SUMMER FACULTY
MASTER GUEST TEACHERS
Under construction, come back soon!
Under construction, come back soon!
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.
Juliana Martin
Juliana Martin began her dance training as a shy three year old in a pre-ballet class. She quickly fell in love with ballet and has spent over 20 years in the ballet industry. Juliana earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Ballet emphasizing in Teaching from the University of Utah's Ballet Program -- one of the premier collegiate ballet programs in the country.
Mrs. Martin is fully certified in American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum, one of the most respected ballet pedagogy systems in the world. She was also mentored by Raymond Lukens, the co-author of the curriculum, and was asked to present her classes at the curriculum's training for fellow teachers. Juliana has trained several dancers for Youth America Grand Prix, the world's largest ballet competition. Many of Mrs. Martin's former dancers have received scholarships and awards, moving on to professional or collegiate dance programs. Juliana is an established classical and contemporary ballet choreographer, completing original story ballets such as Toads and Diamonds. Mrs. Martin is passionate about teaching ballet, but believes that each child is a person first, and a dancer second.
Juliana Martin began her dance training as a shy three year old in a pre-ballet class. She quickly fell in love with ballet and has spent over 20 years in the ballet industry. Juliana earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Ballet emphasizing in Teaching from the University of Utah's Ballet Program -- one of the premier collegiate ballet programs in the country.
Mrs. Martin is fully certified in American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum, one of the most respected ballet pedagogy systems in the world. She was also mentored by Raymond Lukens, the co-author of the curriculum, and was asked to present her classes at the curriculum's training for fellow teachers. Juliana has trained several dancers for Youth America Grand Prix, the world's largest ballet competition. Many of Mrs. Martin's former dancers have received scholarships and awards, moving on to professional or collegiate dance programs. Juliana is an established classical and contemporary ballet choreographer, completing original story ballets such as Toads and Diamonds. Mrs. Martin is passionate about teaching ballet, but believes that each child is a person first, and a dancer second.
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 14 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 teaching at summer intensives. Teaching for Ballet West Academy and Salt Lake Performing Arts Academy last summer were a few of her favorites.
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 14 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 teaching at summer intensives. Teaching for Ballet West Academy and Salt Lake Performing Arts Academy last summer were a few of her favorites.
Jessica Liu
Jessica Liu holds a BFA in Ballet as well as a BS in Exercise Physiology from the University of Utah. She received additional training from Alonzo King LINES Ballet, the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, the Washington Ballet, and Northwest Dance Project. Past projects include LED, SALT Contemporary Dance, and Oakland Ballet Company, performing the work of Gabrielle Lamb, Lauren Edson, Brendan Duggan, Lindsey Matheis, and Garrett Smith, among others. Jessica has presented choreography at Mudson, a Salt Lake City-based works-in-progress series, and choreographed for Municipal Ballet, Boise Dance Co-Op, and the University of Utah Ballet Department’s and Boise State University’s summer intensives. In addition, she serves as the assistant director of SALT II, the second company of SALT Contemporary Dance.
Jessica Liu holds a BFA in Ballet as well as a BS in Exercise Physiology from the University of Utah. She received additional training from Alonzo King LINES Ballet, the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, the Washington Ballet, and Northwest Dance Project. Past projects include LED, SALT Contemporary Dance, and Oakland Ballet Company, performing the work of Gabrielle Lamb, Lauren Edson, Brendan Duggan, Lindsey Matheis, and Garrett Smith, among others. Jessica has presented choreography at Mudson, a Salt Lake City-based works-in-progress series, and choreographed for Municipal Ballet, Boise Dance Co-Op, and the University of Utah Ballet Department’s and Boise State University’s summer intensives. In addition, she serves as the assistant director of SALT II, the second company of SALT Contemporary Dance.
Traci Finch
Traci Finch lives in New York City and currently dances with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, New Chamber Ballet, and Cello Pointe. Recent projects have included guesting with Les Grands Ballet Canadiens; dancing Merce Cunningham's Cross Currents, Inventions, Locale, and Fractions; and in Masks of a Woman by Kristin Draucker. She has performed classical and neoclassical ballets with Neglia Ballet in Buffalo, NY. Originally from Utah, Traci graduated from Brigham Young University with her BA in Dance.
Traci teaches at The School at Steps, and has guest taught around the United States in Utah, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and New Jersey.
Traci Finch lives in New York City and currently dances with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, New Chamber Ballet, and Cello Pointe. Recent projects have included guesting with Les Grands Ballet Canadiens; dancing Merce Cunningham's Cross Currents, Inventions, Locale, and Fractions; and in Masks of a Woman by Kristin Draucker. She has performed classical and neoclassical ballets with Neglia Ballet in Buffalo, NY. Originally from Utah, Traci graduated from Brigham Young University with her BA in Dance.
Traci teaches at The School at Steps, and has guest taught around the United States in Utah, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and New Jersey.
WASATCH BALLET FACULTY
Allison Wolsey, Owner & Artistic Director
A native of Orem, Allison T. Wolsey always knew she would someday own a dance studio. She studied ballet at the University of Utah under Bene Arnold, Conrad Ludlow, Marueen Laird, Janet Gray, and Abby Fiat. Upon graduating with a BFA in Ballet with a Teaching and a Performing Emphasis, she and her family moved to New York. There, she danced professionally with the Albany Berkshire Ballet with director Madeline Cantarella Culpo. She performed in Carmina Burana, Graduation Day, Les Sylphides, and Pas de Quatre as a soloist and as part of the corps. Allison also performed with the Northeast Ballet Company under the direction of Darlene Myers. She had soloist roles in The Nutcracker and Cinderella. Allison is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is also a Project Plié Partner Teacher. Having moved back to Utah, Allison opened Wasatch Ballet in 2000. She has written and choreographed several original, full-length ballets including It’s a Seussical Life, All Girls are Princesses, Odessa and the Titans, Wonderland, The Good, The Bad, and The Clever, and The Marvelous Adventure of Edward Tomas. 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. She studied ballet at the University of Utah under Bene Arnold, Conrad Ludlow, Marueen Laird, Janet Gray, and Abby Fiat. Upon graduating with a BFA in Ballet with a Teaching and a Performing Emphasis, she and her family moved to New York. There, she danced professionally with the Albany Berkshire Ballet with director Madeline Cantarella Culpo. She performed in Carmina Burana, Graduation Day, Les Sylphides, and Pas de Quatre as a soloist and as part of the corps. Allison also performed with the Northeast Ballet Company under the direction of Darlene Myers. She had soloist roles in The Nutcracker and Cinderella. Allison is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is also a Project Plié Partner Teacher. Having moved back to Utah, Allison opened Wasatch Ballet in 2000. She has written and choreographed several original, full-length ballets including It’s a Seussical Life, All Girls are Princesses, Odessa and the Titans, Wonderland, The Good, The Bad, and The Clever, and The Marvelous Adventure of Edward Tomas. 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.
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 has continued to work with the Aspen Santa-Fe Ballet Company as a guest teacher and has choreographed two different works ont he 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 mostly jazz and contemporary companies, including Synthesis Dance Project, Nina Buission Contemporary Move, and The Albay Berkshire Ballet. Stephanie has been in Utah for the past seven years where she is the Assistant Director and a teacher at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Stephanie was recently spotlighted in Dance Studio Life Magazine as the teacher of the month.
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 has continued to work with the Aspen Santa-Fe Ballet Company as a guest teacher and has choreographed two different works ont he 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 mostly jazz and contemporary companies, including Synthesis Dance Project, Nina Buission Contemporary Move, and The Albay Berkshire Ballet. Stephanie has been in Utah for the past seven years where she is the Assistant Director and a teacher at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Stephanie was recently spotlighted in Dance Studio Life Magazine as the teacher of the month.
Andrea Kirk, Art Workshop
Andrea Kirk is an artist and illustrator who has always had a passion for the arts. She specializes in oils, painting portraiture, large wall murals, fantasy art, landscapes, animals, etc. She has studied art throughout her life, receiving the "Sterling Scholar Award" for art at Spanish Fork High School, and graduating with High Honors. She then furthered her education by pursuing her studies through scholarship at Utah Valley University. She has illustrated three published children's books: "No One is More Wonderful Than You Are" by Nita Epoc, as well as, "Santa's New Job" and "Beating the Bully", by Michael J. McLelland. Along with illustrating Children's books, Andrea has completed several commissioned jobs painting portraiture and large wall murals for clients. She has also taught private lessons to hundreds of children of all ages, over the past 15 years. Many of her students have also pursued art, receiving multiple awards in the Reflections Program and local art shows, as well as winning the "Sterling Scholar Award" for art.
Andrea is a wife and a mother of four children, ages four to thirteen. She enjoys boating, wake boarding, hiking, exercising, gardening, cooking and spending quality time with her family. While attending the art program at UVU, she grew to love a quote given to her by one of her favorite art professors, who later passed away. She has since, applied this quote to every aspect of her life..."Set me a task in which I can put something of my very self, and it is a task no longer; it is joy, it is art." -Bliss Carman
Andrea Kirk is an artist and illustrator who has always had a passion for the arts. She specializes in oils, painting portraiture, large wall murals, fantasy art, landscapes, animals, etc. She has studied art throughout her life, receiving the "Sterling Scholar Award" for art at Spanish Fork High School, and graduating with High Honors. She then furthered her education by pursuing her studies through scholarship at Utah Valley University. She has illustrated three published children's books: "No One is More Wonderful Than You Are" by Nita Epoc, as well as, "Santa's New Job" and "Beating the Bully", by Michael J. McLelland. Along with illustrating Children's books, Andrea has completed several commissioned jobs painting portraiture and large wall murals for clients. She has also taught private lessons to hundreds of children of all ages, over the past 15 years. Many of her students have also pursued art, receiving multiple awards in the Reflections Program and local art shows, as well as winning the "Sterling Scholar Award" for art.
Andrea is a wife and a mother of four children, ages four to thirteen. She enjoys boating, wake boarding, hiking, exercising, gardening, cooking and spending quality time with her family. While attending the art program at UVU, she grew to love a quote given to her by one of her favorite art professors, who later passed away. She has since, applied this quote to every aspect of her life..."Set me a task in which I can put something of my very self, and it is a task no longer; it is joy, it is art." -Bliss Carman
Kaya Wolsey
Kaya Wolsey is originally from Orem, Utah where she received the majority of her early training at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Ms. Wolsey graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Ballet Performance in May 2013. While at the University, Kaya was featured as a soloist in many of the department’s productions of Ballet Showcase and Ballet Ensemble. She was also a member of Utah Ballet, the resident Ballet Company of the University of Utah. As a member of Utah Ballet, Ms. Wolsey had the opportunity to perform a variety of soloist and corps roles in their productions of Giselle, La Bayadere, The Firebird and Swan Lake. Kaya was also a featured dancer in renowned choreographer Ma Cong’s Passion, There as well as had the opportunity to have two new works set on her by Dr. Jung Sik Roh of Roh Dance Project in Seole, Korea. Kaya was also a member of Utah Regional Ballet II and participated in Northwest Dance Project’s Launch:6. Ms. Wolsey also professionally choreographed and performed with Municipal Ballet Company.
She has attended summer intensives at Ballet West, Pacific Northwest Ballet and San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. Kaya’s choreography has been featured in University productions of Ballet Showcase as well as in Municipal Ballet Company productions. Her most recent piece “…and so she wore white” was selected by the University to be presented at ACDFA. Kaya has taught many contemporary choreography workshops at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory and was also hired by Ballet West to teach choreography at their Summer Intensive in 2012 and 2013. Kaya is currently in her first season with Ballet San Antonio as a corps de ballet member.
Kaya Wolsey is originally from Orem, Utah where she received the majority of her early training at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Ms. Wolsey graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Ballet Performance in May 2013. While at the University, Kaya was featured as a soloist in many of the department’s productions of Ballet Showcase and Ballet Ensemble. She was also a member of Utah Ballet, the resident Ballet Company of the University of Utah. As a member of Utah Ballet, Ms. Wolsey had the opportunity to perform a variety of soloist and corps roles in their productions of Giselle, La Bayadere, The Firebird and Swan Lake. Kaya was also a featured dancer in renowned choreographer Ma Cong’s Passion, There as well as had the opportunity to have two new works set on her by Dr. Jung Sik Roh of Roh Dance Project in Seole, Korea. Kaya was also a member of Utah Regional Ballet II and participated in Northwest Dance Project’s Launch:6. Ms. Wolsey also professionally choreographed and performed with Municipal Ballet Company.
She has attended summer intensives at Ballet West, Pacific Northwest Ballet and San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. Kaya’s choreography has been featured in University productions of Ballet Showcase as well as in Municipal Ballet Company productions. Her most recent piece “…and so she wore white” was selected by the University to be presented at ACDFA. Kaya has taught many contemporary choreography workshops at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory and was also hired by Ballet West to teach choreography at their Summer Intensive in 2012 and 2013. Kaya is currently in her first season with Ballet San Antonio as a corps de ballet member.
Tiffany Sobel
Tiffany has been dancing her way through life and loving every minute of it. She has been teaching and choreographing for 14 years. Tiffany has received training from many Utah dance schools as well as Utah's Ballet West, The Edge Studio in LA, Off Broadway Studio in Seattle and received further instruction from Brooke Maxwell, Napoleon and Tabitha, Mandy Moore, Kim Wolfe, and Liz Imperio. She attended many national touring conventions including MUSE, The Vibe, LA Dance Magic, JUMP, and West Coast Dance Explosion. And, Tiffany was a Universal Dance Association performer and teacher. In addition to all her dancing, Tiffany worked as a therapeutic preschool specialist at The Children's Center. She has dedicated her time to develop many dane programs for all ages of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Murray and Midvale. There are many talented dancers and Tiffany would love to help them grow in confidence and reach their full potential.
Tiffany has been dancing her way through life and loving every minute of it. She has been teaching and choreographing for 14 years. Tiffany has received training from many Utah dance schools as well as Utah's Ballet West, The Edge Studio in LA, Off Broadway Studio in Seattle and received further instruction from Brooke Maxwell, Napoleon and Tabitha, Mandy Moore, Kim Wolfe, and Liz Imperio. She attended many national touring conventions including MUSE, The Vibe, LA Dance Magic, JUMP, and West Coast Dance Explosion. And, Tiffany was a Universal Dance Association performer and teacher. In addition to all her dancing, Tiffany worked as a therapeutic preschool specialist at The Children's Center. She has dedicated her time to develop many dane programs for all ages of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Murray and Midvale. There are many talented dancers and Tiffany would love to help them grow in confidence and reach their full potential.
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. She joined the senior performing company when she was 15. Jennifer is currently an Exercise and Wellness major at BYU, minoring in contemporary dance and is currently on BYU’s performing contemporary company, DancEnsemble. In 2012 she joined the dance faculty at the Orem Recreation Center and has been working to develop the program there to include a greater variety of dance styles and performing experiences. This summer she will travel to Italy for a dance study abroad program and is looking forward to continuing her dancing experience. She loves spending time with kids and looks forward to continuing her time at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory as a member of the faculty.
Jennifer started dancing at the age of three and was one of the first dancers to join Wasatch ballet Conservatory when it opened. She joined the senior performing company when she was 15. Jennifer is currently an Exercise and Wellness major at BYU, minoring in contemporary dance and is currently on BYU’s performing contemporary company, DancEnsemble. In 2012 she joined the dance faculty at the Orem Recreation Center and has been working to develop the program there to include a greater variety of dance styles and performing experiences. This summer she will travel to Italy for a dance study abroad program and is looking forward to continuing her dancing experience. She loves spending time with kids and looks forward to continuing her time at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory as a member of the faculty.
Shanae Sainsbury
Shanae Sainsbury began dancing at the age of four. The majority of her dance training took place at Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy where she was trained extensively in ballet, contemporary ballet, contemporary, Horton technique, modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop. During her time at Lifehouse she performed many leading roles in the production of the Nutcracker, including Clara, Sugarplum Fairy (twice), Flower Soloist, and “Popcorn” by Connie Burton. She also had the opportunity to perform leading roles in Paquita and had parts in small versions of Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. In 2014-2015 Shanae had the opportunity to perform with BYU’s Theatre Ballet Company. She performed many solo roles from Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella while touring with the company all around the Midwest. Shanae is Currently dancing with the 16 time National Champions, the BYU Cougarettes. Shanae enjoys learning and growing in all genres of dance. She believes the lessons one learns through dance can be applied through all aspects of life. She is excited to further her education in dance and all the opportunities that await her.
Shanae Sainsbury began dancing at the age of four. The majority of her dance training took place at Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy where she was trained extensively in ballet, contemporary ballet, contemporary, Horton technique, modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop. During her time at Lifehouse she performed many leading roles in the production of the Nutcracker, including Clara, Sugarplum Fairy (twice), Flower Soloist, and “Popcorn” by Connie Burton. She also had the opportunity to perform leading roles in Paquita and had parts in small versions of Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. In 2014-2015 Shanae had the opportunity to perform with BYU’s Theatre Ballet Company. She performed many solo roles from Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella while touring with the company all around the Midwest. Shanae is Currently dancing with the 16 time National Champions, the BYU Cougarettes. Shanae enjoys learning and growing in all genres of dance. She believes the lessons one learns through dance can be applied through all aspects of life. She is excited to further her education in dance and all the opportunities that await her.
