LORIE F. HOLTEY… OWNER, DIRECTOR, INSTRUCTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER

*Dancing since 1982     -     21 yrs teaching experience     –     Owner since 1999

Grew up right here in the Valley – Graduated from Naches Valley High School and YVCC.  Trained in all areas of Dance from Classical Ballet, terrific Tap, all styles of Jazz, to the latest in Hip Hop, and Floor Gymnastics.  Lorie knows singing and acting as well, all areas to make it in this line of profession.  She has traveled all over the United States and Canada dancing professionally, working and training with Renowned names in the Dance World.  Taken classes in NY and LA along with teaching master classes all over.  Traveled with Hoctor’s Dance Caravan for 6 years – 2 as a student and 4 as Faculty.  Currently in her 14th year with Starpower National Talent Competition – Judging and Tabulating dance competitions nationally and internationally.  Works for All American Cheer And Dance as the Featured Dancer Coordinator for the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii.  Lorie spent  5 years coaching the West Valley High School Color Guard, and now is working with NVHS Color Guard.  She has worked with several local cheer squads, dance teams, drama productions, and sport athletes.  Some of her credits have been featured dancer for  N’Sync, 98 Degrees, Sugar Ray, Jessica Simpson,  Brandi,  Jennifer Love Hewitt, LifeHouse,  Backstreet Boys, Enrique Iglesis, Cierra, Don Ho, Jasmine Trias, Goo Goo Dolls, Redskin Cheerleaders, Baltimore Raven Cheerleaders, Barry Youngblood, Roni Mahler, Jerry Rose, Sharon Lancaster, Al Bee, JT Jenkins, Darryl Retter, Tony award winning Choreographers Tommy Walsh and Andy Blankenbuehler, Robert Moses, Marinda Davis and many more.  She teaches the Studio Technique classes along with beginning students thru the Graduate Classes.  (Look out –  She’s  a Second Degree Black Belt too!)  Passionate and Professional!

KRISTINA D. SPEER… ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, INSTRUCTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER
*Dancing since 1982     –     Teaching since 1997

A Selah High School and Central WA University Graduate… Well rounded in all senses!  Has a strong background in Tap, Jazz, Ballet-Lyrical, gymnastics, and Cheer.  After Highschool Cheering and Dancing, Kristina went up to Central Washington University and participated on their dance team in 98-99, and then Cheered from ’99 to 2001.  She just finished her Masters in Elementary Education and has taught 5 years of  Kindergarten and now 2nd grade for the past couple years.  Absolutely wonderful with Kids!!  Not only has she won numerous awards for Dancing but several for Choreography with our KSD Performance Team.  Kristy along with Lorie, are the Performance Team Coaches.  She has been Assistant Coach for Selah High School Cheer Squad.  And also Choreographs for Bel Canto Women’s Choir.

NICOLE EGLIN…   INSTRUCTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER
*Dancing since 3     –     Teaching since 2000

A former Davis High School Student and Central WA University Graduate…”The Tap Queen” of Yakima  Always a favorite here at Kent.  Background in Tap, Ballet/Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and all out fun!  She was once even part of the Professor Bud’s Mini Circus and knows all there is to know about Circus acts!  Nicole has Choreographed for the Davis Follies many years and has also won several awards for her dance choreography.  Watch out – she’ll work you hard (but always with a smile and fun!)

MEGAN L. WHILEY…     INSTRUCTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER
*Dancing since 1989     –     Teaching since 2001

Coming from White Swan and a graduate from Sakie Cosmotology School, we have our own personal studio stylist along with a skilled and trained dance instructor.  Even though her passion is Lyrical, she is a wonderful tap, ballet, jazz teacher too!  Megan was on her High School Cheer Squad and lead them as Captain.  She really relates well with the teenage student and can help them find their movement thru dance to express life and emotions that people go thru.  You really can tell she love to dance!

PATRICK LOPAZE…   INSTRUCTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER
*Dancing since 2001     –     Teaching since 2007

Graduated from Davis High School ’07… here’s The “Man” of the Studio!  Ok Guys, so you think dance is for girls?  Just watch the strength and stamina that comes from this guy!  Newest member to our teaching staff – but he has been an assistant teacher 3 years prior.  An all out favorite of our students!  His energy and spirit is contagious.  Come take one of his exhilarating Jazz or Hip Hop classes, Beginner Ballet/Lyrical, and even Beginning Tap.  Patrick is well trained in Gymnastics and was on Team for 5 years.  He was Cheer Captain for Davis High School and performed in musicals such as Aida and Jesus Christ Superstar,  choreographer for the Warehouse Theatre’s production of “Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” — A top award winning competitor also.  Patrick will do it all!

OFFICE STAFF

JEAN HOLTEY     –     OFFICE MANAGER
JENNIFER EVERTS
GINA CATRON                                                                                                                                                                                                      JENNIE RIPLEY