The Most Passionate Teachers!

Miss Kirsten began dancing at Loveland Dance Academy and The Conservatory at age five. Over 13 years, she trained extensively in a variety of dance styles, performed as a member of the Performance Dance Team, and also participated in competitive cheer throughout high school.

Kirsten continued her dance education at Colorado Mesa University, combining collegiate Ballet and Hip-Hop training with academic dance studies. During this time, she also choreographed competitive state cheer routines, further developing her experience as both a dancer and choreographer.

In 2021, Kirsten became a Licensed Massage Therapist, bringing a deeper understanding of anatomy, stretching, body mechanics, and injury prevention into her work with dancers.

Kirsten began teaching in 2017 and became a choreographer for the Performance Dance Team in 2018. Her lifelong love of movement and diverse background allow her to teach and choreograph across a wide range of styles while helping dancers better understand and care for their bodies.

In the classroom, Miss Kirsten encourages dancers to be their authentic selves, motivating them to step outside their comfort zones, embrace creativity, and discover the joy of movement.

Miss Jenna discovered her love of dance at age five, training in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Tap, and gymnastics. Her interest in teaching began in high school, where she assisted and taught young dancers. Combining her love of movement with a desire to better understand the human body, Jenna earned her B.S. in Sport and Exercise Science with a minor in Dance from the University of Northern Colorado in 2012.

While at UNC, Jenna received the Dance Talent Scholarship for two years, performed and choreographed in numerous showcases, and served as an officer with Dance Alliance. Her continued training has included teachers from Colorado Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, Ballet Magnificat, the University of Wyoming, and many others.

Jenna joined The Conservatory faculty in 2016 and has taught dancers from age two through adult. Recently, her primary teaching focus has been ballet. Having taught every level of the studio’s ballet curriculum simultaneously, she brings a unique understanding of how strong technical foundations prepare dancers for each stage of their training. She became certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) in 2024 and has also been part of The Nutcracker team since 2022.

As both a teacher and dance mom, Jenna finds tremendous joy in watching young dancers grow.

In the classroom, Miss Jenna emphasizes precise technique to build a strong foundation, so that dancers can experience creativity, artistry, and the joy of movement to its fullest.

Miss Kristin began dancing at age three and, at age six, became the third student to enroll at Loveland Dance Academy. She immersed herself in a wide variety of dance styles and performed as a member of the Performance Dance Team. During high school, Miss Kristin expanded her performance experience through Tap and numerous productions with Front Range Music Theater.

Miss Kristin continued her dance education at the University of Northern Colorado, where she minored in Dance Performance and served as President of the UNC Dance Alliance for three years.

After graduating, Miss Kristin moved to Vienna, Austria, where she had the opportunity to teach dance at the University of Vienna. Upon returning to Colorado, she continued teaching at Loveland Dance Academy before moving to Greeley and joining the faculty at The Conservatory.

With decades of experience as both a dancer and educator, Miss Kristin brings a unique connection to the history of our studios along with a lifelong love of movement and performance. From one of Loveland Dance Academy’s very first students to a longtime teacher within both studio communities, she has experienced firsthand the confidence, connection, and joy that dance can create.

In the classroom, Miss Kristin brings an energetic spirit and connects with dancers of all ages through movement, understanding, and genuine enthusiasm.

Miss Nessa began studying ballet at age two and continued her training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Lyrical at Loveland Dance Academy from its opening until graduating high school in 2006. She performed in numerous classical productions, including The Nutcracker, Paquita, and Sleeping Beauty with Colorado Dance Theatre, as well as The Nutcracker and Pinocchio with Longmont Dance Theatre. She began teaching ballet at Loveland Dance Academy in 2003.

Miss Nessa earned her B.A. in Art History and German from the University of South Carolina, where she continued studying Ballet, Jazz, West African, and Contemporary dance. She later earned her M.A. in Art History and returned to the Loveland Dance Academy faculty in 2011.

Miss Nessa is an ABT® Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), holds a Graduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning and Fitness Coaching from the University of Denver, and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). She continues to pursue professional development opportunities to advance her knowledge of ballet technique, teaching, and dancer wellness.

In addition to teaching Ballet, Pointe, and Conditioning, Miss Nessa serves as Assistant Director of the annual Nutcracker production, Artistic Director of the summer ballet production, and Ballet Company Director.

Miss Nessa is passionate about sharing the artistry and discipline of classical ballet while helping dancers develop the strength, technique, and body awareness needed for long-term success. She believes in empowering dancers to understand their bodies, embrace challenges, and build a foundation that supports both their artistic growth and lifelong well-being.

Teaching Style: Knowledgeable and encouraging, with an emphasis on classical technique, strength, body awareness, and developing confident, healthy dancers.

Miss Sydney began dancing at the age of three under the instruction of Miss Connie Comer at Loveland Dance Academy. She trained in tap, modern, contemporary, jazz, ballet, and pointe, and spent 13 years as a member of the Performance Dance Team.

Throughout her training, Miss Sydney expanded her dance education through classes at Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Peridance, and Steps on Broadway in New York City. She also studied modern dance at the University of Colorado Boulder, exploring Feldenkrais-inspired movement and body awareness under Anya Cloud.

Miss Sydney began assisting tap classes at Loveland Dance Academy in 2019 and has since expanded her involvement to include teaching and choreographing for the Performance Dance Team, as well as assisting with studio costuming and productions.

Miss Sydney graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with degrees in Art Practices and Psychology. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University, furthering her passion for understanding and supporting the growth and well-being of others.

Teaching Style: Miss Sydney strives to create a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where dancers feel comfortable making mistakes, embracing new challenges, and building confidence. She celebrates each student's individuality and believes that growth happens when dancers feel supported, empowered, and free to explore their potential.

Miss Maddie began her dance journey at Loveland Dance Academy at age five, spending eight years as a member of the Performance Dance Team. Throughout her training, she expanded her experience with Colorado Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and faculty from both Loveland Dance Academy and The Conservatory Dance Studio.

In 2018, Miss Maddie graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She went on to perform professionally with Hannah Kahn Dance Company, a Denver-based modern dance company.

Since 2018, Miss Maddie has served as an instructor, choreographer, and Performance Dance Team manager, helping dancers develop strong technical foundations, artistry, performance quality, and confidence. In 2022, she became a Licensed Massage Therapist, deepening her understanding of anatomy, injury prevention, recovery, and longevity in dance.

Miss Maddie believes in creating a safe, supportive environment where dancers feel empowered to explore, take risks, and discover their individual artistic voices. She is passionate about helping dancers build confidence, embrace challenges, and take pride in both the artists and people they are becoming.

Teaching Style: Encouraging and supportive, with an emphasis on strong technique, artistic exploration, and building confidence through individual growth.

Miss Morgan grew up dancing in the mountains of Colorado and began her training at age five. She studied Broadway and Rhythm Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Modern, and Hip-Hop, competing for many years and performing in ballet productions under Michelle Major. She began assisting classes in 2019, teaching in 2020, and joined Loveland and Conservatory Dance in 2022.

Morgan has continued to pursue extensive training as both a dancer and choreographer. Since 2022, she has toured to more than 50 cities with Tap Into The Network, training in Rhythm Tap with artists including Angela Carter, Rod Howell, Ryan Lohoff, and Ryan Vettel. She also teaches and assists convention classes, performs in all-tap productions, and assists with competitive choreography across the country.

In 2025, Morgan was selected for the inaugural cohort of aCatemy, a contemporary training company directed by Cat Cogliandro in New York City. Her experience included individual mentorship, performing in NYC, and earning merit scholarships to continue her studies with Elevate Dance Conservatory in California. There, her training has focused on choreography, performance, dance for camera, anatomy, and safe teaching practices.

Morgan also brings experience teaching deaf, hard-of-hearing, and disabled dancers through her work with Feel the Beat. She is passionate about continuing to learn, bringing that knowledge home to her students, and preserving and passing on the history and culture of Tap.

In the classroom, Miss Morgan leads with empathy, inclusivity, and accessibility, creating an environment where dancers are challenged, supported, and encouraged to discover their own artistry.

Miss Taylor began dancing at the age of three and joined Loveland Dance Academy in 2009. Trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, and Pointe, she was a dedicated member of the Performance Dance Team from 2010 through her graduation in 2021.

Throughout her training, Taylor has continued to expand her dance education, including two trips to New York City where she trained at Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Peridance Center, and Steps on Broadway. She has developed a particular depth of knowledge in Hip-Hop technique, history, and culture, which continues to influence both her teaching and choreography.

Taylor discovered her passion for teaching while assisting classes and rehearsals in high school and officially joined the faculty in 2021. She became a Performance Dance Team choreographer in 2022 and has since grown into several creative and leadership roles within the studio. In addition to teaching and choreography, Taylor contributes to costuming and props for PDT, Spring Showcase, and The Nutcracker, and is a key member of the studio’s marketing and social media team.

In the classroom, Miss Taylor brings supportive energy, creativity, and high expectations, encouraging dancers to grow in both confidence and artistry.

Mr. Walter Taylor was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he began dancing at the age of seven. A self-taught hip-hop dancer until age twenty, he began his formal dance training at the University of Wyoming.

While attending the University of Wyoming, Mr. Walter had the opportunity to work with prestigious artists from Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and Limón Dance Company. He also spent a semester studying abroad in London, training at Studio 68, The Place, and Pineapple Dance Studios.

Following college, Mr. Walter moved to Utah, where he began his professional dance career with Odyssey Dance Theatre. He later relocated to Broomfield, Colorado, and has worked with Kim Robards Dance Company while continuing to share his passion for dance throughout Northern Colorado.

Mr. Walter joined the teaching faculty at Loveland Dance Academy in 2024, bringing his professional experience and passion for Hip-Hop to the studio.

Teaching Style: Confidence-building, relatable, and encouraging of individuality. Mr. Walter uses everyday analogies to make movement accessible, challenges dancers to try before saying “I can't,” and inspires them to make choreography their own. He believes in giving dancers a strong foundation while encouraging them to add their own personality and style.

Miss Linda's love of music and performance began in childhood through years of piano lessons, theater, and creative expression. Her first choreography experience came in elementary school, when she played “Alley Cat” on the piano while classmates performed her original choreography. That early spark grew into a lifelong appreciation for the connection between music, movement, and storytelling.

As an adult, Miss Linda pursued formal dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop, eventually finding her greatest passion in tap. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she has worked with dancers of all ages and abilities, incorporating a variety of tap styles, including Broadway, classical, hoofing, and stomp, into her classes and choreography. She continues to expand her knowledge through workshops and master classes with accomplished tap artists.

Miss Linda has also created meaningful performance opportunities beyond the classroom. She founded the Too Cool Tappers, a group for mature adult dancers, and has organized performances for community events, National Tap Dance Day celebrations, and local talent showcases. Her creativity and enthusiasm have helped dancers of all generations discover the joy of performing.

Teaching Style: Miss Linda creates an inclusive, energetic, and encouraging classroom where every dancer can build confidence, develop strong technique, and experience the joy of making music with their feet. She blends musicality, theatrical expression, and positive guidance with one simple goal: to make tap class a highlight of every student's week.

Miss Shelly brings more than 25 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for dance education. Throughout her career, she has taught in California, Missouri, Utah, and Colorado, including seven years owning and directing her own dance studio in Utah. Since moving to Northern Colorado in 2006, she has shared her expertise with dancers at Loveland Dance Academy and The Conservatory Dance Studio.

Her dance background includes performing as a company member with Utah Regional Ballet during its formative years, along with training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern dance. Miss Shelly earned her degree in Philosophy from Brigham Young University and continued her dance education at California State University, Northridge, and the University of Missouri–Columbia. Her additional training and performance experiences include Center Stage Performing Arts and Tremaine dance conventions and workshops.

Throughout her career, Miss Shelly has found particular joy in working with young children, introducing them to the creativity, discipline, and excitement of dance. She believes teaching is an opportunity to share her love of movement and the arts while helping young dancers build confidence, develop new skills, and discover the happiness that comes from expressing themselves through dance.

Teaching Style: Warm, patient, and encouraging, with an emphasis on creativity, foundational technique, and nurturing a lifelong love of dance.