Studio Phone Number: 385-287-0146 Email: [email protected] Address: 1513 Exchange Drive, Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045
United Staff:
United Dance Center Owner - Megan Rodriguez
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 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 12 years. Megan and her husband have six children who she loves spending her time with. 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!
Studio 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 Westlake 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 was a member of the EPIC Drill team camp staff where she choreographs and teaches for dance teams all over the world. 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. this year, Lexi & Braidie decided to follow their dreams and create their own professional adult dance company named "Collective". She is so excited to start the 3rd collective season this year and watch the program grow!! 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!
Studio Director & Instructor - Braidie Gummow:
Braidie has 27 years of dancing experience and 13 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 2010. 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 13 years she has taught at many studios across Utah, setting multiple award winning routines on elementary, high school, and college teams/soloists. She also coached 1 year for the Juan Diego Drill Team and 6 years for the Riverton Drill Team. After college Braidie 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 own studio salon located in Draper Utah. Braidie also decided in 2022 to pursue Co-owning a Professional Dance Company for adults with her best friend Lexi called “Collective”. Braidie enjoys teaching others her passion for dance and believes there is nothing better than cultivating and nurturing their growth in her classroom! She is also married to her high school sweetheart Tyler and they welcomed their first child a baby boy named Crew in August 2023!
Studio 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 has completed Level 1 of Progressing Ballet Technique(PBT) and was accepted to participate in the Royal Ballet Inspire Workshop Series at BYU for 2022. Mallory graduated from Brigham Young University and enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids.
Studio Director & 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.
Studio Director & 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. California and 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. 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 performed on stages worldwide sharing her art. She was married in 2009 to her husband and has three children. Ciara then trained as a fitness instructor and is certified in several barre class platforms. Ciara is passionate about movement and she has been teaching here United for 5 years and previously for 4 years. Ciara is inspired by her students and loves to help them see their own potential.
Studio Director & 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.
Tumbling Director & Instructor - Andrea Weidauer:
Andrea has been an elite gymnast, coach and judge throughout her life. She participated on the University of Utah Cheer Team and then went on to be on the Jazz Stunt Team. She then became a member of the Dance Team for the Warrior Indoor Football Team. Andrea also had the opportunity to Choreograph for the 2002 Olympic Venues. She has been a Head Coach at Jordan High School where the team took Regionals and went to Nationals three years in a row. Andrea has many years of coaching experience at various tumbling and gymnastic programs throughout Utah, for all ages and levels. She enjoys cleaning tumbling routines and technique; helping students master back handsprings, aerials, walkovers, and tucks. She also enjoys judging at USA and UCA Nationals and local competitions. Andrea has a laid back, fun and easy going personality. She has a special talent of motivating students in a positive way. Andrea has two kids, and also works at Primary Children's Hospital three days each week.
Office Administrative Assistant - Audrey Kay:
With a deep-rooted passion for the arts and several years of experience in office administration, Audrey plays a key role in keeping the day-to-day operations of our studio running smoothly. Growing up as a dancer and a proud member of her high school varsity cheer team, she has a true appreciation for the world of performance arts and understands the dedication and passion it takes to thrive in this environment. Along with her love for dance, Audrey is a talented musician, playing both guitar and piano from a young age. As a mom of three, she’s especially thrilled to be a part of a studio where her own daughters share in the joy of dance. She brings her organizational skills, creativity, and passion for the arts into every aspect of her role, ensuring that both the students and staff have a positive and productive experience at the studio. Audrey is always ready to lend a helping hand and contribute to the vibrant and supportive atmosphere that makes our dance community so special.
INSTRUCTOR - Kennedy Ballif:
Kennedy began her dance journey at the age of 3. She received her training at Wasatch Dance Center in Heber City Utah. Kennedy danced competitively in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hiphop, and Lyrical. She has won and received many dance awards and scholarships. In high school she was the president for her Dance Company and loved every second of it! She has had the opportunities to open up for the Radio City Rockettes. Spent summers living in New York City with NYCDA for summer dance intensives. You can see her in the Disney Channel TV show High School Musical the Musical. She went and got an Education at Utah State University majoring in Interior Design and minored in Public Relations. She was on the Utah State University’s Spirit Squad as an Aggiette for 4 years. She loves to teach and is excited to share her passion of dance with others.
INSTRUCTOR - Liz Folland:
Liz was born and raised in Bountiful, Utah. As a lifelong dancer, she fell more in love with the art as a cheerleader and member of the Bountiful High School region and state championship drill team. She also danced with the Bountiful High School dance company before moving to Logan, Utah for college at Utah State University. While studying at USU, Liz taught ballet, jazz, technique, and hip hop classes at a local studio and was the tumbling coach for the Sky View High School drill team. Liz graduated from Utah State with a Bachelors degree in Health Education and Promotion then moved to Washington to support her husband through Veterinary school with her one-year-old son. Liz is excited to teach at United Dance Center, and cannot wait to share her passion with each student!
INSTRUCTOR - Sadie Gatherum:
Sadie Gatherum started dancing when she was just three years old, and it’s been her passion ever since. After eight years of training at United Dance Center, she’s become an incredibly skilled ballerina. Now, she’s also the president of Westlake Dance Company, where she leads with enthusiasm and expertise. Sadie has been teaching at United Dance Center for the past two years, sharing her love for dance with her students. Outside of the studio, she’s planning to pursue a degree in nursing, aiming to blend her caring nature with her commitment to dance. With her impressive ballet skills and genuine dedication, Sadie is all about inspiring others and helping them shine both on and off the stage.
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 - Lainy Hansen:
Lainy grew up in Lehi, Utah and has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She's spent 20+ years training in many styles of dance including jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, tumbling, pom, contemporary, etc. After dancing competitively with her studio for 11+ years, she joined her high school drill team. She spent 4 years on the team while serving as an officer for 3 years and as captain her senior year. After high school, she danced in the UVU modern dance program for a year before transferring to Utah Tech University as a member of their dance team where she was able to perform at many collegiate games and professional events. She is now back at UVU majoring in Exercise Science while also studying Public Relations in Sports. She is a second year member of Collective Dance Company and is in her third year coaching the Westlake Drill team as an assistant. She is so excited to share her love of dance with even more young dancers!
INSTRUCTOR - Brooklyn Hoopes:
Brooklyn was raised in Riverton, Utah and has been dedicated to dance since the age of five. She began her journey at Rocky Mountain Dance, where she competed for several years and trained in various styles including jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, pointe, and pom. Alongside her dance training, Brooklyn also practiced tumbling at Jolley’s Gymnastics. During high school, Brooklyn was an active member of the Riverton Drill Team, serving as captain in her senior year. Her involvement in the drill team allowed her to compete in the Miss Drill Utah competition, where she was an All-State finalist and received numerous solo awards.Currently, Brooklyn is pursuing a Business degree in college while dancing with the Collective Dance Company. She is enthusiastic about beginning her teaching role at United, eager to share her passion for dance and make a positive impact on her students' lives.
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 - Dani Millet: BIO COMING SOON!
INSTRUCTOR - Myranda Olsen:
Born in Ohio and raised in Utah, Myranda started her dance journey at the age of 5 and has dedicated her life to the art of dance. She was a committed member of the Hillcrest drill team for 4 years, leading the team as captain to a state championship her senior year. After high school, she danced on the UVU dance team for 3 years, where they won multiple National Championships at DTU, UDA, and earned a gold medal at the ICU World Championship. During this time Myranda also coached the Hillcrest Drill team for two years while also teaching dance and working for EPIC dance and drill! During her time at UVU, she earned a bachelor's degree in education and now teaches 2nd grade, a role she absolutely loves. Her journey in dance and education reflects her dedication, leadership, and passion for inspiring others.
INSTRUCTOR - Courtney Sabey:
Courtney grew up in Saratoga Springs Utah, and has been training in various dance styles since she was three. She trained at local studios and danced competitively for nine years on top level competition teams. Courtney was a member of Vista Heights Dance company for two years and was chosen as part of a Shakespeare competition placing routine. Courtney competed for four years on the Westlake Drill team along with competing in State Finals two of the four years on the team. Senior year Courtney was selected as one of the team co-captains, and was able to help with choreography and cleaning for the drill team. Courtney is now an assistant coach for the Westlake Junior Luxelles, and continues to develop her love of dance by teaching it to others. Courtney attends Brigham Young University, and is majoring in Elementary Education, where she continues to follow her dream of interacting and teaching kids.
INSTRUCTOR - Ydsan Saavedra:
Ydsan grew up in West Jordan Utah. She began her dance journey at 3 years old and instantly fell in love. She started competing at age 8 at Extravadance dance studio in West Jordan Utah. Where she received Dancer of the Year twice. Then later went on to continue her dance training at Synergy Dance Academy in West Jordan Utah. She is trained in Jazz, Hip hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Military, Pom, Ballroom and Ballet. She was on the Oquirrh Hills Dance Company for two years. Then went on to compete on the Riverton drill team for 3 years and loved her time being on the team. As she was selected to be the Jr. dance captain her Junior year of High School and Head dance captain her Senior year of High School, being able to help clean choreography for the team both years. Ydsan was also selected for the All-Region team her Senior year. She is now going to continue her education at Utah Valley University in the fall where she will be Studying Dental Hygiene. Ydsan is also going to be a member of the Collective Dance Company this year. She is so excited to share her passion with these students and have an amazing dance year!
Instructor - Brianna Peterson (Schetzel):
Brianna Peterson (Schetzel) is a ballerina from Dallas, Oregon. She trained with American Ballet Academy before she graduated high school. Brianna is the 2nd person in Utah (and 42nd in the States) to fully complete the PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) certification. She just finished her first year dancing professionally with UVCB's production of Sleeping Beauty in which she was cast as the principal lead: Princess Aurora. Brianna received her degree from BYU in 2023, with studies in ballet and athletic training. During her time at BYU, Brianna participated in dance research, choreographic opportunities, and was a technician for internationally touring dance companies taking her across Europe over the summer. Outside of dancing, Brianna has been teaching for 7 years and has loved every minute of it. Her teaching centers around proper technique, injury prevention, and the joy of dancing. She is so excited to be working with United Dance Center!
INSTRUCTOR - Megan Tonge:
Megan began dancing at the age of 3 in Southern California where she was born and raised. She started her dance journey by learning the fundamentals of jazz, ballet, and tap. She also fell in love with hip hop, contemporary, and lyrical while training under and assisting Tessandra Chavez, a professional choreographer that has been featured on So You Think You Can Dance and is a two-time Emmy Award winner. During high school, Megan had the opportunity to work at Sea World as a stomp performer in addition to being a leader in her competitive dance teams. Megan began teaching dance at 14, continued to teach through high school while competing, and in college where she also became the Competition Director. As a teacher and director, she loved the entire creative process from finding music, designing costumes, and choreographing dances that went on to earn overalls, top 10s, and judge’s choice awards. Dance has always been one of Megan’s passions, but after graduating from San Diego State University with her teaching credential she decided to move to Utah to focus on building her family. Megan has an amazingly supportive husband and is a mom to three awesome kids who began dancing at United in 2020. During the 22-23 season she started helping with some behind-the-scenes projects and is excited to be teaching dance again at United Dance Center.
Instructor - Kaylee Tui'one:
Born and raised in Utah, Kaylee has been dancing for 18 years and has loved every second of it. She has been trained in jazz, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, military, pom, hip hop, along with two years of ballroom dance. She grew up dancing at Tiffany Dance Company where she then became a four year member of Riverton High School's drill team. She served as an officer for three of those years including dance captain and Vice President her last two years. She was awarded All-Region from her sophomore-senior years of high school and an All-State finalist her last year. Kaylee was also awarded "Hardest Working Senior" from her coaches. After high school Kaylee competed in the Miss Eagle Mountain scholarship pageant where she was awarded the title and served her community as she prepared to compete at Miss Utah. At the state competition Kaylee was awarded the "Non Finalist Talent Award" for her lyrical piece. She then went on to compete and win another local title in the Miss America Organization as Miss Nebo. Kaylee absolutely loves working with students and helping them learn to love and respect the art of dance. Kaylee is married to her high school sweetheart. She loves doing anything outdoors and spending time with her family. Kaylee has taught dance with United Dance Center for many years as well as worked hard helping parents and student in our studio office. She is looking forward to another fantastic year with United!
Assistant INSTRUCTOR - Rachel MACPHERSON:
Born in Michigan, Rachel began their dance journey early and continued their passion after relocating to Utah. With five years of experience on a team at United and two years of teaching experience, Rachel has significantly contributed to the dance community. Currently a senior at Westlake High School, Rachel is set to graduate in December and plans to pursue a career in dental hygiene. Outside of their academic and professional pursuits, Rachel is the youngest of five siblings, enjoys traveling with family, and takes to the mountains for skiing each winter.
