|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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! |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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! |
|
Andrea SosineHello, My Name is Andrea For over two decades, I've dedicated myself to the world of dance and gymnastics, both as a coach and instructor. My passion for dance began in childhood, leading to a highly competitive career that culminated in my high school graduation. Understanding the importance of child development and the intricacies of human anatomy, I pursued studies in these fields at a community college, further enriching my coaching capabilities. My journey of becoming a dance instructor began at the young age of fourteen, and from that moment, I was completely captivated by the transformative power of teaching. It's a passion that continues to thrive alongside my roles as a wife and mother. Beyond my family, it’s a source of immense joy and fulfillment. My professional dance career has been equally rewarding. I’ve had the privilege of performing with a Bay Area boy band, entertaining audiences on cruise ships, gracing the stages of local theater productions, and even performing at prestigious events like the Super Bowl and Rose Bowl. Following a period focused on raising my children and homeschooling my son, my family and I recently relocated from California to Idaho, a move we’ve embraced wholeheartedly. We adore the Idaho outdoors, and I cherish the time I spend reading and traveling. I'm eager to re-engage my passion for nurturing young athletes through dance and gymnastics instruction here in Idaho. My extensive experience, combined with my deep-seated love for working with children, makes me confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your organization. I’m excited to have the opportunity to share my skills and experiences to benefit your dancers, company and team at Inspired Dance. |
|
Izzy deBelloyHello, my name is Izzy I started dance at the age of 2 at Eagle Montessori Academy. I have participated in various dance conventions and competitions such as Radix, Hollywood Vibe, America on Stage, Axis, Jump, and Velocity, and have received a few dance scholarships from these conventions. I’ve studied in styles such as Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-hop, Musical theater, Lyrical, Modern, Ballroom, and Flamenco. I am currently a student at Idaho Fine Arts Academy where I study a variety of dance styles with a main focus on Contemporary, Ballet, and Modern. I’m excited to be apart of Inspired Dance! |
|
Brittney HansenHi, my name is Brittney Hansen!
I am from Boise and started dancing when I was 3 years old at a local dance studio. I have trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, and modern. I joined my high school drill team as a sophomore and was captain my senior year. I won first place in the Overall 5A Lyrical division at Drill-o-rama. I also won first place at my final District drill down. I graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a minor in Dance. During my time at BYU-Idaho, I was a part of the university’s Dance Alliance. After graduating from college, I had the opportunity to work for Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Utah as a teacher and as the front desk staff. I moved back to Boise last year and teach at Doral Academy of Idaho as their dance instructor. I’m excited to join the Inspired Dance community! I have a great passion for dance and want to share that with others so they can develop that same love for this great art form. |
|
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. |
|
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. |