Is United Dance Arts in Indiana Private? United Dance Arts in Indiana History?

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  Lynn Herrick

  Executive Director

  Lynn Herrick is the Executive Managing director of The Dance Refinery and has been in the business organization of education and performing for over 45 years. Her career has included 10 years as a professional person musical theater performer and choreographer, 26 years as a evidence choir choreographer and xxx years of judging experience with a variety of dance competitions and testify choir organizations. She has graced stages beyond the U.s.a. from New York City to her home in Indianapolis and she is proud to exist providing such grooming and opportunities for future generations correct here in the Midwest. When not at The Trip the light fantastic Refinery, Lynn likes to garner inspiration from live theatre effectually the Indianapolis area and frequents NYC to stay on the cutting edge of what's new in operation art. She personally enjoys bold colors, sparkly nails, and belatedly-night coffee. She is a mother of two and happily married to her delightful married man of 40 years.

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  Brianna Amspaugh

  Trip the light fantastic toe Instructor

  Brianna Amspaugh has been dancing since she was half-dozen years one-time, which paved the mode into The Dance Refinery in 1997. From her commencement TDR recital performance in 1998, Brianna continued her dancing career at TDR in various trip the light fantastic toe and tumbling performing groups. At the historic period of 14, she also began assisting in dance and tumbling classes at TDR, which connected until her graduation from Heart Grove High Schoolhouse in 2008. Post-obit high school, Brianna attended Ball State Academy, where she graduated with a major in Elementary Education, along with a minor in dance and Spanish. She currently teaches at Center Grove Unproblematic as a 4th Form instructor. These days y'all can withal catch Miss Brianna at the studio teaching, while besides watching her daughter, Adalyn, take course!

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  Stephanie Anderson

  Dance Instructor

  Stephanie Anderson has been on faculty at The Dance Refinery since 2016 as a ballet instructor.  She began her ballet training at The Dance Center in 1989 under the direction Donna Muzio.  Ms. Anderson was promoted to Soloist in 2000 with the Brandywine Ballet Theatre, under the artistic direction of Eddie Toussaint and Donna Muzio.  She also had the privilege of training at several prestigious summer intensives including the San Francisco Ballet and the Washington Ballet.  Stephanie continued her trip the light fantastic toe training in 2001 at Indiana Academy and graduated with a Available of Science in Ballet in 2004.  In addition to her ballet training, Ms. Anderson has a Chief of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and is an Indiana Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  In addition to her faculty position at TDR, Ms. Anderson is currently the CEO of Resource Residential Treatment Facility, located in Indianapolis, IN.

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  Greg Apers

  Tumbling and Gladiator Instructor

  Greg Apers is a Detroit native that performed competitively in dance for fifteen years.  While earning his master's degree at Wayne State Academy he taught at a local dance studio sharing his passion for tap, jazz, partnering and gymnastics.  He has had the opportunity to perform in several countries and on Purple Caribbean'southward Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas as part of a cultural substitution program.  Greg is excited to share his experience with students at The Dance Refinery.

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  Julie Bandy

  Trip the light fantastic toe Instructor

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  Collin Calhoun

  Tumbling and Gladiator Teacher

  Collin graduated in 2016 from Beech Grove High Schoolhouse where he participated in the marching band, show choir, theatre, and color guard. Collin joined The Trip the light fantastic Refinery as a student in the spring of his inferior year in 2015 and went on to be part of AIM Sr. the next yr. Afterwards his time every bit a student, he still enjoys being with the gladiators and helping them grow stronger every day.

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  Kevin Carmichael

  Dance, Tumbling and Gladiator Teacher

  Kevin Carmichael graduated from Indiana Academy with a degree in Kinesiology and Contemporary Dance.  While at IU, Kevin was bandage to perform pieces choreographed by modern trip the light fantastic icons, Bill Evans, Bella Lewitzky, Paul Taylor, David Parsons, and the internationally renowned, Liz Lerman Trip the light fantastic toe Exchange.  He was also a fellow member of the Indiana University Co-ed Cheerleading Squad 2007-2009.  During his recent 3 year residency in New York City, Kevin was named "Choreographer of the Year" in 2012 and 2013, had choreography showcased at the Broadway Dance Center, "AIM Invitational," at the Alvin Ailey Trip the light fantastic Theater, and was the National Choreographer and Assistant Director for the Algy Costumes Dance Mode Bear witness. He likewise performed as a backup dancer with C+C Music Factory to their chart-topping hit "Sweat (Everybody Trip the light fantastic toe Now)" at the 80'due south Explosion Concert in Staten Isle. Currently living in Indianapolis, Kevin continues to teach and spread his love for dance & gymnastics to his TDR students while likewise traveling around the country education master classes and directing convention events for Beyond The Stars National Dance Competition.

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  Natalie Clevenger

  Dance Instructor

  Natalie Clevenger, originally from Mooresville, IN,  began preparation with The Dance Refinery when she was xi years old and has competed with AIM SR, winning various titles. As a teacher and an assistant, Natalie has been with the Dance Refinery for 7 years, equally well equally choreographed for the Nutcracker and competitive groups. She is versatile in all styles, having studied ballet, tap, jazz, and modernistic at the University of Arizona, and a member of the hip hop group, United Dance Crew. Natalie has also received preparation from numerous conventions and summer programs, including ODC trip the light fantastic toe, Martha Graham Trip the light fantastic toe Co., Giordano Dance, and she was an assistant for Tremaine Trip the light fantastic Conventions. In 2019, she graduated from the Academy of Arizona with a BFA in trip the light fantastic, and a minor in Japanese. During school, Natalie taught at numerous studios in Arizona, including a pre-professional person program, and received recognition for her choreographic endeavors.

  Currently, Natalie is an apprentice with Indianapolis' modern dance company, Dance Kaleidoscope.

  
  
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  Breanna Davis

  Trip the light fantastic Teacher

  Breanna Davis is a Registered Dance/Move Therapist and Dance Instructor from Indianapolis, Indiana. She has a Principal's in Dance/Motion Therapy (psychotherapeutic apply of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and concrete integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving wellness and well-being.) Breanna loves to provide her knowledge of various styles of trip the light fantastic and her therapeutic ideas of the mind-body connection to each dancer in gild to encourage passion, fun, and hard work. Being at TDR has opened Breanna to multiple opportunities for growth in her choreography and teaching. With that growth, she was able to start a new Adaptive Trip the light fantastic Program here at TDR that is geared toward people with disabilities who are looking for an outlet to brand friends, work on gross motor skills, and have fun! Breanna continuously works to maintain a fun, cheerful move environment that also allows space for emotional expression and working on private specific movement goals.

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  Rebekah Dass

  Vocalism Teacher

  Rebekah Dass is a 2009 graduate from the Academy of Indianapolis with two degrees in Spanish and in Music. She's been providing individual voice lessons in the Indianapolis area since 2009. Her musical groundwork began at a young age and continues to grow to this day. She has sung with Circle the State with Song, Hoosier Girls State Chorus, Shelbyville Synergy, UIndy Concert Choir, UIndy Schola, and in musicals and operettas.  She'due south performed numerous solo performances in church, at weddings, and with various community events. She'south sung with Sandi Patty and has been led under the direction of several earth-renowned composers and conductors. In her schooling, she studied with Mitzi Westra and Dr. Paul Krasnovsky. She played the flute in middle school and high schoolhouse and has been playing piano since age ten. Rebekah lives in Indianapolis with her husband and is currently completing her tertiary caste to become a lath-certified Music Therapist.

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  Alyssa Farris

  Office Director

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  Mason Gallmeyer

  Gymnastics, Tumbling and Gladiator Instructor

  Mason Gallmeyer has lived in the Indianapolis surface area for most of his life. He graduated from Perry Meridian Loftier School where he was a Land Qualifying diver. He went on to get his Bachelor's Caste from Purdue Academy and Master'southward Caste from Indiana Wesleyan University (MBA). He has worked every bit a Schoolhouse Administrator for Warren Township Schools for 14 years. Bricklayer has worked equally a gymnastics omnibus for 12 years, and led a Level v Boys Squad to a State Title. He and his wife Erica accept 2 daughters, Rylee (level 10 gymnast) and Haven (dances at TDR). He is extremely excited to be a part of this gym and appreciates the opportunity to passenger vehicle your kids in gymnastics.

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  Alexis Gleason

  Trip the light fantastic Instructor

  Alexis Gleason is a Michigan native and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Dance Education from Oakland University. Alexis started dancing at the age of 3 and over the years she found a passion for contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and tap. She has taught instructional and competitive classes for over seven years. Her competitive classes achieved platinum awards and choreography recognition. She has also had the opportunity to adjudicate at several dance competitions effectually the Detroit area. Alexis is looking forward to sharing her cognition and passion with all the students at The Trip the light fantastic toe Refinery.

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  Taylor Griffin

  Trip the light fantastic toe Instructor

  Taylor Griffin, a cheerleader at the University of Indianapolis, has been a member of the TDR family unit for over xviii years. Taylor was a member of various dance and acro performing groups including Aim Senior and A2F2 for 6 years. While performing at TDR, Taylor won numerous solo regional titles, participated in 6 opening numbers for Dynamite, Showstopper, and Groove National Finals, received various scholarships from Tremaine, Showstopper, and Nuvo Dance Conventions, and performed in Butler University'south The Nutcracker for vii years. During her time in the company, she received 10 national titles with her dance and acro groups. Taylor has been teaching at TDR for iii years and loves getting to work with immature dancers to teach them dance and life skills. Taylor is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Scientific discipline in Business organisation Assistants/Management and Marketing, with intentions to continue on to become her Masters.

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  Lori Hastings

  Gymnastics Program Manager

  Lori Hastings has been coaching gymnastics for 20 years.  She grew upwards as a competitive gymnast in Plainfield and was also on the outset-ever Roncalli High School Gymnastics Squad.  Her son, Isaiah, started taking lessons at The Dance Refinery in 2008, which is when they became members of the TDR family.  Lori began educational activity gymnastics at TDR in 2011 and became the Program Director in 2015.  In her gratis time she enjoys traveling and watching Isaiah perform on stage.

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  Efren Herrera

  Dance, Tumbling and Gladiator Instructor

  Efren Herrera is a dancer and photographer specializing in hip hop, training as a self-taught artist from a young age. Later in life, he constitute TDR to extend his training. He's traveled the US attending The ML Bout, Young Lions, and Tremaine. He spent summers in LA at The mL, Debbie Reynolds, Millenium, and Found Your Empire LA Vol. 7 with Gigi Torres; a week-long intensive, ending with a video shoot and operation at World of Dance. Locally he performed at the NFL Superbowl Village. His other passion, lite painting, has allowed him to interact with other artists as an additional creative outlet. He has worked events for Microsoft, HP/Intel, iHeart Radio such equally Coachella, SXSW, Panorama, Wango Tango, taking him across the USA every bit well as Canada, Spain, Dubai, and China. Most recently he participated in Establish your Empire Choreography Session in Chicago, and assisted with Gigi Torres @ Hollywood Connection, making him excited to share his knowledge with ALL students so they too can learn to love the artistry of movement.

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  Nancy Martin Herrman

  Trip the light fantastic Instructor

  Originally from Grand Rapids Michigan, she spent her younger years training with Emerge Seven and dancing with the Grand Rapids Civic Ballet Company. Information technology was here that her love for ballet became her passion.  From Corps work to soloist, from the yearly Nutcracker, to Coppelia, she was blessed with the gift of ballet.  Nancy attended Butler University receiving a BA in Dance.  While at Butler she studied with Mr. William Glenn, Betty Gour, Martha Cornick, Bud Kerwin, and Peggy Dorsey.

  She has spent the concluding 35 years creating and implementing ballet programs for competitive studios in Indiana. She has served as principal teacher for ballet technique and pointe classes, managing director/choreographer of full length ballet productions and her students accept earned national technique awards.

   Nancy feel so blessed to be able to share this gift, now with her one st students children, to watch then many grow from dancer to performer, to teacher, still sharing this wonderful gift!

  
  
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  Rachel Hougesen

  Gymnastics Team Teacher

  Rachel Hougesen grew upwards in Indianapolis as a competitive gymnast until graduating from Roncalli Loftier Schoolhouse. As a Roncalli gymnast Rachel qualified as an IHSAA Land Individual Gymnastics Competitor all 4 years and was a part of the 2009 and 2010 Roncalli Land Runner-Up IHSAA Gymnastics Team. After retiring from gymnastics, she continued her education at Brawl Country University. She graduated in 2014 with a Bachelors degree in Telecommunications and Journalism. She constitute her passion for instruction others the sport of gymnastics subsequently joining The Trip the light fantastic Refinery family unit in 2017. She is at present 1 of TDR's Level 2-7 Competitive Gymnastics Team coaches. Along with coaching the competitive team she also teaches recreational tumbling and gymnastics classes hither at The Dance Refinery. She has been a professional person member of USAG since 2017 and has received certifications in coaching, first aid, and rubber. Rachel is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and has been coaching CrossFit since 2015.

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  Margaret Hurrle

  Dance Depot Staff

  Margaret Hurrle is ane of the all-time finds in The Trip the light fantastic toe Depot amongst the lovely dance and gymnastics wearing apparel we acquit. After being born in Chicago and raised in Indianapolis, she gave birth to 3 beautiful daughters alongside her dear married man, John. Executive Director of TDR, Lynn Herrick, feels especially blessed to phone call Margaret her Mother. Grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren, three of whom were born in Canada, she ofttimes heads north during her fourth dimension off to visit her family.

  With over xxx years of feel, Margaret's expertise perfectly sizes, fits, and assists our dancers and gymnasts. Her kindness and wisdom make her a common source of advice and positivity to everyone who walks the halls of the studio. Margaret is a very special member of our TDR family.

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  Anne Irwin

  Trip the light fantastic toe Instructor

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  Peggy Jeffers

  Dance Instructor

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  Melissa Meyer

  Dance Instructor

  Melissa Meyer grew upwardly dancing at TDR and received her B.A. in Dance with an emphasis in Modern & Jazz from Signal Park University; working with Kiesha Lalama, Ron Tassone, Doug & Judith Bentz, to proper name a few; all while assisting Baton Larson & Mark Marino at numerous competitive trip the light fantastic studios. Upon graduation, Melissa relocated to Las Vegas; working industrials, education workshops, choreographing, dancing in the American Dance Company, performing in United states of america, Italy, and Espana. She was also an Announcer, Judge, and Regional Director for Trip the light fantastic USA forth with numerous other National Dance Competitions. 1 of her biggest honors, was to exist on the choreographic team to represent United states of america at Prix de' Italia & Prix de' Espagna where they won The Crystal Cup 4 sequent years in a row! Her choreography has been seen across the US winning numerous overalls, titles, and choreography awards. Melissa is eager to make a deviation at her "Home" Studio, TDR!

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  Zack Montanio

  Releve Buffet Staff

  Zack Montanio is originally from California but calls Indiana home. He has worked at The Dance Refinery for most 7 years and loves beingness a part of the TDR staff and family. You can find Zack delivering delicious snacks and common cold beverages in the Releve Cafe and pitches in effectually the studio wherever he is needed. In his free fourth dimension, Zack enjoys creating visual fine art using calorie-free tools made pop in the Electronic Trip the light fantastic toe Music (EDM) civilisation.

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  Trish Roberds

  Trip the light fantastic Teacher

  Trish Roberds "Miss Trish" loves working at The Trip the light fantastic toe Refinery!  This is her 4th yr at TDR and her 26th twelvemonth birthday didactics Trip the light fantastic.  Trish was a student at TDR during high schoolhouse and thanks Miss Lynn for preparing her to major in Dance in college!  She has a Bachelor'southward degree in Performing Arts from Butler University- Dance/Music major and Theatre pocket-sized and was a member of Butler Ballet, the Show Choir- PIZAZZ and was a "Halftime Honey".  Trish danced professionally at Busch Gardens and at IRT, has choreographed several seasons for the Indiana Pacers' Junior Pacemates and Vacation Halftime shows, and currently choreographs for Footlite Musicals, Lawrence Central HS (musicals) and Franklin Central HS (choirs).  When possible, Trish loves to travel to NYC and see as many shows equally she can!  Trish is the proud mother of Tara (Kyle), Amy (Stephen) and Danny and "the proudest grandmother ever" to Emma!

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  Lindsey Shaffer

  Office Staff

  Lindsey Shaffer grew up dancing in Muncie, Indiana. She joined the TDR family xiii years agone when her daughter, Campbell, started taking tap and ballet lessons, two of her female parent'southward favorites. Since then she has worked on numerous productions of "The Nutcracker" every bit the costume mistress and she became a permanent staff fellow member in 2018, spending her evenings helping families at the front desk-bound. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know the students, both at the desk and during costume fittings. Lindsey loves spending time with her family, which includes two dogs and four cats, and she and her husband, Ryan, both relish watching their but child perform on stage, neither of them having ever missed a functioning!

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  Dena Shomali

  Voice Teacher

  Dena Shomali graduated with her B.A. in Vocal Performance from The University of Indianapolis in 2005. Currently, she is in year 13 as a Church Director of Music & Worship, where she has directed choir, worship teams & bands, also equally director of Children'south Play's & performances. Dena also sings as a session vocalist for Indy's summit recording studios, Aire built-in & The Society.

  Previously, Dena managed a vocal/piano studio of thirty+ students, & has been a vocal coach for Beech Grove high school choirs, prepping students for ISSMA solos.

  For solo piece of work, Dena has led worship for numerous Church concerts & weddings. About recently, she had the honor of singing Soprano in a quartet performing Haydn's Missa Sancti Nicolai at The University of Indianapolis with members of the ISO & UIndy faculty.

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  Sasha Simpson

  Dance Teacher

  Miss Sasha started dancing at the age of six at a studio called Dance Connectedness, which there she learned every style of dance and made several friends that turned into family. She then traveled to The Trip the light fantastic toe Refinery to finish out her dancing. She is extremely thankful for the knowledge and growth she gained at The Dance Refinery. Miss Sasha was a student and competitor in both, conventions & competitions, these included; Showstoppers, Starquest, Star Search, Dynamite, Tremaine, Rainbow, Trip the light fantastic toe Educators of America, Groove, NDA, Tap Kids, & recently participated in a flash mob in Plainfield. Each convention she participated in gave a beautiful bulletin to the dancers, to always strive for your very best and to not surrender dancing or in life. She at present teaches Tap, and jazz and it has expanded her heed and given her the opportunity to teach all ages. She believes that Learning the art of trip the light fantastic toe is a beautiful feel and learning process. She plans to practise her best at this art as her career choice.

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  Brian Wesselman

  Gymnastics Squad Instructor

  Brian Wesselman is from Indianapolis and has been teaching at The Dance Refinery since 2012 as a competitive gymnastics coach, competitive trip the light fantastic toe teacher, and as a preschool/recreational dance and gymnastics instructor. Currently, he coaches all events for the TDR women's gymnastics squad levels 2-7. He has been a professional fellow member with USAG since 2017, and has received certifications in coaching, first aid, and condom. Along with his USAG education, he has continued his gymnastics education by attending Indiana State Congresses, Region five Super Camp, local team camps, and Indiana coaches' clinics. Along with his gymnastics and trip the light fantastic didactics, he received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University Bloomington and is currently a Juris Doctorate candidate at the Robert H. McKinney School of Police force, where he is also a fellow member of the Sports and Amusement Police Guild.

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  Rachel Whyte

  Dance Instructor

  Rachel Whyte is thrilled to be joining the TDR squad this twelvemonth! She is a local actress, recently relocated from Chicago, who has performed in over 70 live theatre productions beyond the country. She grew upwardly in Bloomington, IN where she received training at IU in both phonation and dance. She then traveled to Texas, where she attended Abilene Christian University, graduating every bit Valedictorian with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, and has worked in the theatrical field always since. In add-on to performing, Rachel has too had the opportunity to choreograph and direct numerous youth productions and get a teaching creative person for multiple theatre organizations, specializing in Musical Theatre Trip the light fantastic, Improv, and Building A Play. When non occupied in the arts, you could probably find Rachel exploring new worlds in fantasy novels and sci-fi movies or going on adventures with her handsome, introverted, wonderfully non-theatrical husband, Evan. See what's coming upwardly next for her at www.rachelwhyteactress.com .

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  Peter Yao

  Tumbling Teacher

  Peter Yao, a native of Si Chuan, China, was trained in the Russian ballet style. He also studied Chinese archetype and folk dancing, European character dancing, and tumbling. Peter was the principal male dancer of the Tianjin Ballet Company and the Beijing Central Ballet, performing in The White Haired Daughter, Red Detachment of Women and The Blood-red Sleeping accommodation Dream and performed feature roles in Swan Lake, Le Corsaire, Sylvia and Mermaid. He joined the Indianapolis Ballet Theatre in 1985 where he performed every bit the Cavalier in The Nutcracker and the prince in both Sleeping Dazzler and Swan Lake. Highlights from his career include performing for American presidents Nixon, Ford, and George Bush, Sr., and his achievements include receiving the Outstanding Young Performer Award from the Ministry of Culture of the People'southward Republic of China (1981). Peter's educational activity experience began in 1970 with the Tianjin Ballet Visitor before becoming the Cambodian president's son's private ballet instructor. In 1974, Peter taught at the Beijing Key Ballet Company. He has been teaching at The Dance Refinery since 1998.

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  Dance & Tumbling Assistants

  Taylor Allen

  Kyla Barnhart

  Lexi Bastin

  Emma Foutz​

  Mackenzie Harris

  Isaiah Hastings

  Emma Hay

  Isabelle Hornback

  Brooke Jacobs

  Julia Johnson

  Ashley Kremer

  Claire Runkel

  Tayler Summers

  Madelynn Wells​

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Source: https://www.thedancerefinery.com/gymnastics-classes