Karl Mundt

Rachel Doran

Rachel's creative, unique choreography  has helped propel teams to winning both State and National titles. Her collaborative efforts with Karl Mundt have produced nine National Champions in the last five years alone- most recently, for the University of Minnesota (2011 UDA Champions- Div1A Jazz) and for the Eden Prairie Pom Squad (2011 UDA Large Varsity Champions- Jazz Div). In 2008, Rachel’s work with Heritage High School helped them win the Washington State Dance Team Championship.

With over 18 year of dance experience, Rachel’s eclectic style stems from her background of well-versed dance training, including  jazz, ballet, modern, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop and precision dance. She trained for 14 years at the acclaimed Stage Door of Performing Arts (now Northern Force) and was a 4 year member of the Totino-Grace E'gals dance team, winning 5 State championships. Additionally, Rachel was 4 year member (serving as Captain for 3 years) of the University of St. Thomas dance team, winning a national championship in 2006.

Rachel has an extensive background as a coach and master teacher, working with competitive dance teams throughout Minnesota. She is currently in her 9^th year with the Totino-Grace E'gals as an assistant Varsity coach and was voted the AA assistant coach of the year in 2006 and 2010 (MADT). From 2006-08 she worked as an instructor and creative director for Advantage Dance  and most  was a choreographer for the 2008-09 Kelle Company Dance Team Catalog, a national leader in the dance costume industry. In addition, Rachel was a member of the Minnesota Association of Dance Teams (MADT) Board of Directors from 2008-10.

As a performer Rachel has danced throughout the US at numerous conventions and competitions and has won several titles and high-point awards. In 2007 she was the recipient of the Zenon dance school Block-E scholarship and is a company member of Crash Dance Productions contemporary dance company. Rachel brings to her work a spirited passion, and an exceptional capacity for seeing the potential in all dancers.

 

Choreography credits include:

• University of Oregon
• University of St. Thomas (2011)
• Eastern Washington Elite Junior All-Stars
• Heritage High School (Washington State Champions)
• Munster High School
• Hamline University
• Totino-Grace E'gals

 

Co-choreography credits (with Karl Mundt) include:

• University of Minnesota (2010-11 UDA Champions- Div 1A)
• Eden Prairie Pom Squad (2009-11 UDA National Champions- Large Varsity Jazz Div)
• University of St. Thomas (Three –Time National Champions)
• Eastern Washington Elite Senior All-Stars (Seven-Time National Champions &  2008 World All-Star Champions)

Leslie Attwood

Leslie was born and raised in Lakewood, California and has had a love of dance all her life.  She began dancing at the age of three, training at Studio "C" School of Performing Arts in Downey, California.  While at Studio "C", Leslie received numerous first place awards and high marks in solo, trio, and group categories.  Studio "C" gave Leslie her first taste of teaching and assisting dance at the tender age of 10, and she has been teaching ever since.  Growing up, Leslie had the incredible opportunity to train in the arts of ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and modern from teachers and choreographers that are now known throughout the world for their talent.  These choreographers include: Dennis Caspary, Dee Caspary, Tina Caspary-Cyphert, Ryan Cyphert, Mandy Moore, Corey Finn, Mia Michaels, Tim Hill, and Ray Leeper.  As a young dancer, her training also extended to Lichine Ballet Academy in Beverly Hills, California where she attended classes taught by Tanya Lichine and Alexander Godunov.  Leslie also attended, demonstrated, and assisted at various dance conventions throughout the US.

 

As a student at Los Alamitos High School, Leslie became a four year Varsity Songleader, serving as Captain her senior year.  While on Song, Leslie was awarded with mulitple first place wins including an undefeated freshman year. She was the first place national soloist at United Spirit Association competition in Jacksonville, Florida as well.  She first met Karl as a junior in 2001. Immediately, her creative movements and passion on the floor inspired Karl to begin working with her the very next year.  They have been teaching and choreographing together since 2002.  Their work has won numerous national titles and has inspired many dancers throughout the world.

 

Choreography and Co-Choreography (with Karl Mundt) Credits Include:

University of Minnesota

Eden Prairie High School Pom Squad

The Dance Studio of Fresno

Millard North High School

Eastern Washington Elite All Stars

University of Louisville Ladybirds

University of Cincinnati

Los Alamitos High School Song Team

San Diego State University

Hawaii Pacific University

The Clipper Girls

USC Trojan Dance Force

Mater Dei High School Dance Team

Dansations Dance Studio

Onstage Dance Center

 

Leslie continues to work with Karl creating innovative routines for teams around the US.  She is also a regular teacher and choreographer at Onstage Dance Center in Los Alamitos, California.  As a wife and mother, Leslie strives to project her love of dance not only to the dancers she teaches everyday, but to her daughter as well.

Stacey Weyandt

Stacey Weyandt started dancing at the age of three, and today is still pursuing her dreams with the talent god blessed her with.  Growing up she trained at Larkin Dance Studio in Maplewood, Minnesota.  She graduated high school in 2005 and shortly after moved to New York City to pursue a professional career in dance.  

While in NYC, she worked with acclaimed choreographers such as Marguerite Derricks, Ray Leeper, and John Carrafa.  Stacey also danced in projects for VH1 Fashion Rocks, Duran Duran, Sandals Resort, Wal-Mart, The Editors, and Broadway Diva Night. She also was an assistant choreographer for the 2008 Truth Campaign commercials. Stacey also worked for the company Break The Floor, where she was an assistant on the 2006-2007 JUMP national convention tour.  

Upon her return to Minneapolis, Stacey performed in the show, I was. I am. I will be. Produced by Minnesota based company Crash Dance Productions.   In  2009 & 2010  Stacey  was a proud member of the University of Minnesota Dance Team and is enjoying her dance career more than ever.  The dance team has opened up many doors for her.  She has had the opportunity to contribute choreography to the team’s camp dance and has also started co-choreographing with her teammate and close friend, Toni Gabrielli. They have had the pleasure to work with Hillcrest High School in Utah and Exisdance in Minnesota. 

She hopes to continue having more opportunities to share her love and passion for dance with young dancers around the country.

Amanda Gaines

Amanda started dancing at the age of 3, and has continued to pursue her passion ever since. She studied jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, and hip hop at the Dance Shoppe in Plymouth, Minnesota. She was also a member and captain of her high school dance team, the Wayzata Trojets.

After high school, Amanda went on to become a member of the University of Minnesota Dance Team, winning a National Championship her first year on the team, placing in the top 3 every year after that, and serving as Captain her senior year.

Amanda is now in her third year as the Assistant Coach for the University of Minnesota Dance Team, having helped lead the team to back to back National Championships in Division 1A Jazz and Pom. She also helped coach the team to two gold medals and one silver medal when they were selected as Team USA for the 2010 ICU World Championships.

She has worked as a staff member for Universal Dance Association, teaching camps to some of the top high school and college teams across the nation. She has done workshops, technique clinics, and choreography for local high schools and studios, and has had the pleasure to teach and perform in China and Columbia. Some of her most recent national choreography credits include the University of Minnesota Dance Team in 2009 and North Dakota State University Dance Team in 2010 and 2011.

Lisa Orth

Lisa trained at Saint Cloud School of Dance and Gymnastics for fifteen years in jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical and pointe. Additionally, she was a four year member of the Saint Cloud Cathedral Crusaderette Varsity dance team performing in both high-kick precision and jazz. In 2005, Lisa was a senior captain when the team won a MSHSL State Championship in high-kick, took second place in jazz, and she was voted all conference dancer.  Currently, Lisa is  a four year member of the Nationally ranked University of Saint Thomas dance team and a second year captain. The team won the 2006 & 2008 UDA College Dance Team National Championship in the open jazz division and placed second in hip-hop from 2006-09.

Lisa has taught summer workshops as a guest instructor at Dyan's World of Dance Studio for three years working with dancers ages 10 to18. She has also worked with high school teams throughout the state of Minnesota with Advantage Dance Company, teaching ballet, jazz, high-kick precision, and conditioning. Lisa has also has taught conditioning classes at Saint Cloud School of Dance. Her choreography credits include:  Heritage High School in Washington (2008 State Champions), the University of Duluth dance team, Advantage Dance, the University of Saint Thomas dance team, and numerous Miss Dance Team Minnesota competitors.

Toni Gabrielli

Toni Gabrielli began her dance career at Larkin Dance Studio in Maplewood, Minnesota. She won numerous regional and national championships during her time with Larkin, and assisted in leading younger dancers to experience the same success. After training 15 years in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, ballet, pointe, tap and pilates, she graduated and moved on to become a member of the nationally ranked University of Minnesota Dance Team. She became Captain during her junior year and continued to serve in this role during her senior year. Toni is proud to have completed her College dance career by winning two National Titles (Jazz and Pom) and Two World Titles (Jazz and Pom).

 Toni began instructing fellow dancers at a very young age, and has continued to do so as a Camp Instructor with the Universal Dance Association (UDA). She has also worked with numerous high schools dance teams in the Twin-Cities area, and has taught at many high school technique and performance clinics. Toni has been a part of Minneapolis-based contemporary dance company, Crash Dance Productions, and has modeled for both Kelle Company and Just for Kix catalogs. 

Her choreography credits include UDA high school summer camp routines, pom dances for the University of Minnesota dance team, and four 1st place Home Routines for the team as well. Toni has also choreographed for Crash Dance Productions, Hillcrest High School dance team in Utah, Exisdance in Minnesota, and in 2009, the collegiate nationals’ jazz routine for the University of Minnesota Dance Team, leading them to an appearance on ESPN and 3^rd place in the nation.

Kristin Luth

Kristin started dancing at the tender age of two, where she developed a passion that has motivated her throughout her life.  During her 19 years career, she has expanded her knowledge and love for all styles including her favorites:  Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet and Modern.  

She began her training at Metropolitan Dance Alliance in Shakopee, Minnesota; later to finish her studio career at Dancers Edge (Now NRG) in Osseo, Minnesota.  Kristin also has trained at the Universal Ballet Academy in Washington, DC, Kansas City Ballet and Ballet Arts of Minnesota.  Additionally, she has won numerous national scholarships and titles.

As a three year member and team captain of the acclaimed University of Minnesota Dance Team (UMDT), Kristin was also a Dance and Communication Studies Major.  During her time on the team, UMDT has placed in the top three at the UDA College National Championship and won the 2010 National and World titles in both Jazz and Pom.  As a dance major, Kristin has been able to explore the art of dance and performance more intensely, making her a more well-rounded dancer.  She will be graduating in May of 2010 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in both the areas of dance and communications. 

In the spring of 2009, Kristin had the amazing opportunity to travel to the Peoples Republic of China, where she and her Minnesota teammates performed on a popular Chinese television show.  A highlight of her trip was the opportunity to teach young dancers in the area.  This experience was one of the most unique and rewarding of her dance career. 

As an instructor, Kristin has already had a wide-ranging career, most recently as a staff member with Universal Dance Association (UDA), where she has worked with dancers from across the nation.  At UDA, she has worked at both high school and college level dance camps, teaching technique and choreography to dancers of all levels.  She has also taught and judged local dance teams in Minnesota. 

Her professional credits include being a member of Crash Dance Productions, a contemporary company based in Minneapolis.  She has also performed with Metropolitan Ballet Company of Minnesota in their productions of “Dracula” and “Romeo and Juliet.” 

Kristin is excited to continue her dance career beyond college and to be part of Innovate.  Her expertise and enthusiasm about dance will be apparent from the moment you meet her!

Jackie Kling

Jackie Kling grew up in Forest Lake, Minnesota where her passion for dance developed. She trained at Dance Tech Studios for 11 years, focusing on various styles of dance: ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, musical theater, and hip-hop. Jackie was also a part of her high school’s dance team for two years, having the roles of choreographer and senior captain. In addition, she earned two all-conference awards, as well as the team’s most valuable dancer award. 

Jackie spent her college career at the University of St. Thomas, dancing for the Tommie Dance Team for 4 years. During her time on the team, they earned two national titles in 2008 and 2010 at the UDA College Dance Team National Championships ( Open Dance Division) as well as being runners-up for the Open Hip-Hop title from 2007-2010. During her senior year she served as captain of the team, and was voted most valuable dancer of the 2010 season. Jackie also earned a minor in Dance through the Macalester College Theater and Dance Department and choreographed for the department’s dance concerts.  She also collaborated on a piece with Los Angeles based dance company, Diavolo. In the fall Jackie will be attending New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts perusing a Master of Fine Arts in Dance.

Growing up Jackie spent years assisting instructors, which sparked her love of teaching dance. For the past five years she has been an instructor at Dance Tech Studios, teaching a wide variety of styles to students ranging in ages from pre-school to adult. Additionally, she has assisted various choreographers at intensives in Minnesota, Iowa and Seattle. Jackie has aspirations of teaching in a university’s dance department when her own professional dance career is completed.  She is excited to join the INNOVATE team, and share the company’s vision with dancers across the country! 

Sarah Carney

Sarah Carney began dancing at the age of 3 at Larkin Dance Studio in Maplewood, Minnesota. While at Larkin, she had a successful 16 years- earning top soloist and group member awards as well as receiving numerous scholarships at dance conventions such as Jump and West Coast Dance Explosion. She served as captain her senior year of high school, where she was able to help other dancers grow into passionate young artists.

Sarah was a member of the National Champion University of Minnesota Dance Team (UMDT) for 4 years (2008-2011) and served as co-captain of the team her senior year. In 2010 and 2011, UMDT won back-to-back national championship titles in the pom and jazz categories at the UDA Collegiate Championship, televised on ESPN. The team also won two gold medals at the 2010 ICU World Championships.  While on the Minnesota Dance Team, Sarah was granted the opportunity to travel to the People’s Republic of China, where she danced on an acclaimed television show. She was also fortunate to have the opportunity to teach Chinese children the art of dance. Her experiences and memories on UMDT will be cherished forever! 

Sarah continues to teach dance, most recently as an instructor with Universal Dance Association, traveling throughout the US. She also is a dance instructor at Dance Esteem in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Additionally, Sarah has choreographed for the Supreme Dance Force Dance Team in Minnetonka, Minnesota. 

Sarah looks forward to continuing her dance career and hopes to instill her love and passion for dance into other dancers throughout the nation.

Samantha Cameranesi

Samantha Cameranesi began her dance career at The Dance Shoppe in Plymouth, Minnesota, where she danced for 15 years learning a variety of styles such as jazz, lyrical, ballet, and tap. In addition to her time at this nationally acclaimed studio, she went on to compete with her high school dance team, the Wayzata Trojets.  As a member of the team, Sam won 3 state championships.  Additionally, she was an All-Conference winner all four years on the team.  She became captain her senior year and helped lead her team to the 2009 state championship title in Jazz.  

In the fall of 2009, Sam became a member of the nationally ranked University of Minnesota Dance Team (UMDT).  As a sophomore on the team, she is proud to have completed her second year of college by winning four National titles in both jazz and pom.  Sam was also a member of Team USA and competed in the 2009 World Championships where she won two world titles in jazz and pom.  Finishing out her sophomore year as a national and world champion, she is honored to continue her dancing career as a member of the UMDT.  

As a teacher, Sam began instructing dancers at a very young age.  She began teaching ballet at the Dance Shoppe and became an employee at the Medina Just for Kix Studio her junior year of high school.  She instructs dancers of all ages- from infants to seniors in high school- in all styles of dance, including hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, and kick. For the past three years she has worked with numerous high school dance teams in the Twin-Cities area, holding clinics and workshops with teams throughout the summer.  Now in her second year with INNOVATE, there is nothing she would rather be doing than working with dancers who share her love of dance!  Sam is very passionate about dance and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love for it with young dancers around the country! 

Sabrina Hermsen

Sabrina began dancing at the age of four, training in all styles of dance in her hometown of Green Bay, Wisconsin. At the age of 10, Sabrina began traveling to Chicago to compete with Ted Jackson’s Midwest Movement Dance Company. She danced competitively with Midwest Movement for six years and won various scholarships that allowed her to travel all across the country to take classes. Sabrina has also trained in ballet with the Makaroff School of Ballet in Appleton, Wisconsin and attended the American Ballet Theatre summer intensive in Irvine, California in 2002 and 2003. Sabrina was a two-year member of the Wrightstown Dance Team was Captain her senior year of high school. She graduated in 2009 from Wrightstown High School with honors.  

Sabrina is currently a Psychology major and is a Pre-Medical student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has recently completed her second year on the University of Minnesota Dance Team with National Championship titles in both the Jazz and Pom categories for 2010 and 2011. She also had the opportunity to compete with the team at the World Championships in 2010 in which they took home Gold Medals in both Jazz and Pom as well. 

Sabrina has had the opportunity to teach at Northern Dance Academy in Green Bay, Wisconsin along with being choreographing for the Green Bay Southwest Troyette Dance Team.