Jami Artiga and Kaydee Francis
8 years ago we decided to open a dance studio to share our love of dance with the community. We saw a need for a place where all dancers could come and feel great about themselves! We wanted to provide a dance home for all different types of dancers – from the person who dances because it makes them feel like a star, to the dancer who hopes to actually become a star!
One of our goals as a studio is to teach our students, through dance, more than just how to dance. We want to shape the minds of tomorrow. We want to mentor kids in all aspects of their lives. But even with these lofty goals, never did we realize that we could actually change the way people look at the art of dance due to our love, passion and knowledge of dance. We are so blessed to be able to live our dream and share that love. years ago we decided to open a dance studio to share our love of dance with the community. We saw a need for a place where all dancers could come and feel great about themselves! We wanted to provide a dance home for all different types of dancers – from the person who dances because it makes them feel like a star, to the dancer who hopes to actually become a star!
Stephanie Minarchan
Ms. Stephanie began dance at the age of 3 under her mother’s tutelage. After many years of study, she taught dance for 15 years at the Dance Emporium. Ms. Stephanie received her BA in Dance, with a choreography emphasis, from UNLV. She had the honor of training with tap master Henry LeTang for 4 years. She is uniquely qualified as a dance teacher because she is well-rounded and can teach just about any type of dance.
Ms. Stephanie currently teaches tap at the Dance Zone, where she feels there is a warm environment. “I love Jami and Kaydee and their philosophies on keeping the children first!” says Ms. Stephanie.
Kristin Burgon
Ms. Kristen began her serious ballet training at the age of ten with Ballet West in Ogden on scholarship. There she had the opportunity to be a leading artist in Raymond Van Mason’s pre-professional ballet company, Imagine Ballet Theatre. She then went on to train in Sandy, UT and dance principle roles with the official ballet company of Midvale City, Intermountain Ballet Theatre. Some of her roles include: The Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen and Dew Drop Fairy in the Nutcracker, Myrtha in Giselle, and Swanhilda in Coppelia. Ms. Kristen has also studied with St. Louis Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet School as a Trainee, American Ballet Theatre in New York, Milwaukee Ballet on scholarship, as well as the University of Utah.
Lynne Soffe
Ms. Lynne did everything related to dance at a young age. She began dance training at age 3, and opened her own studio at the age of 17 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ms. Lynne studied with the South African Dance Teachers Association, qualifying with honors, and receiving her Advanced Teachers Certificate. She has also choreographed musical theatre productions, such as Oklahoma, South Pacific, The Jungle Book and Oliver. She was also awarded a seat on the competitive judge’s panel, after her routines won “Best Choreography” 4 years in a row.
Ms. Lynn danced for the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s local television variety show. After moving to the United States, Ms. Lynn taught dance at the Plum Dance Academy and eventually became the director of the Arizona Sunrays. Ms. Lynn is uniquely qualified as a dance teacher because of her many years of quality training and her love of the arts.
Ms. Lynn teaches Jazz, Tap and Ballet at The Dance Zone, where she believes dancers will get a well-rounded dance education, along with great comradeship. “I love the people and what they stand for!” says Ms. Lynne.
Janette Puckett
Ms. Janette first began dancing in Texas at the age of 9. Her dance training eventually led her to performing opportunities at the Arena Bowl XX and The Golden West College Invitation Concert in Huntington Beach, CA, several Texas area dance festivals, and more. Ms. Janette graduated with honors from the University of Nevada with a BFA in Dance, where she was selected for and International Dance Performance in Seoul, Korea.
Prior to becoming an instructor at the Dance Zone, Ms. Janette taught dance at the “Talent and More” dance studio in Dallas Texas. She was also a professional dancer and model with the Las Vegas area “Gladiators Goddesses Dance Team”, where she appeared in charity functions and participated in dance workshops for children. Ms. Janette is uniquely qualified as a dance teacher because of her personality, passion and patience. She wants all of her students to have fun, learn and leave the classroom feeling positive about themselves.
Ms. Janette currently teaches Hip-Hop, Cheer, Jazz and the SuperStars team at the Dance Zone. She loves the energy of The Dance Zone and feels that there is a place for all dancers, of all levels of ability and interests. “We are the best in the West Coast!” says Ms. Janette.
