Cherese Emery

OWNER/INSTRUCTOR

Cherese began dancing at the age of three.  For the majority of her childhood she trained at The Dance Club in Orem Utah.  There she won various awards and was able to perform in the 2002 Winter Olympic Closing Ceremonies.  Cherese Emery was a member of the Lone Peak Chevalier Drill team where she led her team to a state championship in 2005.  Her senior year she was crowned Miss Dance Drill Utah in 2006, and then went on to becoming a runner up in the Miss Dance Drill USA pageant.  She is still closely involved in the Miss Drill Utah program.  Following high school, Cherese attended Brigham Young University and became a National Champion BYU Cougarette for 2 years.  She married her high school sweetheart Jackson Emery, and now has three beautiful little boys, Treyton, McKade, and Carter.

Cherese’s love of teaching dance began at the young age of 14, when she started her own studio in her parent’s basement.  From then on she knew that she had a passion for teaching and continued to teach and choreograph for many studios and drill teams throughout the state of Utah.  It has always been a dream of hers to start and grow her own studio.  With the growth and development in the Lehi area, she knew it was time to make her dream become a reality.

Carrie Wright

BALLET INSTRUCTOR

Carrie was born and raised in England.  She began dancing at the age of 2 and by 11, she was attending vocational dance school on scholarship, studying ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, flamenco and other forms of dance.  At age 16 she was one of 12 girls accepted in to the prestigious English National Ballet School in London. During her time there she was selected to perform in various royal gala performances for dignitaries such as Princess Diana and Princess Margaret.  She also performed numbers with the Russian Ballerina Natalia Makarova, Wayne Sleep and actor Stephen Fry.

After graduation Carrie’s first employment was in Phantom of the Opera as a ballet dancer.  Later, Carrie was invited to be a part of the new production of Phantom in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she understudied the principal role of “Meg Giry”.  After a year in Scotland she was offered the full time role of “Meg” in the Hamburg, Germany production of Phantom of the Opera.

Marriage brought Carrie to America where she settled down to begin the next phase of her life as a ballet instructor.  In order to better her teaching, Carrie participated in a multi-year teacher training course with the Royal Academy of Dance.  This allowed her to become a certified and registered teacher of the RAD curriculum. She is currently one of two certified instructors in the state of Utah.   Carrie also holds a degree in Dance Education from the University of Surrey in England.

Carrie has taught all levels of ballet over many years, and loves passing on her passion of the art to others.  Carrie is married to John Wright and they reside in Lehi with their 3 children.  She is excited to be a part of Move Dance Studio in its inaugural year and help develop the talents of the local youth.


Shauna Wilson

BALLET INSTRUCTOR

BIO COMING SOON!


Lexie Treu

INSTRUCTOR

Lexie began dancing around age eleven. She trained at various studios across Utah Valley as she moved around with her family. She danced with Westlake’s Dance Company for four years, and served as president of the company for two years. During this time, Lexie choreographed three award winning pieces at the State Festival for Choreography. She was also a part of an award winning Shakespeare competition team in Dance.

During her Senior year, Lexie went on to compete for Sterling Scholar. She won at the school level, regional level, and advanced to the top ten in the state. Lexie believes dance is a wonderful part of a well rounded life, and that one should have no shortage of passions.

Lexie began teaching at age 16, and has continued to do so for over five years. She took a break only to serve a mission for the LDS church in Anchorage, Alaska. She feels so blessed to have found her passion while she was so young. Lexie loves each one of her students and finds great satisfaction in helping them discover a love for dance.


Staci Robinson

BALLET INSTRUCTOR

Staci grew up in California dancing Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, starting at age 3. In Jr. High and High School, she did some Cheer, some Hip Hop, and a lot of Musical Theater. After her first semester at BYU, she was privileged to work an internship for Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL in 2005 as a character performer. There, she performed in around 18 different roles in all four WDW theme parks, including four restaurants, one stage show, and three parades (a childhood dream of hers).

She returned to BYU and became a Dance Major, where she studied many forms of dance including Ballet, Ballroom, Modern, Tap, Jazz, and World Dance. Staci was also privileged to dance for the BYU Ballroom Dance Company for four semesters. She married her husband Marshall in 2006 and is the proud mom to two beautiful daughters.  Staci started teaching Ballroom in 2007 and has been teaching dance at various locations ever since, mostly Ballet and Ballroom. She graduated from BYU with her BA in Dance in 2012 just before her second baby was born, and she now resides here in Lehi with her family. Staci is very honored and excited to be able to share her passion and experience with the wonderful students here at Move!


Brooke Sanderson

INSTRUCTOR

Brooke is from Huntington Beach, California. Brooke grew up dancing since the young age of three. She started in ballet and tap but spread her skills to contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop. She always knew that Ballet was her strongest, but continued with jazz and contemporary all the way until she graduated high school. She competed in many styles until she was 17. She was accepted into BYU and joined BYU Theatre Ballet in 2014. She’s performed in many shows with this company including the principal role of Alice in Alice in Wonderland in 2016 and the principal role in Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations in 2017. She continued to dance with Theatre Ballet for 3 years. She has been teaching ballet since 2015 and has taught at a few different studios in Utah. She found her passion and love for teaching ballet through these experiences.

She married the love of her life, River Sanderson, in May 2018 and graduated from BYU with a degree in Athletic Training in December 2018. She plans to continue teaching ballet with her background in athletic training and help the students understand the human body. Ballet is her passion and she is excited to share it with the students she teaches!

 


Liz Keel 

INSTRUCTOR

Elizabeth Keel was born and raised in Sandy, Utah and has been dancing ballet since the age of three.  At the age of 12, she was selected to train on full scholarship with the Ballet West Conservatory.  This gave her lots of opportunities to be a part of professional performances with Ballet West.  She continued to train at prestigious ballet schools such as; Pacific Northwest Ballet School and School of American Ballet on scholarship while performing corps de ballet roles with Ballet West in productions like; The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, Swan Lake, Western Symphony, and many more.  At the age of 18, she received the four-year Willam F. Christensen Scholarship for Dance at the University of Utah and danced with Utah Ballet.  She eventually went on to dance solo and principle roles as a professional ballerina with Utah Metropolitan Ballet.  She retired from performing to raise four rambunctious boys, but has remained passionate about the art of ballet and passing on her love of it to the next generations.  


Lauren Halversen

INSTRUCTOR

Originally from Danville, CA, Lauren received her early training from local ballet schools in Orlando, FL, Dallas, TX, and Walnut Creek, CA. A BFA in Dance candidate at Brigham Young University, performance highlights with include classical ballets by August Bournonville and Marius Petipa, as well as works by Eva Stone, Ohad Naharin, and George Balanchine. Lauren performed as a guest artist with BYU Contemporary Dance Theater in Martha Graham’s Dark Meadow.

Lauren recently presented choreography at World Dance Movement in Castellana Grotte, Italy  and conducted research in Begaluru, India about how somatic approaches to choreography facilitate cross-cultural dance exchange.

In addition to performing with BYU Theatre Ballet, Lauren is excited to share her love of dance as a teacher at Move Dance Studio!

 

 

Tanner Denney

BOYS HIP HOP INSTRUCTOR

Tanner Denney also known as “Bboy Tarzan” started bboying in 1998 after being inspired by a local group of Bboys from Utah called the “Agency Crew”.  Dedicated to the art, he stopped playing most sports(competitively) when he found dancing was his true passion, as he was really able to express himself. Only four years later in 2002 Bboy Tarzan moved to New York City to pursue his passion of dance and gain more knowledge about where the dance came from. Competing in many New York and East

Dedicated to the art, he stopped playing most sports(competitively) when he found dancing was his true passion, as he was really able to express himself. Only four years later in 2002 Bboy Tarzan moved to New York City to pursue his passion of dance and gain more knowledge about where the dance came from. Competing in many New York and East Coast competitions, his reputation grew rapidly as he became recognized as one of the best up and coming BBoys. In 2002 Bboy Tarzan was recruited into the legendary Dynamic Rockers crew from New York. With his new knowledge of b-boying, he was able to compete at a high level. In 2008 he began teaching In Utah as well as teaching workshops in New York. He felt it was very important to have at least 10 years of experience as a dancer before he could call himself a teacher in the dance industry. Just last year he spent a month in Germany teaching workshops and performing. He still feels it is important to always remain a “student to the dance”. He is a Student first and a teacher second.  Today, Bboy Tarzan is known for his original style and intense battle attitude. He has a strong foundation based on footwork, freezes and explosive dynamics.

Some of his industry work includes:So You think you can dance – Competitor, Black Eyed Peas U.S. tour – Dancer, Erykah Badu U.S. tour – Dancer, Nas U.S. tour – Dancer.


Erika Cox

INSTRUCTOR

Erika Cox grew up dancing at American Expression of Dance in Draper Utah. In high school, she was on Alta’s Dance Company and served in the position of a choreographer. She was a member of the BYU Cougarettes for 3 years and was captain for 2 of those years. She is excited to be the assistant coach to the BYU Cougarettes for her 2nd year. She’s majoring in exercise and wellness and her biggest love is choreographing and teaching. She has taught many dancers throughout the state of Utah and loves watching her dancers develop their talents.


Madison Peck

INSTRUCTOR

Madison has been dancing since the age of 7 and loves every part of it.  She grew up dancing at Dance Showcase Company training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop.  While dancing at Dance Showcase she attended many local and national competitions and conventions. In high school, she danced on the Lehi drill team and dance company. She love to do anything outdoors and enjoys spending time with family.  She graduated from Lehi High School in 2015, and also graduated from MATC as a Medical Assistant in 2016. Madi has been teaching dance for the past 3 years and loves everything about it.  Many of the routines that she has choreographed have received first place and high point awards.  She enjoys sharing her love of dance with others and is so grateful to have the opportunity to teach the amazing dancers at Move Dance Studio.

Madison Peck

INSTRUCTOR

Madison has been dancing since the age of 7 and loves every part of it.  She grew up dancing at Dance Showcase Company training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop.  While dancing at Dance Showcase she attended many local and national competitions and conventions. In high school, she danced on the Lehi drill team and dance company. She love to do anything outdoors and enjoys spending time with family.  She graduated from Lehi High School in 2015, and also graduated from MATC as a Medical Assistant in 2016. Madi has been teaching dance for the past 3 years and loves everything about it.  Many of the routines that she has choreographed have received first place and high point awards.  She enjoys sharing her love of dance with others and is so grateful to have the opportunity to teach the amazing dancers at Move Dance Studio.


Lexie Treu

INSTRUCTOR

Lexie began dancing around age eleven. She trained at various studios across Utah Valley as she moved around with her family. She danced with Westlake’s Dance Company for four years, and served as president of the company for two years. During this time, Lexie choreographed three award winning pieces at the State Festival for Choreography. She was also a part of an award winning Shakespeare competition team in Dance.

During her Senior year, Lexie went on to compete for Sterling Scholar. She won at the school level, regional level, and advanced to the top ten in the state. Lexie believes dance is a wonderful part of a well rounded life, and that one should have no shortage of passions.

Lexie began teaching at age 16, and has continued to do so for over five years. She took a break only to serve a mission for the LDS church in Anchorage, Alaska. She feels so blessed to have found her passion while she was so young. Lexie loves each one of her students and finds great satisfaction in helping them discover a love for dance.


 


Erika Cox

INSTRUCTOR

 

Erika Cox grew up dancing at American Expression of Dance in Draper Utah. In high school, she was on Alta’s Dance Company and served in the position of a choreographer. She was a member of the BYU Cougarettes for 3 years and was captain for 2 of those years. She was the assistant coach to the BYU Cougarettes for 2 years. She’s graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in exercise wellness and is currently the head coach of Bingham High Schools drill team.  She has taught many dancers throughout the state of Utah and loves watching her dancers develop their talents.

 


Sami Jo Carson

INSTRUCTOR

Sami Jo has had a passion for dance since she was two years old. She started competition teams when she was five, and has competed in all styles of dance ever since. Sami grew up training in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary at Dance Showcase Company. In high school, she was a member of the Pleasant Grove drill team and dance company where she served as president her senior year. Currently Sami Jo is attending Utah Valley University working on her Bachelors Degree in School of Health. She has danced on UVU’s Hip Hop team for the past two years where her love for dance has continued to grow.
 
Sami has had the opportunity to teach and choreograph for many studios in Utah County for the past 5 years. She is currently the Pleasant Grove High School drill coach and loves to share her passion for dance with all who she comes in contact with. Sami Jo is excited for the opportunity to teach the amazing dancers at Move dance studio.

 


Kendyl Moss

INSTRUCTOR

Bio Coming Soon


Taryn Smith

INSTRUCTOR

Taryn was a member of the BYU Cougarettes years 2014-2016, during which she won 3 national titles in Open/Jazz and Hip hop. Taryn loves to teach and choreograph. She has taught and choreographed at Bunker Dance Center for their annual concert and competitive teams as well as for BYU Cougarettes in Concert in 2016.

Taryn is currently a BYU student majoring in Microbiology with a minor in Dance. Her wide variety of training and experiences makes her teaching style unique.


Erin Richardson

INSTRUCTOR

Erin, originally from South Jordan, received her dance training at The Winner School and Pulse 31 dance studios. She started training at the age of 4 and trained in various styles of dance including jazz, ballet, hip hop and tap. In high school, Erin was a three year member of the Bingham High School Minerettes, where she won many team and individual awards, and also served as President her senior year. In college, Erin was a member of the 16-time national champion cougarettes, and was a member of the team when they won 4 national titles. As a Cougarette, Erin served as dance captain for 2 years. Erin is a former coach of the 7-time state champion Bingham High School Minerettes, and was named the UDDA 2012 5A Coach of the Year. She coached the team for 4 years, during which they won 4 region titles, 3 State titles, and 4 National titles. Erin is also a former Nu Skin Jazz Dancer. Erin has been professionally choreographing for dance studios and drill teams throughout Utah and Idaho for the past 13 years. Erin has also worked for Precision Dance Camps as an instructor, choreographer and Utah Regional Camp Director for 10 years. Erin is also a proud mom to 3 children, Boston, Stella and Harper.


Kyra Geertsen

INSTRUCTOR

Bio coming soon.


Gabby Weber

INSTRUCTOR

Gabby is from Sandy, Utah and began dancing at the age of three, training at High-light, The Pointe, and for the majority at The Dance Club. She has trained in many styles including Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Tumbling, Modern, and even some African and cultural genres. To further extend her training experience, Gabby attended summer intensive programs across the country with Ballet West, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Alonzo King Lines, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet.  Gabby was able to earn many scholarship and convention titles at NYCDA, Jump, 24/7, Nuvo, Hollywood Vibe, etc. and has been grateful to be exposed to such incredible teachers and dancers at a young age and throughout her training. She has now traveled to assist well-renowned teachers and choreographers including Joey Dowling, Andrew Winghart, Andy Blankenbuehler, and Jaci Royale. Gabby received a scholarship for dance from Brigham Young University, where she is now attending school as a Public Relations major, and is eager to pursue learning and growth. She currently dances professionally for Divinity Dance Company and Salt II Contemporary Dance Company, where she loves to continue her training and performance opportunities. Gabby has found a strong love for teaching and choreographing, and hopes to continue to share her knowledge and love for dance with everyone she teaches.


Lauralyn Kofford

ACRO INSTRUCTOR

Lauralyn has been involved in the Dance Industry for over 30 yrs..  She has an extensive background in all styles of dance.  Lauralyn attended BYU where she was on scholarship as a member of the BYU “Cougarettes.”  She graduated from BYU with a Bachelor Degree in Dance Education and was immediately hired to teach full-time at Timpview high school.  While teaching full-time at Timpview, Lauralyn coached the competition dance team and directed the performing arts dance company.

Eleven years later, in 2002, Lauralyn had the opportunity to join the choreography team for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games Opening and Closing ceremonies, so she retired early from teaching and started her new “freelance” dance career.

Lauralyn has been an “award winning” choreographer for the past 25yrs.  She has choreographed hundreds of competition routines, Theater productions, Solos, Television Commercials, Pageants, Conventions, Flash Mobs, and Bowl Game Half Time Shows across the country.  Lauralyn has also been the head choreographer for the annual 4th of July “Stadium of Fire” show for the past 15 yrs. held at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Lauralyn is also trained and certified as an Acro Arts Instructor and has been teaching all skills levels in Acro Arts for the past two years.  She directs Acro Arts programs and teaches master classes throughout Utah.  She used to be a competitive gymnast and now loves teaching Acro Arts because it has merged acrobatics & tumbling with the art and athleticism of dance.

Lauralyn is Co-Director of the “Miss Drill Utah Solo Championship” and the “The Utah Studio Solo Championship.” Her influence on these dancers has been instrumental in helping them to move forward with many wonderful opportunities in the dance/drill team industry.

Lauralyn works with over 80-90 different dance groups each summer as a Veteran Instructor for EPIC Dance Camps, and the Director of Dance America’s “Summer Slam Dance Camps.”

Lauralyn has a real passion for helping dancers be their best and push themselves to reach their full potential.  Lauralyn loves teaching and mentoring these students to be more than just talented dancers.  She truly sees the life skills taught through dance.  She has been a coach, teacher, parent of dancers, choreographer, adjudicator, and director of dance competitions…. She truly understands ALL aspects of the sport and LOVES EVERY PART OF IT!!

Bio coming soon.


Abbie Dwiggins

TUMBLING INSTRUCTOR

Starting at age 11 I found a passion for gymnastics, as time went on I progressed to level 9. I lived in the gym and I loved everything about the sport, the owner promised me that the day I turned 16 I could start coaching and I was jumping for joy! Ever since that very day that I turned 16 I have been coaching gymnastics and tumbling. I took a short break from coaching to serve and LDS mission in North Carolina. The week I got back I quickly resumed to coaching.(:
I’m now recently married and currently one of the head coaches at Utah Twisters Gymnastics. I have always told everyone “Basics build champions”. I love what I do! I love helping my students find a love for tumbling! I try my best to teach proper form and provide adequate strength training so each student can reach their maximum.