Molding and refining individuals to become their best selves — the mission of INSPIRE is to offer professional, values-driven training in dance, music, and theatre within a supportive, safe, and uplifting environment in Gilbert, AZ.
The principles that guide everything we do at INSPIRE.
The mission of INSPIRE is to mold and refine individuals to become their best selves through the performing arts. Everything we do points back to that purpose.
Our dancers wear modest, age-appropriate outfits that reflect our commitment to upholding values of respect and dignity. Our programs offer a safe, nurturing space where kids can thrive both on and off the stage.
Our programs are designed to uplift both the body and spirit. We focus on promoting a positive, healthy environment where students can grow in confidence and determination.
With over 30 years of experience teaching dance and theatre, Shelley brings an extraordinary level of expertise and passion to South Gilbert. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and performed and choreographed professionally for 6 years in Branson, MO and Biloxi, MS.
Before joining INSPIRE, Shelley founded an acclaimed studio in Kansas (2002-2010) and was honored as a "Woman of Distinction" in 2007. She founded INSPIRE's first Dance Company in 2015 and proudly became the South Gilbert campus director when it opened in 2023.
Her former students have achieved incredible success, performing in Hamilton and Back to the Future Broadway tours, Teen Beach Movie, American Idol, as JoJo Siwa dancers, and even winning So You Think You Can Dance.
Meet the experienced performers, educators, directors, and coaches guiding our students every day.
Each profile includes a credential summary. Select “Read full bio” for additional details.
Owner
Michael is the heart of INSPIRE. His credits include BYU's Vocal Point, Young Ambassadors and more recently as a featured soloist with Rob Gardner's Spire Music. Michael loves working with youth and educating them about the importance and benefits of music and the arts in their lives. In his spare time, Michael likes to read, travel, play soccer, and spend time with his family and six spirited kids
Owner, CEO & Vocal Academy Director
Eric is grateful for music and the arts and feels blessed to have been surrounded by it his entire life. Some highlights of Eric's performing career include singing in BYU's Vocal Point and Young Ambassadors along with different groups across Utah Valley. Eric has a background in marketing and graduated from Brigham Young University in communications. He has helped develop the INSPIRE brand and loves being a part of the community that has been created. Eric has taught music now for over 15 years as a director, musician, and vocal and piano coach. Eric became an owner and the CEO of South Gilbert INSPIRE campus upon its opening in 2023. Eric and his wife have four delightful little kids and in his spare time, Eric enjoys playing with his kids, exploring new cultures, almost any Marvel movie, and creating.
Studio Director & Soul Squad Dance Team Director
Shelley has been teaching in the dance and theatre industry for over 30 years. She has numerous awards in dance, choreography, and directing–helping thousands of students learn the gift and the art of dance and theatre. From 2002-2010, Shelley founded and ran a highly-acclaimed performing arts studio in Kansas and in 2007 was honored as a "Woman of Distinction" by the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce for using her time and talents to make a difference in her community. She is happily married and is the proud mother of four children.
Vocal Academy Director
Maddy is a Gilbert native with a lifelong love of music and the performing arts. Musical theatre has always been at the heart of her musical journey. Over the years, she has enjoyed performing, music directing, and mentoring young artists both on and off the stage. Her studies in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in opera have further strengthened her musical foundation, allowing her to combine healthy vocal technique with the creativity and storytelling that make musical theatre so special.
Vocal Academy Director
Megan is so excited to be back teaching at INSPIRE. She grew up in northern Utah and trained in multiple styles of dance, music and theater for 10+ years. She even met her husband performing together! She has taught elementary school and preschool and finds so much joy in combining her love of teaching with her love of the performing arts!
Student Vocal Academy Director
Jovie has been doing musical theatre for 8 years and loves to sing. She was a part of the Vocal Performance group for four years at the North Gilbert campus. She has helped direct and choreograph shows before and is so excited to be a part of the team!
Musical Theatre Academy Director
Marie South received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, with a Dance and Music emphasis from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and her Masters of Science in Education from Colorado State University (CSU). Marie has directed and choreographed musicals for high schools and children's theatre for the last 18 years. She has received multiple Zoni and NYA nominations and awards for her direction and choreography. She brings her love of theatre, voice, and dance to all of her classes. Marie also teaches dance and coaches pom at Casteel High School.
Soul Squad Dance Team Assistant Director
Aijah began her performing arts career in theatre at the age of 6 and has held roles in over 10 musicals with theatre groups across the valley. Aijah is an alumnus of INSPIRE Entertainment, trained in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Ballet and Technique. She spent three years competing hip hop nationally with the Electrolytes of Gilbert Arizona where she is a U.S. Junior Crew Silver Medalist from Hip Hop International. She also spent 4 years as a member of Williams Field High School's Elite Dance Company where she choreographed all styles of dance. Aijah also coaches gymnastics.
Instructor
Shellie grew up in Gilbert, AZ and loved to stay busy with vocal performances, dance and sports. From Elementary through College she would often be heard singing or practicing for games! As an adult she has taught 3rd Grade, Junior High History, Coached Varsity Cheer and brought stunt teams to USA Nationals in California! She is happily married to her best friend, Michael, who helps her wrangle 6 busy kids! Her motto is, "Create balance both in pushing beyond mediocrity, and finding joy in what you currently possess." She strives to live by this aphorism in being a Mother and Coach! She loves children, and the aptitude they have to share their light through talents. She is elated when they unlock their potential!
Instructor
Brinley Linton has danced with world renowned choreographers and worked with professionals such as Tina Caspary, Krista Barker, Ricky Maalouf, Jessica Starr, and Break the Floor faculty. From 2019-2021 she was a part of the national winning team and world champion, BYU cougarettes where she cheered, performed, competed, and choreographed. She is currently choreographing for high schools and studios all across the US. Recently, she had the opportunity of choreographing for multiple universities as well and was a member of Shandon Perez and Toya Ambrose's company, Tone Society this past season. Brinley is currently one of the main choreographers for the NBA, Utah Jazz Dancers and also looks forward to expanding her pro-dance team portfolio!
Instructor
Becca Scott has trained in various dance styles since the age of three. At ten, she discovered her passion for ballet and pursued more intensive training. By sixteen, she received offers to study at Ballet West and the Joffrey Ballet but chose to finish high school first. After graduating, she danced with Brigham Young University's Theatre Ballet Company before pausing her training to serve a church mission, where she performed in local dances and videos. Following her mission and a subsequent brain surgery, Becca shifted her focus to teaching, a role she finds deeply fulfilling. She continues to perform when opportunities arise but is most passionate about sharing her love of dance through instruction.
Instructor
Kacie is native to Arizona and has spent almost her entire life in Gilbert. She started dancing at age 3 because she had no patience for simply sitting on the sidelines and watching her older sister dance. Growing up, she trained in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, ballet, and pointe. She absolutely lived for being on stage and loved competing. She spent six years on an All-Star cheer team and was a member of her high school dance company and cheer squad.
Instructor
Kenadee began dancing at 2 years old and is so excited to spread her love of dance through teaching. She danced competitively on INSPIRE's top team for many years. She attended Casteel High School where she was captain of the varsity pom team. She was on their dance team for 5 years, winning numerous awards. Kenadee is excited to pursue her passion and love of dance and continue to grow through teaching and coaching!
Instructor
Ally is trained in every genre of dance and has had the opportunity to train and learn under many different industry professionals by being a member of Hollywood Vibe's Company Team, Velocity's MVA+ program, and also by traveling to LA to participate in Entity Contemporary Dance's intensives. She loves using these opportunities both to grow her own personal knowledge of dance and to study different teaching styles and creative processes of educators she looks up to. She has taught and choreographed for studios throughout Arizona for many years and enjoys working with all age groups and levels!
Instructor
Jordyn has been dancing most of her life and is trained in all genres of dance. She was captain and a choreographer for the Elite Dance Company at Williamsfield High School and throughout her time as a competitive dancer, won numerous national titles. She currently travels with NRG Dance Convention and Competition as a pro assistant and faculty member. She loves teaching and choreographing for students throughout the United States.
Instructor
Grant has been a part of the INSPIRE family since he was young. He has always loved all things sports and performing arts and currently coaches swim, dive, and tumbling as well as working on Fly Camp! His zest for life and coaching makes everyone feel empowered. His favorite theatre role was starring as "Aladdin" in Aladdin. In his free time he loves running, listening to music, and being with his family.
Instructor
Maeli has been dancing at this studio since it opened, making it a place that feels like a second home. Throughout her dance journey, Maeli has loved creating friendships and building strong bonds with the girls she dances alongside.
Instructor
Aly Andersen has been dancing competitively at INSPIRE for many years, where she has developed a strong passion for dance. She is a senior at ALA Gilbert North High School and was a member of her school's Dance Company. Aly enjoys working with children and is excited to share her passion for dance while creating a positive and encouraging environment.
Instructor
Donna's passion for dance began over 20 years ago. After years of training and dancing competitively, Donna began her teaching career at her childhood studio, Finale Academy of the Arts, before moving to Arizona in 2012.
Instructor
Michelle Kavanaugh brings a meaningful blend of leadership experience and a deep passion for the performing arts. After building a career in medical imaging, she returned to her first love—creating and teaching through the arts. She has recently produced youth theatre productions including Frozen JR, Beauty and the Beast JR, and The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition.
Instructor
Olivia began dancing at the age of two at Dance Connection Too, where she trained until graduating high school at 18. During her time there, she studied a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, and competitive ballroom. She was also a member of the dance company and the Varsity Pom team at Highland High School. After graduation, Olivia went on to dance for the Phoenix Suns as a Suns Dancer for two years and later coached the Eastmark High School Pom team for two seasons. Now a mom to a little boy, she is excited to return to the dance world and share her love for dance by teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Office Team
Tracy has had a lifelong love of dance, beginning with more than 10 years of tap dancing while growing up. Although she has built a successful career in the corporate world and has worked full-time for over 20 years, her passion for dance continues through her role as a member of the INSPIRE Office Team.
Office Staff
Monica has been part of INSPIRE since the very beginning 10 years ago when her daughter started dancing with us. She loves working in our office and helping all the kids and parents feel comfortable.
PSO President
Jennifer Schultz oversees the Parent Support Organization at INSPIRE South Gilbert. Her focus is organizing fundraisers to help our performers succeed while assisting with special projects and costuming details.
