DIRECTOR + COACH- DEVOTED, DYNAMIC
Born and raised in this very studio, I began my dance journey here at age 5 and trained until I graduated at 18. After high school, I stepped out to explore new opportunities—teaching at other studios, in college settings, and with various companies including Junction Dance Co. I immersed myself in as many classes as I could, especially at Millennium Dance Complex, always hungry to grow and learn more.
Over time, I discovered that teaching was what truly lit me on fire. That passion led me back home—to this studio—to pour into the next generation of dancers. Today, I’m not only a dance teacher, but also a proud mom of three and wife to the most amazing husband.
While I coach a wide range of styles, I get especially excited about contemporary and hip hop, and I love working with our Team X Company. I care deeply about connecting with my students and helping them navigate life through the outlet of dance. To me, dance is more than just movement—it shapes character, builds confidence, and teaches resilience. It calls for discipline, perseverance, and so many other lessons that last far beyond the studio.
-Justie
COACH- DEVELOPING, DEVOTED, DYNAMIC
"I’ve been sharing my passion for dance for over 26 years, teaching at Expressions School of Performing Arts where I’ve had the joy of helping shape generations of young dancers. I started dancing when I was 3, and by the time I was 4, I had already declared that I was going to be a dance teacher — a dream I’ve followed with unwavering dedication ever since.
I specialize in ballet, jazz, and lyrical, but I also have experience in contemporary, tap, and hip hop. My favorite students to teach are dancers ages 9 to 18 — that beautiful stage where passion, growth, and transformation all meet. My students often describe me as “the nicest, most strict teacher you’ll ever have,” and I take that as the highest compliment. I strive to balance discipline with deep care, always encouraging my dancers to match my own commitment to the craft.
I was raised in North Idaho, and recently moved to Spokane, Washington, where my partner and I are joyfully blending our families — five amazing teenagers between us. Outside the studio, I find peace and inspiration in nature, and I love hiking, reading, cooking, traveling, and exploring new places.
I truly believe today’s youth have the power to change the world, and I consider it a profound privilege to guide, impact, and empower them through the art of dance."
- JESS
COACH- DEVOTED, DYNAMIC
"This season marks my 15th year teaching at ESPA, and I am grateful every day to be part of the Expressions family that values excellence, artistry, and the growth of young dancers. Ballet is where I primarily specialize, and I hold all available Vaganova certifications through the Bolshoi Ballet Academy—training that has deeply shaped both my teaching methods and my appreciation for technical precision. While I loved competing as a dancer, I found my true passion in the discipline of daily training, the pursuit of refinement, and the quiet joy of steady improvement.
In addition to ballet, I teach jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and acro, and I love guiding dancers as they explore a variety of styles. No matter the genre, my goal is always the same: to create a supportive, challenging environment where students feel inspired to push themselves, trust the process, and discover who they are both as artists and as individuals.
I firmly believe that dance teaches far more than just that. The resilience, work ethic, teamwork, responsibility and confidence developed in the studio often become some of the most meaningful tools dancers carry with them into their lives beyond the stage. Watching students grow - physically, emotionally, and artistically - is one of the greatest privileges of my career.
Although I hold a degree in conservation biology, my love for dance and teaching has kept me rooted in the studio, where I know I am doing the work I was meant to do. When I’m not teaching, you can find me spending time with my husband and our two sons, hiking, traveling, or tending to the animals and gardens on our small family farm."
-Katrina
COACH- DEMI, DEVELOPING, DEVOTED
"I’ve been passionate about dance for as long as I can remember. I spent eight years as a competitive dancer—five in Oregon and three at ESPA after moving to Coeur d’Alene as a Sophomore. in high school After graduating, I was grateful for the opportunity to return to ESPA as a coach.
Coaching is my favorite part of the dance world because I get to inspire my students to find their own passion for dance while helping them develop meaningful life skills like hard work, responsibility, and teamwork. I love supporting dancers as they grow not only into stronger performers, but also confident, kind humans. Creating a safe, welcoming space where every student feels valued and knows they have something special to offer is at the heart of everything I do.
Outside the studio, you can usually find me out in nature or spending time with friends and family."
-Scotlyn
COACH- DEMI, DEVELOPING, DEVOTED
"Hi, I’m Kelsey Dwyer! I grew up dancing at Expressions, where I discovered my love for dance and was part of Team X. I began dancing at age 4, started competing at 7, and continued through college as a member of the WSU Crimson Girl Dance Team while earning my degree in Kinesiology. During my time dancing for a Division I program, I performed at football and basketball games, the Men’s PAC-12 Basketball Tournaments, the Holiday Bowl, and on the UDA Nationals floor—where we made school history two years in a row!
I’ve taught at several studios, directed summer camps, and even helped build a dance program in Florida while my husband attended chiropractic school. I also have a strong passion for fitness. I’ve worked as a group fitness and barre instructor, and I firmly believe that dancers benefit greatly from strength training. My goal is to merge the two worlds to create strong, healthy, and injury-resistant athletes.
Now back in the PNW, you can find me hanging out with my daughter, making sourdough, or staying active. I feel like I’ve come full circle—teaching again at the studio where it all began—and I’m so grateful to share my love for movement with this community once again."
-Kelsey
COACH- DEVELOPING, DEVOTED, DYNAMIC
"I’m a passionate dance coach with over five years of experience guiding dancers to reach their fullest potential. Before beginning my coaching career, I spent years performing as a professional contortionist, where I developed a deep appreciation for artistry, flexibility, and discipline — qualities that now inspire my teaching style.
As an alumna of ESPA, I also spent seven years competing on Team X, where I honed my technical precision, stage presence, and love for performance. Today, I bring that same dedication and enthusiasm to every class I teach.
My greatest joy comes from inspiring the next generation of dancers — helping them grow not only as performers, but as confident, expressive individuals who find happiness through movement."
-EMMA
COACH- DEMI
"I started dancing at age 10 because all my friends were doing it, and it quickly became the only thing I wanted to do. I competed for 4 years with my small studio in Utah, and 2 years with my high school team before expanding into musical theater, teaching, and choreography. At BYUI I minored in Modern Dance, and after graduation in 2005, I hung my Psych degree in a pretty frame and immediately went back to teaching, choreographing, and coaching a competition team. I adjudicated just one competition before retiring from dance to be a mom.
Four kids and a whole career in photography later, I found my way back to dance in late 2019 and, once again, found it was one of the only things I wanted to do. (I also enjoy reading and hiking with my husband!)
I’ve never met a dance style I didn’t like and couldn’t choose a favorite if I tried. While I adore working with advanced dancers in the photo studio, in the dance studio my heart lies with the beginners. Empowering students to be confident in their own skin, to take up space and be brave enough to fail and try again- it’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done."
-Charlotte
COACH- Developing, Devoted
"I’ve been dancing at ESPA for 14+ years, training in Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, and Hip Hop. I’ve also had the opportunity to train at Ballet Theatre of Maryland and Boise Ballet Academy. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to hold lead roles in shows like The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and Arabian Nights. Dance has been a huge part of my life, and I love sharing that passion with my students. Whether we’re working on technique or just having fun with movement, I’m all about creating a positive and encouraging space to grow as dancers!"
-Olivia
COACH- Developing, Devoted
"Hi! My name is Lilly Osborne, and I am entering my sixth year with Expressions. I am also looking forward to my fourth season on Team X. Coaching has quickly become a huge passion of mine, and it’s something I hope to do for many years to come. I know firsthand how impactful a good coach can be, so I strive to be a positive and encouraging light for every single dancer I work with!
This past year, I had the opportunity to attend The Dance Awards for nationals. It was such a challenging yet inspiring experience that pushed me to grow in all the best ways. It gave me direction and inspiration for my future in dance. I am so excited to be auditioning for college dance programs and companies this year. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
No matter what my future holds, dance and coaching will hopefully always be part of my life. I can't wait to support and cheer on your dancer every step of the way!"
- Lilly
COACH- DEVELOPING
"Hi, my name is Demi Bauck and I am a 17-year-old dancer living in Sandpoint, Idaho. I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and moved to Sandpoint when I was 9 years old. I started dancing at the age of five and have been training at Expressions School of Performing Arts since I was 11.
Dance has shaped so much of who I am. Over the past year, I’ve made accomplishments that have truly inspired me to become the best version of myself — both as a dancer and as a person. I have had the chance to choreograph several, overall placing competition pieces.
Beyond performing, I’ve had the opportunity to coach and mentor younger dancers, including leading contemporary, hip hop, ballet, jazz, and acro classes. Teaching has strengthened my love for dance and deepened my connection to the dance community.
As I head into my senior year of high school, I’m filled with gratitude for all that this journey has given me. Jesus is the center of my life, and my family continues to be my biggest source of strength and support. I am so excited to see what God has in store for me after high school!"
-DEMI
