Instructors
ADRIANE SKOUSEN
Adriane started dancing at the age of ten, and is trained in multiple styles such as Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, and Hip Hop. For years, she was an award winning competitor across the county in team and solo/duo/trio competitions. Alongside competing, Adriane was in the Presidency and a member of the Orem High Dance Company. A couple years after graduation she joined a performing dance company with members from So You Think You Can Dance, and Dancing With The Stars. Having a love for the arts, Adriane worked on numerous side projects such as The Scera production of Aida, and multiple productions put on by the local talent group Pop Live as both a dancer and choreographer. Though Adriane loves competing/performing, her real passion is teaching. Her teaching career started at an early age, and now at 30 years old (2020), Adriane has choreographed hundreds of award winning competition and performance pieces, that range in many styles and genres of dance. Throughout the years Adriane has taught at dance studios and schools such as Orem High School, American Leadership Academy, Confidance Kids, and Dance La Vié Academy. Beginning this year she will be adding Timpview High School and Forever Dance Studio to that list. Not only does Adriane believe in teaching the skills and technique to become a better dancer, but she relates life lessons into her teaching agenda for her students to become more confident, positive and happy individuals in their everyday life.
anika baker
Anika has a great love for the performing arts! She has been training in all styles of dance since she was two, performing and competing around the world. She has won national and world titles in Latin ballroom dance, as well as winning national awards with her studio in Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Tap. She loves musical theater. Her favorite musical she has performed in is "Strictly Ballroom" at the Hale Center Theatre in Sandy. Anika loves Jesus and recently returned from an 18 month mission to Bristol, England where she enjoyed green fields of sheep, British sarcasm, and sharing light through a different medium. She is now studying Psychology and English at BYU. She plans to be an addiction and trauma therapist. Anika comes from a massive family with seven kids and eight stepkids! Her family struggles are what inspired her choice in studies and career. Anika loves the hope and joy that comes from the arts. She knows that they have real power to change lives. Anika is so excited to share her love for music, dance, and theatre here at Provo School of the Arts!
annie luke
Annie has been dancing for over 20 years. She has trained in various styles such as jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and lyrical. She served as a Vice President of Provo High School’s dance company, where she choreographed many pieces for the team. She was named the dance sterling scholar for Provo High School in 2019, and one of 12 finalists at the state level of the competition! She has worked with young dancers since she was 12 years old as a teacher’s assistant, and as a teacher now for 3 years. Annie is passionate about sharing her love for dance and helping her students grow both in skill and confidence.
antonella MILES
Dance has always been her passion. She started her dance journey at a very young age dancing at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory learning some of her favorite styles including ballet, jazz and modern. Anti attended Provo High School and was a part of both the dance company and cheer team throughout all four years. Currently, she is studying dance education at UVU, pursuing her dream to share her passion and knowledge with others. Teaching has been a significant part of her life for the past 4 years, and she’s had the privilege to teach at Wasatch Ballet, Jive, and Charisma. The joy she experiences from watching her students grow as dancers is indescribable. It fills her heart with happiness, and she can't wait to continue this fulfilling journey at Provo School of the Arts, where she’s excited to inspire and guide a new generation of dancers.
Ariana ABADIA
Ariana has a degree in Classical Voice from the National Conservatory of Music in Ecuador. She later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Pedagogy at the Catholic University of Quito. In April 2024 she obtained her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Brigham Young University. Ariana has performed as Romilda in Handel’s Serse, Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow; Marta and Mary mother in Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God; Bastiene in Bastien und Batienne; Ilse in Spring Awakening; the First Lady in The Magic Flute; Diana in the national premiere of Cruzar la Cara de la Luna. She’s been a soloist in Faure’s Requiem, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart’s Requiem, and the cantata Resurrección en Quito by Diego Luzuriaga. Ariana has won several renowned vocal competitions in Ecuador and the United States. She is excited to share her expertise as an instructor at Provo School of the Arts!
CASSY WALL
Cassy is a dynamic and versatile acting teacher, bringing a wealth of passion, experience, and dedication to her craft. Originally from the vibrant state of Texas, Cassy's journey led her to Utah, where she pursued her love for theatre at BYU, graduating with a degree in theatre art studies in 2018. With a deep-rooted enthusiasm for all things film and theatre, Cassy's creative talents extend across directing, producing, writing, and acting. However, it is Cassy's special passion for teaching that truly sets her apart. With a nurturing spirit and a genuine desire to see her students thrive, she finds joy in helping them unlock their full potential and build confidence in their abilities. Over the years, Cassy has shared her expertise with students of all ages, teaching in various youth programs, schools, and theatres. Cassy's commitment to education is reflected in her recent work, where her talent shines brightly in performances such as "Super," "A Convincing Illusion," and "Sensational Sisters," captivating audiences with her nuanced portrayals and magnetic presence on stage and screen. Additionally, her role as a producer for The Hive’s season 3 of “The 10 Show” showcased her prowess in bringing creative visions to fruition, leading with grace, vision, and unwavering dedication. Represented by McCarty Agency, Cassy approaches each project with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a keen eye for detail. When she isn’t inspiring and empowering students at Provo School of the Arts, Cassy can be found teaching 6th grade part-time, pursuing personal projects, or enjoying quality time with her loving family, including her husband, son, daughter, and cherished canine companion. With Cassy as their guide, students at Provo School of the Arts are empowered to embrace their talents, explore their creativity, and reach new heights in their artistic journey. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Cassy's impact is felt by all who have the privilege of learning from her.
CHASE PETERSEN
Chase has a rich background in performance and has been a part of numerous musical events that include over 35 theatrical productions. He has shared the stage with artists such as Loren Allred (Greatest Showman), Madilyn Paige (The Voice) and well-known Utah artists Alex Boye, Daniel Beck, Dallyn Vail Bayles, and Bradley Lever (Gentri). He has also collaborated with organizations such as CCD Smiles with Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) and has also worked in many venues across Utah including Hale Centre Theatre, BYUtv, LDS Motion Picture Studios and many more. Chase is also an avid director and producer for both stage and screen and has created many opportunities for people to share their talents. When he’s not teaching, he works as a co-producer for both Broadway and the West End associations. He is well versed in many musical genres ranging from classical to contemporary/pop, and his most cherished being musical theatre. Chase has been teaching voice for over 5 years and has found great success with his students. He knows that every voice is different and needs to be catered to on a personal level to uncover their best potential. Chase graduated from Utah Valley University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. If you’re wanting someone who is passionate about you and your success then Chase is who you’re looking for!
Gabriel Johnson
Gabriel Johnson is our piano teacher extraordinaire with over 20 years piano experience, teaching for more than 9 years. He can help students who are bored and frustrated with lessons and make learning to play the piano fun again. He is so loved and captivates his students with his “cool” factor. He has a Bachelors Degree in Technology Management from Utah Valley University.
Jacob Edwards
Jacob has been dancing for 9 years and has been trained in competitive Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, and Rhythm Dancesport styles. He was on the Provo High Ballroom company run by Angela Williams and won many state titles with his team and was runner up for the state title in the Smooth, Latin and Ballroom styles. Trained in teaching and competing Dancesport at BYU, Jacob has won several awards competing and continues expanding his ballroom career competing across the west coast. He has been an assistant coach at Provo High ballroom for 3 years, directing the Exhibition company and later the JV Ballroom company and now continues his dream of helping students love dancing through life!
JON YUSKO
Jon holds a BA in Theatre from BYU-Idaho. He has appeared in dozens of plays and films and has worked on several more as a coach or technician. He will be performing at the Hale Center Theater this fall in A Christmas Carol. As an actor, Jon believes that the best way to learn how to act is to act! His approach is praxis-oriented and he loves giving actors opportunities to develop their craft and expand their range. Jon is from California and he loves books and the outdoors.
Justin Clark
Justin is from Nephi, Utah and is a graduate of the Horne School of Music (a Juilliard Sister School) with a Bachelors Degree with an emphasis in Commercial Music. Justin has studied under guitar greats including Jamie Glaser (Seinfeld, Bryan Adams, Chick Corea, Jean-Luc Ponty), Rich Dixon (The Osmonds, David Archuleta, Utah Studio Guitarist of Year) and is currently studying with Nashville legendary guitarist, and Musicians Hall of Fame Inductee, Brent Mason. Justin has performed and toured as a guitarist with various acts in a wide range of venues including Tim Gates (Due West, Nashville Tribute Band), Celeste Carter, Red Head Express, Bellview, Mary Kaye, The Real Doug Lane, Sonic Groove and Highway 89. He has also achieved billboard success with the Bryce Canyon Wranglers, charting number 15 on the Top New Artist Chart. He has worked side by side with Jamie Glaser as a studio engineer for the Broadway show “We Will Rock You”. As a professional, Justin is known for his dependability, preparation, honesty, and dedication. He has a flair for performing and is a crowd favorite.
KAITLYN Galbraith
Kaitlyn has been Singing, Dancing and Acting for over 13 years. While at Provo High School she sang in the choirs, starred as a Narrator in "Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" & was awarded the Sterling Scholar in Vocal Performance making it all the way to State! Since graduation she studied Vocal Performance at Utah State University & plans to transfer to Utah Valley University in the Fall. Kaitlyn has been teaching her own Musical Theatre classes, Dance classes, & Private Voice lessons for the past couple of years. She has also directed 3 Musicals including "The Wizard of Oz". She recently got 2nd place in Sing Utah's professional division. Kaitlyn also works as a Registered Behavior Technician working with children with autism at ABS Kids. She loves doing hair, is bubbly, kind, outgoing, & truly loves working with children. She always strives to make a positive difference in their lives. Fun fact: she just got engaged over Christmas Break! She is excited to start teaching at Provo School of the Arts!
Lara Johnson
Lara was born in NY & began training in dance at age 3 adding piano, voice and acting study throughout her school years. Her love for performing and musical theater began in her first show, “Oklahoma!” in 5th grade. She dreamed of performing on Broadway and in 7th grade, a talent scout saw her performing as Nancy in “Oliver!” and asked her to join a children's acting company in Manhattan which would have been her in, but she regrettably had to turn down the offer because her family was leaving NY & moving to CA. With the mindset of every audience is as good as a Broadway audience, she dove right into her new school’s musical programs, local community theater and performing groups. At 15 she began teaching piano lessons at her father’s store The Piano Shop. At 16 she was hired for a recording project which produced a #1 song in Samoa entitled Special Kind of Love. After graduating from Torrance High School, she studied Music, Dance Theater at El Camino College. She met and married her husband John, a Utah native, and shortly thereafter moved to Utah where she, of course, immediately got involved in performing as well as teaching piano & fitness classes. Lara has played many leading roles in almost every theater in Utah County, including Hale Center Theater and the Scera, and has worked with and recorded with many recording artists in the LDS music industry. Inspired, she arranged and produced two albums of her own entitled Songs of Everlasting Joy in English/Russian & English/Spanish. Lara graduated from Utah Valley University in 2016. In hopes of spreading her love and passion for the performing arts Lara and her husband opened Provo School of the Arts on January 1, 2018. In 2023 Lara released two Christmas songs entitled Santa Knew, & Silent Night, O Holy Night . On Easter Sunday 2024, she released a song entitled Where Are You God? Follow her on Facebook and Instagram & subscribe to her YouTube channel Lara Johnson Music to see her music videos as well as know when her new music comes out!
LAUREN HILL
Lauren started dancing at the age of 7 years old at Jive dance studio in Orem Utah, from the first class she knew dance was going to be her whole life. After a few years of being at Jive Lauren decided to switch to a competition dance studio called Spotlight Revue in Orem Utah, she focused mainly on classical ballet and also competed in jazz, contemporary, and hip pop. Lauren attended Orem High school and was on the Orem Dance Company. On the team she choreographed several dances and even won the sterling scholar award in Dance and a few first place medals at the Shakespeare festival for dance. Lauren is very passionate about dance and loves teaching to anyone willing to learn. Her favorite styles to perform are ballet and hip pop! She plans on continuing her dance education at UVU to learn more about art form.
MARGARITA Bojórquez
Margarita graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor of Science with an Emphasis in Ballroom Dance. She has a background in multicultural folkloric dance. She embraces cultural diversity and is involved in many cultural and social programs to enrich her community. She worked as a Zumba Instructor, Yoga Instructor, Yoga Therapist, Choreographer, Social Latin Dance Instructor, and Director of the Artistic Yoga Provo Team. She has been teaching Ballroom for four years. Her dream is to use dance as a character development tool and become a dance movement therapist.
megan graves
Megan graduated in Music Education (Emphasis in String Teaching) and has taught children and teens in orchestra, singing, or general music and theater since 2006. She's directed community musical theater accompanied by a live orchestra, organized fundraising concerts and shows, and just loves teaching and performing in the fine arts in general! Her favorite genres to perform and teach are either musical theater or fiddle music/ bluegrass. She learned violin with the Suzuki Method and utilizes concepts from that method as well as Kodaly in her teaching. She specializes in violin and viola, but can also teach beginning bass and cello and guitar, or music theory/ reading. Her most recent fun adventure was performing fiddle for a new short film soundtrack, "Rustlers," that is going on the film festival circuit now.
Sarah Dalley
Sarah started training at Children’s Ballet Theatre growing up. She grew to love storytelling through dance and performance! This year she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Dance from Brigham Young University. She danced with many companies at BYU, including Ballet Showcase, DanceEnsemble, and Folk Dance teams! She has also toured internationally with BYU dance groups working as a stage technician for International Folk Dance Ensemble, Living Legends, and Young Ambassadors. She’s choreographed for many dance companies and projects at Brigham Young University and has taught and choreographed for the Children’s Ballet Theatre, Legacy Dance Studio, and Marissa’s Dance Studio. Sarah loves musical theater and has been in shows at Hale Center Theatre. She currently dances with their production of the Addams Family. She also dances with American Folk Ensemble and loves to tour with them to folk dance festivals around the world!
SOPHIA LUKE
Sophia has been dancing for 18 years and has trained in various styles such as jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and lyrical. She served as President of Provo High School’s dance company, where she choreographed many pieces for the team. She was named the dance sterling scholar for Provo High School in 2021, and won multiple awards for her choreography! She has always had a passion for dance and loves to share that through teaching more than anything else. She has worked with young dancers since she was 12 years old as a teacher’s assistant, taking a break only to serve as a missionary for her church for a couple of years. She is excited to be back to teaching and dancing!