Registration – Dance Tech Academy

Kaylee Wirkus

Assistant

Kaylee is a new assistant at DTA this year, assisting Toddler and Saturday Combo classes. She has been dancing for 12 years, most of them competitively. We are so excited to have her as part of the DTA staff! She is currently going to school for Autobody & Collision Repair at ISU. Kaylee’s favorite dance style is contemporary. Outside of dance, Kaylee enjoys dirtbiking. We’re so excited to have Kaylee as part of our Dance Tech Academy family!

Kaylee Wirkus

Assistant

Kaylee is a new assistant at DTA this year, assisting Toddler and Saturday Combo classes. She has been dancing for 12 years, most of them competitively. We are so excited to have her as part of the DTA staff! She is currently going to school for Autobody & Collision Repair at ISU. Kaylee’s favorite dance style is contemporary. Outside of dance, Kaylee enjoys dirtbiking. We’re so excited to have Kaylee as part of our Dance Tech Academy family!

Lacey Fries

Assistant

Lacey has been teaching/coaching for 5 years and has been assisting for 2 years. She is currently working towards her BS in Sport and Exercise Science at ISU. At Dance Tech Academy, Lacey assists Preschool Combo & Elementary Hip-Hop. Her favorite dance style is lyrical/contemporary, and her favorite part of assisting is “seeing the kids figure out a step or move that they’ve been working towards. And just seeing the pure joy that dance brings to people.” Outside of dance, Lacey enjoys traveling, hiking and photography!

Lacey Fries

Assistant

Lacey has been teaching/coaching for 5 years and has been assisting for 2 years. She is currently working towards her BS in Sport and Exercise Science at ISU. At Dance Tech Academy, Lacey assists Preschool Combo & Elementary Hip-Hop. Her favorite dance style is lyrical/contemporary, and her favorite part of assisting is “seeing the kids figure out a step or move that they’ve been working towards. And just seeing the pure joy that dance brings to people.” Outside of dance, Lacey enjoys traveling, hiking and photography!

Alexia Tolman

Assistant

Lexie has been assisting for 7 years and has been dancing for 13 years. At Dance Tech Academy, Lexie assists Preschool through Elementary Acro classes. Lexie’s favorite dance style is contemporary, and her favorite part about assisting is “helping and watching the kids grow as dancers.” Outside of dance, Lexie enjoys being outdoors!

Alexia Tolman

Assistant

Lexie has been assisting for 7 years and has been dancing for 13 years. At Dance Tech Academy, Lexie assists Preschool through Elementary Acro classes. Lexie’s favorite dance style is contemporary, and her favorite part about assisting is “helping and watching the kids grow as dancers.” Outside of dance, Lexie enjoys being outdoors!

Beverly Hanson

Adult Tap Instructor

Beverly began dancing professionally at the age of 16, performing with multiple ballet companies, opera companies, musical comedy productions and movies. She danced professionally for 16 years. Beverly holds a Bachelor of Science degree and worked as a nurse practitioner and physician assistant after retiring from dance. She loves most styles of dance. At Dance Tech Academy, Beverly teaches Intermediate Adult Tap. Beverly’s my favorite thing about teaching is “sharing the joy of learning and performing dance. It is a part of [her] soul.” Outside of dance, she enjoys sharing her life with her husband, two fabulous dogs and her 42 year-old Amazon parrot. Beverly also knits and crochets, mostly for newcomers to her immediate and extended family.

Beverly Hanson

Adult Tap Instructor

Beverly began dancing professionally at the age of 16, performing with multiple ballet companies, opera companies, musical comedy productions and movies. She danced professionally for 16 years. Beverly holds a Bachelor of Science degree and worked as a nurse practitioner and physician assistant after retiring from dance. She loves most styles of dance. At Dance Tech Academy, Beverly teaches Intermediate Adult Tap. Beverly’s my favorite thing about teaching is “sharing the joy of learning and performing dance. It is a part of [her] soul.” Outside of dance, she enjoys sharing her life with her husband, two fabulous dogs and her 42 year-old Amazon parrot. Beverly also knits and crochets, mostly for newcomers to her immediate and extended family.

Kaleigh Worrell

Combo Class Instructor

Kaleigh has been teaching/coaching for 8 years and has been assisting for 5 years. Kaleigh holds a Paraprofessional Certification. At Dance Tech Academy, Kaleigh teaches Parent & Me Dance and Saturday Kinder/Elementary Combo. Her favorite dance style is contemporary & musical theatre, and her favorite part of teaching is “planting seeds in younger dancers that inspires them to love the art of dance and music.” Outside of DTA, Kaleigh enjoys writing music and playing piano/the guitar!

Kaleigh Worrell

Combo Class Instructor

Kaleigh has been teaching/coaching for 8 years and has been assisting for 5 years. Kaleigh holds a Paraprofessional Certification. At Dance Tech Academy, Kaleigh teaches Parent & Me Dance and Saturday Kinder/Elementary Combo. Her favorite dance style is contemporary & musical theatre, and her favorite part of teaching is “planting seeds in younger dancers that inspires them to love the art of dance and music.” Outside of DTA, Kaleigh enjoys writing music and playing piano/the guitar!

Kallie Tompkins

Combo Class Instructor

Kallie has been teaching/coaching for 2 years and has been assisting for 5 years. At Dance Tech Academy, Kallie teaches Toddler through Kinder Combo classes, as well as our Homeschool Exploration Dance/Ballroom Programs. Her favorite dance style is Contemporary/Jazz or Ballroom. Kallie loves “being involved in the learning and growth of young dancers. It blesses [her] heart to see students grow in their love for dance.” Outside of dance, Kallie enjoys hiking, pickleball, painting, fishing, playing her piano and guitar and being with friends and family.

Kallie Tompkins

Combo Class Instructor

Kallie has been teaching/coaching for 2 years and has been assisting for 5 years. At Dance Tech Academy, Kallie teaches Toddler through Kinder Combo classes, as well as our Homeschool Exploration Dance/Ballroom Programs. Her favorite dance style is Contemporary/Jazz or Ballroom. Kallie loves “being involved in the learning and growth of young dancers. It blesses [her] heart to see students grow in their love for dance.” Outside of dance, Kallie enjoys hiking, pickleball, painting, fishing, playing her piano and guitar and being with friends and family.

Sayla Maughan

Ballet Instructor

Sayla has been teaching/coaching for 15 years and has been dancing for 20 years. She earned her dance degree from BYU-I and is currently working on obtaining a degree in Nursing. At Dance Tech Academy, Sayla teaches beginning ballet. Her favorite dance style is contemporary, and her favorite part of teaching is “seeing [the students] progress and learn over the years.” Outside of dance, Sayla enjoys baking sourdough bread, collecting Pokemon cards, hiking, and trying new hobbies.

Sayla Maughan

Ballet Instructor

Sayla has been teaching/coaching for 15 years and has been dancing for 20 years. She earned her dance degree from BYU-I and is currently working on obtaining a degree in Nursing. At Dance Tech Academy, Sayla teaches beginning ballet. Her favorite dance style is contemporary, and her favorite part of teaching is “seeing [the students] progress and learn over the years.” Outside of dance, Sayla enjoys baking sourdough bread, collecting Pokemon cards, hiking, and trying new hobbies.

Deidra Mecham

Combo Instructor

Deidra has been teaching for 30 years. At Dance Tech Academy, Deidra teaches Kinder & Elementary Combo Classes. Her favorite dance style is Jazz, and her favorite part about teaching is her students. Outside of dance, Deidra enjoys spending time with her dogs and going to Spud King Hockey games!

Deidra Mecham

Combo Instructor

Deidra has been teaching for 30 years. At Dance Tech Academy, Deidra teaches Kinder & Elementary Combo Classes. Her favorite dance style is Jazz, and her favorite part about teaching is her students. Outside of dance, Deidra enjoys spending time with her dogs and going to Spud King Hockey games!

Brittany Jenks

Acro / Tumbling Instructor

Brittany has been teaching/coaching for 25 years. Brittany holds a BS in Social Work from BYU-I. At Dance Tech Academy, Brittany teaches acro, but her favorite dance style is ballroom. Her favorite part of teaching is “watching [her] students improve, and seeing the joy that comes from mastering a skill they once thought impossible.” Outside of DTA, Brittany enjoys weightlifting, CrossFit, playing with her kids, and hiking.

Brittany Jenks

Acro / Tumbling Instructor

Brittany has been teaching/coaching for 25 years. Brittany holds a BS in Social Work from BYU-I. At Dance Tech Academy, Brittany teaches acro, but her favorite dance style is ballroom. Her favorite part of teaching is “watching [her] students improve, and seeing the joy that comes from mastering a skill they once thought impossible.” Outside of DTA, Brittany enjoys weightlifting, CrossFit, playing with her kids, and hiking.

Gretchen Smith

Ballet / Pointe Instructor

Gretchen has been teaching/coaching for 1 year and has been assisting for 3 years. She earned her Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies (Emphasis in creative writing, film, and digital marketing) from BYU-I. At Dance Tech Academy, Gretchen is our Ballet & Pointe instructor. Her favorite dance style is ballet, and her favorite part of teaching is “Getting to see the dancers progress and find joy in dancing.” Outside of dance, Gretchen enjoys baking and gardening!

Gretchen Smith

Ballet / Pointe Instructor

Gretchen has been teaching/coaching for 1 year and has been assisting for 3 years. She earned her Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies (Emphasis in creative writing, film, and digital marketing) from BYU-I. At Dance Tech Academy, Gretchen is our Ballet & Pointe instructor. Her favorite dance style is ballet, and her favorite part of teaching is “Getting to see the dancers progress and find joy in dancing.” Outside of dance, Gretchen enjoys baking and gardening!

Freedom Walrath

Hip Hop Instructor

Freedom has been teaching/coaching for 5 years and has been assisting for 10 years. He earned his Nail Technician Certificate and is a Nail Technician outside of DTA. At Dance Tech Academy, Freedom teaches Hip-Hop. His favorite dance style is also Hip-Hop or Ballet! Freedom’s favorite part of teaching is “being able to use dance as a creative outlet.” Outside of dance, Freedom enjoys watching movies and going to the gym!

Freedom Walrath

Hip Hop Instructor

Freedom has been teaching/coaching for 5 years and has been assisting for 10 years. He earned his Nail Technician Certificate and is a Nail Technician outside of DTA. At Dance Tech Academy, Freedom teaches Hip-Hop. His favorite dance style is also Hip-Hop or Ballet! Freedom’s favorite part of teaching is “being able to use dance as a creative outlet.” Outside of dance, Freedom enjoys watching movies and going to the gym!

Sarah Anderson

Modern / Contemporary Instructor

Sarah has been teaching/coaching for 27 years. She earned her MFA in Dance: Creative practice from Saint Mary’s College of California(SMCC) and also holds a BS in Health Science and AAS in Dance from BYU-Idaho. Sarah is also an award winning choreographer. At Dance Tech Academy, Sarah teaches Adult/Teen Contemporary/Modern. Her favorite dance style is Contemporary/Modern, but she loves ALL dance styles. Her favorite part of teaching is “seeing students progress throughout the years as dancers and artists,” as well as seeing “the human connection dance offers and the opportunity to engage students in creative processes.” Outside of dance, Sarah enjoys horse riding, swimming, hiking, spending time with family, art projects, gardening, and reading.

Sarah Anderson

Modern / Contemporary Instructor

Sarah has been teaching/coaching for 27 years. She earned her MFA in Dance: Creative practice from Saint Mary’s College of California(SMCC) and also holds a BS in Health Science and AAS in Dance from BYU-Idaho. Sarah is also an award winning choreographer. At Dance Tech Academy, Sarah teaches Adult/Teen Contemporary/Modern. Her favorite dance style is Contemporary/Modern, but she loves ALL dance styles. Her favorite part of teaching is “seeing students progress throughout the years as dancers and artists,” as well as seeing “the human connection dance offers and the opportunity to engage students in creative processes.” Outside of dance, Sarah enjoys horse riding, swimming, hiking, spending time with family, art projects, gardening, and reading.

Valeska Smith

Pre-comp Instructor

Valeska has been teaching/coaching for 2 years and has been assisting for 4 years. She is currently earning her Bachelors degree in Marriage and Family Studies, as well as Minoring in Dance at BYU-I. At Dance Tech Academy, Valeska is our Pre-Competition Team Coach and teaches Beginning/Intermediate Jazz Technique. Her favorite dance style is Ballroom, and her favorite part of teaching is “seeing students fall in love with dance and find their why behind the reason they dance.” Outside of the studio, Valeska enjoys cooking!

Valeska Smith

Pre-comp Instructor

Valeska has been teaching/coaching for 2 years and has been assisting for 4 years. She is currently earning her Bachelors degree in Marriage and Family Studies, as well as Minoring in Dance at BYU-I. At Dance Tech Academy, Valeska is our Pre-Competition Team Coach and teaches Beginning/Intermediate Jazz Technique. Her favorite dance style is Ballroom, and her favorite part of teaching is “seeing students fall in love with dance and find their why behind the reason they dance.” Outside of the studio, Valeska enjoys cooking!

Sarah Gulbransen

Marketing Specialist / Instructor

Sarah has been teaching/coaching for 4 years. As our studio Marketing Specialist, she holds her Digital Media Specialist Certification from CEI. At Dance Tech Academy, Sarah teaches Ballroom and Junior Combo. Sarah is also the assistant for the Junior Spotlight Team. Her favorite dance style is Cabaret, and her favorite part of teaching/dance is being able to work out, but making it fun! Outside of dance, Sarah enjoys creating websites from scratch and spending time with her husband and corgi.

Sarah Gulbransen

Marketing Specialist / Instructor

Sarah has been teaching/coaching for 4 years. As our studio Marketing Specialist, she holds her Digital Media Specialist Certification from CEI. At Dance Tech Academy, Sarah teaches Ballroom and Junior Combo. Sarah is also the assistant for the Junior Spotlight Team. Her favorite dance style is Cabaret, and her favorite part of teaching/dance is being able to work out, but making it fun! Outside of dance, Sarah enjoys creating websites from scratch and spending time with her husband and corgi.

Vicki Martin

Costume Specialist / Dance Store Manager

Vicki has been teaching/coaching for 22 years and has been assisting for 24 years. She earned her BS in Dance from Southern Utah University. At Dance Tech Academy, Vicki is our Costume/Music Specialist and Dancewear Store Manager. Her favorite dance style is jazz. Outside of dance, Vicki enjoys spending time with her 4 boys and baby girl!

Vicki Martin

Costume Specialist / Dance Store Manager

Vicki has been teaching/coaching for 22 years and has been assisting for 24 years. She earned her BS in Dance from Southern Utah University. At Dance Tech Academy, Vicki is our Costume/Music Specialist and Dancewear Store Manager. Her favorite dance style is jazz. Outside of dance, Vicki enjoys spending time with her 4 boys and baby girl!

Ruby Gorr

Program Director / Spotlight Coach

Ruby has been teaching/coaching for 4 years and has been dancing for 12 years. She earned her Associates of Science from CEI in 2024. Ruby has received Choreography and Judges choice awards for dances she has choreographed at DTA, as well as won several technique awards for contemporary, pom and jazz. At Dance Tech Academy, Ruby is the Spotlight Competition Coach and teaches Intermediate/Advanced Jazz and Contemporary. Her favorite dance style is contemporary, but favorite style to choreograph is Jazz. Her favorite part of teaching is “seeing the growth of the dancers you’ve trained over the course of the year.” Outside of dance, Ruby enjoys spending time with friends/family & shopping!

Ruby Gorr

Program Director / Spotlight Coach

Ruby has been teaching/coaching for 4 years and has been dancing for 12 years. She earned her Associates of Science from CEI in 2024. Ruby has received Choreography and Judges choice awards for dances she has choreographed at DTA, as well as won several technique awards for contemporary, pom and jazz. At Dance Tech Academy, Ruby is the Spotlight Competition Coach and teaches Intermediate/Advanced Jazz and Contemporary. Her favorite dance style is contemporary, but favorite style to choreograph is Jazz. Her favorite part of teaching is “seeing the growth of the dancers you’ve trained over the course of the year.” Outside of dance, Ruby enjoys spending time with friends/family & shopping!

Karen Hassel

Happy Feet Coordinator / Adult Instructor

Karen has been teaching/coaching for 25 years and has been assisting for 5 years. She has been a dancer for 56 years. Karen holds advanced degrees in communication disorders, special education and K-12 all subjects teaching credentials. At Dance Tech Academy, Karen teaches Intermediate/Advanced and Adult Ballet and tap, as well as Elementary/Junior Tap. Her favorite dance style is ballet or tap, and her favorite part of teaching is “watching aha moments, especially in adults who have not danced before, master a step or combination.” Outside of dance, Karen enjoys spending time with her high school sweetheart of 46 years, and with her 5 adult children, three of which still dance. Karen also enjoys cooking and baking.

Karen Hassel

Happy Feet Coordinator / Adult Instructor

Karen has been teaching/coaching for 25 years and has been assisting for 5 years. She has been a dancer for 56 years. Karen holds advanced degrees in communication disorders, special education and K-12 all subjects teaching credentials. At Dance Tech Academy, Karen teaches Intermediate/Advanced and Adult Ballet and tap, as well as Elementary/Junior Tap. Her favorite dance style is ballet or tap, and her favorite part of teaching is “watching aha moments, especially in adults who have not danced before, master a step or combination.” Outside of dance, Karen enjoys spending time with her high school sweetheart of 46 years, and with her 5 adult children, three of which still dance. Karen also enjoys cooking and baking.

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