Julie Paige
Founder & Artistic Director
Julie Paige is a classically and commercially trained dancer, actress, choreographer, and educator with over 20 years of experienc of teaching and directing performing arts studios. In college, Julie studied in BFA Dance and Musical Theatre programs at top college conservatory schools including the The Boston Conservatory of Music, and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, receiving her degree from NYU. She performed professionally in her 20's in New York and Los Angeles, with film, tv and stage credits including dancing with Britney Spears and choreographing for the WB. In 2003 she opened her first performing arts studio for children with dance, musical theatre and acting departments back East, which she sold in 2016 to move back to Los Angeles.
In 2016, Julie founded Inspire Dance Studio to create a community that combines cutting-edge training with artistic growth, confidence, self-expression, and a positive supportive atmosphere.
Beyond Inspire, Julie is a published children's author and Professional Certified Coach (PCC, CMC & TICC), who's on a mission to empower women to break free from hustle culture, self abandonment and lives that don't fit - and building new chapters that are aligned, fulfilling, free and connected to what matters most. www.MostInspiredLife.com
Julie lives in Los Angeles with her daughter, Vivia, their doggie, Sky, and their two horses, Luna Dream and Willie Barnes. She feels incredibly grateful to share her love of the arts with the Inspire community and to help the next generation of dancers grow both on and off the stage.
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.
Catie Faye Smith
Basic Ballet, Conservatory Ballet, Pointe & Stretch & Strengthening
Catie Faye Smith was raised in the San Francisco Bay area. She studied R.A.D. at Benicia Ballet, continuing her studies with Vaganova, Graham, Horton and various neoclassical/contemporary styles. Catie graduated as valedictorian from Ruth Asawa School of the Arts. She went on to study with Gelsey Kirkland in New York and Svetlana Sidorova at Perm Ballet School in Russia. Catie also graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley. She has been a company member in City Ballet of San Diego, California Ballet, Ken Dance Company, and Los Angeles Choreographers and Dancers.
Catie is currently a principal dancer with the Little Women Ballet Company. Through the American Academy of Ballet, she is certified in the Mignon Furman Performance Awards syllabus. Other qualifications include International Sports Science Association's Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer certifications, and 200 Hr Yoga teacher certification.
Ella Thowe
Jazz, Contemporary, & Basic Ballet
Ella Thowe started her dance journey at a competition studio where she trained in styles including: ballet, modern, tap, jazz, lyrical, and acro. Outside of her studio she also danced with contemporary pre-professional companies and trained with the Kansas City ballet and the Kansas School of Classical ballet. Once she was introduced to commercial dance, she began her training in hip hop, jazz funk, and heels. Since moving to Los Angeles, Ella has taught at competition studios, for dance teams, and other dance programs; as well as dancing professionally in multiple music videos and live performances. She is currently finishing her degree in Dance at AMDA and is so excited to join the Inspire team!
Giselle Berberich
Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Theatre Dance, & Twinkle Dance
Giselle Berberich is a professional dancer originally from St. Louis, Missouri, where she trained extensively in all styles of dance from a young age. After graduating high school, she continued her education at the prestigious CLI Conservatory, training under Teddy Forance alongside some of the industry's most renowned choreographers and educators.
Following her time at CLI, Giselle moved to New York City, where she became a member of the acclaimed hip-hop company Royal Thieves. While in New York, she worked professionally as a dancer, collaborating with brands including Sol de Janeiro and performing in a variety of live performances.
Now based in Los Angeles, Giselle continues to pursue her professional dance career. Passionate about storytelling through movement, she is committed to growing as both an artist and educator. She loves inspiring the next generation of dancers by passing along the knowledge, experience, and passion she has gained throughout her training and professional career.
Avery Potemri
Acro, Hip-Hop
AveryPotemri is a Rhode Island native and late competition dancer with focused training in dance and acrobatics. Avery’s dedication to safety in the classroom creates longevity for students careers, especially in acrobatics fundamentals and body alignment with awareness. Following educators in her family, Avery is always inspired to share education first, now specializing in child development, special education, and classroom management with individualized techniques and tools for her students to succeed. Each student requires different teaching styles and Avery continues to showcase the importance of one-on-one attention.
Teaching and choreographing since 2017, Avery creates a rigorous but playful environment for her dancers to share community together, as well as work hard as a team. Avery has worked with numerous dance studios, companies, and teams on the West and East Coast educating and choreographing; shaping work to best represent company goals.
She graduated from Hussain College In Studio Los Angeles with a BFA in Commercial Dance, and continues to pursue her personal career as a professional dancer and actor. Avery takes movement onto screen as a creature performer, understanding how different characters can be portrayed through body language. Besides heading Inspire’s Acro Program, Avery also teaches Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, and Musical Theatre.
Gianna Yaccino
Jazz, Hip-Hop, Twinkle Dance
Gianna Yaccino
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Gianna Yaccino began her dance training during her early childhood. She studied under Britney Boyd Dance Company and attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where she was named a 2023 YoungArts Winner in Modern/Contemporary Dance. During her time at Douglas Anderson, Gianna was a member of Dance Theater, performing in productions including the Jacksonville Symphony Holiday Pops and the First Coast Nutcracker.
Gianna currently attends the California Institute of the Arts, pursuing her BFA in Dance. During her time at CalArts, she has performed works by choreographers including Micaela Taylor, as well as numerous student choreographic works. She has also performed with Odyssey Theatre Ensemble as an Absolem Dance Theatre guest artist in BANG!, an original work by Nastia Yavorski.
Alongside her passion for performance, Gianna is passionate about choreography and teaching. She has created works for competitions, concerts, and her own dance films, using movement as a form of storytelling and creative expression.
Izzy Brakke
Jazz, Twinkle Dance
Izzy Brakke is a professional dancer originally from Northern Minnesota. She spent her entire life training competitively in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, & musical theatre! After graduating high school she attended the CLI Conservatory in Massachusetts, training under Teddy Forance and many world renowned choreographers.
After graduating from CLI, Izzy spent her time back home training students at many different studios for 2 years. She choreographed/taught all styles and all ages for competitive and recreational dancers!
Now Izzy is based in Los Angeles and is ready to kick start her career! She is super passionate about teaching kids basics and technique, while having the most fun she can! Izzy can’t wait to join the Inspire Dance Family!
Phia Sucevich
Tap, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Twinkle Dance,
Phia Sucevich:
From a small remote Dance Studio in Portland Oregon, Phia always dreamed about big stagesand bright lights. With her love for creativity and performing, she's a hungry dancer always grabbing for more. Phia is not conformed by one specific style, she can excel in bothcommercial work and concert performances, with her versatility and technical background she istruly a light that can’t be tamed. Phia has worked with artists such as Chloe and Maud, Elen Harutyunyan, and Alex The Lion. She has trained in concert and commercial styles such as Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyra and Aerial Silks, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Heels, Modern, and Partnering.
After years of teaching, Phia has found the perfect balance of hard work and connection that a teacher needs to bring into every class. Connection is one of the biggest aspects of teaching, and a strong bond will only push the class to take the next step in their technique or cleanliness. Phia is so excited to bring her light into each classroom and show the students a fun and advanced class that will push the students in a positive and creative way.
Alexis Harrington
Inspire's Office Manager (& Dance Educator)
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Alexis Harrington has dedicated much of her life to dance. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Dance and has built a diverse career as a professional dancer, choreographer, instructor, and dance coach. Through her work, she has helped dancers of all ages build confidence, strengthen their skills, and express themselves through movement.
Alexis also brings experience in dance studio management, including coordinating classes and schedules, communicating with families, organizing events, and supporting daily operations. As Office Manager at Inspire Dance Studio, she combines her love of dance, organizational skills, and commitment to building meaningful connections to support a welcoming, positive studio community.
Outside the office, Alexis continues to teach, choreograph, and mentor the next generation of dancers.