About Us & Contact Info

At United Dance Center we are committed to creating a
POSITIVE, FUN, and CREATIVE learning environment in which
ALL dancers learn correct and proper dance technique.

Contact Us:

Owner/Director: Megan Hansen
uniteddancecenter@gmail.com

Studio Phone Number: 385-287-0146

Address:
1513 Exchange Drive
Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045

United Staff:

United Dance Center Owner - Megan Hansen

Megan was born and raised in Alpine, Utah. At the young age of five she began dancing and never stopped. She fell in love with teaching dance as an assistant teacher at the age of 14. Megan attended Lone Peak High School and participated on the State and National Champion Drill Team where she served as an officer and won the Coaches Choice Award. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree at Utah Valley University where she took several dance education courses. Megan graduated with a degree in Communication and strives to provide clear communication throughout the year to all of the dancers and their parents. Megan served as the Head Coach for the Lone Peak High School Drill Team from 2007-2011 where her teams received multiple awards including several region championships and placed in the top five at the state competition every year. She opened United Dance Center in 2011 and has loved sharing her passion with UDC dancers. United Dance Center has received High Point Awards at every competition they have attended for the last 9 years. Megan is married to her high school sweetheart and they have three daughters who all love to dance as well. She loves spending time with her family. She enjoys popcorn and watching a good movie, spending time outside, and traveling. Megan plans to continue her career in providing a great atmosphere for all dance students to learn proper dance technique for many years to come!

Hip Hop Director & Instructor - Lexi Labrum:

Dancing for 21 years, Lexi Yraguen is so excited to teach what she has learned. She has been a member on multiple teams and trained in many areas of dance including; jazz, hip hop, ballet, pointe, contemporary, pom, modern, tumbling, etc. Early training from Salt City Stars studio helped her to become a member of the Bingham High School Drill Team (Minerettes) where she took part in 3 Region titles, 3 National championships, and 2 State championship titles. During her time on the Minerettes, she was awarded the “Minerette of the Year” award, Astra's Brightest Star Scholarship, and became a member of the “All-State Drill Team”. Her senior year of high school she was appointed to be the President of the Drill Team, leading 22 other girls through an amazing year. After graduating high school, she became a 2 year member of the Utah Valley University Dance Team. During that time she was awarded many leadership and scholastic scholarships. Best of all, Lexi and her team were named “National Champions” in 2014 where they made history by winning over 33 teams in the open dance category. After many years of her own dance training, Lexi decided that she wanted to share her knowledge and experience by teaching others. She is now a teacher at HIP Dance Studio, United Dance Center, and Riverton High School where she serves as the Head Drill Team Coach. She is a Nation-wide choreographer and dance instructor for many award winning routines and teams. She is currently a member of the EPIC Drill team camp staff where she choreographs and teaches for dance teams all over the world. Aside from dancing, during the years of 2014-2015 she was awarded “Miss South Jordan” where she competed at “Miss Utah” and served her city through her platform of “Suicide Prevention-Speak Up-Reach Out”. This platform has influenced her to pursue making a difference in others for the rest of her life. She decided to apply for and was accepted into for the prestigious UVU Bachelor of Social Work Program and was selected as a member of the 2015 BSW cohort. During these years, she interned at the Utah State Hospital as a social work trainee. In spring of 2017, Lexi graduated with her Bachelors and will be soon pursuing her Masters. She aspires to soon be a Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) when receiving her masters degree. Lexi is married to the best man in the world, is a true Harry Potter fan, and loves her family!

Ballet Director & Instructor - Mallory Welch:

Mallory began training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary at eight years old and hasn't stopped dancing since. She was a member of the Lone Peak High School Drill Team from 2006 to 2009 and served as the Team President her senior year. Upon graduation she was brought on as a Head Coach from 2009-2010 where she helped the team place in the top three at the 2010 5A state competition. At Utah Valley University she received further ballet technique and pointe training from the Ballet Program Director. She continues to actively study ballet through regular classes, seminars, and reading. Mallory has experience teaching preschool through high-school-aged dancers. She loves helping her students improve their classical ballet technique, learn terminology, and prepare for pointe work. She is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) teacher and has been accepted to participate in the Royal Ballet Inspire Workshop Series for 2021. Mallory graduated from Brigham Young University and enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.

Assistant Studio Director & Instructor - Mallory Wilcox:

Born and raised in Utah, Mallory began dancing when she was 5 and immediately fell in love with it! At the age of 9 she started competing, and developing her passion for dance even more. Over the years she has helped her teams win many overall awards. Mallory then came to United Dance Center in 2012 and participated on their highest competition teams for four years, and loved every minute of it. Mallory also enjoyed participating with dance companies at school and on the High School Drill Team. Throughout her training years Mallory became an accomplished dancer and was chosen as the Pointe Soloist for United Dance Center's ballet production number. During her senior year in high school Mallory became an Intern as an Assistant to the Director at UDC, and loved being able to help the studio in any way she could. Mallory has trained in Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Contemporary and Lyrical. She started assisted teaching when she was 16 and loved learning how to best teach dancers how to develop their passion for dance. Mallory currently is attending UVU Majoring in Business and Minoring in Dance. She will continue to teach classes as well as Assist Megan as the Assistant Director at UDC. She is excited to watch UDC’s amazing dancers learn and grow!

Instructor - Kimmy Adams:

Kimmy began her dance training at 3 years old at Jacqueline’s School of Ballet under the direction of Jacqueline College, Heather Gray and Britnee Squires on the professional track. At the age of 12, she joined the Junior Professional Company Utah Metropolitan Ballet 2. She continued to perform and train with UMB 2 until she graduated from high school. While in training, she had the opportunity to perform in several professional ballet productions. Some of her favorites include UMB’s “the Nutcracker,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Peter Pan”, “Snow White,” and “Legend of Timpanogos”. She competed many years in the semi finals of the Youth America Grand Prix classical ballet competition, placing in both solo and group categories and competing in the finals in New York City. She also performed around the country at Regional Dance America’s festival with her company. Kimmy joined the professional company Utah Metropolitan Ballet in Fall of 2018, where she continued to perform both as a corps member and soloist in multiple productions. She also began her studies at UVU as a dance major on a ballet scholarship that fall. She was featured as a guest artist with UMB 2 at Young Tansommer on a European tour in summer of 2019. She has been teaching all ages and levels all around Utah since she was 16 years old, and is thrilled to be at United Dance Center.

Instructor - Allyssa Blackhurst:

Allyssa has danced since she was just 3 years old! In high school she participated on the Lone Peak Drill Team for 3 years and was the Dance Team Captain. It was then that she found her love of choreographing, teaching, and inspiring others. She is passionate about dancing, teaching, and creating a positive and uplifting enviroment for kids! She has taught dance classes for 4 years now and is excited to continue teaching at United Dance Center. Allyssa is currently studying at Utah Valley University and is majoring in early childhood and elementary education.

Instructor - Ciara Brady:

Ciara grew up studying performing arts including singing, dancing and acting. From a very young age she performed on stages across the United States including Tuacahn theaters, Disney parks. Cruise Ships. and in New York City. Ciara served as Officer on her Drill team where they were awarded National Champions. She lettered in her sport and received "Helping Hands" award every year she competed, in addition to "Motivational" awards. This remains one of her most valued accomplishments. After competing with her Drill team at Jordan High school she went on to Study at the University of Utah where she continued her training in Ballet and other performing arts. Ciara had danced on stages worldwide sharing her art. She was married in 2009 and has two small children. Ciara longed to dance and express herself through art which led her to finding Ballet Blast. A workout that encourages women to express themselves though movement and connection to transform and inspire women and she was immediately hooked. After being an loyal assistant she completed her training to be certified a Ballet Blast Instructor helping to build women in confidence while building long lean muscle. Ciara is inspired to connect with others though movement. Emotion travels though the body and this expression teaches life lessons. She is excited to be teaching again with United Dance Center and as a Ballet blast instructor to share this passion of healthy lifestyle and wellness in body, mind and spirit.

Instructor - Erin Cook:

Erin grew up in Utah and has been dancing as long as she can remember. She began at Children's Vision Dance Studio and then moved to Esprit De Corps Dance Company where she focused on jazz, contemporary, and ballet technique. She competed on the highest company for several years before she joined the Spanish Fork Drill Team, where she served two years as Team Captain. She had the opportunity to choreograph routines for both her high school drill team and dance company, and found her passion for creating movement there. She was awarded the All Region and Academic All State recognition all 3 years of school. Throughout her schooling she assistant taught at several local studios. After high school she began a career in cosmetology, and is currently studying exercise and wellness at BYU with a minor in dance. She looks forward to sharing her strong passion for dance with young dancers and inspiring them as she has been inspired.

Instructor - Taylor Crowther:

Tayler began her passion for dance at just three years old. She has been trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Ballet. She attended Shellies School of Dance, Elite Academy, and MCD Dance Academy. While attending MCD Academy she was named Team Captain and Co-choreographer on the highest level competition team for two consecutive years. She was also a part of her middle school dance team and served as Team Captain her eighth and ninth grade years. Shortly after, she became a member of the Riverton High School Drill Team and served as an Officer her senior year. Currently she is attending Salt Lake Community College and pursuing her future career in elementary education. Tayler has a passion for leadership and currently teaches at several studios around the valley including United Dance Center, MCD Dance Academy, and Elite Dance Studio. She hopes to share her love of dance and inspire dancers the be the absolute best they can be.

Instructor - Abby Dayton:

Abby has been dancing since the age of 3. She has trained her whole life at Center Stage Performing arts studios. Through her studio, she has excelled in all styles including jazz, ballet, hiphop, contemporary, and ballroom. Abby has been in several commercials, a movie, and the lead role of a ballet. She has done volunteer performances for the governor and modeled for tenth house dancewear located in Chicago. She has won every winner scholarship at the conventions Nuvo, jump, 24/seven, and radix. She has assisted traveling choreographers including jaci royal, and Alexa Moffet and loves to help out the best way she can. Although she has a busy schedule, she loves school! she has been able to uphold a 4.0 gpa and has a goal to reach the presidential scholarship for Utah state! She loves to spend time with family and friends and try new things! She loves to rock climb and play volleyball! Currently, she is signed with an agency called urban talent management and is training and receiving jobs for modeling and acting! She has loved dance all her life and is so so excited to teach the United Dance Family!

Instructor - Harmony Drakulich:

Harmony started dancing when she was five. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary. She took recreational classes for many years as well as two years of gymnastics. When she was 14 she joined a competition team and fell in love with competing and performing. A year later she switched studios and started dancing with United Dance Center. She loved the positive atmosphere at UDC and continued to dance there throughout all of high school. She has danced on the top team for the past two years and is excited to continue dancing as she teaches and helps dancers find a love for dance like she has.

Instructor - Alley Evans:

Alley was born and raised in Utah. She started dancing when she was 3 and has competed in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Clogging. She also performed Ballet West in the Nutcracker for two years. She has taught dance at Extravadance Studio and Elite Academy, teaching Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip-Hop. Her sophomore year in High School she participated on the Dance Company and then the Drill Team her junior and senior years at Riverton High School. After High School she went to SUU for a year and then served an LDS mission in North Carolina. After returning from North Carolina, she met her now husband Tucker and they live in Riverton. She has coached at Taylorsville High School for 2 years and is currently an Assistant at Riverton High School. When she is not teaching dance, she is spending her days in the salon doing hair, microblading, and lashes.

Instructor - Braidie Gummow:

Braidie has 23 years of dancing experience and 9 years of dance instructing experience. Over the course of her life she has been on many teams and studied a wide variety of dance styles. She has been trained in jazz, ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern, ballroom, tap, african, hip-hop, & tumbling. Braidie began her training at 2 years old at Salt City Stars and while at that studio was apart of an award winning National team and a featured dancer for the NBA, NFL, and nationally televised bowl game halftime performances. She was also a western regional title holder with the Stars programs from 2000 to 2010 and National title holder from 2004 to 2009. Braidie continued her training as a student at Empower Dance for 4 years after Salt City Stars closed its doors. At Empower Dance she competed in many team dances and also solo competitions/conventions. Braidie was asked to travel on scholarship to multiple states and assist for the following at a series of dance conventions and master classes: Joe Tremaine, Dennis Caspary, Sonya Tayeh, Mandy Moore, Twitch, Travis Wall, and Lauren Adams, and Peter Chu. Braidie attended Riverton High School where she was on the Dance Company. Upon graduation in 2013 she attended Salt Lake Community College on a full tuition dance scholarship. She was on Salt Lake Community Dance Team for 3 years where she was elected to serve as Dance Captain her first year and President for her second and third. Over the last 9 years she has taught at many studios across Utah, setting multiple award winning routines on elementary, high school, and college teams/soloists. She now is currently a drill coach at Riverton High School and has been doing that for the past 4 years. After college Braidie married her high school sweetheart and decided to follow her childhood dreams and pursue a career in the beauty industry. She finished her Cosmetology/Barbering Program in August 2018 and is currently working in her studio salon located in Draper Utah. Braidie enjoys teaching others her passion for dance and believes there is nothing better then watching her students in class improve their dancing abilities. Braid is excited to be teaching at a studio again and is grateful for the opportunity to teach at United Dance Center!

Instructor - Alyssa Homer:

Alyssa Homer began her passion for dance at the age of three, training in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern. She received her training from Jacqueline’s School of Ballet and The Pointe Academy. Alyssa was the recipient of the Pointe Break scholarship award selected by the renowned choreographers Liz Imperio and Brandon Bryant. She was a member of the Lone Peak High School Drill Team and was selected as a captain her senior year. Alyssa was consistently recognized for her ability to engage the audience in her performance. She was awarded “Best Performer” by her coaches and teammates. Alyssa is currently attending Utah Valley University and is majoring in Dance Education. Alyssa has a passion for teaching and helping young girls gain confidence and a love for dance.

Instructor - Emily Jensen:

Emily Jensen has lived in Utah her entire life. She began dancing when she was young and hasn’t stopped! Emily danced competitively in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip Hop. Emily Achieved many high awards at competitions and at many dance conventions. She received first overall at 2016 Hollywood Vibe Nationals for senior contemporary routine. Growing up, not only did she compete with her studio team, but she also enjoyed dancing with her high school dance company. She began teaching and assisting dance classes while in high school and fell in love with sharing her passion with young dancers. She is currently attending BYU and is majoring in Business with a minor in Nonprofit management. She has made many great life long friends through dance and wants to continue to share and inspire young dancers like so many amazing dance teachers have done for her!

Instructor - Lexie Johnson:

Lexie began her dance journey at the age of 3 years old and has loved it ever since. She has trained in a variety of styles including: modern, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, ballet, tap, and hip-hop. She attended Empower Dance Academy where she competed in team dances and solos at competition/conventions and received several scholarships. In high school, Lexie was a member of Riverton High School Dance Company where she was able to grow her artistry and genuine love for movement. She had the opportunity to work with several amazing choreographers during her time on dance company and was a Sterling Scholar finalist in dance. Lexie is currently attending Utah Valley University, majoring in modern dance, with a performing dance scholarship. Outside of college, Lexie is also an Apprentice for Divinity Dance Company. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Lexie hopes to work as a dancer professionally. Lexie is beyond excited to teach at United Dance Center and to share her love for the beautiful art form.

Instructor - Allie Madigan:

Allie started taking gymnastics at a young age and loved it from the start. At age 11, an injury took her off the mats but it was never far from her thoughts. Her heart has always been on gymnastics and, at the age of 15, she was able to return to the mats; but this time as a teacher. Since starting she has progressed to a level 7 teacher as well as becoming a floor specialist for the competitive gymnastics team. She worked as a team director for a program that offers level 3 through level 5 competitive gymnastics, and loved it! With close to 8 years of teaching, her love and passion for gymnastics is evident in the excitement she brings to each and every class. After gymnastics, Allie fell in love with classical ballet. She danced from age 11 and went to UVU where she has grown another love for teaching dance as well! Allie has now taught not only Gymnastics and Tumbling, but also Dance for several years and loves being a part of it all!

Instructor - Willow Maniquez:

Willow began her love for dance ever since she could remember. She started her official dance journey at age seven and has accomplished many goals in a short amount of time. Her favorite styles of dance include: hip hop, contemporary, jazz, pom, modern, and military. Willow grew up dancing at United Dance Center from 2012-2016 while also enjoying school dance companies. In high school, she danced for the Westlake drill team for 4 years, serving as co-captain her senior year. She made it onto the All state drill team year 2019-2020. She now works as an assistant for Epic Productions as well as a teacher at United Dance Center. She loves to share her passion of dance to others and enjoys teaching/treating her students how she wanted to be worked with as a young dancer. Willow has received many awards during her dance journey such as Epic Top 5 Top corp in 2019, Epic MVP award, has made top 5 for drill down at drill region, best dancer and best performer award, and many more. Willow is now attending college and dancing any second she gets. She looks forward to making a difference in dancers lives, inspiring a positive environment, and growing their passion and love for the art of dance.

Instructor - Whitley McInnes:

Whitley took her first dance class when she was eleven years old and has not wanted to do anything else since. She trained with Synergy Dance Academy for 5 years and began assistant teaching while in middle school. In high school, Whitley pursued her passion for dance by attending Pioneer High School for the Performing Arts where she trained along-side passionate artists with similar goals to refine their craft as dancers. There she studied ballet daily along with jazz technique, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop with ballroom and tap training incorporated as well. She could not imagine having a more incredible high school experience! Since then Whitley has developed a love for teaching through many different opportunities over the years and will forever be thankful for the powerful, expressive and empowering role that dance has in her life.

Instructor - Tenley Pickett:

Tenley grew up dancing at Ballet Idaho. She studied classical ballet, modern and jazz. At the age of 15 years old, she became the coach of 3 performing baton twirling dance teams. In high school, she competed on National Award winning dance teams with her high school dance team and studio performance company. Tenley attended BYU, graduating with a BS in Exercise and a minor in Dance. Tenley has a passion for teaching young children. During the past 7 years in Oregon, Tenley has been privileged to teach ballet, creative dance, lyrical, boys production and dance classes to children with Special Needs. Recently, she has also done choreography for The Music Man and Honk Jr locally. Tenley wants dance to be inspiring and enjoyable for all who attend her classes.

Instructor - Ally Taylor:

Ally has loved dancing from earliest moment she can remember. She often wore her mom's pointe shoes and danced around the house. Ally began dancing at a ballet school and soon discovered that she wanted to be very versatile in all styles and began training at Center Stage Performing Arts Studio. Ally has held many regional and national titles with many conventions which then lead her to be the official assistant to the teacher at NRG DanceProject. She traveled the country for two years and loved every minute of it. She has assisted Mallauri Esquibel Hansen, Ava Bernstine, Hailee Payne, Lacey Schwimmer and Emma Bradley. Ally has performed in many shows but the most sentimental were the leads she performed for Swan Lake Act II and Don Quixote. Ally loves to teach and to choreograph. She currently choreographs for several Junior High Schools and High Schools. A highlight of 2019 was to attend Alpine School Districts Dance Celebration and see three works chosen in the show. She has been asked to choreograph for the Shakespeare Festival in the fall. Ally graduated with a 3.89 GPA which included Honors in AP classes and was accepted to University of Utah and University of Arizona. She is currently dancing professionally and choreographing at many studios and schools. Ally is excited to be teaching at United Dance Center for her second year!

Instructor - Demi Weese:

Demi Weese was born and raised in Lehi, Utah. Growing up she trained in Gymnastics for eight years. She participated on the school cheer team for 3 years, and Macs All Star Cheer for 2 years. While competing with Macs All Star Cheer, her team competed at Worlds. Demi has been coaching team gymnastics at the Lehi Legacy Center for the past three years and with United Dance for the past year teaching tumbling. She loves helping dancers incorporate tumbling into their dance routines! Demi also enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, hiking, four wheeling, and biking. She enjoys excelling as an athlete and is currently training for a triathlon.

Instructor - Karlee West:

Karlee West started her dancing career at a local recreation center when she was three years old. She would later attend Canyon View Arts Center for six years, where she trained under Andrea Edwards in Ballet, Pointe, Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, and Composition. Karlee was a member of her Middle School Dance Company, being chosen as Co-Captain her second year when she was only 13. She was also a member of the Riverton High School "Silverline" Drill Team for three years, serving as an officer for two of those years. Karlee was selected by her coaches for the All-Region team her senior year. Karlee is currently attending Salt Lake Community College, majoring in Physical Therapy, and is a member of the Salt Lake Community College Dance Company. After completing her associate's degree, Karlee hopes to transfer to the University of Utah to pursue a degree in Sports Medicine. Karlee has always loved the leadership role, and she is beyond excited for the opportunity to pass on her love of dance as an instructor at United Dance Center.

Instructor - Ari Whiting:

Ari has always had a deep passion for dance, tumbling, and gymnastics. From the young age of 5 she started dancing and has experimented in many different styles over the years such as ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. She was on Dance Company in both Junior High and High School. Ari even participated and competed in gymnastics for 4 years and has loved growing her knowledge as a gymnastics coach, tumbling coach, and team director at the Lehi Legacy Center for the past 3 years. Ari has been intrigued about how the human body works and has furthered her knowledge in the anatomy/physiology of the human body in hopes of soon becoming a personal trainer at The Exercise Coach. Ari recently graduated from college with her General Associates Degree and is working towards her Bachelors Degree in Dance Education. Some of her favorite things to do are sing, be in nature, draw, organize, go on adventures, and spend time with friends and family. She is very excited to be working at the United Dance Center as a tumbling coach and contributing her knowledge to her amazing students.