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Dance Expressions staff
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Erin Spriggs is the owner/director of Dance Expressions. She began dancing at the age of 4, excelling in ballet, tap, and jazz as a young dancer; however, finding that lyrical and contemporary is where she is most passionate. Her studies in Chicago, New York, Kansas City, Iowa, and Tulsa developed her technique and performance levels. Erin has had the privilege of studying under Gus Giordano, Bill Hotaling, Chet Walker, Finis Jhung, Savion Glover, and several others.
Erin opened two dance studios in the greater Kansas City area where all of her talents have gelled. She opened her first location in Paola in 1998 and branched out to the Shawnee/Lenexa area opening a second location in 2006. Erin is a certified dance instructor and a member of Dance Masters of America, where she is the National President.
Erin has developed nationally recognized and award-winning students, many of which are now dancing at the collegiate level. Some have become dance instructors and studio owners, and others are performing professionally on cruise lines, in NYC, Las Vegas, and across the US, working with various companies.
The former performer, Erin, is a nationally recognized choreographer, creative set and stage designer, and fashion forward costume designer, garnering national awards in all categories. In her spare time, Erin enjoys judging and choreographing for regional and national competitions. She loves sharing her passion for dance with her students and other dancers across the US.
Erin’s most recent honors are having Dance Expressions ranked one of the top 5 studios in the state of Kansas and being featured in Dance Studio Life magazine.
Wes was born and raised in a suburb of St. Louis, MO. He started co-ed cheerleading in college, in the Spring of 1984 at Central Missouri State University. Wes moved to professional cheerleading when he started cheering for the Co-Ed Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders from 1985-1995. After graduating from CMSU with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication, minor in Management, he moved to Kansas City.
To grow his knowledge and skills he started working at Elite Gymnastics (1988-1998) and was a recreational and competitive gymnastics coach from 1988-2011. In 1998 he became co-owner of Kansas Gymnastics Dance and Cheer in Olathe, KS. He ran recreational and competitive cheerleading programs and teams for bitty through over 18 years of age. Concurrently, he instructed recreational through elite level gymnasts. Wes was sought all over the country to instruct cheer and gymnastics camps, judging competitions and tryouts, and for private instruction for skill development in tumbling, all girl and co-ed stunting, pyramid building and cheer team choreography.
He assisted James Speed (renowned cheerleading coach of the University of Louisville) with instruction, squad selection and recruiting while James was the cheer coach at the University of Kansas and University of Louisville. Wes started the cheerleading programs at Johnson County Community College, the University of Missouri Kansas City and has overseen the instruction and training of other semi pro teams in the Kansas City area. Over his career he has had multiple gymnasts earn college scholarships, one who works for Cirque du Soleil, and several who have opened their own gymnastics and cheerleading gyms nationwide.
Wes is excited to share his knowledge and skills with the students at Dance Expressions. Wes also has a daughter who is a dancer at DE.
Elizabeth began dancing at age 3 in Olathe, Kansas. Most of her training was achieved at Dance Expressions in Kansas where she competed until graduating from high school. She moved to New York where she trained at Pace University receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Commercial Dance with concentrations in Pedagogy and Performance. While being in New York City, she also completed a semester in Los Angeles studying with Mandy Moore and Jen Hamilton learning “behind the camera and on camera skills.” Pace University’s extensive staff includes Scott Jovoich, Rhonda Miller, Lauren Gaul, Dee Caspary, Jacki Ford, Jess Hendricks, and many more.
After graduating from Pace University, Elizabeth joined the Radio City Rockettes as a Radio City Rockette. She has performed in the Macy’s Day Parade as well as at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Elizabeth just completed her second season with the Rockettes and in between being on stage in New York, she teaches dance to prospective students and is a judge with various dance competitions and conventions.
Kristin began studying dance at the age of 4. Growing up in a military family gave her the opportunity to learn dance literally, around the world. Throughout the years she has studied many different styles of dance in order to become the most well-rounded dancer, and teacher, she can be. During her training Kristin has found a deep love for contemporary, improv, and tap, finding those to be her biggest passions.
Kristin has been teaching and sharing her love of dance since 2005. She graduated from Benedictine College in 2009 with a minor in dance, and soon after became a certified dance instructor and a member of Dance Masters of America.
Kristin’s choreography has been recognized both regionally and nationally for her creative concepts and has won numerous choreography awards as well as winning many overall placements.
In addition to working with dancers in the studio, she choreographs for theater productions all over the greater Kansas City area and has been recognized by KCStage as choreographer of the top rated Musical in Kansas City for multiple years.
Kristin loves being part of the Dance Expressions family. Being able to inspire others and share the love of dance is one of her greatest joys in life!
Julia Bates has been dancing competitively in multiple styles of dance since the age of 7. She has competed all over the country in national dance competitions. After graduating from high school Julia was accepted into Theater Arts Preparatory School in Las Vegas, Nevada. There she received training in all styles of dance by notable choreographers and dancers. She was also trained in auditioning, acting and singing techniques. After successfully completing the TAPS program Julia auditioned and was hired by the character department at Disneyland in Anaheim, California where she worked from March 2016-April 2017. While in California Julia took advantage of the professional dance classes offered at such places as Millennium Dance Complex. Julia has many years of experience teaching dance to all ages and has taught professionally in the styles of jazz, jazz-funk and heels at Millennium Dance Complex in Orange County, California.
Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, Whitney’s dance and gymnastics career began at the age of three. She began training in gymnastics not only at her local gym, but received the opportunity to work with the amazing Bela Karolyi! After her time competing in gymnastics, she began her training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. Whitney’s love of this art has led her to teaching and choreographing where she has been recognized and awarded.
Whitney holds a BBA from Washburn University. She was a member of the University Cheer Squad for 3 years; serving as Captain and Co-Captain for 2 of those years.
Whitney continues her dance education and training by attending conventions and master classes. She is a certified instructor of Dance Masters of America in Ballet and Jazz.
Helping students to express themselves by finding their voice and pure happiness through this art is a passion of Whitney’s. She is inspired by witnessing students reach their goals and seeing the joy that comes with it.
Whitney is blessed and excited to share her knowledge and love of this art with everyone at Dance Expressions.
Miss Connie is a mother of 3 and grandmother of 6. She was introduced to Dance Expressions when her youngest daughter, Miss Katie O. started dancing at the age of 3. Miss Connie is a retired surgical nurse of 20 years, although she does keep her license current as she continues in her caregiver role in home health care.
She started working a few hours at Dance Expressions and 13 years later, continues to enjoy being a part of and around the “performing” world, as she grew up in the “Arts.” Miss Connie’s strong faith, her belief that you must focus on and find the positive in everything, and always having an amazing cup of coffee is key to an awesome ride in this life!
Katie began her dance career at the young age of 3 years old. Over her 17 years of training and performances and 11 years in the competition circuit, she feels blessed to have been able to travel the country to receive instruction from and perform with so many talented artists. Besides performing, Katie continues her dance education and has become a Dance Masters Of America certified instructor in Ballet and Jazz, as well as becoming a Progressive Ballet Technique certified instructor.
Due to her training in many different genres, her opportunity to perform, choreograph and teach, has exploded. Many of her choreography pieces have gone on to win national titles and receive national recognition.
Katie moved to Atlanta 4 years ago, to continue her training and performance opportunities. Having been a Groove2musik company member, Katie feels blessed to have trained under Gary Beauford, D-Ray Colson, Keith Andre and Brandon Keith.
Katie has been seen on Nickelodeon, BET TV and many music videos! She has worked with artists such as Blackyoungsta, Ayanis, Caleb Brauner, Brooklyn Jia, Alex B, and Tech 9, Marty Kudelka, Krizz Kaliko, and Stevie Stone – just to name a few.
Katie has since moved to Kansas City to continue with her dance / choreographer career. She feels that although she has had more experiences, performances and opportunities as a professional dancer / choreographer, than many ever do, she feels her journey in this art is unstoppable. She is addicted to inspiring young and professional dancers to never stop believing, training, performing and spreading the joy that dance allows her to do.
Dancing since the age of 3, Dance Expressions has always held a special place in Audrey’s heart. After 3 years of recreational dance, Audrey was invited to join the competition team. The next 12 years of competing with DE, Audrey received phenomenal, well-rounded training from nationally recognized (awarded) choreographers and teachers.
As Audrey’s passion grew, she further developed her abilities by becoming one of the main senior teaching assistants. This sparked an interest in continuing her teaching skills after she graduated high school. Audrey received a scholarship to Teacher Training School through Dance Masters of America in Buffalo, NY, where she received training from world-renowned teachers and choreographers.
Audrey is so excited and grateful to continue her love and passion for dance and share it with the next generation of young dancers at DE.
Emily began her dance journey at the age of three under the direction of Erin Spriggs at Dance Expressions. As she grew, she balanced her passion for dance with competitive sports. As she continued to dance both competitively and recreationally, she excelled in leadership roles, becoming Captain from her high school dance team, and a lead dance instructor at a competitive studio at the age of 17. Her early experiences in these diverse areas of performance shaped her well-rounded understanding of movement and artistry, earning awards for her choreography and training.
Emily went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Kansas. She was deeply involved with the University Dance Company, training in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern, African Dance, East Indian, and Flamenco. Emily also worked under the direction of nationally recognized companies and artists. During her time at KU, Emily served as chairman of the University Dance Department, a performer and leader of Unity Hip Hop Crew, and director and choreographer for her own dance showcase, Elementum, that raised thousands for a local charity. Emily continued to earn award-winning titles as both a choreographer and dancer.
Emily went on to earn certifications in Personal Training, Corrective Exercise, and Nutrition, allowing her to blend the art and science of movement, health, and wellness. She believes in maintaining a balance between artistry and physical health.
Going on her fourth year of teaching at Dance Expressions and now a mother of a 1-year-old boy, Emily is excited to be returning to the studio that she considers a second home—sharing her passion for dance once again with new and former students.
Meet James, the Technology Director for Dance Expressions. He has been working in the studio for over 25 years now, having begun with working the stage for sound and lighting during performances, as he still does.
As the technology director, James encompasses the tech that keeps the studios ticking. From sound and lighting to wifi and cameras, he keeps the studio running smooth. He also designs many of the logos, advertisements, flyers. You will see James in the office, as he enjoys helping out anywhere he can.
James also enjoys working with and supporting the studio’s competition team from helping with props to cheering on the girls at competitions; both locally and nationally.
Melissa began studying dance at the age of 3. She danced, assisted and taught at a local studio for 25 years. Throughout the years she has trained in numerous different types of dance with teachers throughout the country at various dance conventions and workshops. She competed in many local and national competitions during her career as a soloist and as part of a team, winning numerous awards. She then went on to share her passion with her students, working to prepare them for performances and competitions as well as engage children in the fun and excitement of dance.
Melissa graduated from University of Missouri - Kansas City with a degree in early childhood education. She then went on to obtain her Masters in Special Education. In her passion to work with children, she has taught children in schools and provided treatment in clinics, homes and the community.
Melissa joined the Dance Expressions family when her own children began to dance. Dance has provided the opportunity for Melissa to gain skills beyond dance technique and she is excited to have the opportunity to share her passion of dance with children.
Mariah Rollwagen is a dance performer and choreographer based in the Kansas City area. She has trained with Empire Dance Academy, Lindenwood University, and University of Kansas in her adulthood and has trained with multiple competitive dance studios throughout her adolescence. She worked as a dance instructor at Denise’s Dance Academy for 5 years and choreographed for their contemporary and jazz competition teams. She also teaches ballet, contemporary, modern, and leaps and turns technique in all ages and skill levels. She has experience in dance instruction from ages 5+, including adult instruction with Empire Dance Academy. She was a member of Empire Dance Company and often performs for That’s Entertainment KC. She has the ability to perform multiple styles including contemporary, heels, hip-hop, jazz, and modern, as well as choreographing contemporary fusion, jazz, heels, and jazz funk for competitive and professional performances.
Amy grew up dancing and competing in the Kansas City area. Upon moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas to attend college, she began teaching dance at 19, and realized that her true passion was teaching. Now well over a decade later, teaching and choreographing remains her dream job. She served as the resident choreographer for Sound Alive Show Choir, the Har-Ber High School Theatre Program and Ramay Middle School Dance Team. In addition to dance, Amy is a RYT-200 Yoga Instructor, with the hopes of building strong, well-rounded, confident dancers and performers.
