Instructor Bios
Stephanie Light
 Stephanie Light has been actively involved in the dance and performance industry for over 30 years! Her background extends to classical ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, lyrical, break, gymnastics, acro, musical theater and more. Stephanie has judged for some of the biggest dance competitions in the industry including Spotlight Dance Cup and Kids Artistic Review. Stephanie Light grew up in San Diego and trained at the School of FAME Conservatory of the Arts, Dance Machine, and several other great environments. She has had the opportunity to dance on the professional level on stages across the nation including Sea World City Streets, Disney Land, Political Events, etc. Her choreography has been highly sought after for her innovative and creative style and technique. Stephanie has been a Master Instructor for the past fifteen years. Stephanie’s love of Hip Hop was renewed in 1997 when she had the opportunity to dance with Nike Dance Troupe Culture Shock. Since that time her focus has been on the fresh and funky styles of dance that appeal to all ages and ability levels. Her respect of ballet and the technical foundation it encompasses will always hold high value, but now her edge is on the casual dancer out to have a fun time and in some cases take it to the competitive level. Stephanie opened her first dance studio in Bozeman MT in 1995 and ran a great school until the professional industry demanded her attention on the stages of San Diego and L.A. Stephanie had the opportunity to work in film as a tumbling consultant and dance choreographer. And even though Stephanie grew up in San Diego, she has always considered Hamilton her home.
| Ashley Hurley |
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Ashley moved to the Bitterroot Valley when she was eight years old and found her passion for dance at the age of 10. She has danced for Stephanie since she was eleven years old training in tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet, tumbling and modern. Ashley enjoyed competitive dance for a number of years participating in group routines, solos and duos. Her heart is in modern dance but loves and appreciates all styles of dance the world over. Ashley apprenticed for Stephanie in 2002-2003 and taught Jazz in 2010/2011. She is now attending college in Missoula for a Bachelor of Psychology and also takes advantage of the wonderful dance program at the university. After 14 years, dance has continued to be a large part of her life and will always inspire and awe her. Ashley is currently certified in group fitness and ZUMBA. |
John Rankin
John Rankin moved to Hamilton Montana with his family when he was 8 years old. Always living an active outdoors lifestyle, fishing, hiking, and a mix of sports. As young as age 11, John was fascinated with the idea of becoming a stunt man. Johns training began with Tae Kwon Do, which he studied for the better part of 8 years. During his travels he was trained in Karate, Hapkido and other mixed martial arts. He took up basic floor tumbling in Hamilton, for 5 years he practiced on the floor. There he was trained by Matt Schlechten, and later John taught an entry level tumbling course of his own. With these arts combined he won the title of Jr. Underbelt kicks and tricks national champion in 03-04, Jr. Blackbelt kicks and tricks national champion 04-05, and Jr. Blackbelt of the year runner up 04-05 in the E.K.L.. During Johns training he was presented an opportunity to to try out for Cirque Du Soleil, which he turned down to finish his studies. After graduating from Corvallis High School he went off to college in Missoula to pursue an extended education in film making. There he studied gymnastics and Capoeira recreationally. In 2009 he suffered a sports injury, pulling him from his training for over a year for recovery. After recently discovering Dance EFX he is getting back into the action. John is young and ambitious who leads by demonstration. The energy is high and the atmosphere is positive. John will be teaching tumbling as well as martial arts.
| Kilee Bartschi |
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Kilee Bartschi recently finished her Senior year at Stevensville High School and will be attending the University of Montana in Missoula. Kilee has been involved in dance her entire life and is excited for her certification in ZUMBA. Kilee has a passion for working with young children, and kids with special needs. Kilee just wrapped up her last year as a competitor, as she is moving on to instructor, and had a great season taking away several Diamond and Top First awards.
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Jennifer Doering
Jennifer Doering is fairly new to the Bitterroot Valley. She grew up in the midwest, moved to southern Orange County and completed her high school degree and her first few years of college. In 1998 Jennifer realized that dance was a passion she wanted to pursue: tap. jazz, ballet, and ballroom were to start many years of dance. Spending four years dancing and singing with a couple of dance and theater companies in northern Indiana, here in Montana now for 5 years, Jennifer wants to settle down and share her love of dance with our future generations |
Leilani was born and raised on the islands of Hawaii. Although being of Italian decent, she was raised in the Hawaiian culture and started Hula lessons at a very young age. After moving from the islands, Leilani sought to learn more of the beautiful dances of the islands and continued her studies in Virginia where she attended high school. She has used her skills in many talent competitions and in the beauty pageantcircuit. She has also studied other forms of dance and theater and has taught Hula to all ages. Leilani moved to Montana to be near her family (‘ohana) and hopes to promote the appreciation of Hula as a unique opportunity in our communities and as a healing dance of the heart. She wants to spread the “Aloha” where ever she goes.