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
Studio Director: Mallory Wilcox
uniteddancecenter@gmail.com
Studio Phone Number: 385-287-0146
Address:
1513 Exchange Drive
Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045
Studio Director: Mallory Wilcox
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 four 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!
Studio Director - 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 has taught hundreds of students at United Dance Center and is currently the Studio Director. Mallory loves interacting and helping UDC's awesome students and parents!
Hip Hop Director & Instructor - Lexi Labrum:
Dancing for 23 years, Lexi 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 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 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. in 2020, Lexi was selected to be a member of the "Moments of Grace" company where she was able to participate in a 16 dance show with amazing choreographers. Lexi is married to the best man in the world, is a mom to 1 adorable girl and 1 cute boy, 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 three kids.
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 - 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. Since then, she has loved her years teaching at United Dance Center and has also enjoyed working as a guest instructor at several other studios nearby. She is currently a Senior at BYU studying Exercise and Wellness with a minor in Contemporary Dance. She looks forward to sharing her passion for dance and wellness further, and hopes to be able to inspire her students as she has been inspired.
Instructor: Raven Elkins:
Raven was born and raised in Utah and started and started dancing when she was 3. She competed in hip hop, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. She was a member of the Riverton High School dance company for 2 years under the direction of Brynn Perkins. After high school she was a member of Snow College Badgerettes for 2 years under the direction of Karen Johnson, while on the team they were able to travel with the football team to the national championship. After receiving her associates degree she decided to get her master esthetics license and works for a medical spa in Utah. When she is not dancing or working she is spending time out in the mountains.
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 - Lauren Funke:
Lauren was trained at Utah Dance Artists and graduated from their pre-professional Conservatory program. She has 12 years of classical dance instruction and has learned from professional instructors in the areas of Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. During her competitive years Lauren won scholarships from dance conventions including Nuvo, Adrenaline, Revive and won 1st place at Releve's Nationals. She attends Utah Valley University on a Modern Dance Scholarship and is also a member of Utah Valley University Synergy Dance Company. Outside of the studio, Lauren loves to spend time with her family and friends. She loves fashion, design and painting. She is so excited to teach United Dance Center and looks forward to helping her students to learn and love dance!
Instructor - Sydnee Garner:
Sydnee was born and raised in Las Vegas. She moved to Provo in 2019 where she is currently a Senior at BYU studying psychology. After graduation she hopes to become a therapist for children and teenagers because of her love and compassion for them. Sydnee also plans to continue teaching dance because it’s a passion she will never give up! She began dancing at a young age, but truly fell in love with it once she started competing at the age of 10. Sydnee was trained in ballet/pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and acro. Her favorite style is lyrical because she feels the most connected to the music and movements. Prior to her college years, Sydnee received 3rd overall at KAR Nationals for her lyrical solo and a lyrical duet, and won the National Champion title for her lyrical trio in 2019. Not only did she compete for 8 years in dance, she also participated in cheerleading throughout middle school and high school in Las Vegas. Sydnee was Varsity cheer captain and choreographed multiple routines for her team. Over the years, she has taught ballet/pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and cheerleading. She is excited to continue teaching and sharing her love for dance at United Dance Center.
Instructor - Emily Griffiths:
Emily began her lifelong dance career at the young age of 4. She received her training at Hi-Light Dance Academy in Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet/Pointe, and Hip Hop. She started dancing competitively at the age of 8 and attending conventions regularly. Her passion grew as she expanded her training through school dance companies. Emily was a member of the Lone Peak drill team from 2008-2011. She has a great love for teaching and cultivating the same love from dance that she has. She lead the Jazz Program at The Dance Conservatory and taught tumbling before serving an LDS mission in the Caribbean. Emily graduated from BYU in 2016 with a BA in exercise and wellness. When she's not in the studio, you can find her hiking and playing board games with her husband and two children.
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 - Sarah Hancock:
Sarah Hancock is a dancer from Saint George, Utah. With a full-ride scholarship, Sarah received a BFA degree in Dance with an emphasis in Modern Performance at Utah Valley University. During her time at UVU, she had amazing opportunities to perform with the companies M.O.S.A.I.C., Contemporary Dance Ensemble, and Diavolo. For two years (2017-2019) she danced with the Hip Hop company M.O.S.A.I.C., performed in countless halftime games, competed in performances, contributed to multiple annual dance videos, and UVU’s end of the year show. Sarah was a member of UVU’s pre professional company, Contemporary Dance Ensemble (CDE) for three years (2018-2021). CDE gave her countless opportunities to work with professional choreographers who helped develop her interest in choreographing. Sarah performed solos in the following pieces: Lecuna by Angie Banchero 2020, Outsiders by Mike Esperanza 2021, and MIND LAPSE by LajaMartin 2021. Duets in the following pieces: Forge by Monica Campbell, If You Knew Me by Lehua Estrada, Knockturn by Diavolo 2021 (canceled due to COVID-19). Sarah auditioned and earned a full scholarship for the Diavolo Deconstruct Intensive in 2019. She worked closely with Diavolo Director, Jaques Heim, and his company members to reconstruct and perform their athletic piece, Veterans Project. Along with these memorable chances to perform on stage, Sarah also performed in several screen dances and films such as: Minidoka National Historic Site (2019), Outsiders Mike Esperanza (2021), MIND LAPSE Laja Martin (2021), Brian Gerke (2021), The Rise After the Fall Laura (2021), Stuck in the Frame Student Film (2021). As a senior, Sarah directed her first dance film, In The Dark, as her senior project in 2021. She choreographed, filmed, edited, and collaborated with dancers, as well as a musician, to create an original composed work. Sarah is excited to begin her career as a performer, creator, and instructor; meanwhile, leveraging the knowledge she has gained from UVU and some of her memorable mentors; Monica Campbell, Diavolo, Angie Banchero-Kelleher, Mike Esperanza, LajaMartin, and Melissa Younker.
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 - 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 - Abagail Steele:
Abagail began dancing at three years old at the Institute of Dancing Arts in Grand Junction, Colorado. She predominately trained in classical ballet, but also studied tap, modern, and improv. She danced at her hometown studio all through high school, with many opportunities for performances, often in outreach programs at nursing homes, churches, and other local events. She is now a dance major at BYU. Abagail found her true passion when she began teaching ballet at the age of 14. She has found that the technique, discipline, and storytelling emphasized in ballet is foundational for other styles of dance. From teaching preschool age to adults, she loves learning and having fun alongside her students. She is excited for the opportunity to do just that at UDC!
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 three years 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.
Studio Assistant - Ally Bluemel:
Ally has been dancing since the age of 2, and has loved it ever since the beginning. She grew up dancing at The Dance Studio, until she switch studios and joined United Dance Center in 2018. Ally has had many accomplishments which include being on the dance company for Cedar Valley High School for one year, along with being on the Drill Team for three years, and being an office for her Senior year. Her team won several awards including the Region Title, a National Title and placing 5th in State as a second year school. Her favorite styles of dance are Jazz and Hip Hop. Ally loves to work and is excited to help United Dance Center run smoothly this year!
Tumbling Assistant - Ali Davidson:
Ali was born and raised in Utah and has been tumbling and dancing all her life. She started dancing when she was 3, switched to gymnastics when she was 7 and back to dance when she was 14. As a dancer Ali trained at United Dance Center in contemporary, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, ballet, and pointe and is currently a Senior at Westlake High School as a member of the Westlake Dance Company. She is so exited to use her strong tumbling skills this year at United as a Tumbling Assistant!