WELCOME
The Valdez Dance Company
Since 2013
Meet The Teachers
The Valdez Dance Company opened its doors in 2013. Owner/Director Tracy Gilson saw the need for a place of her own, after many of years of teaching dance in the small town. Beginning in a 700 square foot space, it soon became apparent that a larger space was needed. Dance is now offered in a historic Old Town Building on Hazelet Avenue
Tracy Gilson
Owner/Director
The owner and director of “The Valdez Dance Company” is Tracy Gilson. Tracy has studied dance for over 25 years. She began teaching dance and choreographing in 1995, where she worked as a dance instructor at the Dance Conservatory of Southern Minnesota for six years before moving to Alaska. In Anchorage, AK she taught at the Academy De Danse and offered an after-school dance program at the Elementary School where she taught. Ms. Tracy will be teaching the Preschool classes our Acro Company, Company, Tap, and Contemporary classes.
Marcia Lynn
Ballet/Tap Teacher
Marcia Lynn has been dancing for over 50 years and is trained in classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern, musical theater, and folk dance styles. Marcia grew up in New Jersey, went to college in Chicago, later moved to California, then up to Oregon, and finally Alaska—dancing and performing all along the way! Since coming to the state she’s lived in Kodiak, Barrow, Bethel, Homer, and now Valdez.
Marcia is eager to share her love of dance and wealth of experience with Valdez Dance Company students.
Gianna Giusti McCune
Theater Teacher
Mrs. Giusti is thrilled to be a part of the Valdez Dance Company team! She has over 30 years of experience in the theatre and looks forward to sharing her love of the stage with the youth of Valdez. She has trained with the American Conservatory Theatre, Comedy Sportz, Calaveras Repertory, San Francisco State University, Ohlone College, and Perseverance Theatre. She has instructed Acting classes through the San Francisco Mime Troupe, Perseverance Theatre, and has taught Acting I and Acting II as an adjunct faculty member with Prince William Sound College. She holds a M.A.T. in Elementary Teaching and an M.Ed. in School Counseling. She is in her tenth year with the Valdez City School District.
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Jadyn Tapp
Preschool/Ballet Tap teacher
Miss. Jadyn has been dancing with the studio since 2013. Jadyn adds an abundant energy with her smile and warm personality.
Jadyn Tapp
Preschool/Ballet Tap teacher
Jadyn Tapp
Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Theater teacher
Miss. Jadyn has been dancing with the studio since 2013. Jadyn adds an abundant energy with her smile and warm personality.
Morgan Hamilton
Ballet and Tap teacher
Miss. Morgan has been dancing at the studio since 2013. Miss. Morgan has a calm demeaner and class structure. She is a Sophmore in High School.
Hannah Gilson
Acro/ Jazz/Hip Hop Teacher
Miss. Hannah has been dancing with the studio since 2011. She adds a polished quality to the dance floor and we look forward to her unique energy here at the VDC.
Hannah will be teaching our Company and Acro classes.
Jovi Arciniega
Jazz/Hip Hop Teacher
Miss Jovi has been dancing with the studio since 2012. We look forward to her graceful energy and quality dance moves.
Jovi will be teaching our Jazz, Hip Hop, Teen Contemporary and Company classes.
Jaimie Gilson
Administrative Secretary
Miss Jaimie our awesome office admin! Look for her welcoming smile and allow her to help you get signed up for dance classes or answer your questions.
Kinleigh Day
Acro/Jazz Teacher
Miss Kinleigh has been dancing with the studio since 2012. She shows emotion in her dances and pays attention to detail. This is her first year as a teacher at the VDC.
Kinleigh will be teaching our Acro/Jazz class.
Morgan Melton
Tumbling and Acro/Jazz Teacher
Miss Morgan started gymnastics when she was three years old at Gym-Max in California. When her family moved to Alaska in the early 2000's she continued training in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics in Wasilla. While attending Union University, Morgan was part of the dance and stunt team with her sorority, Chi Omega. Morgan completed her Bachelors degree in Social Work with a minor in Speech and Photojournalism in 2017. She went on to complete her Masters in Education in 2019 and will graduate with her Doctorate in Education in December.
This is her first year as a teacher at the VDC.
Morgan will be teaching our Tumbling and Acro/Jazz classes.