Anna Fankhauser is excited to join the EPIC staff for her first season! A current student at Weber State University, Anna is pursuing a degree in Family Science, combining her love for dance with a deep passion for helping others grow. Anna’s teaching journey began three years ago, and she is now taking on the role of coach. She has a strong background in choreography and enjoys bringing creativity and energy into every class she leads. As a proud member of the Weber State Dance Team (WSDT), Anna helped her team earn multiple national titles, including 2025 D1 & Grand Jazz National Champions X2 and D1 Hip Hop National Champions X2. The team also represented the United States at ICU Worlds, where they won a gold medal as the US National Premier Hip Hop team. "My favorite thing about being on EPIC staff is the people—everyone is so fun, and we get to do what we love together!" She is excited for the EPIC season and can’t wait to meet all the amazing teams! Her favorite styles to choreograph are Hip Hop and Jazz.
Audrey Haskell Barney is a dedicated and energetic member of the EPIC staff, entering her fourth year. She is currently attending Brigham Young University, pursuing a degree in Statistics. Audrey is a powerful performer with the BYU Cougarettes, known for her electric performance energy. She has earned six national titles and two world titles during her time on the team. Audrey brings her passion for choreography to drill teams and studios, specializing in hip hop and pom styles. Her creative energy and experience make her a valuable asset to any team she works with. Her favorite thing about being on EPIC staff “The world’s funnest staff and camp is always a party!” Choreography Interests: Hip Hop and Pom.
Brynlee Ruoti is an enthusiastic and dedicated dance educator entering her fourth year on the EPIC staff. She is currently attending Brigham Young University and is excited for another year with the BYU Cougarettes. Brynlee has proudly earned several Collegiate National Championships with the Cougarettes and was honored as Miss Drill Utah in 2022. With four years of teaching experience at Synergy Academy, Brynlee has refined her skills working with dancers of all levels. She has taught technique to drill teams across the state for the past three years and has choreographed routines for several drill teams, showcasing her creativity and passion. Her favorite part of being on the EPIC staff is the opportunity to connect with dancers and coaches at each camp. “Meeting and teaching each drill team and all their members is a highlight for me. The relationships built with dancers at camp are unforgettable.” Choreography Interests: Lyrical, Jazz, and Hip Hop
Ellie Rose Nilsson is a passionate and experienced dance educator who has been part of the EPIC staff for 10 years. With over 12 years of teaching experience, Ellie trains and choreographs at her home studio five days a week and works closely with multiple drill teams each season, creating award-winning routines across a variety of styles. While Ellie is trained in all styles of dance, her true passion lies in contemporary, where she finds the deepest connection and creative expression. Her choreography has been recognized on a national level—she is a two-time Industry Dance Award nominee and a recipient of the Industry Dance Award for Best Convention Performance. She has also earned numerous national titles and choreography awards throughout her career. Ellie’s excellence extends beyond the studio; she was named a Student Athletic Scholar her freshman year of college, demonstrating her commitment both academically and athletically. Her favorite part of being on EPIC staff is the relationships she’s built along the way. “I’ve made some of my forever friends through EPIC,” she says. “Getting to know so many different teams and their coaching staff has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.” Choreography Interests: Dance Routine, Show Routine, and Solos.
Emma Schipaanboord brings a powerful blend of experience, energy, and passion to EPIC Productions. Now in her third year on staff, Emma is dedicated to helping dancers reach their full potential—both technically and artistically. A former dance captain at Layton High School and two-time All-State recipient, Emma currently performs with the nationally recognized Weber State Dance Team (WSDT). With WSDT, she has earned multiple national titles, including 2025 D1 & Grand Jazz National Champion and D1 Hip Hop National Champion, each won twice. Emma also proudly represented the United States as part of the US National Premier Hip Hop Team at ICU Worlds, where the team took home a gold medal. Emma began teaching at the age of 16 and has since coached at Woods Cross High School, taught technique at Creative Arts Academy, and will be bringing her leadership and expertise to Layton High School this coming year. She thrives on helping dancers push their boundaries and grow in confidence and skill. What Emma loves most about EPIC is the supportive, growth-minded environment shared by staff and students alike. “We all have the same goal—to encourage every student to improve year after year,” she says. “It’s inspiring to witness their development and be part of their creative journey.” Her favorite styles to choreograph are Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop.
Evi Hartvigsen is an experienced and dedicated dance instructor entering her third year on EPIC staff. Currently studying Forensic Psychology at Weber State University, Evi combines her academic interests with her passion for dance, creating a unique approach to her teaching. With over a decade of experience in dance, Evi began teaching at the age of 14 and has since had the privilege of assisting some of the best teachers and choreographers in the industry. Now, she’s excited to teach and choreograph on her own, bringing her creativity, energy, and love for dance to every class she leads. Evi’s competitive dance career is marked by impressive accomplishments, including 2 state titles as a dancer, 1 as a coach, 2 National titles, and 1 Grand National title. She has also earned the title of World Champion and a gold medal, showcasing her dedication and excellence in dance. Her favorite part of being on EPIC staff? “The people I am surrounded by—there's no better feeling than working with such a talented and supportive group.” Evi loves choreographing Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, and Jazz Funk.
Isabella Salazar is a current student at Weber State University, where she studies Marketing and proudly represents the Weber State Dance Team. In her three years on EPIC staff, Isabella has brought energy, dedication, and a love for helping dancers grow both on and off the floor. She’s an accomplished performer with an impressive list of achievements, including being a D1 National Grand Champion, ICU Worlds Gold Medalist, and a Pan American Double Gold Medalist. Her experience on the competitive stage fuels her passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers. Isabella has taught a variety of combo classes and has assisted drill teams in preparing for competitions, always bringing encouragement and attention to detail to every practice. Her favorite part about being on EPIC staff “Creating lifelong friendships and making so many fun memories!!” Choreography Interests: Hip Hop & Contemporary
Jaylee Hoover Bishop is a passionate and creative dance professional currently in her second season with EPIC. She is currently attending Utah Valley University and has earned multiple choreography awards across the country, including two national titles with the UVU Dance Team and several state-winning routines. Jaylee has had the exciting opportunity to teach and choreograph nationwide, leading master classes, studio pieces, and high school national routines. Her choreography focuses on contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and lyrical styles, reflecting her versatility and artistic range. Her favorite part of being on the EPIC staff is the meaningful connections she builds with students, coaches, and fellow staff members. “I love spending time with the staff and making memories together. While I enjoy the creative process of teaching and choreography, what brings me the most fulfillment is the relationships it creates and nurtures.” Choreography Interests: Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Lyrical.
Jordan Peterson is a passionate educator and artist with over 15 years of experience as a choreographer, teacher, and mentor. Now celebrating her 10th year on EPIC staff, Jordan continues to bring her signature energy, creativity, and love for dance to every room she steps into. She holds a BFA in Dance Performance from the University of Utah and an MFA in Fine Art Administration from Southern Utah University, combining technical excellence with a strong foundation in arts leadership. Jordan’s work has been recognized both nationally and internationally. She served as an assistant choreographer for the Emmy Award-winning Thrive 125 production, earned the Outstanding Adjudication Award in British Columbia, was named Educator of the Year at Corner Canyon High School, and was featured in Dance Teacher Magazine for her dance work and volunteer efforts in Panama. With a career that spans countless studios, schools, and stages, Jordan’s impact as a teacher and mentor is far-reaching. Her favorite part of EPIC is the shared commitment to growth and the genuine passion each staff member brings: “We’re a family of artists who love what we do and who we do it with.” Jordan loves choreographing in all styles—with the exception of hip hop. A ballet girl at heart, she proudly sticks to her roots while embracing creative expression across the board. She LOVES EPIC.
Kirsten Stout is a dedicated and accomplished dance professional with over 11 years of teaching and coaching experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from both Utah Valley University. While attending UVU, Kirsten was a standout member of the Utah Valley University Dance Team, where she contributed to six collegiate national championships and earned a world championship gold medal. Kirsten’s expertise spans a wide range of styles, including contemporary, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, pom, acro, tumbling, and cheer. She has coached high school drill teams at Corner Canyon (2017–2019), Copper Hills (2020–2022), and currently coaches the Riverton Dance Company. She also teaches at Synergy Dance Academy and travels throughout Utah teaching masterclasses for studios and drill teams. Her accomplishments include three high school state championships, All-State Drill Team honors in both her junior and senior years, and the prestigious title of Miss Drill International. She is also a recognized choreographer, with multiple awards for her work. Kirsten’s favorite part of being on EPIC staff is witnessing the full journey of each team—from their first moments at camp to the final stage at state. She especially loves seeing leadership develop and teams grow stronger together. She is passionate about choreographing in the styles of contemporary, lyrical, and jazz—where she feels she can most creatively connect with and inspire dancers.
Lauralyn Kofford has been with EPIC since its very beginning, sharing her unmatched passion, talent, and leadership for over two decades. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education and a Minor in Health & Fitness, Lauralyn was also a recipient of the prestigious Cougarette Dance Scholarship. With an extensive choreography career spanning both the competitive and commercial dance worlds, Lauralyn has created award-winning work in jazz, contemporary, lyrical, military, character show, kick, musical theatre, and commercial production styles. She has served as Head Choreographer for Stadium of Fire since 2002 and for the Miss Rodeo America Fashion Show since 2005. She is also the Production Choreographer for Miss Dance/Drill Japan and was a lead choreographer for the Emmy Award-winning THRIVE 125 TV broadcast in 2020–21. Her commercial choreography clients include Alphagraphics, Young Living, Nature’s Sunshine, Unicity, and Century Link. Lauralyn’s musical theatre experience spans over 20 years, including work on Disney’s High School Musical (Seasons 1 and 3), and she was part of the choreography team for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. In addition to her choreography, Lauralyn is an experienced educator. She has taught and coached at the high school level, directed dance companies, and served as a freelance instructor and guest teacher nationally and internationally. She is currently an Acrobatic Arts Certified Coach and a longtime VASA Group Fitness Instructor. Among her many accolades, Lauralyn is the recipient of an Emmy Award for Choreography and Production (THRIVE 125) and was named Utah Dance Judges Association Judge of the Year in 2018. Lauralyn’s favorite part of EPIC is the lifelong friendships and meaningful connections she's made. She especially loves seeing dancers grow in confidence, skill, and unity through the team-building experience EPIC provides.
Lily Bailey is an enthusiastic and versatile dance educator entering her third year on EPIC staff. She currently attends Weber State University, where she is studying Exercise and Sports Science and recently earned the title of Rookie of the Year on the Weber State Dance Team in 2024. Lily was a Top 10 Finalist for Miss Drill Utah in 2022 and graduated in the top 6% of her high school class. Her teaching journey includes choreography and master classes at various studios, and she is currently on staff at Studio 19 in Saratoga Springs. With a passion for storytelling and performance, Lily enjoys choreographing in contemporary, lyrical, jazz, pom, and military styles. Her favorite part of being on EPIC staff is “getting to meet all the amazing teams!” Choreography Interests: Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Pom, and Military.
Lily Jay Short is a dynamic and passionate dance educator entering her third year on the EPIC staff. A proud member of the Utah Valley University Dance Team, Lily recently helped lead her team to victory as the 2025 D1 Hip Hop National Champions—a true testament to her dedication, drive, and love for performance. She is currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science at Utah Valley University, combining her interest in movement science with her lifelong passion for dance. With over five years of teaching experience across studios, drill teams, and dance programs in multiple states, Lily brings versatility and a fresh perspective to every class she leads. Lily’s favorite part of being on EPIC staff is “finding ways to make the kids at camp smile and feel welcome!” Her favorite styles to choreograph are Jazz Funk and Contemporary.
Madeline Chambers is a dynamic and passionate dance educator entering her fourth season with EPIC. She is currently pursuing a degree in Digital Marketing at Utah Valley University, where she also serves as an officer on the UVU Dance Team. Madeline brings a strong competitive background and versatile teaching experience to her role. She currently teaches a variety of styles and age groups at Prodigy Dance Academy in Murray, Utah. As a former president of the Corner Canyon Drill Team and a current leader on the UVU Dance Team, she has choreographed for concert pieces, football halftimes, and competitive routines across Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Her performance accolades include a Division 1 UDA Hip Hop National Title (2025), D1 NDA Hip Hop and Gameday National Titles (2023), and recognition as both a UHSAA All-State Drill Team member and Academic All-Region honoree during the 2021–2022 season. Madeline’s favorite part of being on the EPIC staff is the relationships she’s built along the way. “I’ve met so many amazing coaches, dancers, and fellow staff members. The connections I’ve made here truly mean the world to me.” Choreography Interests: Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, and Military.
Madison Bay is a proud graduate of Brigham Young University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. With a strong foundation in both the science of movement and the art of performance, Madison brings five years of expertise and leadership to the EPIC staff. As a former Cougarette Dance Captain for four years, Madison led with excellence on and off the floor. She was also honored as Miss Drill Utah 2019, and has served as a faculty member at various studios, where her passion for jazz and contemporary choreography shines through in every class. Her favorite part of being on EPIC staff “Seeing the growth in the dancers and teams each season—and getting to do it all alongside my best friends on staff!” Madison’s blend of technical knowledge, performance experience, and love for the dance community makes her an invaluable part of the EPIC team. Choreography Interests: Jazz & Contemporary
Molly Riggs is excited to be entering her fourth year on the EPIC staff. She is currently attending Weber State University, studying Communications with an emphasis in social media and data analytics, along with a minor in graphic design. Molly graduated from Hillcrest High School, where she was a standout member of the 5A All-State Drill Team in 2022. Molly has earned multiple accolades throughout her dance career, including four D1 National Championships, two Jazz Grand National Championships, an ICU Worlds Gold Medal in Hip Hop, and Pan American double gold medals in Hip Hop and Jazz. She has also been recognized with academic scholarships every year of college and a GPA academic award each semester. Starting her teaching journey at age 15, Molly has taught at studios continuously since then. She has been a leader on both her high school and college teams and has been a valued part of EPIC for four years. Her favorite thing about being on EPIC staff is the friendships she’s built: “I love spending the whole month with my friends on EPIC and making new friends at camp! And of course… HIGH FIT!!!” Choreography Interests: Jazz, Pom, and occasional lyrical/contemporary.
Morgan Marie Williams is a passionate and inspiring dance educator in her third year on EPIC staff. She has studied at both Weber State University and Brigham Young University, pursuing a degree in Psychology with a focus on Sports Performance Therapy. While dancing on the Weber State Dance Team, Morgan earned two National Championships and a World Championship—achievements that reflect her talent, dedication, and competitive drive. She has taught at two respected studios, Groove the Academy and Artistic Dance Project, and continues to share her love of movement and artistry through her choreography. Morgan especially enjoys choreographing in contemporary and lyrical styles, bringing emotion and storytelling to the stage. Her favorite part of being on EPIC staff is connecting with dancers from all over the state and building meaningful relationships with each team. Choreography Interests: Contemporary and Lyrical
Mylee Terry is a driven and passionate dance educator entering her second year on EPIC staff. She is currently pursuing a degree in Digital Marketing at Utah Valley University, where she also serves as the captain of the UVU Dance Team for the 2024–2025 season. Mylee’s dance résumé is packed with accolades, including being a 2x Utah Drill Team State Champion, a 3x College Dance National Champion, and earning an Associate’s Degree in Family Science. Her leadership on and off the floor is a reflection of her dedication to both the art and the community of dance. With a strong presence in Utah’s dance scene, Mylee has taught master classes, choreography, and technique for studios and drill teams across the Wasatch Front, sharing her expertise and passion with dancers of all levels. Her favorite part of being on EPIC staff. “The connections you create through EPIC are ones that last forever!” Her favorite styles to choreograph are Jazz and Contemporary.
Paezlei Holt is a talented and energetic dance educator entering her fourth season with EPIC. She is currently studying Nutrition at Weber State University, where she continues to balance her academic excellence—earning academic scholarships each year—with her deep-rooted passion for dance. Paezlei’s dance journey is marked by a long list of impressive achievements. She is a D1 National and Grand Champion, ICU Worlds Gold Medalist, and a Pan American Double Gold Medalist. She has served as a Radix Prodigy for over two years and was an assistant for the NRG Dance Project, further sharpening her teaching and choreography skills at the convention level. With experience teaching at studios across Utah, Paezlei has choreographed numerous halftime routines for drill teams, taught at in-house studio conventions, and contributed choreography to Weber State's team concert for two consecutive years. Her choreography style is bold and versatile, and she especially enjoys creating routines in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, pom, and jazz funk. Her favorite part of being on EPIC staff is teaching incredible, talented dancers and creating unforgettable memories with the EPIC team. “There’s nothing like the energy and friendships that come from this staff and the amazing dancers we work with.” Choreography Interests: Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pom, and Jazz Funk.
Peyton Bengtson is a driven and accomplished dance professional entering her fourth season with EPIC. She graduated from Utah Valley University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and served as the Hip Hop Captain on the UVU Dance Team from 2022 to 2024. She is currently a member of the Utah Jazz Dancers, representing the NBA franchise with talent, professionalism, and high-energy performance. With five years of teaching experience, Peyton has worked with dancers ages 7–18 and currently teaches at Utah Arts Collective in Heber, Utah. Her choreography spans studio, solo, and drill team work across the state, showcasing her versatility and creativity in styles such as hip hop, jazz, pom, and contemporary. Peyton’s performance accolades are extensive. She is a UDA D1 National Hip Hop Champion Runner-Up (2024) and placed 3rd in Jazz Nationals the same year. In 2023, she helped lead her team to first place at NDA Nationals in Hip Hop and Game Day, and second place in Jazz. Her success also includes being named an NDA All-American Collegiate Dancer in 2022, and contributing to multiple first-place national titles in Jazz, Game Day, and Pom across the 2021–2023 seasons. Her favorite part of being on the EPIC staff is working closely with so many different teams and dancers. “I love meeting new people and being surrounded by such an inspiring, high-energy community.” Choreography Interests: Hip Hop, Jazz, Pom, and Contemporary.
Teigyn Holt is currently attending Weber State University, where she studies Health Sciences and proudly represents the Weber State Dance Team. A dynamic performer and coach, Teigyn brings four years of experience to the EPIC staff and continues to inspire dancers with her energy, creativity, and passion. Her competitive accomplishments speak for themselves—Double Time National Champion, Grand Champion in both jazz and hip hop, ICU World Champion in hip hop, and ICU Pan American World Champion in both jazz and hip hop. Teigyn started teaching dance right after high school and has loved every moment since, pouring her heart into every class and every team. Her favorite thing about being on EPIC staff? “Getting to know all the teams!” She thrives on connection and believes in the power of teamwork, dedication, and having fun while doing what you love. Choreography Interests: Jazz & Hip Hop