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.

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.”

Ms Emily
Owner / Artistic Director

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.

Ms Brianna
Studio Manager and Dance Instructor

Ms Carmen
Front Desk
Ms Carmen was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She moved to Arizona in 2006. Her career in copper sales, data analysis and lastly mortgage loan processing has kept her extremely busy over the years. Dancing has always been part of her life. She has raised 3 beautiful children into adulthood. Ms Carmen, a dancer, and her husband, a DJ, have instilled the love for arts into her children. After years away from the stage herself, she had the opportunity to perform at Dance 101’s recital in 2019 with her daughter Ms Jessica. She is excited to be a member of the Dance 101 team. Ms Carmen is looking forward to returning on stage and dancing along with her daughter and granddaughters.

Ms Chareka
Dance Instructor
Ms Chareka, a native of Richmond, Virginia began her dancing career in high school. She is a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia where she received her Bachelor of Arts 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 2015, Ms Chareka graduated from ASU where she received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Choreography, Teaching, and Performance. Since then, she has traveled to several countries such as Panama, London, France, India, and Mexico teaching and taking dance classes. Ms Chareka enjoys performing and most of all teaching. She has trained in hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical and modern dance styles. Ms Chareka is the owner of Radiant Dance Center and enjoys using dance as a platform to build confidence and empower her students. Ms.Chareka is excited to partner with Ms Emily and Dance 101 this season.

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.

Ms Dee
Dance Instructor

Mr Jemel
Dance Instructor

Ms Jessica
Assistant Director and Dance Instructor

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.

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 Morgan
Dance Instructor

Ms Riley
Dance Instructor

Ryn
Dance Instructor

Ms Sara
Director of Educational Development and Dance Instructor

Ms Stevi
Dance Instructor

Ms Treva
Dance Instructor

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.