Try 3 Classes for FREE! Experience the joy of dance this September!
Meet our CEO & Artistic Director
Hannah Taylor
Hello! I am Miss Hannah I am so thrilled you are here learning about our studio!
When I took my first dance class, I never thought "I'm going to own my own dance studio one day." In fact, it was quite the opposite. I was 4 and decided I didn't like dance, but then 5 years later I saw my big sister on a stage and decided "Wow, I have to do this!"
I had an amazing first dance teacher, I will never forget her name - Miss Angela. She was and is everything I and my team hope to embody when teaching a new student - kind, loving, energetic, motivating, passionate and fun! But it was my two mentors "The Jazz Man" Mr. Steven Boyd and my modern teacher Michelle Manzanales (director of the internationally recognized school Ballet Hispanico) that made me fall in love with the possibilities in dance and the movement, and joy of dance.
At this young age dance could help me see, do, feel, and be anything. I could feel the music, feel the pulse, feel the brain and body working, and feel movement becoming a story. And while I didn't realize it at the time, all of these feelings brought me stability, calm, safety, and a clear path to finding myself. The connection with my teachers, with the community, the shared energy and experience, and shared motivation provided me with a path to success. And now I know that no matter what life throws at you, the foundation of personal growth and self awareness that dance provides is unmatched.
And this... this is what we do here, what we hold so close to our hearts. Teaching dance is more than just teaching a class. I believe teaching transforms lives and I hope every day to instill values in my students that will serve them in every aspect of their lives for years to come. I take huge responsibility in continuing education for myself and my team. And I am so proud to say that we truly do have one of the best teaching teams in the Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater area! They are energetic, dedicated, inspiring and ready to embrace every dancer. They are so incredible and I can't wait for you to meet them!
As a teacher and dance educator for almost 20 years now, I have worked with children and adults of all ages - teaching, choreographing, and judging for aspiring dancers, studios, national dance competitions, and high school dance teams. My strong ballet, modern, and jazz dance background creates a unique and versatile experience for my students. Blending different styles and techniques, and my passion for movement, my classes develop a student's own creative voice and identity, while also providing the foundational skills that will help them move forward at any level or age. Whether I am in a 3 year old class singing "1,2,3 Plie with Me", helping a senior dancer prep for college auditions, or dancing along with my adult students, I LOVE every second, every moment as a teacher!
If you are looking for a new dance studio or a place to explore dance, you have found something wonderful here. I am so honored to get to be a part of so many lives and I hope you will allow us to be a part of yours. Get to know the team below. They are fantastic and happy dancing!
xoxox
Miss Hannah
*Hannah has a BA in Business Administration, and a diploma from the nationally recognized High School for the Performing and Visual Arts as a Dance Major. A few highlights from her performance career include choreography projects at Lincoln Center, the New York City Civic Centers, and the Freemont Abbey Arts Center in Seattle. And her favorite performance experience of all was dancing with the world re-known Cirque du Soleil in Kona, Hawaii!
Meet our Teachers
Anna Doran
Kristine Graham
Kristine Graham
Programs & Enrollment Coordinator, Instructor
Tap, ORCA Classes
Hi, I'm Miss Anna. I split my time at the studio between teaching, scheduling SSD's dance programs, and helping our students find their perfect classes. I love getting to know our dance families!
I began dancing when I was four years old. I studied ballet and jazz, but my true love has always been tap. I have over 10 years experience as a dance instructor, teaching classes from ages two to adult, and am a YPAD (Youth Protection Association for Dance) certified teacher. I currently teach all things tap as well as Orca and Amplify classes.
My approach as an instructor combines teaching the technical aspects of dance while having tons of fun and building confidence in my students. I am passionate in my belief that dance is for everyone regardless of age, ability, or body type.
I have high expectations for my students with a focus on respect, hard work, and supporting one another in the classroom. I love having the opportunity to share my favorite art form with my students of all ages!
Team Member since 2016
Kristine Graham
Kristine Graham
Kristine Graham
Amplify Director, Instructor
Jazz, Modern/Contemporary, ORCA Classes
I’m Miss Kristine and I love teaching jazz, modern/contemporary, tap, ballet, Orca, and Amplify classes! I am also the Amplify Director so I work with students to develop performance skills, prepare for competition, and create a supportive and successful team of dancers.
I took my first dance class when I was 5 years old, began performing when I was 6, earned my BA in Dance when I was 21, and have now been teaching for over 25 years. I’ve had the privilege of dancing with The Los Angeles Jazz Foundation and performing at the American Dance Festival. One of the highlights of my career was in 2008 when my students were selected to perform in a Summer Olympics Cultural Festival in Beijing, China!
In my classes, I have clear and high expectations for my students but I also believe that everyone learns the most when they're having fun! I come to every class with an open mind and an open heart. I focus on correct technique and appropriate challenges to build confidence, a healthy body image, and a love and appreciation of all styles of dance.
Team Member Since 2016
Pamela Burks
Kristine Graham
Pamela Burks
Customer Experience Coordinator, Instructor
Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, ORCA & Adult Classes
Hi I’m Miss Pamela! I wear all kinds of hats here at the studio. In your time here at South Sound Dance we will absolutely cross paths - You might find me teaching within any of our programs, planning our productions and events or greeting you at the front desk!
Most of my dance training came from right here at South Sound Dance! I danced through our Elevate program, where I have trained extensively in contemporary, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and more. I have completed our South Sound Dance teacher training program, I am a Comix Method Certified Hip Hop & Street Dance Educator as well as a Youth Protection Association for Dance (YPAD) Certified Instructor.
I approach teaching with big goals for my dancers, whilst having lots of laughs on our way there. I value connection, community and respect in my classroom and I ensure that each dancer is met with exactly what they need to feel confident!
Team Member Since 2019
Brianne Shaw
Kindred Graving-Mead
Pamela Burks
ORCA & Spark Director, Instructor
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, ORCA Classes
Hello dancers and families, I’m Miss Brianne. I love teaching ballet, tap, and jazz to our rockstar students! As our ORCA and Spark director, I guide our team in making sure your recreational dancers have the best experience here at SSD!
I trained for 15 years at a studio in Massachusetts before earning my Minor in Dance from the University of Maine. Since joining the South Sound Dance team, I have completed our Teacher Training Program and other continuing dance education courses.
My classes are centered around the studio’s core values. I teach our students to love dance through connection, growth, creativity, joy, and empowerment.
Can't wait to see you in class dancers!
Team Member since 2019
Bit Stringham
Kindred Graving-Mead
Kindred Graving-Mead
Front Desk Team Member, Instructor
Acro, Jazz, Hip Hop, Adult & ORCA Classes
Hello I'm Miss Bit! Here at South Sound Dance I teach jazz, hip hop, Orca classes, adult classes and more!
I grew up in Utah and started dancing at 6 years old, In my Junior year of high school I joined my school's drill team, and began teaching.
In 2019 I moved to Washington and joined the SSD family beginning with the South Sound Dance Teacher Training Program. I am also a YPAD (Youth Protection Association for Dance) certified teacher.
As a teacher I walk into every class with high energy ready to have fun! I want my students to believe in themselves and feel confident.
My favorite thing about being a teacher is getting to see students fall in love with dance, just as I once did, and continue to do each and every day.
Team Member Since 2019
Kindred Graving-Mead
Kindred Graving-Mead
Kindred Graving-Mead
Elevate Director, Instructor
Elevate, Contemporary/Modern, ORCA classes
I'm Miss Kindred! I teach jazz, modern, our ORCA dancers, and more. You might also see me running around with a camera, taking photos of your smiling faces!
I started dancing when I was 6 years old and fell in the deepest of love. Here at SSD, I danced in our Elevate program, while simultaneously completing our teaching training program. After that I spent a year training abroad in London and am so excited to be back to run that program I loved so dearly!
In my classes I put an emphasis on safety, hard work, and encourage dancers to always believe in themselves. I feel as though it is so important to remind our dancers that they are capable of doing great things.
Team Member since 2019
Cyrra Robinson
Cyrra Robinson
Cyrra Robinson
Fine Arts Club Director, Instructor
Hello! My I am Miss Cyrra and I am the Fine Arts Club Director here at the studio. I teach PreK classes meant to transform children’s learning experiences by tapping into the creative side of their brain. I have a passion for supporting children's mental and physical health through artistic play.
I studied visual arts at Cornish College of the Arts before transferring and graduating from The Evergreen State College with a Bachelor of Arts. My focus at Evergreen was in Psychology and Sculpture, specifically Metal Fabrication and Stone Carving. I have worked as a teacher's assistant at Elementary Schools and Art Studios in Montana and Washington. I also have large amounts of experience teaching adults at TESC and as a nanny!
I joined the South Sound Dance team during the pandemic to improve our students lives and help them be able to continue to engage academically and with their peers, and I am pleased to say that's exactly what we are doing! I am so excited to explore and create with your children this season and am looking forward to getting to know each of you!
Team Member since 2020
Alice Grendon
Cyrra Robinson
Cyrra Robinson
Front Desk Team Member, Instructor
Modern/Contemporary, ORCA & Fine Arts Club
Hello I’m Miss Alice! Here at South Sound Dance I teach Modern and Contemporary classes for all ages, Orca Classes, and more.
I am also the director of our new non-profit, South Sound Dance Access and I am so excited to be able to serve our community through both of these avenues!
I started dancing at three years old under the direction of world renowned dance pedagoge Anne Green Gilbert, who specializes in brain compatible dance education, creative movement, and composition. I went on to study modern dance, ballet, and jazz, until attending Hampshire College and the Five College Dance Department where I received by B.A. in Dance Composition and Performance. I have taught dance for all ages, including adults!
I use a concept based approach to teaching dance, encouraging a holistic understanding of body/space/time and diverse movement qualities. In my classes I include opportunities to improvise and for dancers to create their own movement! I emphasize listening to our bodies so we can be safe, fun, and expressive!
Team Member Since 2021
Destiny Shaw
Cyrra Robinson
Haley Vincent
Instructor
Hip Hop, Jazz, ORCA Classes
Bio Coming Soon!
Team Member Since 2022
Haley Vincent
Haley Vincent
Haley Vincent
Student Instructor
Jazz, Ballet, ORCA Classes
Bio Coming Soon!
Team Member Since 2022
Audrey Wright
Haley Vincent
Audrey Wright
Instructor
Ballet, ORCA Classes, Adult Classes
Hello, my name is Miss Audrey. You'll mostly see me teaching our ORCA dancers here at the studio!
I grew up right down the street, dancing with Johansen Olympia Dance Center for 15 years and with Ballet Northwest for 5 years. After I graduated from Highschool, I went to Cornish College of The Arts in Seattle and received Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance. I have also completed and received American Ballet Theater's Teaching Certificate.
When teaching, I focus on dancers being big and expressive in our movement. It is so important to PLAY as we learn. I value respect, making connections, and having fun!"
Team Member Since 2022