DANCE FACULTY & STAFF

Carole Royal (Director)
Carole has nearly four decades of teaching experience in both the public school systems and the private sector. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (Performing Arts), danced and ice skated professionally touring Canada and the US, and then opened Royal Dance Works in 1979. Carole has been responsible for training national championship dancers, Star Search winners, and professional performers who have appeared in the US, Japan, France, Australia, and Caribbean. In addition, as director of Dance International, a foreign dance exchange program, she's taken dancers to study in Australia, London, Paris, and Italy.

Lupe Espinoza
Lupe Espinoza, Assistant Director, started dancing under the instruction of Carole Royal 44 years ago at Dysart High School and was the first employee of Royal Dance Works when the studio opened in 1979. Now, as assistant director and teacher, her emphasis on technique and discipline has changed the lives of many students. Lupe was a member of Carole’s original Performance Company and has helped Carole build the program to what it is today. She specializes in teaching jazz to beginning dancers and perfecting the technique of our experienced performers. Lupe additionally supervises backstage areas at all performances and handles everything from costumes to scheduling to student activities.

Susan Allen
Susan Allen has her degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis on the Fine Arts. She grew up at Royal Dance Works, beginning dance classes at 7. As a member of our performance company, Susan's hard work paid off as she won many competition awards, including being a member of the National Championship dancers in New York City. At age 18, she was awarded a year scholarship at the famed Tremaine Studios in Los Angeles. Susan then danced professionally for six months in Japan. Susan teaches jazz and musical theater, co-directs our younger Performance Companies and produces over-all high point choreography. She also acts as our Performance Company liaison four our younger groups.

Melissa Baum
With a BA degree in Human Communication from ASU, Melissa has been dancing at Royal Dance for 41 years, was a prominent member of our performance companies for 11 years, and has taught dance for 26 years. Melissa has received regional and national awards and also received Dance Scholarships to The Edge Performing Arts Center in L.A. She has choreographed and taught master classes at local high schools. She was also selected to travel to Australia with Dance International, USA and studied and performed in London and Paris. Melissa teaches jazz and musical theater as well as working with our performance companies. She acts as Performance Company liaison for our older groups.

Chris Brady-Wakimoto
Chris has been dancing and then teaching since 1992. He has taught master classes and choreographed at local high schools around the valley. Chris was selected to travel to London and Paris with Dance International and then to Australia. He was named Distinguished Performer with LA Dance Magic. After spending some time taking classes at the Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, he returned to the Valley with even more passion to dance, teach and share his new ideas and choreography. Chris teaches contemporary and jazz and co-directs Performance Companies this season.

Tanner Clark
Tanner, born and raised in San Diego, originally trained in hip hop under Choreo Cookies with Keone & Mari Madrid before moving to Los Angeles. Tanner has worked on music videos like "Stuck on a Feeling" with Prince Royce & Snoop Dogg, and "M.I.L.F. $" with Fergie, as well as performances with Fifth Harmony on the X Factor, and Justin Bieber, Skrillex, and Diplo at ULTRA Music Festival. He spent 2 years performing across the US with artist K. Rose, assisted Michael Rooney in the choreography for Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" Special, and recently became the 7th member of America's Best Dance Crew Season 5, Poreotics. Tanner is a current teacher on the national LA Dance Magic Convention.

Melissa Cyrnak
Melissa graduated from the University of Arizona with a BFA in Fine Arts in Dance performance on scholarship, which is considered one of the top dance programs in the country. After graduation she went on to dance with Center Dance Ensemble under the late artistic director Frances Cohen as a resident dancer at the Herberger Theater. Prior to settling in Arizona, Melissa performed in various productions in Las Vegas, joined the Bolder Jazz Dance Company for 3 consecutive years, and many performances as a magicians assistant (Ta-Da)! This is Melissa's second recital as a ballet instructor with Royal Dance Works and has a great deal of respect and admiration for details brought to Royal productions.

Hailey David
Hailey David grew up in Arizona and, before beginning her dance training, was a competitive gymnast for 5 years. She started dancing at age 14 and trained at Royal until graduating from our Senior Performance Company in 2019. This year she performed with local contemporary dance company, CONDER/dance, under director Carley Conder. In September 2023, Hailey will move to Israel to train for 5 months in Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company's "Dance Journey Program". Hailey will miss Royal while she's away, but is excited to see how her professional career progresses from here and is extremely thankful for the support of all her teachers, friends, parents, and students at Royal.

Ethan Espinoza
Born and raised in Arizona, Ethan began his dance training at Royal Dance Works at the age of 6, starting with hip hop, then dance classes in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary. During this time he was part of two National Championship teams. After graduating high school he trained with The Elektrolytes and was on the LA Dance Magic Men’s Company, training under industry level choreographers for 2 years. He now is with the Arizona based collective known as Jig Fam and works across the state setting choreography. His energy is contagious!

Jeremy Gatlin
Jeremy is a native of Nashville, Tennesse where he grew up tap dancing. He graduated with a dance degree from Brigham Young University in 2005. After school, Jeremy began his competitive ballroom dance career with partner, Anna Harwood. Awards include 2007 US Professional Rising Star Rhythm Champions, 2011 North American Rhythm Champions, 2012 World Rhythm Showdance Champions on PBS as well as becoming a World Rhythm Finalist in 2011- 2012. Jeremy continues to teach, dance, participate in competitions, and judge throughout the US.

Kiana Guarino
Kiana will be starting her last year at Arizona State University where she will be earning her Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Pyschology. She has been teaching tap to students of all ages for the past 4 years. Kiana is a core member and choreographer for Tap 24.7, a Phoenix based tap company. With Tap 24.7 she has performed for several events including Motor City Soles and The Gregg Russell Legacy Show. Kiana is thankful to have studied under mentors such as Gregg Russell, Sarah Reich, Susy Guarino-Hall, Sam Weber and Chloe Arnold. She loves sharing her passion for Tap with our Royal family.

Kanako Imayoshi
Kanako began her training in Fukuoka, Japan, and later joined the Reiko Matsuoka Ballet Institute, with which she toured Russia, China and Japan. She was awarded a scholarship to train in Paris, and further studies took her to the Beijing Ballet School and Joffrey Ballet School Since joining Ballet Arizona in 2001 in addition to her principle roles, Kanako has performed soloist roles in Swan Lake, Coppélia, Les Sylphides, and Ib Andersen’s Romeo and Juliet (Lady Montague), and in Balanchine's Theme and Variations, and La Valse. She frequently travels to Japan as a guest artist and dance coach. Kanako is also certified Gyrotonic and works with dance students in this field. We welcome Kanako to our ballet faculty.

Maria Jones
Maria began dance training at 11 years old and has been part of Royal Dance Works as a performance company member and then teacher for over 15 years. She danced on Star Search and worked with Justin Giles in his professional company, Soul Escape. She has additionally danced for Royal Flux and Dana Metz Co. She was in the top 100 of So You Think You Can Dance. She recently completed 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Modern Yoga. Maria choreographs for our top, competitive performance companies and teaches Jazz, Technique, and Contemporary.

Abby Maginity
Abby began her early training in ballet, tap, and jazz, with the Taylor Dance Program and Ballet Americana. Through her training, she attended multiple summer programs including Joffrey, BalletMet, and The School of American Ballet. After graduation, Abby has danced professionally with the Dayton Ballet for four seasons, Ballet Austin II, Alabama Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and is currently in her fourth season with Ballet Arizona. Among the many featured roles she was honored to perform, a few of her favorites include the lead in Balanchine's Allegro Brillante and Serenade, and "Helena" in A Midsummers Nights Dream. Abby is very excited to be teaching and joining the Royal family!

Megan Malcom
Megan began gymnastics and dance at age 4 and continued dance classes throughout her education at the University of Arizona. Early on she was on the competition team for compulsory and then optional levels at Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics, during which time she continued to take 2-3 hours of ballet training each week. She took 1st place at numerous competitions for uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercises for levels 5 through 8. Megan teaches ages 3-15 in the children's combo classes as well as tumbling. Megan is currently in school to pursue her life-long dream of nursing.

Jennifer Martin
Jennifer graduated summa cum laude in 2016 from The University of Arizona, with degrees in Dance and Political Science, and a minor in Pre-Law. She was named Outstanding Senior in the School of Dance. From there, Jenn moved to San Francisco where she spent a year doing project work for companies including Robert Moses KIN and Dance Theater of San Francisco, and performing work by William Forsythe, Victor Quijada, and Ohad Naharin. Outside of the studio, Jenn is an attorney at Jones, Skelton & Hochuli. What an amazing role model for our students, and we are so happy she still finds time for us.

Dana Metz
Dana was born in Arizona and began dance training at the age of eight. She studied ballet and modern dance at the School of Ballet Arizona and has worked with some of the industry's top choreographers. One of the most popular teachers in Phoenix, Dana is noted for her innovative style and national award winning choreography. Dana travels extensively throughout the United States, teaching master classes and setting choreography. Dana was named 1st runner - up at the 2010 Capezio A.C.E. competition. Dana has recently set pieces for Convergence Ballet and Wanderlust Dance Project and currently works with her own company Dana Metz Co.

Kailin Metz
Kailin Metz has performed in shows in L.A and New York such as "Shining", "A Look Inside", and "Beneath the Surface". She trained at the school of Arizona Ballet and Dance Connection, focusing on ballet, modern, and contemporary. She trained with Lori Johnson, Nadia Zubkov, and Dana Metz and has also spent a summer in Chicago training with Hubbard Street Dance. Kailin continues to train and perform with Jaci Royal's company Royal Flux and with Dana Metz. Kailin aspires to grow more in her art and choreography and to inspire her students through teaching, as dance is her passion. She teaches contemporary, jazz, and technique.

Natalie Ramirez
Natalie moved to Massacusetts in 2016 to train as a pre-professional program student at the Boston Ballet School. She then joined the School of Ballet Arizona's pre-professional program in 2018. In 2019 Natalie was accepted into Ballet Arizona's Studio Company and has since performed in various classical and contemporary roles such as in "Second To Last", "Within The Golden Hour", "In Creases", and "Les Patineurs". In addition, she has performed in George Balanchine’s "Serenade", "Stravinsky Violin Concerto", "Bourree Fantasque", and "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue". We welcome Natalie to our professional Ballet faculty.

Renae Rochon
Renae has been involved in the dance industry for over 30 years. After studying extensively on a scholarship to the Conservatory of American Dance, she passed the Cecchetti Grade V pre-professional exam, received her teacher certification, and received a Distinguished Artist Scholarship at Hope College. She has performed at SuperBowl XXX, the Las Vegas Mirage, and the Beverly Hills Hotel. She has performed with the Beach Boys, James Brown, Standing O Productions, Contempo Tap Company, Footworkz, and Showstoppers. Renae is currently part of a mentorship program with Heather Cornell (Manhattan Tap).

Ilir Shtylla
Ilir Shtylla is originally from Tirana, Albania. Ilir's early exposure to Albanian folk dancing led him to ballet lessons at age 11 at National Ballet School of Albania. Ilir graduated from the Baku Choreographic University of Azerbaijan, and then joined Azerbaijan Opera Ballet Theatre, where he performed many featured roles. After moving to the United States in 1998, Ilir was given a full scholarship to The Rock School of Dance Education in Philadelphia and the School of American Ballet in New York City. Ilir joined Ballet Arizona in 2003, where he performed many leading roles and performed at The John F. Kennedy Center. After retiring from performing in 2015, Ilir has been focusing full-time teaching ballet to youth.

Ashley Spiller
Ashley started dancing at the age of 11 in California, then moved to Arizona at the age of 16 where she joined the senior company at Royal Dance Works and expanded her training while attending many competitions, conventions and intensives. Ashley graduated in 2021 and since then found her love for teaching as well as continuing her dance career. She has assisted teachers such as Kobi Rozenfeld and Kavita Rao, worked as a background dancer for Tony Vincent and Ceelo Green, attended summer intensives such as Westside Dance Project and New York Gaga Lab. Ashley is currently touring the US as a PRO for Heat Dance Convention/Competition and looking forward to continue teaching and choreographing.

Krystal Teutsch
Krystal trained and competed at Royal Dance Works for many years in award winning routines by Jaci Royal, Jason Parsons, and Brian Friedman. She trained for three summers in NYC at Broadway Dance Center and accepted an internship at Pulse on Tour. Krystal traveled two summers to train at the Dance Teacher Summit, an intense training for teachers. She graduated ASU with a degree in Communication in 2007. Her favorite style to teach is jazz funk and to choreograph for performance company. She has received top choreography awards including Spotlight's 2020 outstanding choreography winner. Krystal is also the social media director at Royal Dance Works.

Victoria Espinoza
Victoria is a second generation employee at Royal Dance Works. Being the daughter of Assistant Director Lupe, Victoria definitely finds Royal to be her second home. She started dancing at Royal when she was 3 years old and continued until she graduated high school in 2014. In her time with Royal she has gained life skills such as a strong work ethic, time management and teamwork. Victoria is our front desk manager. Victoria recently received her Bachelors in Business Administration at Grand Canyon University.

Maribeth Myers
Maribeth arrived at Royal Dance Works in 1982 when her daughter, Missy, started dancing in the 3-year-old class. She first began working at the front desk in 1990 and continued until 2003. She then continued to help during recitals and costume alterations. Maribeth still uses her seamstress skills and does nearly all the costume alterations for the studio. We have loved having her return to the front desk this season with her friendly demeanor and welcoming smile. Her daughter is now a teacher here and granddaughters are students.

Cindy Sauer
From 1982 to 1994, Cindy took classes from and taught for Carole. She was in the Senior performance company from 1982 thru 1989. Her three daughters took dance classes at Royal from 1994 to 2004. Coming around full circle, Cindy is now retired and works part-time at the studio front desk. Previouly Cindy worked for nine years as the head cashier of an automotive service company.