encino, CA. She is currently teaching at Creative Arts Academy in Bountiful, UT and is so thrilled to now be joining the teaching faculty at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory.
Michaela Marie Pickett began her dance training at the age of 6 at Los Angeles Ballet Academy in Encino, CA. During her 12 years at LABA, she studied ballet under the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) method, passing all of her exams with Distinction, in addition to training in a variety of jazz and contemporary dance styles. Michaela went on to attend Chapman University in Orange, CA, where she received a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance Performance Major and Nutrition Minor. She not only continued her ballet, jazz, and contemporary training while at Chapman, but also began to heavily train in various classical and contemporary modern dance techniques. Michaela has studied under many world-renowned teachers and choreographers, and has attended an array of summer intensives, including but not limited to: American Academy of Ballet (Westchester, NY), School of American Ballet (New York, NY), Royal Ballet School (London, England), and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (Chicago, IL). In the span of her professional career, Michaela has danced as Company Member with Sean Greene’s Shield Wall and JESSICA KONDRATH | THE MOVEMENT, both based in Los Angeles, CA - and has also taken part in commercial dance work in the LA area. Michaela is now living in Salt Lake City, UT and dancing as Company Member with SALT Contemporary Dance II.
In addition to pursuing a professional dance career of her own and serving as Creative Assistant for Francisco Gella Dance Works, Michaela possesses an immense passion for teaching dance. She has taught at The Art of Dance and Ballet Academy in Placentia, CA and quite heavily at Los Angeles Ballet Academy in Encino, CA. She is currently teaching at Creative Arts Academy in Bountiful, UT and is so thrilled to now be joining the teaching faculty at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory.
Deborah Rocha
Deborah was born in Mexico City and graduated from Royal Academy of Dance, London in classical ballet. Her professional performing experience includes the National Ballet of Cuba, Metropolitan Dance Company in Mexico City, special guest dancer with Luxembourg Ballet and San Diego City Ballet. During her professional career she performed classical and contemporary works, including La Bayadere, Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker, Paquita, La Fille Mal Gardee, Coppelia, Rubies and Serenade. After her second baby (the incredible Isabella, joining the equally talented Marcielo) she decided to transition from dancing professionally to become Pilates Certified and to coach Rhythmic Gymnastics. Debi will be joining our WBC faculty to teach Ballet and Flexibility Training.
Deborah was born in Mexico City and graduated from Royal Academy of Dance, London in classical ballet. Her professional performing experience includes the National Ballet of Cuba, Metropolitan Dance Company in Mexico City, special guest dancer with Luxembourg Ballet and San Diego City Ballet. During her professional career she performed classical and contemporary works, including La Bayadere, Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker, Paquita, La Fille Mal Gardee, Coppelia, Rubies and Serenade. After her second baby (the incredible Isabella, joining the equally talented Marcielo) she decided to transition from dancing professionally to become Pilates Certified and to coach Rhythmic Gymnastics. Debi will be joining our WBC faculty to teach Ballet and Flexibility Training.
Justine Sheedy-Kramer
Justine Sheedy-Kramer received her BFA and MFA degrees from the University of Utah Ballet Department, with emphases in Teaching, Choreography, Performance, and Character Dance. She also studied and performed with Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Washington Academy of Performing Arts, Burklyn Ballet Theatre, Utah Contemporary Ballet, Exit 12 Dance Company, Ballet Theatre Company, and CONNetic Dance. Justine toured nationally and internationally with Character Dance Ensemble and Eastern Artists, including performances as both a dancer and choreographer in Beijing, London, Los Angeles, New York City, St. Petersburg, and Vancouver. Justine currently teaches Ballet, Pointe, Character Dance, Senior Capstone, and Music for Ballet Dancers at Utah Valley University. Her variety of teaching and choreographic experience includes staging the full-length productions of Coppélia and Don Quixote for Saint Mary’s Hall; establishing collaborative projects between the Department of Ballet and School of Music at the University of Utah; and partnering with the Turnaround Arts initiative as part of the President’s Committee on the Arts & the Humanities.
Justine Sheedy-Kramer received her BFA and MFA degrees from the University of Utah Ballet Department, with emphases in Teaching, Choreography, Performance, and Character Dance. She also studied and performed with Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Washington Academy of Performing Arts, Burklyn Ballet Theatre, Utah Contemporary Ballet, Exit 12 Dance Company, Ballet Theatre Company, and CONNetic Dance. Justine toured nationally and internationally with Character Dance Ensemble and Eastern Artists, including performances as both a dancer and choreographer in Beijing, London, Los Angeles, New York City, St. Petersburg, and Vancouver. Justine currently teaches Ballet, Pointe, Character Dance, Senior Capstone, and Music for Ballet Dancers at Utah Valley University. Her variety of teaching and choreographic experience includes staging the full-length productions of Coppélia and Don Quixote for Saint Mary’s Hall; establishing collaborative projects between the Department of Ballet and School of Music at the University of Utah; and partnering with the Turnaround Arts initiative as part of the President’s Committee on the Arts & the Humanities.
Audrey Wells
Audrey Wells is a Salt Lake City based dancer and dance teacher. Currently, Audrey dances for Salt Contemporary Dance. Audrey has danced in works by choreographers such as Ihsan Rustem, Garret Smith, Ching Ching Wong, Amy Gunter-Lolofie, Eric Handman, Jen Pendleton, Courtney Mazeika, Sharlee Peay, Rebecca Aneloski, and Haley Johnson with Salt Contemporary Dance, Salt 2, and Oquirrh West Project. She has taught students of all ages at multiple studios and schools throughout Salt Lake County including The Dance Company, The Winner School, The Waterford School, and Wasatch Arts Center. Although originally from Portland, Oregon, Audrey received her BFA from Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) in New York City, where she lived before moving to Utah. While in New York, Audrey danced with Bryce Dance Company, Monica Hogan Danceworks, and Wilder Project Dance. She also appeared as Anybodys in West Side Story at Leonia Summerstage. While at MMC, she performed in works by Robert Battle, Larry Keigwin, Ronald K. Brown, Elisabeth Motley, Anthony Ferro, Jon Olstad, Tito Del Saz, and Katie Langan, among others. She was a member of the Marymount Manhattan College Dance Company. Audrey has spent summers at various programs including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, San Francisco Conservatory, NW Dance Project, Vim Vigor Dance Company, and Parsons Dance.
Audrey Wells is a Salt Lake City based dancer and dance teacher. Currently, Audrey dances for Salt Contemporary Dance. Audrey has danced in works by choreographers such as Ihsan Rustem, Garret Smith, Ching Ching Wong, Amy Gunter-Lolofie, Eric Handman, Jen Pendleton, Courtney Mazeika, Sharlee Peay, Rebecca Aneloski, and Haley Johnson with Salt Contemporary Dance, Salt 2, and Oquirrh West Project. She has taught students of all ages at multiple studios and schools throughout Salt Lake County including The Dance Company, The Winner School, The Waterford School, and Wasatch Arts Center. Although originally from Portland, Oregon, Audrey received her BFA from Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) in New York City, where she lived before moving to Utah. While in New York, Audrey danced with Bryce Dance Company, Monica Hogan Danceworks, and Wilder Project Dance. She also appeared as Anybodys in West Side Story at Leonia Summerstage. While at MMC, she performed in works by Robert Battle, Larry Keigwin, Ronald K. Brown, Elisabeth Motley, Anthony Ferro, Jon Olstad, Tito Del Saz, and Katie Langan, among others. She was a member of the Marymount Manhattan College Dance Company. Audrey has spent summers at various programs including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, San Francisco Conservatory, NW Dance Project, Vim Vigor Dance Company, and Parsons Dance.