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Amy MerrillHello, my name is Amy Merrill. I am the founder and director of Inspired Dance. I have lived in Meridian for fourteen years with my husband. I graduated from Brigham Young University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Education along with a teaching degree in secondary education. I have experience in Ballet, Modern, Children's Creative Dance, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Cheer-leading, & Fitness.
After teaching at different studios, I wanted to find a way to teach on my own. Since my degree in Dance Education largely focused on integrating dance into the schools, I was able to form a partnership with Ponderosa Elementary and Meridian Parks and Recreation. My goal has been to build a quality dance program that upholds Christian values of modesty, good character, and integrity. My Faith in God keeps me grounded and makes me to want to share my love for dance in a way that is pleasing to Our Heavenly Father. I pray for His guidance as I seek to build the kind of dance program He would have me build. My main purpose in building this program is to show families that dance can be wholesome, modest and fun. I look for ways to make my program sensible, non-competitive, and different from the rest of the dance world. I want our students to feel successful, loved, and a part of something special. |
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Lena GrahamHello, I am Lena Graham. I have a diverse background in dance and performance. I have been singing, acting, and dancing my way through life since age five. I started with Ballet and Jazz over twenty years ago and added Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Modern to my repertoire as the years went on.
My past experiences include choreography for an Indi film, managing the youth ballet program at an Oregon dance academy and putting together award winning dance team choreography and performances with Eugene Ballet Company. I have a passion for teaching children. I am excited to share the positive impact of dance with others and am grateful to be teaching with Inspired Dance as they strive to use dance in positive ways. |
Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical
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Kristen JonesHello, I am Kristen Jones. I am married to my wonderful husband, Josh. I have danced since I was 3 years old taking classes ranging from ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical.
I have always wanted to be a dance teacher, and am so glad that I have gotten to take this opportunity to teach with Amy. This is like a dream job for me. I am so excited to see your girls grow and learn new things. If you ever have any questions about me or for me, please don't hesitate to ask. |
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Melanie BlauerHello, I am Melanie Blauer. I was born and raised in Southern Idaho. I started dancing at the age of 10. I received training from multiple studios, including Centre Stage Studios. While training, I performed as the Dew Drop Fairy and the Snow Queen in a Nutcracker production.
During my dancing years, I gained a love of competitive dance where I placed placed in the top ten at multiple competitions and won multiple awards for my solos. During college I danced with ISU’s Bengal Dance Team and then continued my technical training in Southeastern Idaho and Utah. I have been teaching for the past 10 years and have enjoyed sharing my knowledge of technique and love of dance to children. I have been married for 14 years and am a mom of four. I have recently taken up Taekwondo and teach barre at the Shine Studio. I am looking forward to another year with Inspired Dance! |
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LeNae GabrielsenHello, my name is LaNae Gabrielsen. I graduated from Weber State University in Ogden Utah with a B.S. Degree in Physical Education (exercise science degree) with an emphasis in dance and a minor in nutrition. While at Weber, I received a dance scholarship and had the opportunity to be a part of their Modern dance company. As a company, we performed for and taught at elementary schools. While at college I was in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints Folk dance group.
Since my degree I have received many certifications to increase my knowledge in physical fitness and movement. A few of the certifications include, Zumba, Zumba kids, Yogafit, AFAA (instructor certification), and a personal trainer's certification. I spend my mornings teaching adults of various ages. I love this opportunity to bring the world of physical health and fine arts into my life, and into the lives of those who I teach. I am also grateful for my husband of 17 years and my four children (2 boys, 2 Girls). My family and the teachings of Jesus Christ are my joys and anchors. |
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Hannah GibbsHello, my name is Hannah Gibbs. I started dance at the age of 2. I have had many opportunities to further my career. I started at a local dance company in Nampa Idaho where I was trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Tap.
At the age of 13 I started dancing for my studio's competitive team until the end of High School. During High School I danced for Skyview's Varsity Dance Team in Nampa, Idaho and was a 5 time state champion. I also placed in the top ten for solo competitions. After graduating, I continued at the College of Southern Idaho as a Golden Eagle dancer in Twin Falls. As a Golden Eagle dancer, I was able to dance in Las Vegas and perform at the collegiate level. I have returned to the Boise area to continue pursuing a career in pediatric nursing and to share my passion for dance through teaching. I am blessed and excited to be a part of Inspired Dance Company, and to have the opportunity to teach future dancers. |
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Whitney Jensen
Hello, I am Whitney Jensen. I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho attending Centennial High School. I participated in Centennial’s Sweet Liberty Dance Team for 3 years. My talented team won State and National competitions every year from 2005-2008.
After graduating high school, I attended Brigham Young University-Idaho, studying Sociology with a minor in Dance. I taught hip-hop classes on the university’s campus for a couple years and participated in different contemporary and jazz performing groups. I am number 4 of 5 kids in my family. I have been dancing since I was 6 years old, attending a couple different studios in the Treasure Valley. I’ve been trained in various styles of dance ranging from ballet to hip-hop. Dance has always been a big part of my life. There is nothing more I would love to do than share my passion with others. I can’t wait to learn from my students, just as they learn from me! |
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Rachel Price
Hello, I am Rachel Price. I grew up near Detroit, Michigan, where I danced as a member of local dance teams from 6th grade through 12th grade. I graduated from Ricks College (now BYUI) with an Associates Degree with dance emphasis. During my time at Ricks, I danced as a member of CDT 2. After Ricks, I continued my education at The University of Idaho as a member of UIdaho’s Dance Theater.
I performed twice at The American College Dance Festival, and was chosen to tour Idaho with renowned choreographer, Bill Evans. I graduated from U of I in 2004 with a degree in dance education. Later, my family settled in Meridian in 2007, where I taught classes at home in my garage studio where Seasons Dance Company was born. In 2012, my family moved to Twin Falls where I continued to operate Seasons Dance Company. By 2019, Seasons Dance Company had grown to nearly 100 dancers. I made great effort to provide quality dance education that focused on creativity and passion, while still offering excellent technical training. After 7 years in Twin Falls, I sold my studio to a trusted teacher, and the Price family (which includes my husband Justin and our 5 children), returned to Meridian. I am thrilled to work with Amy, the other teachers, and dancers at Inspired Dance! |
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Akisha BedgisoffHello, my name is Akisha Bedgisoff. I have been dancing since I was three years old. I was taught at British Dance Academy in the Seattle area. There I learned classical ballet, jazz, and modern. I have been in many productions such as Narnia, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Nutcracker. I have attended school at BYU-I to study International Studies. I also studied dance as my minor. While attending school, I taught at a local dance studio in Rexburg to share my love for dance. I recently moved into the Boise area to start a new chapter in my life and am excited to continue sharing my love of dance.
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Sarah Richardson
Hello, my name is Sarah Richardson. I am excited to join Inspired Dance! I started dancing at the age of 5 with Footlight Dance in Hailey ID, focusing on ballet, but incorporating various styles through my high school career. After 15 years of dancing I made it a goal to always have dance in my life and teaching is one of the ways I have been able to do that. I have been teaching for 5 years and enjoy working with ages 3-12. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my love of dance to the classroom where I get to teach children starting out on their journey with dance.
Outside of dance....I have been married to my wonderful husband for 14 years. We have three active boys, whom I stay home with. They keep me very busy. |