Mattie Murphey began dancing at age 3 at the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center before transitioning to Precision Dance Academy at age 4, where she competed for the next nine years. She trained extensively in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip hop. In high school, she served as co-captain of her school’s drill team, expanding her repertoire to include kick and pom. Mattie loves working with kids, creating a fun and engaging environment that fosters their love for dance. She currently dances with the Aura Dance Company at the University of Washington, where she is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Sociology.

Lucy is a dedicated dancer and instructor with years of experience in both performing and teaching. Originally from Orange County, California, she trained in a variety of dance styles before moving to Washington, where she taught at Dance Creations Wenatchee. She especially enjoys contemporary, modern, and jazz. Lucy graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Education and a minor in Dance. She is currently a Seattle Seahawks Cheerleader and dancer. Lucy is passionate about creating an encouraging learning environment where all dancers feel confident, capable, and inspired.

Maura Banks, is from Vancouver, Washington, began dancing at the age of 4. She has trained extensively in Hip-Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary dance. She is currently a student at the University of Washington, and an active member of the Hip-Hop Student Association, where she performs, choreographs, and teaches her team. She is passionate about creating an energetic and supportive environment where dancers of all ages can grow, and connect with one another!

Becca has loved dancing and creating since childhood. Growing up in the Bay Area, she performed with San Carlos Children’s Theater, and she is now a teaching artist and choreographer. Currently, she serves as the Community Engagement Officer for UW Stage Notes where she performs, choreographs, and plans events. Becca loves all styles, especially jazz, contemporary, musical theater, and hip-hop. She is passionate about arts education, teaching transferable performance skills, and empowering students to find joy in dance, music, and storytelling. She is currently an Interdisciplinary Honors student at the University of Washington, majoring in Psychology and Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies.

Nora Chareon, a Seattle native, has been dancing since the age of 5, specializing in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern. With training in both the RAD and ISTD syllabi, she brings a strong technical foundation to her classes. As a teacher, Nora fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, helping students refine technique, explore creativity, and build confidence. She focuses on balancing strong fundamentals with artistic expression to help each student reach their full potential! 

Aly fell in love with dancing at a young age and is excited to foster an environment where dance can be fun, a creative space, and an engaging activity. Aly is originally from San Jose, California where they trained in various styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, musical theater, modern, and contemporary. Now living in Seattle, they are primarily pursuing a career in theatre as a stage manager but have also been involved as choreographer, director, and actor. Aly is dedicated to creating spaces in dance where everyone feels welcome and like they are set up for success!

Alison began dancing at the age of 5 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has trained in many styles ranging from Ballet to Commercial to Ballroom to Jazz, but particularly enjoys Tap and Contemporary! She is currently a student at the University of Washington studying Chemistry  and Dance. She loves working with kids (and is a camp counselor in the summers!) and strives to create a space where dancers can feel free to be themselves and connect with each other through movement.  

Vanessa Wilson began her dancing journey over 15 years ago in the Seattle area, training in ballet, tap, jazz and modern styles through the RAD and ISTD curriculums. She began choreographing for theatres at age 16, and went on to win Centrestage Theatre’s Choreographer of the Year Award 2024. Currently, she is a UW student majoring in English!

Heidi Chang has been dancing for 16 years and has experience in a variety of styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary/Lyrical, Tap, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. She was the captain of her high school drill team, where she choreographed and performed pom, kick, and military routines. Heidi graduated from the University of Washington, where she also ran her own dance club for students. As a teacher, she strives to create a positive and encouraging environment where dancers of all experience levels can learn, grow, and have fun.!

Abby Schuster is from Vancouver, WA and began dancing at the age of 2. She got her formative years of training at DanceWorks Performing Arts and has recently received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance and Art History from the University of Washington. Abby enjoys teaching Jazz, Ballet, and Lyrical, and is deeply passionate about giving students the space to express themselves through movement.

Makena grew up dancing in Seattle from the age of two, training across multiple different styles: Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary/Modern, Afro-Funk, and Floor work. She continues to pursue her love for dance and dance education at The University of Washington where she is double majoring in Dance and Communications studies. She loves being able to bring a love for dance to any space, age, and level of experience. Passionate that everyone has an itch for the dance floor, it just takes the right opportunity to bring it out.

Clara grew up dancing at San Diego Danceworks, where she trained in hip-hop, tap, contemporary, jazz, ballet, and more! She has experience competing, performing, and teaching kids at her studio. Currently, she is a student at UW majoring in Neuroscience, while continuing her passion for dance through Tap Club, Aura Dance Company, and UW dance department classes and shows. Clara is thrilled to help create a space where young kids can express themselves creatively through dance.