Highly Qualified & Fun Instructors

Not only do our instructors have a passion and love for teaching dance and they also the credentials to back it. Dance 101 instructors have college degrees in dance as well as certifications from reputable dance organizations. Instructors have access to continued education with some of the nation’s top professionals. This provides our students with up-to-date steps, technique and the latest dance trends.​

Emily Finch Dance 101 Owner

Ms Emily

Ms Brianna H

Ms Brianna

Ms Dee

Ms Dee

D101-Jemel

Mr Jemel

Dance 101 Ms Jess

Ms Jess

Ms Morgan

Ms Morgan

D101-Riley

Ms Riley

Ryn

Ryn

MsSara

Ms Sara

Treva Stotts

Ms Treva

We teach fundamentals, creativity and self-expression
Dance is not just about the steps and choreography. By teaching students dance elements alongside technique we give them the tools and confidence to not only duplicate movement, but to express their self through it.

Ms Emily

Owner

Ms Tessa

Associate DIRECTOR

Ms Jess

Studio Manager

Ms Brianna D

Director of Instruction and Teacher Development

Ms Brianna H

Assistant

Ms Brittany

instructor

Ms Caitlyn

INSTRUCTOR

Ms Jordan

instructor

Ms Lindsey

INSTRUCTOR

Ms Sara

instructor
We teach fundamentals, creativity and self-expression
Dance is not just about the steps and choreography. By teaching students dance elements alongside technique we give them the tools and confidence to not only duplicate movement, but to express their self through it.
Emily Finch Dance 101 Owner

Ms Emily

Owner / Artistic Director
Ms Emily, a native of Marshalltown, Iowa, began her dancing career at the age of three. Always knowing she wanted to be a dance teacher, Emily attended the University of New Mexico to study dance. Ms Finch then transferred to ASU where she earned her BFA in Dance Education. She was the Outstanding Dance Education Student for the ASU Department of Dance and the 2001 winner of the Arizona Choreography Competition. Following graduation, Emily danced with two Valley modern dance companies. Ms Finch then moved to Iowa where she was an Instructor and Studio Director for her childhood studio in 4 neighboring communities. Emily was a core member of Des Moines’ only professional modern dance company, and has performed in Canada and Minneapolis with them. Upon moving back to the Valley in 2006, Emily has taught for local studios in Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe. Ms Emily has over 20 years of experience instructing classes in pre-school dance, creative movement, ballet, modern, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap, contemporary, pom/cheer, yoga and fitness. Emily is thrilled to be celebrating Dance 101’s 12th season. Ms Emily also shares her love of dance with her two beautiful children.
When I think of Dance 101 one word comes to mind…FAMILY. Dance 101 is one big happy community. It is a place where EVERYONE can dance! I am so grateful for the never ending support of our students, families, and staff.
ms-brianna

Ms Brianna D

Director of Instruction and Teacher Development / Instructor

Ms Brianna, originally from Woodward, Oklahoma and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, has always had a passion for dance and believes it to be something that brings her family together. Ms Brianna started taking dance class in middle school and knew she could not live without it. Ms. Brianna went on to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education from Arizona State University and is K-12 certified. Traveling to parts of the world like Paris, Italy, Germany, California, and New York, Ms. Brianna is interested in experiencing how different people include dance as part of their culture. Ms Brianna’s favorite style to dance is House dance. Ms Brianna loves teaches all forms of hip hop foundation. “You don’t have to be good, but you do have to be good at trying and trying again.”

Dance 101 is my home away from home! I feel supported, encouraged, and energized by everyone at the studio! My students are always trying to improve their technique!
D101 Alex

Ms Alexis

Dance Instructor

Ms Alexis was born and raised in Peoria, Arizona and began dancing at age 9. She danced recreationally and competed at Prestige Dance Academy. When she reached High School she began to pursue other activities such as equestrianism and art. She studies at Arizona State University progressing towards a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a minor in Design Studies. She has nannied for 3 years and has a passion for children. Because of this love of children, and her past with dance, teaching at Dance 101 is a perfect way to incorporate what is most important to her into her life.

I’ve never experienced a work environment as fun as Dance 101. The staff and kids are so high energy and supportive, I’m always excited to come to work!
Ms Brianna H

Ms Brianna

Studio Manager and Dance Instructor
Ms Brianna was born in Long Island, New York and was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She started dancing when she was two and in later years danced at a competitive level. She has been on various performance teams. Ms Brianna has trained in tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, pointe and musical theater. She loved choreographing for the theater productions at her high school and within the community. When she was given the opportunity to instruct young dancers at her childhood studio, her passion for teaching blossomed! Ms Brianna has been at Dance 101 since 2019 and has loved every minute of it! She graduated from Arizona State University in 2022, with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy (Morality, Politics, and Law) and Justice Studies. Ms Brianna loves being a part of the Dance 101 family and is so excited for the new season!
Dance 101 is an incredible studio with a remarkable and loving community. I am beyond grateful to be surrounded by so many talented and caring coworkers who make everyday better than the last and students who are eager to learn and share a passion for dance. Being a part of Dance 101 has helped me grow not only as an instructor and a dancer, but as an individual and I look forward to seeing the growth of our students and the studio!
Dance 101 Ms Brigid

Ms Brigid

Dance Instructor

Ms Brigid is originally from northern New Jersey her whole life. She started dancing at the age of 3 and immediately fell in love with it. She began dancing competitively when she was 6 and graduated from her studio when she was 18. When she was 15 she joined Nick Dinicolangelo’s Hands Down Tap Project. She continues to perform with the company in New Jersey. After coming to Arizona to attend ASU in 2016, she became an executive board member of the ASU club “Free the Dance” and has performed in the undergraduate show for the dance program. Along with that, she was in Brandon Trieu’s contemporary show held at Unexpected art gallery. Besides dance, Brigid is currently a senior pursuing a double major in Design Studies Management and Communications with an internship in digital marketing. Ms Brigid has loved getting to teach at Dance101 and is so excited to begin her third year of teaching here!

Dance 101 is the best place for a well rounded and exciting dance education. From my amazing coworkers to the awesome students, I couldn’t ask for a better place to work!
Ms Brittany

Ms Brittany

Dance Instructor

Ms Brittany, originally from Northern California, has been passionate about movement her entire life. She danced recreationally and competed at her home studio, CVPA for over ten years. After high school, she continued to develop her teaching skills by instructing tap classes at two different studios in the Bay Area. Once she moved to Arizona, she became extremely focused on educating herself with the arts community, teaching at different studios, and pursuing two different degrees. Currently, she has over four years of experience teaching dance to various age levels and hopes to open her own studio one day. Ms Brittany is well versed in dance styles including ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, and contemporary. She recently received a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Arizona State University. With a knowledgeable background in both performance and teaching, she hopes to learn and evolve while working with the students and Dance 101 faculty. 

Dance 101 is a safe space that allows me to express my love for teaching and creating movement. I learn new things from my boss and my students everyday! I love that our ultimate goal is to help students improve their technique while having fun.
Dance 101 Ms Caitlyn

Ms Caitlyn

Dance Instructor

Ms Caitlyn is originally from Iowa Falls, Iowa where she had extensive training in ballet, pointe, contemporary, tap, jazz, and pom at the Robert Thomas Dancenter and under the direction of Emily Finch and Maureen McGrath. She competed as a young dancer and won the title of Iowa’s Outstanding Dancer in 2006. After moving to the Valley she received her Associates Degree in Dance Performance from Scottsdale Community College and performed with Instinct Dance Corps, S.A.J.E, and Moving Company. Professionally, Ms. Caitlyn performed as a principal dancer for former company Vega Arts and Entertainment and trained with Fosse protege and Broadway star, Ann Reinking. Ms. Caitlyn has been teaching dance and choreographing for over a decade for numerous dance studios in the valley as well as the National Dance Alliance all over the country. Aside from teaching dance she is also a Physical Therapist Assistant, a wife, and mom to son, Hudson and Nash.

I have never worked anywhere where I felt more appreciated than I do from Ms. Emily at Dance 101! I love working at a studio where the families and staff are so welcoming and accepting.
Ms Dee

Ms Dee

Dance Instructor
De’Aviyon was born and raised in Detroit, where her passion for dance started. She began dancing at the age of five and focused her training in the style of Hip Hop. In 2013, De’Aviyon and her family moved to Phoenix, where she opened her eyes and heart to training in other styles such as Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical, Jazz, and Improvisation at her local dance studio, Desert Sun Performing Arts. In high school, De’Aviyon was the captain of the Urban Dance Team, on the Mountain Pointe Dance Company and a member of the BSU Step Team. De’Aviyon has taught at other local dance studios, choreographing on students within different demographic and cultural groups. She has had the pleasure of choreographing competition routines and leading private lessons and dance workshops. De’Aviyon earned her degree in Dance Education from Arizona State University in 2021. She spent the 2021-2022 school year at Intrinsic Schools Downtown Campus as their Dance Instructor; a school that pulled students from more than 75% of the neighborhoods within Chicago, IL. De’Aviyon is spending the 2023-2024 school year teaching dance full time at Westwood High School and cannot wait to dance the season away with both her high school and Dance101 students!
Dance 101 is one of the best and most enjoyable community based studios in Arizona! I enjoy coming into a space with strong individuals that serve as faculty and with all the students who remind me why I love what I do.
D101-Jemel

Mr Jemel

Dance Instructor
Mr. Jemel was born and raised in Arizona. With a focus on Hip-hop, he enjoys dancing, choreographing, and instructing. Mr. Jemel has been a part of the Maricopa High School Company Team, Mesa Community College Company Team, ASU AZNA Dance Crew, The Filipino Performance Team and Jukebox FAM. He has been assisting and instructing at Dance 101 since 2021. Mr. Jemel has been pursuing his growth as a dancer and instructor through education, mentorship and competitions. When he is teaching, Mr. Jemel loves to inspire and motivate his students. His goal is to make all his students feel accomplished whether in their dance journey or in their life.
Dance 101 is a community for LITERALLY anyone! The environment is filled with so much positivity, it becomes contagious. Whether I am working as an instructor, assistant or administrator, I am always happy to be here.
Chareka Daniel

Ms Chareka

Dance Instructor
Ms Chareka is a native of Richmond, Virginia and began her dancing career in high school. She is a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia where she received her BA with a concentration in dance. While in college, Ms Chareka was awarded the Outstanding Performer and Choreographer of the Year for the School of Theatre and Dance at JMU. In addition, Chareka received a full scholarship to study dance for an entire month at the Laban Dance Studio in London. In 2015, Ms Chareka became a graduate of ASU where she received her MFA in choreography, teaching, and performance. Since then, Ms Chareka has traveled to several countries such as Panama, London, France, and Mexico teaching and taking dance classes. Ms Chareka enjoys performing and most of all teaching. She has trained in urban, contemporary, lyrical and modern dance styles. Ms Chareka served as Dance Director at North Pointe Preparatory for the 2018-2019 school year and Heritage Academy from 2019-2021. Additionally, she has taught dance to grades K-5th all across the valley. Ms Chareka is passionate about using dance as a platform to build confidence and empower her students.
I love being a part of a staff that is always helping one another to grow. Everyone is always supportive of each other which has allowed me to grow into a better choreographer and teacher.
Dance 101 Ms Jess

Ms Jessica

Assistant Director and Dance Instructor
Ms Jessica, originally from El Paso, Texas, moved to Chandler, Arizona at age 10. In Texas, she participated in gymnastics, dance, and was a member of her five older brothers’ dance crew starting at age five. After moving to Arizona, she joined her middle school’s Cheer & Pom team and entered into her high school’s dance program graduating as a member of the National Dance Honors Society. Ms Jessica directed the Boys & Girls Club summer dance program from 2013-2017 at the Chandler-Compadre Branch, where as a youth she was a part of their DAINOW dance crew. Ms Jessica was the Pom and Dance coach for Willis Junior High in Chandler, Arizona from 2017-2020. Ms Jessica is an Arizona State University alum, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in Dance and Educational Studies. At home, Ms Jessica dances with her 2 year old daughter Lucy and husband. At Dance 101, Ms Jessica is the Assistant Director and teaches Urban, Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Acro classes.
Dance 101 fosters the artistic, intellectual, and personal growth of its instructors. I learn from my boss, coworkers, and students on a daily basis. Because my students are continuously working on their talent, they push me to be more creative and expand my own knowledge of dance skills.
Ms Jordan

Ms Jordan

Dance Instructor

Ms Jordan, originally from Chicago, Illinois, moved to Arizona at age 11. Up until she was 15 years old she was a competitive gymnast. She took her first dance class her freshman year of high school at Gilbert High and fell in love with it. She started to study musical theatre, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, tap and jazz at Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy. The following year she became a member of their competitive dance company. Ms Jordan then went on to receive her Bachelors Degree in Dance Education from Arizona State University. While attending ASU she choreographed multiple pieces for showcases within the school and danced for Perfectly Imperfect Dance Company. She also directed a competitive dance company for ages 10-18 where she received multiple choreography awards from competitions like Cathy Roe, Releve, and No Limit.  Immediately after graduating Jordan started working at Tempe High School as a dance and yoga teacher. Jordan plans to continue to teach, choreograph and learn as much as she can within the dance community.

I love being a part of a staff that is always helping one another to grow. Everyone is always supportive of each other which has allowed me to grow into a better choreographer and teacher.
Dance 101 Ms Lindsey

Ms Lindsey

Dance Instructor

Ms Lindsey, born and raised in Phoenix, began dancing at the young age of 3, started competing at 10 and teaching at 15. In high school she was president of performance dance, choreographing for all levels in the school, as well as captain of the pom team. After graduating high school Lindsey went on to make Arizona State’s Hip Hop Coalition where she performed at games and other events for the university. During her time at ASU she studied dance abroad for one year in Northern Ireland focusing on unique dance styles. Dance has opened so many doors for Lindsey leading her to her love of children, other passions such as acrobatic yoga, and teaching. She plans on continuing to be involved in the dance world for as long as possible.

Ms Niamey

Ms Niamey

Dance Instructor

Ms Niamey is a graduate of Arizona State University (ASU) with a BA in Communication, Minor in Dance and Certificate in Brazilian Studies. With her strong faith background and love for the community she graduated from Elevate International Antioch Discipleship and Arts program in 2017 where she learned how to be a disciple implementing projects and initiatives to enrich the community. Niamey has been dancing for eighteen years; she has been a member of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury Hip-Hop Squad, Anomalous Dance Crew, Arizona Raw Talent and many more. Niamey has performed in the Valley, Chicago and Atlanta (just to name a few) and she has trained with amazing world-renowned choreographers. Niamey has taught many dance residencies in Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe. 

Ms Morgan

Ms Morgan

Dance Instructor
Ms Morgan was born and raised in Arizona. She has always been very passionate about dance. At the young age of 10, Ms Morgan started taking studio classes. She took classes up until high school where she joined the varsity dance competition team at her school. Being the Vice President of her team, she helped lead them to win at the state competition. Ms Morgan worked with the President of the team and her dance teacher to coordinate different fundraisers, choreograph dances for performances, and organize team-building activities! From there her love for dance grew even more. After Ms Morgan graduated from Basha High School, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from Scottsdale Community College and is currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management as well as a Minor in Dance at ASU. Ms Morgan enjoys all styles of dance, but her favorites are hip-hop and jazz! She loves to shop and spend time with her friends and family in her free time. Ms Morgan loves sharing her passion for dance with others whether they are new to dance or returning dancers, and is so excited to continue doing that at Dance 101!
Dance 101 is an amazing studio where everyone can be themselves and everyone is welcome. I love working at a studio where everyone is eager to teach and learn. I am always learning when I am at the studio and can’t wait to see our community grow!
D101-Riley

Ms Riley

Dance Instructor
Ms Riley’s love for Dance started at the age of three. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico she danced at many studios such as Duke City STARZ and Albuquerque STARZ while being the youngest girl on the competition team. Ms Riley enjoys jazz, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, ballet and most of all tap. As she became a little older, her love of dance flourished at All Stars Dance Academy. This studio holds a special place in Ms Riley’s heart since this is also where she began teaching. To gain more teaching experience at such a young age, Ms Riley also volunteered at In 2 Dance Company. Before moving to Arizona, Ms Riley was captain of the Valencia High School dance team. She graduated from Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona in 2021. Currently, she is a student at the National Academy of Sports Medicine, where she is pursuing a certification in personal training and nutrition. When Ms Riley is not dancing or studying you can find her at the gym.
Dance 101 is the dance community to join. When you walk through those doors you are welcomed with open arms to our studio. We hope you feel encouraged, inspired, and motivated to continue sharing your passion for dance with us!
Ryn

Ryn

Dance Instructor
Ryn was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona, where they now attend Arizona State University. They began tap dancing at 3 years old, with Ms. Emily, at Tempe Dance Academy. Initially they did tap, ballet and jazz, but once they began attending Dance 101 Ryn found their true passion, urban. During middle school and high school, Ryn helped choreograph dances for their school’s musical theater program. They have been dancing at Dance 101 since it opened. More recently, Ryn has gone back to taking tap, and now takes contemporary. While pursuing a degree in genetics, Ryn still loves taking hip hop classes at ASU. When they aren’t dancing, Ryn loves drawing, true crime shows and attending concerts with friends.
Dance 101 is a second home for me. Both the staff and students are constantly inspiring me to be a better dancer and person.
MsSara

Ms Sara

Director of educational development and Dance Instructor
Ms Sara was born and raised in Arizona. Her dance experience started when she was two and a half years old and from then on it became her passion. She grew up training in many different styles of dance as well as participating in a number of competitions through local dance studios. Ms Sara has trained in contemporary, jazz, ballet, tap, modern, musical theater, acro and much more. While a member of the Dobson High School Dance Company for 3 years, Ms Sara was President her senior year and received the Dancer of the Year award. Ms Sara has had the opportunity to work with many prominent choreographers in the valley and out of state. She graduated with a dual degree combining Fine Arts in Dance and Applied Science in Dance Technology as well as being a part of 2 pre-professional companies. She enjoys setting choreography and has set work on many students throughout her life and even took many of them to competition. Ms Sara loves being able to share her knowledge of dance as well as being able to encourage the students to be themselves whether in dance class or on a daily basis. She has enjoyed being able to set a positive outlook on other people’s lives. Ms Sara has worked at other local dance studios before coming to Dance 101. She is also a former crew member of a local dance company and non-profit called The Be Kind People Project. Ms Sara is the Director of Educational Development and a Dance Instructor at Dance 101 and she teaches a variety of different styles, classes and age groups. She enjoys working at Dance 101 and sharing her knowledge as well as her passion for dance with so many other artists.
Dance 101 has been such a blessing in my life! When I go to work I always feel supported, encouraged, appreciated and energized by everyone at the studio! I have seen personal growth in myself since I have been teaching here! I have gained more knowledge, experience, and structure from Ms Emily and the other instructors that also love what they do! It’s been one of the best studios I have ever taught at and I look forward to being a part of Dance 101 for a long time!
Ms Tessa

Ms Tessa

associate DIRECTOR / INSTRUCTOR

Ms Tessa was raised in Chandler, Arizona and began dancing at the age of 9. She has trained in styles from tap, jazz and ballet to ballroom, pointe and musical theatre. She danced recreationally for a few years and then began competing with the company at Dance Connection 2. Ms Tessa competed regionally throughout Arizona and on the national level. Ms Tessa was awarded the Senior Scholarship at Dance Connection 2 for her leadership and work ethic. Competing taught her professionalism and gave her confidence. Tessa has also participated in many community dance events, and performed at events through school during her years in college. Tessa graduated from Arizona State University in May of 2019 with a degree in Communication and a minor in Dance. She has been teaching at Dance 101 since 2016 and has taken on the role of Associate Director beginning this season. She has a love of learning as well as teaching and hopes to learn just as much from her students as her students learn from her.

Having grown up in the east valley dance community I can confidently say that Dance 101 is the most organized dance studio in the area. The class registration is simple, their camps are a great way to get children into the studio and comfortable with the staff, their recitals run efficiently and their dance education is great! With that, Dance 101 knows and values each of their students on a personal level so that every dancer feels important every time they enter the studio.
Treva Stotts

Ms Treva

Dance Instructor
Me Treva was born and raised in Escondido, CA and began her dance education at age four at Katharine’s Academy of Dance in Vista, CA. She is trained in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and modern dance. In 2018, she was given the opportunity to dance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as a representative for the Baja Region of the American College Dance Association. She attained her Associates degree in Dance from MiraCosta College in 2019 and Bachelor of Arts degree from Grand Canyon University in Christian Studies with a minor in dance in 2021. Ms Treva has a passion for teaching and creating choreography. She is excited to continue sharing her love for dance with her students at Dance 101.
At Dance 101 I feel valued and supported by my coworkers. The environment of the studio is warm and welcoming and the students are eager to learn. Dance 101 offers a five star experience for the entire family! Coming to Dance 101 is the highlight of my day and I am honored to be a part of the Dance 101 team.
Ms Tatum

Ms Tatum

Dance Instructor

Ms Tatum was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona and started dancing at the age of 3. From an early age she knew she loved to dance so she began studying ballet, tap, acro, jazz, and ballroom at Tempe Dance Academy. At the age of 7 she started to compete with her studio and spent six summers in NYC after she was awarded “Outstanding Dancer” at New York City Dance Alliance. Ms Tatum was also involved in her high school dance program along with being a part of the pom team. Teaching young students the art of dance has made her even more passionate about dancing. Teaching young children inspired her to pursue her education at Arizona State for elementary education in hopes of becoming a 1st grade teacher. Ms Tatum hopes to make her future classroom just as fun and positive as her dance classes.

I love walking through the doors of Dance 101 and being greeted by the amazing staff. Dance 101 welcomes everyone and has a way of making you feel right at home. The combination of hardworking students and encouraging teachers makes Dance 101 a great place to be a part of.

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