Julie Paige
Owner/Director
Ballet, Jazz/Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Twinkle Star Dance, Musical Theatre
Julie Paige is both a classically and commercially trained dancer and actress. She began dancing at the age of 5 and immediately fell head over heels in love with dance! At 7 she stumbled upon the world of acting & musical theatre and found a second love. Throughout her childhood Julie called acting her “heart” and dance her “soul.”
In college, Julie went on to study in some exclusive BFA Dance and Acting programs at top college conservatory schools including the University of Arizona, The Boston Conservatory of Music, and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, receiving her degree from NYU.
After college, Julie spent 6 years performing professionally in NYC and Los Angeles. As a Dancer & Actress, she performed in repertory theatre, national tours, music videos, commercials, and as a featured dancer and actress in film and television. Her favorite dance credit was dancing with Britney Spears in a live televised concert on Mtv. She’s also choreographed for both stage and the Warner Brothers CW television network.
After 6 years of performing professionally, Julie experienced a pivotal life moment when her agent called her with an audition for a role on a popular television show. The audition was at the same time as her favorite dance class in NYC. She did not want to miss her dance class for the audition. It was then that she realized that, while she enjoyed performing, her true love was in the classroom. She preferred the challenge of constantly learning new material and working on improving the different aspects of style, technique, and artistry that the classroom provided. Based on this realization, Julie tried her hand at teaching. As soon as she did, she immediately realized that teaching was her soul’s calling!
As a teacher Julie feels like she’s truly being of use in the world in a positive way. Helping to educate and inspire children and teens to reach their dance dreams, while also instilling in them a sense of confidence and self esteem that comes with working hard and setting up disciplined healthy habits to achieve goals, is of the utmost importance to Julie. She loves watching a student’s eyes light up with joy when they finally achieve a move they’ve been working hard to master. She also loves the camaraderie of the classroom and encourages all of her students to support and uplift each other in reaching their goals.
Soon after her first teaching engagement, Julie opened her first studio The Paige Conservatory of Performing Arts in Massachusetts. After several successful years with this studio, Julie’s love for teaching continued to grow, but her soul was missing a more creatively artistic community where she could, not only take her teaching to greater heights, but where she could consistently grow as a dancer, educator, and person. In 2016, Julie made the decision to move back to Los Angeles and create Inspire Dance Studio. She also went back to school to become certified as an ICF (International Coaching Federation) Life Coach. In 2021, Julie welcomed her magical daughter, Vivia Bliss Lille Paige, into the world and her heart was filled to the brim with love & joy.
TODAY, Julie is so thrilled to be living sunny Los Angeles with her daughter and doggie, Vivia & Sky. She is both the owner (and teacher) at Inspire Dance Studio and a PCC & TICC ICF Certified International Life Coach at www.mostinspiredlife.com. She feels so incredibly blessed to have two careers that bring her such meaning, purpose, and joy; to be working with such an elite faculty whom she completely respects and admires; and to have the family of her dreams! She is beyond excited to continue to welcome students and families into the INSPIRE Dance Studio family!
April McLeod-Baker
Conservatory Ballet, Pre Pointe, Pointe, & Nutcracker Co-Choreographer
April McLeod-Baker began her classical ballet training under the direction of Jamie Zimmerman, former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer and her professional career began as an apprentice with The Sacramento Ballet. While on scholarship at The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet she had the opportunity to work with the Pennsylvania Ballet. Since 2000, April has performed for various classical and contemporary ballet companies throughout the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas. She has performed soloists and principal roles in new works as well as classical ballets such as Raymonda, Valse Fantasie and Stars and Stripes as well having the opportunity to perform in various movies and commercials and working with professional photographers on published fine art projects.
April joined City of Angels Ballet in 2004 training and dancing professionally under Mario Nugara Artistic Director, and Stephanie Saland, former New York City Ballet principal dancer under George Balanchine. 15 years of working alongside these remarkable mentors has given Mrs. McLeod-Baker an intimate understanding of ballet technique focused on body and mind awareness. Studying innovative coaching methods that infuse dancers with further understanding of classical ballet technique and artistry through conscious movement and technical choices. She has focused her career on studying and implementing creative and respectful teaching methods that infuse a high level of professionalism and discipline. Working with students at any age, level and with various dance goals April is passionate about helping every student reach their fullest potential as a fine artist and inspiring in them the respect and love of the art of classical ballet.
April's most recent work experience includes coaching professional dancers throughout the Los Angeles area, working as Ballet Mistress and Performance Coach with Freaks with Lines and Contempo Arts Productions. Refining choreographic choices and helping dancers implement technique into the fast paced demands of professional performances. April has worked with the team at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex and the Alex Theatre to stage new works by choreographers in these professional companies.
Jiyeon Han
Basic Ballet, Conservatory Ballet, Pointe, & Stretch & Strengthening, & Nutcracker Co-Choreographer
Jiyeon Han's journey in the world of dance began with the rigorous training of the Vaganova Method during her formative years, setting the foundation for her passion and dedication to the art form.
After completing her studies at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, Jiyeon embarked on a professional career that led her to the prestigious National Theater, also known as the Gwangju City Ballet. Over the course of a decade, from 2014 to 2024, Jiyeon had the honor of serving as a professional ballerina, performing a wide range of soloist to corps de ballet roles in both Full Performance classical and contemporary ballets.
However, like many dancers, Jiyeon encountered the challenges of injury during her tenure with the ballet company. Rather than letting setbacks deter her, she embraced the opportunity to explore new avenues of growth and learning. Jiyeon delved into the realms of rehabilitation, conditioning, and alternative methods such as RAD and Somatic Method, seeking to reconcile the pursuit of beauty in ballet with the imperative of maintaining a healthy, resilient body.
Jiyeon's commitment to the dance community extends beyond the stage. As a Board Member of the Korea Ballet Association and a Company Representative for the Gwangju City Ballet, she has actively contributed to the advancement of dance in her community. Jiyeon's dedication and contributions were recognized with the prestigious Mayor’s Award for Achievement in Art Development, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the arts.
In addition to her expertise in classic and contemporary dance performance, Jiyeon is deeply passionate about ballet instruction. She believes in providing individualized instruction tailored to each student's unique needs and learning styles, drawing upon her BA in Psychology and understanding of child development principles to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment.
Following her tenure with the ballet company, Jiyeon transitioned into the dynamic world of film and commercial business, where she has lent her talents as a dancer, actor, and choreographer to various projects. She worked as This multifaceted experience has enriched Jiyeon's artistic perspective and reinforced her belief in the transformative power of dance across different mediums.
Meagan Van Deren
Basic Ballet, Conservatory Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Character Dance, Stretch & Strengthening, & Nutcracker Co-Choreographer
Meagan Van Deren was born and raised in Denver, CO and began dancing at three years old at Parker Dance Academy. She enjoyed all forms of dance but discovered a natural affinity for ballet. She began serious training at the National Ballet Academy of Denver at age twelve where she focused on Vaganova style ballet. During this time she supplemented her training with several scholarships to Pacific Northwest Ballet intensives. Entering into full-time training, she moved to Manhattan, New York where she began performing and receiving advanced training at the Vassiliev Academy of Classical Ballet. In 2009, she was awarded fourth place at the Denver Ballet Guild competition. Meagan’s repertoire includes variations as the Lilac Fairy from Sleeping Beauty, the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcraker, Paquita Principle Variation and Raymonda Principle Variation. Her repertoire also includes Grand Pas De Quatre, Paquita Corps, and Sleeping Beauty Corps.
Meagan began her professional career in Los Angeles, CA with Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre in 2019 where she has performed in Carmen, as well as excerpts from Gayane, Swan Lake, and Masquerade. She has also danced alongside the Atomos String Quartet and the Burbank Quartet.
In addition to training and performing, at the age of 16, Meagan began to share her love and passion for ballet by teaching at several studios in Colorado and Los Angeles.
Eli Dewitz
Hip-Hop, Commercial Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Twinkle Star Dance
Eli Dewitz, was born and raised in Kansas City, KS and started performing at the age of five. Growing up in the competition circuit she has been trained by and assisted some of the industries top choreographers such as Sonya Tayeh, Talia Favia and Mia Michaels. She booked her first professional choreography job as well as dance job at the age of fifteen and has continued pursuing dance professionally ever since. Although she is trained in many styles and came from a very technical background, her love for dance goes far beyond. The passion that she has for self expression and story telling inspires the way she both dances and teaches. It is very important to Eli as an educator to help guide her students in finding who they are as individuals and celebrate that.
Chloe Jewel
Contemporary & Commercial Jazz
Chloe Jewel is a Los Angeles based professional dancer/ choreographer. She grew up dancing as a competition/convention kid for 10 years. When she graduated from Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, she was accepted into the inaugural year of the CLI Conservatory. At the end of the year, she was signed bi-coastal with Bloc Talent Agency and moved to LA. She's currently a part of MashUp Contemporary Dance Company, and has booked music videos, commercials, award shows, and live performances.
Julia Haynes
Hip-Hop, Acro, Jazz, Tap, Theatre Dance, & Twinkle Star Dance
Julia Haynes has had the opportunity to be exposed to many different facets of performing. She is adept in many dance styles and has studied at an elite training level for 19 years. This AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy) graduate has been immersed in professional film, stage, television, and music videos where she exhibits her dance, acting, and vocal abilities. From filming with TV streaming service Dame Dash Studios to touring/performing on Broadway in Alaska (The Little Mermaid), Julia is eager to bring her talents to Inspire Dance Studio. Alongside her talents, Julia is the Co-Owner of JSF Productions LLC founded by JSTYLZ and is also the Studio Director at Dynamic Movement LA. Julia is currently signed with Go2 Talent Agency in Los Angeles and is excited to have been given this opportunity to share her artistry with her Inspire Dance students!
Bryn Bohannan
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Twinkle Star Dance
Bryn Bohannan is a multifaceted dancer and choreographer based in Los Angeles. Her journey in dance commenced at a young age, honing her skills across various styles including jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and ballet. Her formative years saw her training at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed choreographers like Azshure Barton and Sidra Bell. Currently in her final semester at the California Institute of the Arts, Bryn is on the cusp of earning her BFA in dance. She has also worked on music videos and live performances.
Beyond her experience as a dancer, Bryn has ventured into the technical aspects of performance, exploring disciplines such as sound design and stage management. For her, dance and the arts transcend mere expression; they serve as conduits for connection. As she continues to evolve as a dancer and choreographer, Bryn aspires to instill confidence in her fellow dancers, nurturing their talents and guiding them toward their own creative paths.
Courtney Briggs
Inspire's Remote Office Manager & Dance Educator
Courtney Briggs’ journey with dance began at a young age having deep passion and a clear view of her future plans within the art of dance. She trained under a variety of instructors in Los Angeles, California, Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. She was a member of Resilience, a pre-professional dance company, under the direction of Joey Hernandez. She trained extensively in a variety of styles of dance and learned the business side of the industry. Courtney also found a love for choreographing and seeing her work performed by other dancers, not just herself. Along side her teaching, Courtney currently is the Assistant Director with Dupree Dance Convention and the Remote Office Manager for Inspire Dance Studio. In Courtney’s view, teaching and choreographing are art forms that require passion, guidance and an openness in order to get desired results. She continues to train and expand her talent as a performer, teacher and choreographer so she can guide and support her own dancers and promote her love for dance through all the work she does.
Carissa Su
Inspire Student Dancer & Front Desk Assistant
Carissa Su is a junior in high school and has worked at the Inspire front desk since her sophomore year of high school. She has been dancing since she was three and has been a dancer at Inspire Dance Studio for four years now. Her favorite styles of dance are contemporary and jazz. She's been featured in our annual Nutcracker production the past 3 years and performed with our Commercial Dance Performance Co. the past 2 years. Carissa also hopes to minor in dance in college! Apart from dance, she is a varsity cheerleader at La Canada High School and recently started a nonprofit organization to collect costumes and toys for underprivileged dance studios and foster children. Carissa enjoys meeting new people and talking with everyone in the studio. She is here to assist new and old families with whatever they may need!