Our faculty

Alana Koolen

Artistic Director, CEO

Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, AIDT

Alana’s vision for Young At Arts Dance Academy is that it is a place where dance is for everyone. Her belief is that dance is an important tool that creates well rounded and driven young people who go on to have the desire and dedication to achieve their goals. A studio is a family, where faculty and students support and encourage each other while working together to create an environment free of judgment, peer pressure, or bullying. All dancers no matter their age, ability, or skill are valued. This is how she grew up learning that dance should be, and this is how she intends to share her love of dance with the next generation.

Learn more about Alana

 
 

Stephanie Applin

Ballet, Pointe, Conditioning

Corinne Francis

Tap, Ballet, Jazz

 

Leanne

Wickstrom

Broadway, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap

 

Aislyn McCubbin

AcroDance, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary

 

Kiyomi Healy

Lyrical, Ballet, Jazz

 

Josie Holland

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, TripleX

Chantelle Ward

Lyrical, Tap, Broadway, Jazz

 

Caitlin Bush

Hip Hop, Jazz

 

Ariana Dickson

AcroDance, TripleX, Ballet, Jazz

 

Hayley Galati

Modern, Contemporary

 

Kiana Orr

Modern, Contemporary

Kailee Dixon

AcroDance

Grace Stevenson

Tutu Time

Our Teaching Philosophy…

  • Smile and make eye contact, letting each student know that you see them and they matter

  • Begin each class with a fresh perspective, open mind, and clean slate for each student

  • Teach with grace, compassion, and patience

  • Lead by example; Never ask of a student what you would not do yourself

  • Do everything within your power to protect the growing bodies and minds of students

  • Be cautious of the difference between criticism and critique – the former will destroy the positive effects of the latter

  • Always expect success, and never admonish failure

  • Remember that the development of the person is paramount to the development of the dancer

  • Make it your mission to have every child leave class thinking how much they love dance

  • Believe in yourself, be confident in your choices, and take pride in what you do

  • Remember that you are loved, admired, and respected within our Young at Arts Family!