Leslie

Leslie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Utah where she was also a member of the cheerleading squad for three years. Leslie trained at the University of Utah Ballet and Modern Departments and also at the Edge Dance Studio in Hollywood, California.  Leslie was the assistant coach of the University of Utah cheerleading squad for eight years. During this time, the cheerleading squad won the USA National Championship in 2001 and 2002 and was ranked as one of the top 15 teams in the nation each year.

As the Director and Owner of Elite Academy, Leslie has kept busy in the many avenues of dance. Leslie choreographs dance routines for several high school dance, drill and cheerleading teams which have gone on to win regional, state and national titles. Leslie’s hard work has not gone unnoticed she has been awarded “Director of the Year” and Choreographer of the Year” as a result of the success of Elite Academy. Leslie also has worked privately with several music artists and has choreographed and been featured in several television commercials for fitness equipment.

Leslie’s philosophy and motto is, ”It’s all about the kids” Her objective is to teach her students the skills necessary to become accomplished dancers while teaching them the life skills that will benefit them long after they quit dancing. However, the most important quality that Leslie tries to instill in its students is self-confidence, a quality that she feels many young children are lacking.  Dance has given Leslie so many amazing opportunities and she loves sharing her passion for dance with all of her students.

Arial

We would like to welcome Arial Larsen to our Elite Academy staff.  Arial will be our new Prodigy and Hip Hop company director. We are very fortunate to have her teach at Elite Academy, here is a little bit about her.  Arial received her dance training from a very early age at the Winner school training in tap, ballet, jazz Hip Hop and lyrical. During this time she received many scholarships and even and invitation to audition for the Los Angeles Laker Girls. Arial was a 3 year member of the Award Winning Drill team at Hillcrest High School where she was awarded the 2005 Allstate Team and All Region Academic team in 2003, 2004, 2005.  Arial currently attends the University of Utah where she is currently taking classes in the modern and ballet departments. Arial was a member of the 2006-2007 Crimson Line Dance team. During this time she had the opportunity to perform in Las Vegas for the “Noni” Convention and also taught and performed the Opening Ceremonies for the Deaf Olympics. In 2006 Arial attended Hawaii Pacific University on a 100% Dance Scholarship, there she was also a member of their Dance Team who won the  Division II National Dance Title. Arial’s.

Stephenie

Jazz, Tap, Cheerleading you name it Stephenie can do it!!! Her success and experience in just about every aspect of dance and cheerleading has made her such an asset to Elite Academy. Stephenie is currently the All-Star Cheeerleading Director, and Small Elite Director at Elite Academy.

Stephenie began training in tap, jazz, cheerleading, and tumbling at the age of three. Stephenie was a member of the Regional and National Champion Granger High School Drill Team and Dance Company.  After High School, Stephenie then became a member of NDA (National Dance Alliance) teaching dance camps across the United States. Stephenie has been featured as a dancer for numerous television commercials, including the "Show me the Title"  Utah Jazz Commercial, as well as the National "ABDOER  EXTREME" commercial.

Stephenie attended UVSC College where she was a  two year captain, her team placed in the top three at the UCA College Nationals Competition in Florida. While attending UVSC Stephenie continued taking  jazz, and modern classes. Stephenie also had the opportunity to cheer at all of the 2002 Olympic hockey games, as a spirit leader.

She has also taken numerous master classes at the Edge dance studio in Hollywood, California. Stephenie's strict and disciplined teaching style has shown through in her classes and teams who always place among the top 3 at any competitions that Elite has attended.

Melissa

Melissa Magleby was four years old when she began her dance training at the Winner School in Salt Lake City.  There she trained in all styles with Brenda Searle, Krissie Edwards, Karl Hendrickson, Eldon Johnson, Trey Barber and Lisa Gardner.  Melissa also worked with the prestigious choreographers Bonnie Story, Justin Giles, Jackie Sleight, Joey Dowling and Joe Loera.  She has also assisted for the hip hop choreographer Roger Malaga. Melissa has received many awards including Sterling Scholar in Dance at Skyline High School and ICON Dancer at Hollywood Connection Convention.  You can also see her in the Intermountain Health Care “Live” Campaign Commercial. Melissa has taught dancers of  all ages, levels, and styles for several years and has began choreographing in many styles for  many dancers.  After dancing with Odyssey II for one year and performing with Odyssey Dance Theatre, Melissa recently made Utah’s professional company Odyssey Dance Theatre. Melissa loves to dance, teach and express her love for dance to all around her!!

Amy

Amy has been a member of the Elite family for many years. Actually, Leslie started teaching Amy when she was the tender age of five.

Amy has trained and performed all over Utah and California. She has a dance background in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, and tumbling.  Amy was chosen to be a dancer in the "Show me the Title" Utah Jazz Commercial.  Amy was a member of the prestigious Hillcrest High School Drill Team.

In 1999 they were the State Drill team Champions, Region Champions, and National Champions!! Wow!!!! After High shool, Amy became a member of the Salt Lake Community College Songleading Squad where they also won the National title.  Amy then moved to Los Angelos to further her dance training, where she took classes in jazz, ballet, and hip hop on a regular basis at the Edge Dance Stuido in Hollywood, California.

Amy is currently teaching tap, and numerous companies at Elite Acdemy. Her advise to young aspiring dancers-- Never Stop Dancing!! Take as many classes as you can, even the best dancers need to keep growing and learning.