Mrs. Natalie and Mrs. Lauren
Studio Owners/Directors/Teachers
Pom | Advanced Jazz/Turns | Company
Natalie and Lauren Hellerstein have co-owned award-winning, Dual Star Academy of Dance in Centennial, CO for over 20 years. They each have more than 30 years of dance experience. As Colorado natives, they graduated from Cherry Creek High School where their 2-time National Champion Pom team won multiple state titles, top two in the nation, and were featured on ESPN multiple times. Natalie and Lauren went on to dance for the University of Colorado Express Dance Team and graduated with degrees in Business Management. They were competitive dancers growing up and have coached, taught, and choreographed for nationally ranked dance teams and studios. Their choreography has placed 3rd and 4th in the nation, won top placement awards at competitions such as Starquest, Encore, and Releve and their choreography has been featured on ESPN. In addition, Natalie and Lauren have been head instructors for Universal Dance Association and have been judges for various dance programs. Natalie and Lauren have had several students go on to dance professionally and perform all over the world. Currently, they are national judges for Starquest International Performing Arts Competition.
Ms. Brooke
Assistant Director
Brooke is Colorado native. Raised in Greenwood Village, she graduated from Cherry Creek High School then went on to get her bachelor’s degree from The University of Kansas. After graduating, she got her real estate license and was a realtor under her family’s company, Signature Brokers, for 6 years. In 2013 she moved to New York where she followed her passion and opened the very first Pure Barre on Long Island! When she had the opportunity to come back to Denver and manage a local Pure Barre, she took it and moved back! Needing a change and new career path she decided to join us here at Dual Star in 2016. She has a passion for connecting with our families and strives for excellent customer service! She is the face behind the front desk and your go to person for anything you may need at Dual Star!
Ms. Ashley
Company Director
Ballet | Jazz | Lyrical | Tap | Turns | Creative Movement | Company
Ashley is currently the Company Director for Dual Star and is starting her 10th season at the studio. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2011 with a BA in Dance and a certificate in Performing Arts Entrepreneurship. She also graduated from the Institute of Massage Therapy and Wellness in 2014. Her love of teaching prompted a thesis in dance pedagogy and her return to school to focus on dance kinesiology and injury treatment and prevention as a licensed massage therapist. She was a pre-professional company member at Gateway Contemporary Ballet and danced three years professionally for the Black and White Dance Company in Iowa. Ashley holds over twenty pageant titles. Her choreography has earned awards on both the state and national level and was featured on So You Think You Can Dance season 16. Most recently, Dual Star Company was awarded 2022 National Champions at Encore Performing Arts Showcase with her small group choreography, “The Call.”
Ms. McKenna
Assistant Company Director
Pom | Jazz | Company
McKenna is a Colorado native, born and raised. She danced for a company at a small non-competitive studio from a young age which fostered her love of dance. McKenna joined the Cherry Creek Poms in high school where they competed in Poms and Jazz. She went on to captain the team her Senior year. McKenna attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. While attending CU she spent 3 years coaching the Junior Varsity Poms team at Cherry Creek High School and 3 seasons dancing professionally in the NLL with the Colorado Mammoth Wild Bunch.
In 2016 McKenna became a Denver Broncos Cheerleader. She spent 7 seasons with the Broncos where she had the honor of representing the team on 4 Military tours, at the London game, walking in Global Down Syndrome Fashion shows, at the London game, served as a team captain for 2 seasons, and wrapped up her time as the 2023 ProBowl Cheerleader.
McKenna has done choreography in the poms category for Cherry Creek High School and Eagle Valley High School. She has choreographed competition solos, taught yearly summer poms camps with Dual Star, and worked as a substitute dance teacher in all styles over the years. McKenna has worked closely with Lauren, Natalie, and Dual Star for many years and is beyond thrilled to be joining the Dual Star Academy of Dance family. She cannot wait to help encourage the next generation of dancers by teaching a strong work ethic, accountability, confidence, and a love of dance!
Ms. Jacque
Ballet Director
Ballet
Jacqueline joined Dual Star Academy of Dance in 2019 with over 35 years of teaching experience. She began her dance training in Southern California at a very young age, continuing advanced training with Long Beach Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Ballet West. Ms. Jacque has danced professionally on stage, television, and film. She is a proud “retired” member of the Screen Actors Guild, Actors Equity, and the American Guild Variety Artists. Jacqueline toured with the Broadway production of 42nd Street and danced in the Los Angeles Company of The Rockettes. Jacqueline worked many years with The Walt Disney Company, performing, choreographing, and staging in their Entertainment Department. Ms. Jacque has won numerous awards for her choreography both in Colorado and California. She is very proud of her former students; many have been awarded university dance scholarships and a number have gone onto professional dance careers.
Jacqueline lives in Highlands Ranch with her wonderful husband, Joe, together they have raised three beautiful, talented, and loving children.
Ms. Ashlyn
Jazz | Pom | Company
Meet Ashlyn. Ashlyn was born and raised in Centennial, Colorado. Ashlyn started her dance career when she was 3 years old. Ashlyn found her home at Dual Star at the age of 8.
At Dual Star, her love for dance really took off. She took a multitude of classes, from ballet to hip hop. She competed on Dual Star’s competition team and loved performing on stage! She made the Varsity Poms Team at Arapahoe High School as a freshman and lettered all four years. As a senior, she was made captain of her team. During her time on poms, she had the privilege of working with top choreographers who worked with several national winning teams such as, the University of Minnesota dance team. Ashlyn was also named an All-American Dancer by UDA summer of 2018. After high school, Ashlyn began subbing and teaching at Dual Star and is currently on her 5th season teaching with Dual Star. Ashlyn assisted the Arapahoe Varsity Toms during their 2024-2025 season.
During her time away from the studio she enjoys her job as a surgical dental assistant, spending time with her family, friends and dog, and running.
Ashlyn is forever grateful for Dual Star and loves her time spent at the studio.
Ms. Bianca
Jazz | Pom | Tap | REB3L Groove
Bianca is a Colorado native, born and raised in a small mountain town, where her passion for dance began under the instruction of her mother, Barbie Graham-Meier. From a young age, she immersed herself in a variety of styles, including jazz, tap, ballet, poms, hip-hop, and gymnastics. Her dedication led her to compete with various dance companies and perform with both high school and college dance teams.
In 2007–2008, Bianca danced professionally for John Elway’s arena football team, the Colorado Crush, and was featured as a model in the team’s annual calendar. From 2009–2011, she was a company member with the non-profit Eminence Dance Project, using her talents to inspire and uplift through dance.
Bianca has been a dance instructor and choreographer for more than 22 years, sharing her expertise across multiple studios. She has been a valued member of Dual Star Academy of Dance since 2008, where she continues to help young dancers grow in their technique, confidence, and creativity.
In addition to her dance career, Bianca earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado Denver in 2010. She began working at Children’s Hospital Colorado in 2011 as a Behavioral Health Specialist, initially on the inpatient psychiatric unit before transitioning to the emergency department at the South Campus in 2021. In June 2023, Bianca graduated from Beautiful You Skin Care Academy, earning a licensure in esthetics.
Outside of work, Bianca treasures time with her husband, three children, and two dogs. Together, they enjoy exploring the mountains, staying active, working on new projects, and giving back to their community.
Bianca is deeply grateful to be part of the Dual Star family and finds joy in inspiring the next generation of dancers to pursue their passion with heart and dedication.
Ms. Brenda
Ballet | Jazz | Turns | Company
Brenda has been with Dual Star since 2019 and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She studied with Nada Diachenko (Eric Hawkins Technique), David Capps, Toby Hankin (Graham and Horton Technique), Nancy Spanier (choreography), Robin Haig (ballet), Onye Ozuzu, Letitia Williams (African) and Michelle Elsworth (multi-medium choreography). She has been a dance teacher and choreographer for 20 years having worked with South Suburban Parks and Rec as the Director of Ballet, previously coached the Varsity Pom team for Heritage High School and worked with the competition programs at several Denver area studios. Brenda teaches ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, turns and progressions, stretch and strength, PBT, musical theater, hip-hop, pom, and creative movement. Brenda has received numerous choreography awards and her pieces have placed First Overall at competitions including Showbiz, Starpower, JUMP, KAR, and Tribute. She received “Best Varsity Jazz Choreography” at the 2009 UDA Regional and in 2014, her musical theater piece “Money” was the Showbiz Nationals Title Winner in San Diego, CA. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Arts Culture & Management at the University of Denver. She received her PBT (Progressing Ballet Training) Junior, Senior and Advanced Level Certification from the founder Marie Walton-Mahon and looks forward to using her knowledge, diverse training and extensive experience to help dancers become the best athletes and artists possible.
Ms. Chloe
Ballet | Jazz | Company
Chloe was born and raised in England and she moved to Colorado in 2022. Chloe is a dancer, teacher and choreographer. Outside of the dance world Chloe is a real estate agent.
Chloe has trained in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, among other styles. She passed all of her RAD ballet, and IST modern, contemporary, and tap exams with distinction. She also completed her BTEC dance qualification and then moved to London to train at Central school of ballet where she received her foundation degree in performing arts.
Styles Chloe has performed include ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, modern, hip hop, tap, heels, and latin fusion. She performed the soloist role of Clara in The Nutcracker, a soloist role in Little Lord Fauntleroy, The Black Swan, many showcases, danced in an opera, and more. She has also won many awards, some of which include; 1st place at regional and national competitions, Excellence in Dance, Response and Approach, and Outstanding Choreography.
Chloe has choreographed for recitals, shows and competitions. In addition, she has choreographed for Central School of Ballet, Legat School of Dance, and The Hideout. Chloe has worked with renowned choreographers such as Jenna Lee, Carrie Johnson, Amy Hollins, Michael Kopinski, among others.
Chloe loves being a part of the Dual Star family and she is passionate about guiding the new generation of dancers!
Ms. Christa
Ballet | Jazz | Pointe | Creative Movement
Originally from Littleton Colorado, Christa grew up in the dance studio studying jazz, modern, and tap, but it was ballet that was her true love. She studied several forms of ballet techniques ranging from the R.A.D syllabus, Cecchetti, and Vaganova.
Christa was accepted to the University of Arizona’s School of Dance and received a dance scholarship to continue her studies of dance with an emphasis on ballet. She was invited to perform in Italy, where she worked with Philip Beamish, and her interest in dance injury prevention and rehabilitation began. Christa graduated with a B.F.A. Cum Laude in Dance and a Business Minor and moved to New York City., where she continued to perform for various artists through the city and discovered barre classes.
In 2009, she relocated back to Arizona and began developing her own barre fitness technique called TenPoint5 and opened her first location in 2013. Simultaneously, Christa danced with Center Dance Ensemble under Frances Cohen for 2 seasons, and then with Terpsicore Dance Company. During these years, she performed in several roles and pieces such as Rite of Spring, Snow Queen, LaLarona and Carmina Burana, Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, Nutcracker and Carmen. For the last 15 years, Christa has taught ballet, jazz, lyrical and tap to students ages 3-18 around the Phoenix area. She has created and directed many ballet productions, in addition to choreography for competition students. Christa, along with her husband and three children, moved back to Colorado and she became a part of the Dual Star Family back in 2022.
Ms. Corinne
Ballet | Lyrical | Contemporary | Tumbling | Turns
Corinne Baldwin has always been inspired by music, dancing to any rhythm she could find.
Starting her training in New Jersey, she began studying ballet and tap. She then moved to Nashville, Tennessee and trained competitively in jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, improvisation, acrobatics, musical theatre and more. She then attended the University of Memphis where she was on the Memphis Pom Dance Team, and later performed as a Grizz Girl with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Corinne then moved to Los Angeles to further pursue her performance career. Her credits include the Walt Disney Company, the Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Dance Team, Missy Elliott, Rita Ora, the Plain White T’s, Shaboozey, New Kids on the Block, Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Lume Dance Collective, and more. She has also worked with renowned choreographers including Monika Felice Smith, MaryAnn Chavez, Lisa Eaton, Phil Wright, Marlee Hightower, Delaney Glazer, Gabe de Guzman and Hi-Hat, to name a few.
Now located in Denver, CO, Corinne’s passion lies in educating dancers in an effort to inspire the next generation and further their passion and work ethic. She teaches on convention faculty for OneBeat Dance Brands, and also serves as a head judge for their competition circuits. She started with Dual Star in 2025 and continues to create a safe space for dancers to learn more about movement while exploring their own love of dance.
Ms. Erica
Ballroom
A Colorado native with over a decade of performance experience and three years in teaching experience, Erica has an excellent background training in all styles including, latin ballroom, ballet, jazz, technique, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, tap, and musical theater. Erica also specializes in both American and International styles of ballroom dance with titles in Colorado, Vegas, and Kansas. As well, she is a National Finalist in American 9-Dance at the USDC and the Ohio Starball. Erica is currently studying for her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology at California Baptist University in pursuit of achieving a doctorate in Physical Therapy. Erica is an eager professional with a versatile background and is passionate about teaching with excellence and fostering growth with students to become better people as well.
Ms. Erin
Kinder Rock | Creative Movement | Ballet
Erin grew up in Colorado Springs and began dancing at a competitive studio from a young age. She moved to St. Louis for college. There she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Science with a minor in Psychology and Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University. While in college, she danced with Phases of Motion Dance Company, holding leadership positions and choreographing many pieces for winter and spring showcases. During graduate school, she danced as a company apprentice with Pack Dance, a small St. Louis based contemporary company, while also teaching for their Tiny Dancers and Adaptive Dance programs. She is very excited to have returned to Colorado and is working as an Occupational Therapist at a school in Littleton. In her free time she enjoys baking, reading, and volunteering with senior dogs. Erin is excited to be joining Dual Star and helping the next generation of dancers grow in their love of dance!
Mr. Jacob
Hip-Hop
Jacob hails from the Mile High city of Denver Colorado and has been with Dual Star since 2021.
Working within dance, music film, theatre, art & fashion. Jacob performs, produces, directs and teaches across the nation.
Working within many genres of dance Jacob also is the Artistic Director of Moraporvida Contemporary Dance (MPVCD), a 501-c3 non-profit Dance Company, that is based on urban experiences and human emotions.
With a distinct and profound voice in the Arts, Jacob has had the pleasure of creating curriculum for Dancers, Non-Dancers and people with special needs from age 5 to 75. Tapping into the strengths of the students Jacob has been able to teach dance through gestures, pedestrian movements and various dance techniques internationally. Providing a challenging platform for students of any level to grow.
Jacob has a teaching mission to expand the view of what dance can be and bring the arts to all. Teaching dance through many different techniques and styles, Mr. Mora can teach current styles and make dance accessible, as well as teach from a historical technical place.
Jacob teaches multiple techniques within Hip Hop, Modern Forms, Contemporary Dance, Jazz as well as classical techniques.
Through performance Jacob uses his art and craft to explore the human condition as well as challenge perspectives in movement.
Through outreach, educational performances and residencies,
Jacob can tailor an experience to include the current curriculum being taught in a school’s particular level, as well as teach about the art of creating movements for choreography.
Jacob graduated from the University of Northern Colorado and recieved B.A. s in both Dance & Theatre, with emphasis in Choreography, Acting, and Performance.
As a dancer, Jacob has been with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Hannah Kahn Dance, Santee Smith Group and Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre.
He has had the pleasure of working with Choreographers such as Donald Mckayle, Betty Jones, Ron K Brown, Milton Meyers, David Rousseve, Eleo Pomare, David Dorfman and Lisa Race among many.
As a dance artist teacher and choreographer, Jacob pulls from the culture of Hip Hop, and dance cultures. Creating unique scores and Incorporating urban elements into his choreography, Jacob fuses a unique blend of contemporary and traditional techniques into his work as well.
His work has been seen internationally through MPVCD, as well as college programs, festivals, guest artist work and other Dance schools and Dance companies.
Jacob has been on faculty with the University of Wyoming, UNLV the New York Institute of Dance, and for many other schools around the Denver area including Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Sweatshop Dance, and other festivals and institutions.
Mr. Jake
Tap
A Colorado native, Jacob started teaching at Dual Star Academy of Dance in 2020! Starting dance at age 7 he quickly developed a love for tap dancing. Taking inspiration from legends like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and the Nicholas Brothers. Jake grew up training under many great teachers and instructors in and out of the state. After finishing high school, Jake went to work sharing his passion teaching in several studios around Colorado and performing with various companies. When the opportunity arose, Jake was fortunate enough to be cast in the Tap Dogs 2015 International Tour. After returning to Colorado after military service in the Marine Corps, Jake is thrilled to be back teaching and sharing his passion for Tap!
Mr. JaShawn
Hip-Hop
For over a decade, JaShawn has specialized in teaching Hip Hop, Street Dance, and Breakin’ (Breakdancing) from beginner to advanced levels. In class, dancers will learn new dance vocabulary, how to groove, and be challenged in new ways. As a teacher, JaShawn incorporates hip hop foundation, choreography, athleticism, and creative improvisation (Freestyling) into each class while exploring a variety of techniques to help dancers develop their own individual style and keep each class fresh! If you’re looking to have fun while pushing yourself to new levels, JaShawn has the class for you!
Ms. Jessica
Ballet | Pointe
Jessica was born and raised in San Clemente, California. She received her dance training at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy. In 2015, she joined Tulsa Ballet, where she danced professionally until joining Colorado Ballet in 2020. With Colorado Ballet, she was promoted to the rank of Soloist in 2022 and to Principal in 2024. In her career so far, she has had the opportunity to go on tour and perform in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and New York City.
Jessica taught in the pre-professional division for the Colorado Ballet Academy for the last three years and has been a guest teacher for multiple summer intensive programs in California and Colorado. She has coached students for YAGP competition, where her student placed in the top 12 of the classical division. Before starting her professional ballet career, she was a parade and show performer at the Disneyland Resort. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology from Oklahoma State University. Jessica started at Dual Star in 2025.
Ms. Julia
Ballet | Jazz
Julia began her dance training at the age of two and a half years old and over the course of 15 years, she dedicated herself to studying a diverse range of dance forms, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and tap. After deciding to further her dance education, Julia began pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and had the privilege of choreographing and performing in many dance concerts and films. Julia not only trained in but also helped assist in teaching modern and ballet classes, as well as working with Lisa Morgan for BRAINY (Bringing Arts Integration to Youth), a program that provides arts education to Title 1 elementary schools. Beyond her academic pursuits, Julia has been a company member with Davis Contemporary Dance Company since 2019 and Hannah Kahn Dance Company since 2024. Working with choreographers Hannah Kahn, Terrell Davis, Aubrey-Klinger Fearns, Rachael Harding, and Christopher-Page Sanders, Julia has honed her skills as a performer and collaborator for many years. She loves teaching at dance studios in the Denver and south Denver area, as well as teaching ballet at Denver School of the Arts. With a focus on ballet and contemporary styles, Julia prioritizes inclusion and strives to ensure each student feels seen and supported in their dance journey.
Ms. Kristen
Company | Teen Pom | Teen Jazz | Teen Ballet | Creative Movement | Kinder Rock |
Kristen took her first dance class at 7 in her native state of Chicago and hasn’t stopped since! She spent her years studying Jazz, Ballet, Tap and Musical Theater under Sayhber and Dennon Rawles, Margaret Hyun and Joel Hall to name a few! She’s had the pleasure of teaching since 2007 along with coaching and choreographing for competitive teams, and integrated dance. Her motto is to move, touch and inspire students and audiences and to teach life lessons through dance! When she’s not teaching, she enjoys being a wife and mom to two boys and 3 dachshunds! Kristen has been a part of the Dual Star family since 2018.
Ms. Megan
Ballet | Jazz | Tap | Pom
Megan began dancing at age two in Huntley, Illinois and later trained and competed nationally. She graduated from the University of Memphis, spending four years on the Pom Dance Team and Ambush Crew, serving as captain her senior year.
During her collegiate career, she medaled multiple times at UDA College Nationals in Division 1A and earned a national championship title in 2024. She has also worked as UDA Staff for three summers and has taught and choreographed for studios across the country, earning several choreography awards.
From 2016–2018, Megan was a member of LA Dance Magic’s Senior Company, traveling the country assisting their award‑winning faculty. She also performed in ABC’s Christmas Parade tapings alongside Neil Patrick Harris and the Broadway cast of Newsies.
Megan is excited to join the Dual Star staff and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers who share her passion for the art.
Mr. Nathan
Tap
Nathan cultivated his passion for dance at the age of 5, training at multiple schools in Northern VA and Washington, DC. Growing up as a competitive dancer, he was recognized in magazines such as DanceSpirit Magazine and Dance Informa for his exceptional tap dancing. He also made an appearance on Lifetime’s reality television series Dance Moms as a guest artist. In High School, Nathan was selected as a National Young Arts Foundation Finalist, granting him the opportunity to train with famous artists such as Josh Groban, Nikki Minaj, and more.His career started at a young age when he was cast as Billy in the national tour of “Brothers’ of the Knight”, directed by Debbie Allen. Soon after, Nathan joined the team of Dein Perry’s “Tapdogs”, an award-winning Australian tap dance show, where he traveled the world performing in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Other performing credits include Rhythmic Circus and Busch Garden’s “Celtic Fyre”. As a member of the professional companyThe JaM Project, Nathan toured the United States performing; “Good Times, Bad Times” at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Break the Floor Production’s “25 Live” in Los Angeles, CA, and the Capezio ACE awards in NYC. The JaM Project has also made multiple appearances on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, and “World of Dance” Season 2.
Additionally, Nathan is an active dance instructor and traveling choreographer, teaching
workshops and intensives across the U.S. He has been involved in events such as the DC Tapfest,
Riff, JaM Camp, KAR, and more. Nathan continues to share his passion for dance to all ages
around the country, in hopes of inspiring the next generation of artists to “Keep on Dancin’.”
Ms. Nicole
Parent/Tot Tumbling
Nicole has been dancing since 1988. She is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, pointe, and musical theater. She has had the opportunity to receive training from Kit Andree, Phan Peterson, Thommie Walsh, Bill Hastings, Chet Walker, Jenny Schiff, and Jacob Mora (just to name a few). Ms. O’Farrell has performed in many events such as competitions, parades, festivals, showcases, and most of The Schiff Dance Collective’s evening length works. She was with The Schiff Dance Collective for its duration (2005-2019) as a teacher, choreographer, and performer. Nicole has been a teacher and choreographer at Peak Academy of Dance since 2008 and at Infinite Dance Inc since 2010. She has also been a choreographer at Ovation West’s Summer Music Camp since 2015. In the Fall of 2017, Nicole was promoted to be the Director of the Talent Group Program at Peak Academy of Dance. Ms. O’Farrell has taught all over Colorado since 1998, was a guest teacher at 2 Studios in Oregon for a summer, and attended the Dance Teacher Summit in New York in 2009. In 2020, she created The Essential Dance Company for dance teachers and alumni that needed a safe space to explore their passion for dance. As of September 2024, she is Pointe Safe Certified. Nicole strives to help dancers of all ages live their best life.
Ms. Niki
Ballet | Jazz | Lyrical | Kinder Rock | Creative Movement
Niki was born and raised in the small town of Scottsbluff, Nebraska where she began her dance training under the instruction of her mother, Jacque Hofmeister. She graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2013 with a BFA in Theatre and Dance with a concentration in dance performance. While at the University of Wyoming, Niki trained in ballet, modern, pointe and jazz dance techniques. During this time, she performed in the repertory of her instructors Lawrence Jackson, Jennifer Deckert, Margaret Wilson and Marsha Knight, as well as that of Bill T. Jones, Andre Megerdichian, Keith Saunders and Maurice Watson. Niki spent the summer of 2012 studying at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre where she furthered her knowledge of the Horton technique. Upon graduation, Niki moved to Denver to pursue a dance career and has since danced with the Moraporvida Contemporary Dance Company, the Avatar Movement Dance Company, the Nu World Contemporary Danse Theatre, and is currently in her sixth season with the Davis Contemporary Dance Company. Outside of rehearsals, Niki enjoys teaching within the Denver dance community and is a barre fitness instructor at The Ballet Physique. Niki is thrilled to again be joining the wonderful staff and students for her 11th season as an instructor at Dual Star Academy of Dance.
Ms. Sarina
Acro
Sarina Tamura grew up dancing and doing gymnastics since the age of 3. She trained in both disciplines (dance styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and Irish) until the age of 13, when she decided to commit solely to gymnastics. She went on to compete, coach, and judge and was part of the Overland High School gymnastics team that won the 5A State Championships in 2009. Sarina completed her gymnastics career in 2010 and returned to dance, where she fell in love with hip-hop and breaking. She currently competes and performs locally, out-of-state, and internationally, as well as judges local events in Colorado. Sarina was invited to compete at the Red Bull BC One National Finals in 2019, where she placed among the top 8 in the nation.
Sarina combines her background in dance and gymnastics and has been an active tumbling and acro instructor at multiple dance studios for over 10 years. She has a strong passion for teaching and inspiring children of all ages. Sarina graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Physiology and Japanese and has received her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from Regis University. Sarina likes to utilize her knowledge in physical therapy to ensure proper body mechanics and promote injury prevention during her classes. Sarina has been with Dual Star since 2018.
