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Amy MerrillHello, my name is Amy
I am the founder and director of Inspired Dance. I have lived in Meridian for seventeen years with my husband and four girls. 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 Meridian Parks and Recreation, and multiple schools in the area. I taught dance classes afterschool in the gym or cafeteria for many years, which has now led me to finding my own studio space. My goal has always 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, while also finding ways to glorify our Savior, Jesus Christ and point to His goodness. 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 our program, sensible, a non-competitive environment, and different from the rest of the dance world. I want our students to feel successful, loved, and a part of something special. I'm grateful for teachers who support this mission and choose to help me build something unique and needed in our society. We strive to build strong dancers, teach artistry, and develop a love for dance for many reasons. It is our hope that you will feel at home when you are at Inspired Dance. |
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Hannah GibbsHello, my name is Hannah
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 JensenHello, I am Whitney
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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Kristen JonesHello, I am Kristen
I am married to my wonderful husband, Josh and are proud parents of a little girl. 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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LaNae GabrielsenHello, my name is LaNae
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 HaberkornHello, my name is Hannah
I have been dancing since the age of 8 which is also when I started with Inspired Dance. I have experience in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical. At the age of 15 I started dancing for Inspired Dances award winning competitive team sharing the title of captain my senior year. I am entering my 4th year teaching and couldn’t be more excited! I absolutely love helping kids find their zeal for dance. I am also excited to be able to share my love for God while teaching at Inspired Dance. |
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Angela GilesHello! My name is Angela
My parents like to tell people I danced in the womb, but I began my formal study of ballet at 5 years old in Utah. In high school I joined my school’s Dance Company and discovered a love for contemporary and modern dance. I pursued that passion on the collegiate level. While studying K-12 Dance Education, I had the pleasure of working with the Arts Bridge educational outreach program and performing on a university Folk Dance team. Due to marriage and a move to the Midwest, I ultimately graduated with a B.S. in Psychology and Modern Dance Minor. During my training I had the opportunity of working under many professional choreographers including Cain Keenan (Cirque du Soleil), Juan Carlos Claudio (Grey Matters), and Susan Kikuchi (Martha Graham Dance Company). While in Oklahoma I taught ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and liturgical dance in a studio setting. As a homeschool mom of 6, I have spent the last decade teaching creative dance classes to the homeschool community and raising my kiddos to see movement opportunities everywhere. This world is an inspiring place! I am ecstatic to be back in the studio setting. Thank you for blessing me with the chance to teach your children; I can’t wait to learn from them. |
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Kimberly JohnsonHello, My Name is Kimberly
I have been teaching for over a decade with a strong foundation in classical ballet pedagogy, classical music and group exercise. I founded and currently direct the Gem State Ballet Ensemble which has been featured in “The Potato Movie” documentary, performed with local professional dance companies, been featured in print media and regularly collaborates with local community based organizations. In the years prior to teaching dance I taught Suzuki Violin lessons and worked in early childhood education. I am an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3. I have received additional teacher training from Runqiao Du Ballet Coaching (DuCon), the Suzuki Association Of The Americas as well as from Patricia Blair with Ballet Chicago. I also hold certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique, American Barre Technique as well as Principles of Dance, Dancer Injury Prevention, Dancer Nutrition and Pre Pointe Assessment through NDEO and Harkness Center for Dance Injuries. Although I have studied at a number of different studios, I have spent over a decade training at Ballet Idaho where I currently teach for the academy, Learning Through Dance Outreach Program, the Adult Division and assists dancers backstage during professional productions. I also teach technique, pre-pointe and pointe at The Spot Dance Studio. I have choreographed for YAGP competitors, Explore Dance Company, Gem State Ballet Ensemble, Canyon Dance Academy, Ballet Idaho’s Children Division and Dance Unlimited where I have taught intermediate and advanced ballet levels from 2021-2024. I am very excited to join the Inspired Dance Studio as a ballet instructor. |
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Amber BretanaHello! My name is Amber
I am a recent graduate from Elmhurst University with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre Performance and Dance Education. I am passionate about spreading positivity and finding self reflection through dance and music. I am planning to teach and choreograph while maintaining a career in vocal, theatrical, and dance performance. My main goal through dance teaching is to cultivate a supportive environment where dancers of all levels can connect with their bodies, and find emotional release through movement. |
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Chase HeffernanHello, my name is Chase Heffernan!
I am a hip hop dancer born and raised in Meridian, Idaho. I have loved hip hop ever since I was a little boy. When I was 15, I decided to share my love of hip hop. Since then, I have been working hard to share my love of hip hop to everyone I teach. Some of my proud accomplishments are co-founding Mikey Castro's "Breaking Ground" hip hop crew and directing my own hip hop crew called "The Lost Boys", the first all male hip hop crew in Idaho. I've competed at many large competitions such as Hip Hop International, World of Dance, Monsters, and more! I can't wait to teach at Inspired Dance this upcoming year and meet so many new people! |
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Angela ZimmererHello, My name is Angela
I am a wife and mother. Jesus Christ is the biggest part of my life. I have been teaching ballet and working as a youth minister for the past 8 years. I love empowering youth in seeing their talent, potential and God given worth. I have enjoyed dancing since childhood. Beginning instruction in Classical Ballet at age 11 in the Cecchetti Method. I progressed to dancing on pointe at age 13, student teaching at age 16, and teaching as an instructor at age 19. I have taught in three studios, operating my own for a time, working with ages 3-14 and adults beginning ballet. I am so happy to be teaching at Inspired Dance! I love their passion for excellence and I value their integrity in keeping dance modest. |
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Summer DriesHello, my name is Summer
I started dancing at the age of 3 and I instantly fell in love with it. As a young child I started with ballet, then continued on in my elementary school years adding Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop. I have choreographed for children’s elementary school performances and talent shows, as well as choreographing for shows and events through church. In all 4 years of high school I was in a competitive Show Choir that performed throughout the USA placing 1st in national competitions. In college I furthered my education on genres of dance by taking Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop and Flamenco. I also studied Early Childhood Development, Teaching Children with Special Needs and Teaching Early Childhood Dance. I have also been a nanny for 16 years. Helping children grow is where my heart is. Three years ago I was in a bad car accident that almost took my life. I was bed ridden and wheel chair bound for many months. I used my dance background to help with my Physical Therapy and my passion for dance to inspire me to come back stronger than ever. I am beyond happy to use my love for dance to teach children again and to help develop and grow their brains and bodies with the movement and beauty of dancing, while I also continue to grow mine! I teach the Monday Mommy and Me class and absolutely love it! |