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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 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. 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, 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 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 JensenHello, 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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Kristen JonesHello, I am Kristen Jones.
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 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 HaberkornHello, my name is Hannah Haberkorn.
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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Summer DriesHello, my name is Summer Dries.
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! |
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Tessa TritesHello, My Name is Tessa Trites.
I graduated from Idaho Fine Arts Academy in May of 2023. I have been creating, collaboration, and choreographing since sixth grade. I have trained at Eagle Performing Arts Center, where I studied ballet, pointe, and contemporary. I have attended dance festivals such as the Boise State University Summer Dance Festival, Utah Summer Dance Festival, and Idaho Dance Education Organization Festival to further my dance knowledge, experience, and connections. While at Idaho Fine Arts Academy, I expanded my love for and knowledge of modern dance. I learned to become an independent artist who thinks creatively with strong intentions to effectively render my movement to the audience. I plan to expand my love for dance through higher education with an emphasis in modern dance. |
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Angela GilesHello! My name is Angela Giles.
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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Amber BretanaHello! My name is Amber Bretana.
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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Gabby ScarpinoHello, My name is Gabby Scarpino.
I have been a dancer since I was 3, competing since I was 8. I have had the opportunity to work with Thayne Jasperson and assist him in many of his classes. I have also won many big awards at multiple competitions such as; Relevé, Contest Of Champions, Spotlight, and many more. I have experience in jazz, hip hop, ballet, ballroom, contemporary, modern, and tap. I have been teaching for almost 3 years now and I have fallen in love with teaching the younger generation of dancers! I am very greatful for the opportunity to be able to teach at this wonderful studio and be apart of such an amazing team! |