Category: Guest Instructor

Guest Instructor, Assistant Ballet

Lauren began dancing as a toddler and has danced her way through life since then! Her experiences include ballet, hip-hop, jazz, cheerleading, and musical theatre. Lauren is a clinical mental-health professional that integrates mindfulness and self-care into the dance class, honoring the mind & body connection! Lauren loves the authentic environment and community found here at Studio Move and has been a valuable member turned substitute instructor here. Her Ballet class is slow paced and relates the breath to movement with a unique, and calming approach.

Guest Instructor

Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Sofia began her training at Long Beach Ballet at the age of 4. During her time there, she performed in the Nutcracker for 15 years, and attended Regional Dance America festivals. Sofia continued her training at summer programs with American Ballet Theater, Ballet West, and The Rock School for Dance Education. She also competed in the Youth America Grand Prix, receiving both Top Twelve and 2nd place awards. Sofia then joined Grand Rapids Ballet as a trainee, performing in productions like The Nutcracker, Cinderella, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Balanchine’s Serenade, as well as dance films and educational outreach performances.

Sofia is now an apprentice at Ballet Idaho after joining their Trainee Program for the 2022-2023 season. She has performed classical works such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, and contemporary works from choreographers including Penny Saunders, Dani Rowe, and Joseph Hernandez.

Sofia has enjoyed teaching classes at her home studio, Long Beach Ballet, as well as working at their summer intensive. She is looking forward to continuing to teach at StudioMove!

Guest Instructor – Yoga and Dance

I am a teacher and coach at heart, also a mom and by nature, a mover in all of the ways. I’ve taught in the arts for more than seventeen years, I am strong advocate for creative expression for all ages. As a dancer, runner in several marathons, and yogini, I have a passion for human anatomy & health, as well as fitness, dance technique and human expression. I believe in the power of community. My classes draw from nature, are energetic and challenging, when they need to be. I have worked for regional theatres in Outreach & Education, I have managed companies of actors & dancers ranging from infants to adults, and even seen some of my students go on to be nationally recognized, which is so fulfilling.

Guest Instructor

Taylor has over 12 years of dance experience in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, and her personal favorite; hip hop! She began dancing at 8 years old in her hometown of Seattle, Washington. She has trained under professional dancers including Rie Hata, Kyle Hanagami, Kolanie Marks, Dave Scott, and Travis Wall. In 2008, she joined Phyzikal Graffi-T (PG FAM), an adult hip-hop team that trained and performed at a professional level. Performances included recitals, benefits, competitions and a dance film titled Battlefield America in 2012. She spent seven years teaching jazz and hip-hop classes at local dance studios and choreographed for many shows and competitions each year. Dance allowed her to travel to Los Angeles, Canada, Las Vegas, and Oregon for different performing opportunities. She has a strong passion for dance that will never be lost, and loves teaching people how to groove to the music while gaining confidence through movement.