Faculty
Our passionate and experienced faculty bring knowledge, creativity, and care to every class. Get to know the talented instructors and team members who help Sound Movement Arts Center dancers build confidence, develop technique, and discover their love of dance.
Our instructors
Meet our faculty & start your journey
Meet the talented and dedicated instructors who bring their experience, passion, and creativity to every class at Sound Movement Arts Center.
Giselle Lorenz Brock
Owner and Studio Director
Giselle Lorenz Brock
Owner and Studio Director
Miss Giselle holds a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College and brings extensive experience as a performer, choreographer, and educator across the East and West coasts. She has performed with Stiletto Entertainment aboard Holland America Cruise Lines, toured as a competition judge with Headliners and On Pointe Dance Competitions, and performed in New York with the New York Theatre Dance Ensemble and Broadway on Broadway.
She also trained with the world-famous Radio City Rockettes and has performed with Seattle Musical Theatre, ARC Dance Seattle, and En L’air Dance Seattle. Her choreography credits include several musicals, commercials, dance recitals, and community events.
As head coach of the Peninsula High School SuperHawks Dance Team, she led the team to the State Championships in her second year.
Today, Miss Giselle proudly leads Sound Movement Arts Center, turning her lifelong passion for dance into a place where the next generation can grow, create, and thrive.
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Tiffany DeMinter
MDC Director, Instructor
Tiffany DeMinter
MDC Director, Instructor
Miss Tiffany was born and raised in Tacoma, WA. She began dancing at 3 years old and has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, point, contemporary, and lyrical. She has also been teaching dance for over 11 years.
She graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle where she studied psychology and sociology and took tap, jazz, and ballet throughout her college career. She now holds a masters degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology.
Her passions include dancing, working with youth, enjoying the outdoors, hanging out with family and friends, and bringing smiles to everybody around her. She looks forward to another great year at Sound Movement Arts Center and sharing her love of dance with each student!
Kialee Deschenes
Instructor
Kialee Deschenes
Instructor
Passionate, driven, and fiercely creative, Miss Kialee is a dedicated Hip Hop coach and dance educator with over five years of experience training dancers across Washington state. Known for her inspiring coaching style, mindful approach, and award-winning choreography, she’s helped shape countless performers into confident, well-rounded individuals both on and off the stage.
Kialee is thrilled to bring her energy, experience, and heart to Sound Movement Arts Center, where she’s excited to help build a vibrant, inclusive Hip Hop community. As a family-friendly and mindful teacher, she creates a welcoming, positive space for dancers of all ages to grow in confidence, discipline, and creativity.
Her teaching journey has taken her through top studios like Groove Studios, Harbor Dance, and Industry Athletics and Movement, where she’s coached successful competition teams and built strong foundational programs. Whether she’s introducing young dancers to their first eight-count or cleaning advanced competition routines, Kialee brings intention, culture, and passion to every class.
Her mission is simple: to uplift, educate, and inspire dancers through movement, mentorship, and a deep love for the art of Hip Hop.
Naomi Spain Greene
Front Desk, Instructor
Naomi Spain Greene
Front Desk, Instructor
Miss Naomi is a passionate dance instructor and dedicated flight attendant based in Tacoma, Washington. With an extensive background in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, modern, lyrical, and traditional Japanese dance, Naomi has spent years sharing her love for movement with students of all ages. She has trained with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Kabuki Academy, and various dance programs throughout Tacoma, refining both her technique and teaching skills.
Miss Naomi has worked as a dance instructor at the Morgan Family YMCA and as an assistant instructor and artistic director for Stadium High School’s dance program, where she helped choreograph performances and mentor young dancers. She brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a deep appreciation for dance history and expression to every class.
When she’s not in the studio, Miss Naomi is soaring the skies as a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. Whether in the air or on the dance floor, she is committed to creating positive, memorable experiences for those around her. She can’t wait to be part of the vibrant Sound Movement Arts Center community and share her passion for dance with everyone!
Caylen Huff
Instructor
Jean Jackson
Instructor
Miss Jean began dancing in elementary school and continued her training through Jan Collum and Ballet Tacoma. She later attended Eastern Washington University as a dance major, studying Russian-based ballet alongside her Royal Academy of Dance and American ballet training.
Her teaching career has taken her across the globe, including Auburn Academy of Classical Ballet, studios in Jackson, Mississippi, and Japan. She has also taught pre-competitive gymnastics at Alaska Gymnastics Academy.
Miss Jean served as the dance program director at Mel Korum YMCA and later became Dance Director at the Lakewood YMCA, leading dance teams and year-round performances.
After a short hiatus, she is thrilled to return to teaching at Sound Movement Arts Center for Season 10, where one of her granddaughters also takes dance classes. We’re excited to welcome her to the SMAC family!
Jean Jackson
Instructor
Caylen Huff
Instructor
Miss Caylen has been dancing in Tacoma since she was two. She has trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Modern, and her favorite, Ballet. Miss Caylen has trained at Paradosi Christian Ballet Company, Image Studio of Dance, the YMCA, Studio Moves Dance Center and Tacoma City Ballet. She now calls Sound Movement Arts Center her dance home.
Miss Caylen’s favorite role has been the Sugar Plum Fairy in Sound Movement Arts Center’s first annual Nutcracker. She loved the challenge of the role as well as being a role model to the little dancers she danced with. This year will be her last year as a student at Sound Movement Arts Center, as well as her first year as a teacher! She is looking forward to the year, filled with nutcracker rehearsals, dance classes, teaching, and competing in the Youth America Grand Prix.
She can’t wait to start the season and meet her students! Miss Caylen hopes her passion for ballet helps develop a love of dance in all of the students she teaches.
Annelise Lawrence
Instructor
Annelise Lawrence
Instructor
Miss Annelise is a graduate from Saint Mary’s College of California where she received a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Science and Dance Performance. She performed in the Saint Mary’s Dance Company and trained in Ballet, Pointe, Modern, and Contemporary. She intensively studied dance courses including Dance Science, Dance Pedagogy, Laban/Bartenieff Fundamentals, Dance in Performance, Dance and Social Justice and much more. Annelise coproduced the senior dance show, The Spaces In Between, directing and showcasing her own work of art and senior thesis, To Have a Guardian Angel.
Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington she began her dance training at the age of two. She grew up dancing at the Morgan Family YMCA where she trained in many styles of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. Annelise performed in The Y Dance Company for 6 years. Her passion for dance continued to grow and led her to Saint Mary’s College where she had the opportunity to combine both of her interests for science and dance to begin pursing her dream of Physical Therapy.
Miss Annelise provides a supportive and inclusive environment for all dancers to achieve movement and an exploration of dance. She looks forward to being a part of the Sound Movement Arts Center team and to share her love of dance!
Kelly Lynch
Work-Study Program Director, Instructor
Kelly Lynch
Work-Study Program Director, Instructor
Originally from Colorado, Miss Kelly grew up dancing at Starstruck Academy of Dance and David Taylor Dance Theater before moving to Washington to pursue her bachelors degree in sociology and religion the University of Puget Sound. There she performed and choreographed for Repertory Dance Group and Swing Out! Lindy Hop troupe. She has performed and choreographed with MGMH Arts, Walrus Dance Theatre, University of Denver Dance, and the Barefoot Collective.
Miss Kelly served as the Senior Arts Director at the Morgan Family Y from 2012-2019 and is currently a co-Director for the Barefoot Collective, a community-based modern dance company, in Tacoma. She lives with her husband and two small children and enjoys reading, gardening, and running. She looks forward to another great year at Sound Movement Arts Center!
Eve Robinson
Instructor
Alicia Kay
Instructor
Miss Alicia was born and raised in London, ON Canada, where she began training in both gymnastics and dance at a young age. She is professionally trained in a wide range of dance styles, including Acro, Tumbling, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, and Contemporary. In 2012, she had the opportunity to perform at the Summer Olympic Games in London, England, with her home studio, Dance Extreme.
In 2018, Miss Alicia obtained her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Western University. While completing her degree, she taught and choreographed at Dance Extreme and also served as captain of the INmotion Dance Team at Western University. She later pursued her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Northeast College of Health Sciences in New York, graduating in 2023.
After earning her doctorate, Miss Alicia relocated to Tacoma, WA, to begin her career as a chiropractor. She currently practices at Tacoma Chiropractic Center, where she is passionate about helping patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Outside of the clinic, Miss Alicia enjoys staying active through running, hiking, yoga, and golf. She is thrilled to return to the dance studio as a member of the Sound Movement Arts Center faculty and looks forward to sharing her passion for dance, movement, and wellness with her students.
Ann Sanders
Instructor
Ann Sanders
Instructor
Miss Ann is a professionally trained dance educator, choreographer, and music editor with over 15 years of experience at Johansen Olympia Dance Center and Ballet Northwest. She specializes in teaching a wide range of styles and levels—including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Stretch and Strengthen—and is known for her work with both recreational and pre-professional dancers. Ann has choreographed extensively for recitals, regional festivals, and large-scale productions, including collaborations with the Olympia Symphony and Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia. She is excited to bring her expertise and energy to the team at Sound Movement Arts Center.
Ann’s training includes a diploma in ballet from the North Carolina School of the Arts, where she studied under renowned instructors such as Melissa Hayden and Nina Danilova. She also trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, the School of American Ballet, and the Hungarian Dance Academy. Her commitment to education is supported by certifications in brain-compatible dance instruction, along with a B.S. in Genetics and Cell Biology and an M.S. in Botany from Washington State University.
Kaitlyn Skrei
Instructor
Kaitlyn Skrei
Instructor
Miss Kaitlyn is a hip hop dancer from the Puyallup-Tacoma area. She started hip-hop at Elite School of Dance when she was 7. There she pursued competitive dance where Kaitlyn and her team have been awarded national champions along with other titles. Kaitlyn has danced at a number of venues including the Washington State Fair and Puyallup and Sumner Santa Parades. She has trained under Dezmond Garcia, the Gamlieli family and Alex Porter, along with well recognized choreographers at conventions, including Nappytabs and Ian Eastwood.
Kaitlyn has a passion for teaching dance and helping others. She said what keeps her going is seeing faces in the room light up when they understand something new. She is so excited to be back teaching at Sound Movement Arts Center and can’t wait to see what this season brings!
Tiffany (Miss Tiff) Skrei
Front Desk, Instructor
Tiffany (Miss Tiff) Skrei
Front Desk, Instructor
Miss Tiff grew up in Tacoma and began dancing at Elite School of Dance when she was 8 years old. Since the start of her dance career, she has trained in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical and Ballet. She participated in numerous competitions and performances herself and has since been teaching dance for 7 years. Tiffany’s choreography has been performed in a variety of settings, including Regional and National Competitions and at Disneyland as part of their Dance the Magic program. She has also collaborated on multiple routines with So You Think You Can Dance alumni like Lauren Froderman and Cole Mills.
Outside of dance, Tiffany attended Pacific Lutheran University, receiving her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology in 2020 and recently graduated from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, PA with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Since moving back to WA, she plans to start her career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist in the coming months.
She has always had a passion for teaching and helping students be the best that they can be. Miss Tiff is thrilled to be back in the PNW and she is looking forward to being a part of the Sound Movement Arts Center team!
Administration
Meet our administration & connect with our leaders
Our dedicated team works behind the scenes to support our dancers, families, and studio community every step of the way.
Valli Lamar
Costume Alterations Specialist
Valli Lamar
Costume Alterations Specialist
Valli Lamar brings a wealth of experience to her creative endeavors, though her most cherished roles remain being Miss Giselle’s mom—and now, a proud grandma. With a diverse background spanning fashion and costume design, decorative arts, publishing, and marketing, Valli has built a dynamic and multifaceted career. She is the owner of ValliDress, a professional bridal alterations business, and an accomplished dressmaker.
Now based in Tacoma, Valli supports Sound Movement Arts Center with costume orders, fittings, alterations, and administrative projects. She’s thrilled to be working closely with the team as a recital costume alteration specialist.
Darla Skrei
Front Desk
Tiffany DeMinter
Front Desk
Darla Skrei is excited to join the Sound Movement Arts Center team as a friendly face at the front desk. As a dance mom for over 20 years, she has attended countless performances and competitions while supporting her two daughters throughout their dance journeys.
With 20 years of experience managing and promoting events, Darla brings extensive knowledge in marketing, logistics, and large-scale event management. She has also been a realtor for 21 years and a real estate instructor and mentor for 7 years.
Outside of work, Darla enjoys boating, beaches, traveling, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. She’s excited to bring her experience and passion to SMAC as the studio moves into its next decade.
Mario Lorenz
Front Desk
Mario Lorenz
Front Desk
Coming soon!
Our legacy
Meet the instructors who shaped our journey
Celebrating the talented instructors who have shared their passion, knowledge, and love of dance with the SMAC community over the years.
Landon Anderson
Instructor
Landon Anderson
Instructor
Landon is an accomplished Ballroom and dance educator, with numerous US National titles in American Rhythm, Latin, and Cabaret. He represented the US at the 2012 World Youth Latin Championships, competed on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 11), and appeared on Dancing With The Stars (Season 15). He has also choreographed award-winning pieces in Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Ballroom, including nationally recognized choreography.
Landon studied at BYU, earning a BS in Exercise and Wellness with a Ballroom Dance minor. He is ISTD Certified in International Ballroom Technique and has performed and competed throughout the US, South America, and Europe.
He and his wife, Hannah, have achieved numerous national and international Ballroom titles, including the 2019 British Latin Formation Team Championship at Blackpool Dance Festival. They currently teach at Pacific Ballroom Dance in Auburn, Washington.
Landon is passionate about dance, teaching, travel, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with his family and their daughter.
Stevie Bono
Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop
Stevie Bono
Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop
Miss Stevie was introduced to dance at the ripe old age of 6 at Seabury School in Tacoma. She continued her training more extensively at Harbor Dance, studying: ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop through high school.
Eventually, she transitioned from recreational dancing to competitive and attended Nuvo, Jump, 24/7 and Showstoppers, winning many scholarships from Hollywood Connection. In high school, she performed in the musicals White Christmas and a Christmas Carol, where she was able to hone her partnering and choreography skills.
Currently, Miss Stevie is training to be a nurse at Tacoma Community College and is excited to be teaching at SMAC. She loves teaching dance and can’t wait to see what this year holds.
Hana Carlson
Summer Camp Instructor
Hana Carlson
Summer Camp Instructor
Hana Carlson started her dance training at the Morgan Family YMCA who was under the direction of Kelly Lynch and Lynn Wilmot- Stenehjem. She attended Ailey Camp Seattle for 2 years then in 2018 received a scholarship for the Ailey Experience in New York. That year, she furthered her studying of dance at T.U.P.A.C (Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center) in flamenco, ballet, west african and modern all under the direction of Klair Ethridge and Julie Tobiason. Performed in productions of the first Urban Nutcracker and Harriet: The Black Swan. She attended programs such as Open Space and University of the Arts Pre-College Intensive and worked with Tommie Waheed Evans, Roderick George, Franco Nieto, and LED Boise. Hana graduated from SOTA (Tacoma School of the Arts) in 2022, where she studied modern dance technique and hip hop.
She is studying dance at the London Contemporary Dance School, training in styles such as cunningham, street dance and hip hop related dance forms, flying low, gaga, and contemporary. Hana is passionate about social justice choreography, and has created work in the years that deal with Blackness, identity, love, climate change, and recently her piece Mourning of (Child)hood that deals with topics of mass gun shootings and loss.
She plans to continue dancing, choreographing and teaching and learning more about what dance can be. She is looking forward to working at Sound Movement Arts Center while home from Europe.
Asuka Conyer
Instructor
Asuka Conyer
Instructor
Miss Asuka got her start in hip hop at the Lakewood YMCA and Studio West Dance Academy’s BEATBOX division. She was the co-captain of the EDGE dance team coached by Kristen Grace and Sarahjane Bracy. With this team she had the opportunity to perform throughout the PNW in hip hop showcases such as Kutt n’ up, Olympia Arts Walk and the Northwest Dance Festival!
She has been teaching for over 5 years and is passionate about creating a safe, accessible, and empowering environment for youth to express themselves. She believes in truly educating her students with authentic Hip Hop culture both past and present to uplift creative minds!
She is currently a student at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and minoring in sociology. She hopes to one day become a juvenile attorney to uplift the voices of students in another form!
She looks forward to another great year teaching at Sound Movement Arts Center!
Amaya Dickerson
Instructor
Amaya Dickerson
Summer Camps
Miss Amaya is a recent graduate from the University of Washington Seattle. She just received her BA in Dance and a Minor in Diversity. Amaya loves to teach dance and specializes in Tap, Jazz, Street Styles, and Modern. She is so excited to teach the camps this summer and foster a creative community for each and every student!
Mariah Dhaese
Contemporary, Tap
Mariah Dhaese
Contemporary, Tap
Miss Mariah has been dancing for twenty two years and teaching for the last nine. Particularly trained in contemporary, tap, and hip hop, she has spent the last four years teaching competitively for Evolve Dance Company in Rockford, IL.
Known for her unique musicality, Mariah’s choreography has won several overall and special judges awards. Mariah loves all styles of dance, and strives to make her choreography match the music she hears. She is excited to be a guest at Sound Movement Arts Center!
Tori Denton
Cheer, Hip Hop, Jazz
Tori Denton
Cheer, Hip Hop, Jazz
Miss Tori is an experienced dancer and cheerleader from Gig Harbor, Washington. She began competitive dancing in elementary school at Harbor Conservatory and continued her competitive dance career throughout high school at The Dance Gallery. After graduating high school Tori realized she did not want to stop performing. She spent a year learning partner stunting and tried out as a ‘stunter’ for the University of Oregon’s cheerleading team. Tori is now beginning her second year as a University of Oregon cheerleader, which allows her to dance and cheer at football, basketball, and volleyball games, as well as travel to NCAA basketball tournaments and attend community appearances. She is so happy to be joining the Sound Movements Arts Center team and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of college cheerleaders!
Brinessa Doremus
Instructor
Brinessa Doremus
Instructor
Miss Brinessa is an experienced gymnast and ballet dancer from Tacoma, Washington. She grew up as a competitive gymnast, with the Morgan Family YMCA and Auburn Gymnastics where she excelled in the sport. Shortly after reaching level 9 in the competitive gymnastics world, she decided to pursue her passion for dance.
She was invited into Washington Contemporary Ballet’s senior company almost immediately. There, she began her intense training and eventually gained the title of Principal dancer. She has played many lead roles in various performances, such as The Nutcracker, The Pied Piper, and Firebird. Miss Brinessa received her Associate of Arts (AA) degree from Pierce College. She is excited for another year at Sound Movement Arts Center.
Jo Emery
Ballet
Jo Emery
Ballet
Miss Jo Emery is a Tacoma legend with years of professional teaching and performing experience. She is best known in Tacoma for training students at the Jo Emery Ballet School. She was the Artistic Director for the Tacoma Performing Dance Company for many years.
She has won five national endowment for the arts fellowships, been a professional choreographer with Greg Thompson Productions, performed productions in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Bermuda, Aruba, Las Vegas, Reno, France and Mexico. She looks forward to working with the students of Sound Movement Arts Center and teaching them the art of Ballet.
Dezmond Garcia
Hip Hop
Dezmond Garcia
Hip Hop
Mister Dezmond is a NW hip-hop dancer and choreographer. He started his dance journey as captain of his high school dance team where they were awarded state and national championships. He received his training under Daniel Cruz, Valicia Valliani and Joselitto Castillo, along with many other influential dancers and choreographers in the Seattle area.
Though his primary focus is Hip Hop, he was formally trained in ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, and bollywood. Dezmond was accepted into Cornish College of the Arts and has performed in many venues here in the northwest such as World Of Dance, Beamer Breakdown, and Cruz Control. For the last 10 years he has taught all across the NW and continues to share his love and passion for dance both in the classroom and online! He is excited to be joining Sound Movement Arts Center this season.
Kristen Grace
Hip Hop, Jazz Funk
Kristen Grace
Hip Hop, Jazz Funk
Katie Gray
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz
Katie Gray
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz
Miss Katie has been dancing all her life and has trained in ballet, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, contemporary, and tap. During high school, she participated in multiple competition teams and performed in the School of the Arts Dance Company. She just graduated from the University of Puget Sound where she received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry; she spent her time outside of academics choregraphing and teaching for the Reparatory Dance Group. She is extremely excited to continue dancing and joining the community at Sound Movement Arts Center!
Marvin Howard Jr.
Hip Hop
Marvin Howard Jr.
Hip Hop
Mister Marvin began his dance training at the age of 16 with Mount Tahoma High School’s Hip Hop Dance Team. His senior year, the team attended the State championships placing 4th in the 4A division. During his time on the team, he earned a spot on the UDA All American Dance Team and got a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform in Italy. After graduating high school, Marvin joined the US Air Force Reserve’s as a Medical Evacuation Technician.
After returning to Tacoma, Marvin accepted a position as the Head Coach of the Mount Tahoma High School Dance Team (WIAA member/CPR-First Aid Certified) and still enjoys coaching his alma mater to this day. Marvin currently performs with the NoDef Crew. Marvin’s passion is to dance, teach and inspire others to reach their full potential as dancers and to be the best they can be.
Alashia Jefferson
Hip Hop
Alashia Jefferson
Hip Hop
Miss Alashia has trained in Modern, Ballet, African, Praise Dance and Hip Hop. She is an innovative teacher/choreographer and challenges her students to be confident, creative and ambitious in class and in life.
Miss Alashia graduated from Tacoma’s School Of The Arts with a major in dance. She trained with the late Kabby Mitchell III, Robbin Jacklyne and Trina Doss. After graduating, she continued her classical studies locally, which lead her to be requested as a adjunct artist at SOTA, Co-Choreographer for Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute and a guest choreographer for Curtis High School’s annual Danceblast two years in a row.
Miss Alashia has had a wide variety of performance opportunities ranging from the Black Nativity, weddings, churches and community events. She has also performed at the Washington State Fair multiple times. When she is not teaching she is working with local artists to perfect their stage presence and performance skills. Miss Alashia’s goal is to nurture, inspire and motivate students to continuously grow and be well prepared for their own dance experience, where ever it may take them. Miss Alashia is excited to be back for another season of dance at Sound Movement Arts Center!
Cody Justice
Ballet Department Director, Instructor
Cody Justice
Ballet Department Director, Instructor
Miss Cody began dancing at age 8 in Boise, Idaho, training with Capital City Youth Ballet Company and later becoming a Ballet Idaho Trainee. She spent summers studying with Maria Vegh, Idaho Dance Arts Alliance, and Ballet West, and began teaching at Stars Dance Studio, where she discovered her passion for teaching.
Cody moved to Seattle to attend Cornish College of The Arts and joined the pre-professional Mentor/Apprentice program at Arc School of Ballet. She later performed with Arc Dance Company and Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan Society before joining the Arc faculty.
In Ventura, California, Cody taught at All American Ballet School, becoming head teacher of the lower division and eventually School Director while continuing to perform with the All American Ballet Company.
After taking a break following the birth of her second child, Cody is now back in the PNW with her husband and three children. She is excited to bring her expertise and love of ballet to Sound Movement Arts Center.
Hallie Keel
Hip Hop
Hallie Keel
Hip Hop
Miss Hallie grew up in Tacoma, Washington. She has trained under some of the most influential names in the dance community, including Brian Friedman, Tricia Miranda, and Tessandra Chavez. In addition, she has traveled across the nation with The Pulse on Tour as an Elite Protege and with Velocity Dance Convention as their 2016 National Junior MVA Winner.
Although traveling for dance was an amazing experience, Miss Hallie found her passion when she started teaching two years ago. With this being her third year teaching Hip Hop, she has found many ways to implement the rich history of Hip Hop into her teachings. Most people think of Hip Hop as being “just a style” of dance, but Miss Hallie’s goal is to help students understand that it is a culture and a lifestyle that goes beyond the combos learned in class.
Her favorite color is lavender, or any pastel version of a color. She is excited to start teaching at Sound Movement Arts Center and looks forward to seeing you in one of her classes.
Sydney Kendziora
Instructor
Sydney Kendziora
Instructor
Bronica Link
Instructor
Bronica Link
Instructor
Miss Bronica grew up as a dancer and a gymnast, beginning at the YMCA and moving on to more competitive clubs and companies, eventually performing as a soloist in Washington Contemporary Ballet’s many productions including The Nutcracker, Firebird, & Midsummer Night’s Dream. Along with ballet, Miss Bronica is studied in modern dance.
After graduating High School, Miss Bronica turned to teaching and has been doing it ever since. She started at Auburn Gymnastics Center as both a Gymnastics Coach, and a Ballet Instructor for their TOPs (Talent Opportunity Program) gymnasts and then moved on to teaching at SOund Movement Arts Center. She looks forward to another great year of dance with your children.
Briellen Link
Acro
Briellen Link
Acro
Miss Briellen’s artistic interest sent her in a circle around the world of art. Beginning with her first dance classes at the YMCA when she was very little, moving to competitive gymnastics where she competed for 5 years, and finally turning to music at the age of 15. Her interest in music led her to pursue piano performance at Pacific Lutheran University, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in 2015 along with multiple performance scholarships. During her time at university a passion for swing dance was sparked, and she began traveling to social dances and competitions all over the area, and eventually participated in the 2018 and 2020 Rock That Swing Festivals in Germany.
Besides performing, Briellen is an experienced piano teacher and gymnastics coach and loves working with kids. She coached gymnastics at the YMCA for 6 years, and has been teaching piano for almost 10 years. Currently she is teaching part time as a piano instructor through her private studio Briellen’s Piano Studio.
Kristin Luippold
Instructor
Kristin Luippold
Instructor
Miss Kristin has been teaching ballet and creative dance to children for more than twenty years. She grew up in Tacoma, studying and performing there, and now calls it home with her husband and three children. She is especially passionate about bringing the joy of dance to the youngest students and loves nothing more than to see a child light up with the discovery of being an artist.
Besides teaching dance, Miss Kristin has years of experience with coordinating performances. She has trained and directed hundreds of backstage volunteers so that the performance runs smoothly. She loves being a part of big events and has done event coordinating for various camps, fundraisers, and weddings throughout Tacoma.
Miss Kristin has also pursued her love of performance arts in her church by coordinating theatre, dance, and singing opportunities for children as a way for them to give back to their community. She loves the idea of arts being available to everyone and hopes to help bring about that vision by teaching dance with Sound Movement Arts Center.
Makenna Jean Nelson
Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre
Makenna Jean Nelson
Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre
Miss Makena grew up nearby, in Gig Harbor Washington. She is passionate about encouraging others to follow their dreams like she did. Miss Makena attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy(AMDA) in both Los Angeles and New York City. Her training included a variety of styles including hip-hop, ballet, jazz, tap, heels, modern, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theatre. She graduated with a certificate of Dance in 2017.
Since then she’s worked for Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. During her time performing on cruise ships she obtained a position as dance captain. Miss Makena was a dance captain for the Norwegian Gem and the inaugural cast of the Regent Seven Seas Splendor. While on cruise ships she furthered her training by learning Spanish Web, two point bungee (arial apparatuses) and swing dancing. She is excited to share her experience and passion for dance with her SMAC students.
Katie Tabb
Musical Theatre, Jazz, Tap
Katie Tabb
Musical Theatre, Jazz, Tap
Miss Katy Tabb is a Seattle native dancer and choreographer. Past choreography credits include: Newsies, Singin’ In The Rain, Billy Elliot, and Hello My Baby at Village Theatre in Issaquah, WA as well as the world premiere of Persuasion and upcoming Sweet Land at Taproot Theatre Company in Seattle. She recently choreographed Wonderful Town for the Seattle Symphony and the workshop production of ZM written by the creators of Urinetown, Greg Kotis and Mark Hollman, through the Village Theatre’s Beta Series.
As a performer, selected favorite credits include: Kiss Me Kate and Spamalot (5th Ave. Theatre), Chicago, The Producers, and Funny Girl (Village Theatre), 42nd St., Young Frankenstein, and White Christmas (Musical Theatre West), and 9 to 5 (3D Theatricals). Katy has toured internationally with Vox Dance Theatre and Benita Bike’s Dance Art. A teaching artist, she is on faculty at Westlake Dance Center and teaches master classes throughout the Greater Seattle area and at Cornish College of the Arts and University of Washington. She graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Dance from Chapman University and received additional training from The Ailey School. katytabb.com
Courtney Volta
Twinkle Tots, Ballet
Courtney Volta
Twinkle Tots, Ballet
Miss Courtney started dancing at 7 years old at All That! Dance Studio in Eugene, OR. Though her first loves are ballet and contemporary- she also studied tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, ballroom, and modern. At age 13, she began assisting in preschool ballet classes at her studio and fell in love with teaching dance.
Courtney continued to pursue dance when she came to Tacoma in 2012 to attend Pacific Lutheran University- participating in Dance Team, dancing and choreographing in their annual Dance Ensemble performances, and studying Brain Dance.
She began instructing for the Y in 2014 where she taught ballet, creative movement, jazz, and hip hop to students ages 2 years through adult. With her passion for bringing community together through the arts, Courtney transitioned to Arts Program Director at the Morgan Y in 2019.
She is passionate about creating safe spaces for students of all ages to explore movement and express their creativity. She is excited to use her skills in dance and early education in the new SMAC Preschool Camps!
Raven West
Cheer, Hip Hop, Studio Co-Founder
Raven West
Cheer, Hip Hop, Studio Co-Founder
Miss Raven has been a performer for most of her life. She has experience as an actress, model, dancer and choreographer. Raven has been in over 150 runway shows from L.A. to Vancouver B.C. She has had the opportunity to work with world renowned photographers Art Wolf and Matthew Jordan Smith from Americas Next Top Model. She also trained in the Yohanna House from Americas Next Top Model. She was given the award for best new model from AC Model In Talent her first year signed.
In addition to runway she has done print work, commercials, music videos, look books and work as a promo model. Raven has been teaching with the prestigious Barbizon Models and Talent in Seattle since 2012. She is also still an active model currently signed with Sports and Lifestyle.
Raven has also been a cheer and dance instructor for Young Champions (CPR-First Aid Certified), choreographed musicals for Astra in Puyallup as well as musicals for Tacoma Community College. As a dancer she has done music videos, commercials and even danced the part of Cha Cha in “Grease”. Her senior year she was awarded a tuition wavier scholarship for Talent with Tacoma Community College.
It is Raven’s hope to motivate, inspire and cultivate others passions for the arts whether as a model, dancer or actor. She can’t wait to see you in class!
Alicia Kay
Dance Instructor
Alicia Kay
Dance Instructor
Miss Alicia was born and raised in London, ON Canada, where she began training in both gymnastics and dance at a young age. She is professionally trained in a wide range of dance styles, including Acro, Tumbling, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, and Contemporary. In 2012, she had the opportunity to perform at the Summer Olympic Games in London, England, with her home studio, Dance Extreme.
In 2018, Miss Alicia obtained her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Western University. While completing her degree, she taught and choreographed at Dance Extreme and also served as captain of the INmotion Dance Team at Western University. She later pursued her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Northeast College of Health Sciences in New York, graduating in 2023.
After earning her doctorate, Miss Alicia relocated to Tacoma, WA, to begin her career as a chiropractor. She currently practices at Tacoma Chiropractic Center, where she is passionate about helping patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Outside of the clinic, Miss Alicia enjoys staying active through running, hiking, yoga, and golf. She is thrilled to return to the dance studio as a member of the Sound Movement Arts Center faculty and looks forward to sharing her passion for dance, movement, and wellness with her students.
Ready to Dance?
Your Dance Journey Starts Here
Find your class, meet your community, and start your journey at Sound Movement Arts Center. Whether your dancer is taking their first steps or preparing for their next performance, we’re excited to welcome you to the SMAC family.