Quin Wilkason is a nationally acclaimed dance teacher, choreographer, and competition judge with a passion for nurturing dancers to achieve their highest potential. With a career highlighted by features in the highly regarded Dance Teacher Magazine, Quin has trained dancers who have gone on to perform with prestigious companies like Targ
Quin Wilkason is a nationally acclaimed dance teacher, choreographer, and competition judge with a passion for nurturing dancers to achieve their highest potential. With a career highlighted by features in the highly regarded Dance Teacher Magazine, Quin has trained dancers who have gone on to perform with prestigious companies like Target, Nickelodeon, Disney, and top modeling agencies. Known for a down-to-earth approach and a heartfelt commitment to each student's journey, Quin has an exceptional ability to connect with dancers and inspire them to excel.
His guidance and expertise have not only propelled dancers into successful careers but also cultivated a deep love for dance in countless students. Quin's dedication to pushing the boundaries of dance education while remaining grounded in the personal growth of each dancer makes him a beloved figure in the dance community. His experience extends beyond the studio.
Quin has honed his craft in Los Angeles, collaborating with A-list celebrities and industry leaders. This exposure has shaped his unique blend of technical excellence and cutting-edge commercial style. Quin's dedication is evident in the success of his students. His fresh perspective positions him to create a dance studio that will elevate Nebraska's dance community.
Diana Brooks is a teacher and choreographer in Nebraska. She was an Adjunct Professor in the Commercial Dance Program at Pace University. Diana also taught with Motivated Movers in NYC where she taught tap to the beginner tapper/ mover. When not in Nebraska, she also travels with a convention called Industry Xperience where she shares
Diana Brooks is a teacher and choreographer in Nebraska. She was an Adjunct Professor in the Commercial Dance Program at Pace University. Diana also taught with Motivated Movers in NYC where she taught tap to the beginner tapper/ mover. When not in Nebraska, she also travels with a convention called Industry Xperience where she shares her knowledge with the next generation of dancers.
Prior to Nebraska, she was an Associate Professor of Dance at Oklahoma City University where she taught Tap, Rhythm Tap, Jazz and many dances academic classes. She spent most of her performing and teaching career in Chicago, IL, where she danced in companies such as Rhythm ISS…, BAM! and M.A.D.D. Rhythms. She has had the opportunity to travel all around the United States with these tap companies, sharing the stage with such performers as Savion Glover, Tommy Tune, Lane Alexander and many more.
As well as performing with tap companies, she also danced in several Regional Musical Theatre productions and industrials, including Singin’ in the Rain, Babes in Toyland, the alternative hair show and a 1920s dance revue at the Black Orchid Supper Club. She travels all over the United States teaching Master classes and setting choreography. Diana considers herself a true teacher and is the happiest when she is in front of a class, seeing her students learn and improve
Sarah Brown, a Lincoln native, enjoys a unique dual-career as a dance educator and physical therapy practitioner. She holds a bachelor's degree in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University, and became Nebraska's first American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum certified instructor in 2011. Her professional performance career was sp
Sarah Brown, a Lincoln native, enjoys a unique dual-career as a dance educator and physical therapy practitioner. She holds a bachelor's degree in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University, and became Nebraska's first American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum certified instructor in 2011. Her professional performance career was spent primarily at Omaha Theater Ballet, but she also pursued freelance projects where she served as a dancer with Opera Omaha, Omaha Symphony, Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
She has taught ballet technique for over two decades at all levels and in a variety of settings, from private studios to serving as an adjunct faculty member in the UNL Dance Department. In addition to ballet, Sarah is a trained Pilates instructor and taught movement re-education for over 10 years locally within the fitness setting. She acquired her degree as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 2020 and now works at Lincoln Physical Therapy and Sport Rehab, providing clinically-focused injury prevention and rehabilitation for dancers along with treating orthopedic injuries in the general population.
Sarah aims to make every ballet class an opportunity for personal discovery, where students achieve success employing newfound knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics with traditional classical technique training methods.
Caitie Ninegar has been teaching dance in the Lincoln area for nearly 15 years, teaching everything from Ballet to Acro. While growing up, Caitie studied under Courtney Piccoli and has had the honor of being a part of Courtney’s studio from day one until the end. She has performed in 12 musical theater productions with Pinewood Performin
Caitie Ninegar has been teaching dance in the Lincoln area for nearly 15 years, teaching everything from Ballet to Acro. While growing up, Caitie studied under Courtney Piccoli and has had the honor of being a part of Courtney’s studio from day one until the end. She has performed in 12 musical theater productions with Pinewood Performing Arts and serves on their Board of Directors.
Caitie is thrilled to join Inspire Dance Complex this Fall in addition to teaching dance in the Theater Department at her Alma Mater, Nebraska Wesleyan University. She looks forward to the opportunity to continue educating the next generation of dancers, arts supporters, and amazing humans.
Rachel’s studio dance journey started at the age of four, training in jazz, ballet, contemporary/lyrical, tap, and hip-hop. She also had the unique experience of participating in school dance teams at each level of schooling (elementary, middle, and high school). In high school, Rachel was a four-year member of the Lincoln Lutheran Blue
Rachel’s studio dance journey started at the age of four, training in jazz, ballet, contemporary/lyrical, tap, and hip-hop. She also had the unique experience of participating in school dance teams at each level of schooling (elementary, middle, and high school). In high school, Rachel was a four-year member of the Lincoln Lutheran Blue Angels, winning State in pom and high-kick categories all four years.
After college, she coached a middle school dance team for four years and is going into her second season as the head dance coach for the Legends Dance Team at Standing Bear High School. Rachel has worked at Piccoli Dance Theatre for the past three years as a jazz and tap teacher for young dancers, as well as subbing in classes and polishing for the competition company. Rachel is excited to join Inspire Dance Complex to continue sharing her passion for dance to the next generation!
Emily Stevens has been teaching ballet in Lincoln, Nebraska for 10+ years. She appreciates any opportunity to share the love of ballet with students, and values getting to know students as individuals, pushing them to work hard, and seeing them grow as young artists. Emily also places a strong priority on health - both physical and menta
Emily Stevens has been teaching ballet in Lincoln, Nebraska for 10+ years. She appreciates any opportunity to share the love of ballet with students, and values getting to know students as individuals, pushing them to work hard, and seeing them grow as young artists. Emily also places a strong priority on health - both physical and mental - and longevity in dancers.
Emily has trained in multiple ballet styles, including Balanchine technique with Ballet Chicago, Vaganova technique under Racheal Nye, and Imperial Classical Ballet. She also trained in ballet, jazz, and Horton technique modern at the collegiate level at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA where she had the opportunity to perform original works set by
Matthew Powell and Ernie Tolentino.
In addition to ballet, Emily is heavily involved in the musical theater community in Lincoln, having recently performed in Cabaret with Lincoln Community Playhouse. She has performed in many Pinewood Performing Arts productions since 2009, and now serves on the board of directors and as the Artistic Producer for their summer productions.
Outside of the arts, Emily has a Bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife with concentrations in Conservation and Zoo Care and is a transport volunteer for injured birds of prey for Raptor Conservation Alliance. During the day, she is a Clinical Research Coordinator for Be Well Clinical Studies helping to bring new pharmaceuticals to the market.
Isabelle Bertrand is a Lincoln native, where she received dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and pointe. In school, she was a part of dance team for all four years, as well as musical theater and show choir, both for which she was dance captain. Isabelle has continued her dance education the past three years as a teacher and st
Isabelle Bertrand is a Lincoln native, where she received dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and pointe. In school, she was a part of dance team for all four years, as well as musical theater and show choir, both for which she was dance captain. Isabelle has continued her dance education the past three years as a teacher and student at Piccoli Dance Theatre, where she taught lyrical, musical theater, jazz, tap, ballet, pre-pointe, and teen intro. While there, she also choreographed for the competition team, and recently won a choreography award at REVEL dance competition. This past year, she received her certification in Progressing Contemporary Technique. Outside of the dance studio, Isabelle enjoys participating in the arts by choreographing for theaters, show choirs, and dance teams in Lincoln, Omaha, and other surrounding areas, as well as performing in the summer productions at Pinewood Bowl. Most recently, she graduated from UNL with bachelors degrees in History and Secondary Social Sciences Education. Isabelle’s primary goal as a dance educator is to not only build technical skills, but artistry as well. She hopes to help her dancers find a creative outlet through the art of movement!
Thea Holtzen is a current student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pursuing her passion of Dance. Originally from the Milwaukee Area in Wisconsin Thea trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pointe, and Competition Team for many years. As well as Teaching and Substituting for the last two years in Wisconsin and Nebraska
Thea Holtzen is a current student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pursuing her passion of Dance. Originally from the Milwaukee Area in Wisconsin Thea trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pointe, and Competition Team for many years. As well as Teaching and Substituting for the last two years in Wisconsin and Nebraska. She brings a fun, bright, and optimistic energy while maintaining a level of professionalism amongst students.
She has honed her focus in Tap, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop along with other street styles in the most recent years of her dance education and teaching. Studying under Marja Finnigan, Amie Ferrante, and Christopher DeAngelo Gilbert for many years, created a spark in her which later grew to the fiery passion she has for dance now.
As Thea has reflected on her studio years, she recognized the importance of having a healthy competitive mindset. This has inspired her to pursue dance in a professional setting through teaching and seeking out other professional opportunities in Nebraska and Wisconsin. This is due to the encouraging and positive teaching philosophy Marja led with, especially when Thea found her own physical limitations due to scoliosis in her highschool years. Learning from this, Thea wants to help spread the positive message of prioritizing your bodily and mental health within dance.
Lastly, Thea is very thankful to have been studying under Courtney Picolli and Diana Brooks this past year. She has learned so much from apprenticing under these incredible mentors and individuals and cannot thank them enough for their contribution to Thea's education to become the teacher she is now.
When Mia Jensen originally started dance at the age of three, it was mainly because she wanted to wear a sparkly costume. However, over time it has become a dominant part of her life. Helping her get through two moves across the country, dance has been one of the most consistent parts of her life, and has helped her get through stressful
When Mia Jensen originally started dance at the age of three, it was mainly because she wanted to wear a sparkly costume. However, over time it has become a dominant part of her life. Helping her get through two moves across the country, dance has been one of the most consistent parts of her life, and has helped her get through stressful situations, come out of her shell, and find joy in her life.
Mia has trained in studios across the country, studying and examining in both Cecchetti and Imperial Classical Ballet. She has also taken extensive classes in tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and pointe. Over the past three summers, Mia has worked at the Irving Recreation Center, interacting with students ages five to thirteen. This has helped her develop skills in behavior management and child programming. Young kids love Mia and her kind, patient, and fun loving approach to teaching and interacting with them.
Attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln in the fall to major in dance, Mia is terribly excited to teach this year! She hopes to spread the confort, freedom, and joy of dance to the young people in her classes.
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