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.
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 12 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!
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 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. 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 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 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!
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 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.
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. 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.
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.
INSTRUCTOR - Allyssa Blackhurst:
Allyssa loves dancing and has danced since she was in Elementary School. She spends most of her time working with young learners. She has her associates in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelors of Social Work. She currently teaches preschool at Orem Elementary and absolutely loves it along with teaching dance here at United Dance Center. When she is not teaching preschool or dance, she loves going in hikes, camping, and spending time with her family!
Instructor - Olivia Briggs:
Olivia was born and raised in Utah and grew up in Saratoga Springs. She has been dancing since she was three years old. Olivia danced at United Dance Center for 11 years and loved every minute of it. Dance has always played a big part in her life. Olivia participated on the Senior and Varsity Pro level teams. She was trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. Olivia became an assistant teacher during her high school years and has now taught at United Dance Center for two years. She finds join in watching students improve in class each week and can't wait to work with her students!
Instructor - Kallene Chatterton:
Kallene entered the world of choreography and showmanship as a competitive baton twirler. She added gymnastics and dance into her extracurricular activities, and found her happy place. She trained at Ballet Idaho, danced competitively with her high school and local studio teams, and began assisting and teaching classes at age 16. Kallene continued taking dance classes in ballet, jazz, ballroom, and folk dance at Brigham Young University, and has continued her teaching career over the past 13 years in Washington and Utah. Kallene loves dance, music, expression, exercise, and fun. Her favorite style of dance to teach is ballet. She loves how ballet provides a strong foundation in correct alignment and proper body movement, which crosses directly over to any other dance form or athletic endeavor. She has loved working with dancers at United Dance Center and is eager to continue participating in their growth as dancers.
Instructor - Sara Cruz:
Sara has been dancing ever since she was 6 years old. She has trained at various competition studios and for 3 years she trained with Jaqueline’s Ballet School and became an apprentice for their professional company. Sara is trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Sara has had many opportunities performing and competing in different states. She has won numerous awards throughout her dance career. She was a part of the Lone Peak Dance Company all of high school where she served as one of the team’s choreographers. She graduated with academic honors and a 4.0 GPA. She has performed at Disney World, been in parades, and has performed with the Utah Metropolitan Ballet Company. Sara has taught at many studios and is an expectational teacher in jazz, ballet, and contemporary. She is always striving to learn more and try new things. She is currently studying at Brigham Young University and majoring in Dance Education. She is on the BYU DancEnsemble team where she choreographs and performs. She loves to teach and inspire her students and share her love of dance.
Instructor - Shaylin dreesen
Shaylin Dreesen is a Senior at Brigham Young University, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Exercise and Wellness with a Minor in Psychology. From a young age, Shaylin developed a love for dance, gymnastics, tumbling and cheer. This love developed into being a member of her school competitive dance team, where she choreographed and performed routines, earned the title of All-American cheerleader for 4 years, was a runner-up at the state competition and was a member of the 5-man stunt team where she tumbled and was the flyer. Shaylin had the privilege to serve as Captain of the high school cheer team. She continued her cheerleading career at BYU as a D1 athlete where she was a flyer and tumbler on both the Coed and All Girl cheer teams. She is now officially a BYU Cheer alumni and graduating in December of 2023. For the past 4 years along side cheering for BYU, she also coached BYU cheer and tumbling camps, and has been a tumbling/gymnastic coach for the last 7 years at various facilities. The most important thing in the world to her is inspiring and encouraging kids to try new things, and she is honored to work with you and your children here at United Dance Studio to help develop their confidence, grow their talents of tumbling and love themselves.
Instructor - Alley Ekins:
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. She has coached at Taylorsville High School, Riverton High School, and is currently the Assistant Drill coach at Westlake High School. Alley has one adorable son and loves being a Mom and sharing her passion of dance with our students.
INSTRUCTOR - Jordan Goldsmith:
Jordan is from Sandy, Utah and has been in love with dance since she was 4 years old. She spent a lot of her training at Utah Dance Center where she focused mostly on ballet and pointe. She later added jazz, tap, hip hop, and lyrical to her expertise and started dancing competitively with Bliss Academy of Dance. She spent 3 years on the drill team at Jordan High school where she learned the value of teamwork and uniformity as a dancer. She was chosen to be head captain of the team her senior year, and enjoyed leading her team in several awards including national titles. Since then she has loved choreographing solos for young dancers, continuing to take dance classes herself, and worked as the assistant coach for the Jordan High School drill team. She is a BYU alumnus and a mother of two children whom she adores. She is excited to continue her dance career with United Dance Center, as a teacher and mentor to young dancers!
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 three children.
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 - 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 - 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 - Emee Schick:
Emee grew up in Farmington, Utah and is currently on the UVU Dance Team. She recently had the privilege to win 2 national titles with the UVU Dance Team and can’t wait to continue her journey with them! Emee have been dancing since she was two years old and has been trained in hip hop, ballet/pointe, tap, contemporary, jazz and tumbling at Dance Impressions located in Farmington & Bountiful Utah. During her time in the studio, she was awarded many Conventional Scholarships and Solo Awards along with getting to meet and dance for many well known, professional dancers. Emee loves teaching dance, tumbling and specifically challenging acro tricks.
INSTRUCTOR - Olivia Stewart:
Olivia Stewart is from Kuna Idaho and first started her dance training at the at the age 10 in ballet, tap and jazz and contemporary. She quickly fell in love with ballet and at the age of 12 she decided to train strictly in ballet with Idaho Regional Ballet in Eagle Idaho. Throughout her time at IRB she trained with Lauren Edson, Sayoko Knode, Cathy and Jeff Geese and Elizabeth Keller. Olivia also performed annually at The Ballet Alliance with work from Lauren Edson and Sayoko Knode. After high school, Olivia was accepted to Utah Valley University’s dance program in 2019. With a strong foundation in ballet, she wanted to gain more knowledge and training in Modern dance. She is now is working towards her BFA in Modern dance. While at UVU, Olivia has had the opportunity to work with Angie Banchero-Kelleher, Sarah Donohue, Nichole Oretega and Christa St. john. Olivia loves sharing her love of dance through teaching to all ages. She believes that dance can empower, uplift and build confidence in young students and is excited to educate and motivate the students she has this year!
Instructor - Kelsey Tippets:
Kelsey is from Saratoga Springs Utah and has been training in all styles since she was 3. She has trained at The Pointe Academy, Artistic Dance Project, and Central Utah Ballet. She currently dances on UVU Dance Team and loves the training and opportunities that come with it. Kelsey has preformed with Odyssey Dance Theater in their shows Thriller and Redux Nutcracker. She has been in music videos with Royal Flux, Light Up the World, and Peter Holland. She has grown up competing and was a member of Westlake Dance Company in high school. She has worked and trained closely with world famous choreographers such as Travis Wall, Jaci Royal, Stacy Tooke, Danny Lawn, and Matt Peacock. She has been in many different ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker and has trained with professional companies such as, Odyssey Dance Theater, Salt Contemporary Dance, and Royal Flux.
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!
Instructor - Autumn Walker:
Autumn Schaugaard Walker has been dancing and tumbling since she was 11 years old, doing competitions, shows, and conventions. She is trained in the styles of Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Acrobatic Arts. In High School, she was a Co-Captain of the Westlake Drill Team during her second and Senior year on the team. During that year she was the only 6A dancer to be awarded both Academic All-State and a spot as an All-State dancer. She has won many other awards during her career as a dancer both in a team aspect as well as in solo competitions. After graduating High School, she was selected to be an assistant at EPIC Dance and Drill camp. In 2019 she served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Porto Alegre Brazil where she discovered her love for everything Brazilian! She is currently finishing the process of earning her Bachelor's of Arts in Dance degree at BYU and will graduate this August. During her time at BYU she has been a member of the BYU DancEnsemble contemporary team, and the BYU Kinnect Dance Company. Autumn is certified in Acrobatic Arts Teaching Method and has taught acrobatics and tumbling for the past two years. Autumn has been teaching and choreographing at a competition dance studio for 3 years now where her choreography has been awarded Judges Choice awards as well as overall placements. Recently she was given the wonderful opportunity to be an Assistant Coach for the Cedar Valley Aviettes, a job she has been dreaming about for years. She and her wonderful husband, Matt, are expecting their first little boy in October. She loves to dance and tumbling with all of her heart and loves to share that love by helping other students find their passion for this art.
INSTRUCTOR - Maren Wood:
Maren Wood was born and raised in Utah, and she began her dance journey at the age of fourteen. She first trained and performed with The Academy of Ballet in association to Ballet Utah, then later trained and performed with Charisma Dance Studio. Furthering her education and dance training, Maren went to dance on Utah Valley University’s pre professional ballet performance company while studying to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Ballet. Maren is a part of UVU’s 2023 graduating class. Maren was awarded the Performing Arts Ballet Scholarship, and was a member of UVU’s performing company, Repertory Ballet Ensemble, for three years. Throughout her training, she has explored various styles including ballet, contemporary ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop and has had the opportunity to perform those styles, and work with amazing choreographers like Wilson Mendieta, Mark Borchelt, and others in association with UVU. She has also had the opportunity to dance Balanchine repertoire while working with Cameron Basden of the Gerald Arpino Foundation. Other than performing herself, Maren has created and choreographed many of her own works that have been presented on stages. After graduating, Maren is planning to pursue and begin her professional career in dance and choreography.
Office Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Griggs
Jennifer Griggs grew up traveling all around the US. At the age of 7 her family moved overseas to Scotland where she lived until she was 18. She then moved back to the States to attend Northland International University where she studied Counseling and various Women's Studies courses. She graduated in 2007 and moved to Orlando, Fl. with her husband. In 2012, she and her young family moved to Salt Lake City. She has taught ESL at the University of Utah where she met many wonderful woman from all over the world. Jeni has two daughters and has loved living near the mountains. In her free time she and her husband renovate houses and she freelances as an Interior Designer. While she didn't grow up in the dance world, she is enjoying learning about its unique and beautiful culture. Jenni is currently working in our Front Office and is a great addition to our United Team!
