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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

Dance studio owner/director Tracy Gilson

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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

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Kinleigh Day
Acro/Jazz/Tap 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.

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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.

Gaea Bard
Hip Hop/Contemporary/Company Teacher

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Maggie Nylund
Ballet Teacher

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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.  

© 2013 by The Valdez Dance Company

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