RACHEL PICKUP
Head Director
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science from Brigham Young University and boasts extensive training in dance and the arts. She excels as a choreographer for studio dance teams across diverse age groups and skill levels, as well as for show choirs, musical productions, and drill teams. With over 20 years of experience, Rachel is proficient in ballet, jazz, tumbling, hip hop, clogging, ballroom, lyrical, and competitive dance forms.
Having initiated this studio in her garage, Rachel has been profoundly inspired by its growth and accomplishments. She finds fulfillment in managing the studio, fostering relationships with students and parents, and letting her own four children experience it with her. Her deep affection for all her students is evident in her commitment to their growth and development.
Instructor/Choreographer
Sammie is a dynamic dance teacher with a diverse background in both performance and teaching. She has been trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, point and tap at Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy where she has been a primary dancer since 2018. In addition to her dance training, Sammie has achieved significant milestones in her career, including being named the Salem Hills High School Dance Sterling Scholar, receiving the Brigham Young University Contemporary Dance Talent Award Scholarship, and performing various lead roles in multiple ballets. Sammie is also a certified yoga teacher, having completed her certification this past spring. She will be continuing her dance education at Brigham Young University and dancing with The Movement Medium this coming year. Sammie has taught both yoga and dance at various studios in Utah County and is excited to share her love for movement with the students at Radiant Dance this year!
SAMANTHA WEBER
.jpg)
ALISON EMBLEY
Assistant Director
Ali's life has been dedicated to dance, and she holds a special place in her heart for Radiant. With 15 years of dance training under her belt, Ali has served as a dance instructor and choreographer for 6 years. She also has experience coaching the drill team at Westlake High School and holds certification as a judge for the Utah Dance Judges Association. Returning to Radiant fills Ali with joy as she pursues her passion, eager to connect with dancers and inspire them on their dance journeys.
ABBY LUKE
Instructor and Choreographer
Abby, a proud native of St. George, Utah, has recently completed her LDS Mission and is thrilled to return to teaching. Currently pursuing degrees in Business and Dance at Utah Valley University, Abby’s lifelong love for dance and gymnastics shines through in her work. With extensive training in ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, and acrobatics, she has been a dedicated member of her high school drill team and has received numerous accolades, including a studio scholarship and the highest scoring solo at a competition in her senior year.
Abby’s experience extends beyond her personal achievements; she has also enjoyed a rewarding role at her training studio, where she choreographed and taught various styles to students aged 3-16. Certified in Acrobatic Arts, Abby is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment at Radiant Dance Studio. Her passion for dance brings joy and inspiration to those around her, and she is excited to share her love for the art form with her new students.
Instructor and Choreographer
Madison, a current student at Brigham Young University (BYU), brings over 15 years of dance experience to her craft. With more than 10 years of competitive dancing under her belt, she has received extensive training in various styles such as jazz, ballet, hip-hop, pointe, and contemporary.
During her high school years, Madison showcased her dedication to dance by being a part of the varsity dance team for all four years, eventually assuming the role of team president during her senior year. Her talents were further recognized when she was chosen to represent Timpview High as the dance sterling scholar.
Notably, Madison has demonstrated her creativity and leadership by choreographing numerous dance numbers, including halftime performances, concert pieces, and routines for other schools. Her passion for dance has taken her to renowned stages such as Disneyland, Stadium of Fire, Odyssey’s Thriller, among others.
Beyond her own performances, Madison finds fulfillment in teaching dance and empowering others to pursue their passions.
MADISON ESS
ANNA NICHOLSON
Instructor and Choreographer
Anna, with more than 13 years of dance experience, has honed her skills in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballroom, and partnering disciplines. Her journey began as a dedicated student in her local studio's pre-professional program, where she rose to the role of captain of the competition team during her senior year.
Continuing her dance pursuits at Brigham Young University (BYU), Anna delved deeper into her passion for dance. She displayed her creative talent early on by choreographing group routines at the age of 14. Anna has also gained valuable experience teaching and assisting dancers of all ages and in various styles.
Anna's enthusiasm for dance shines through her commitment to sharing her love for the art form with her students. Passionate about dance education, she finds joy in inspiring others to explore and embrace the world of dance.
NICOLE LUNDQUIST
Ballet and Mini Dance Intsructor
Nicole's journey with dance began at the age of 3, when her doctors recommended ballet as a therapeutic measure to address leg issues. Since then, dance has been her Saving Grace, shaping her life profoundly. With extensive training, teaching, and choreographing experience in Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz, Nicole has honed her skills over the years.
Her dedication to dance took her to workshops at Disneyland and saw her perform in numerous theater productions nationwide. After taking a hiatus from teaching to focus on starting her family, Nicole is thrilled to join Radiant Dance Studio. She looks forward to imparting her passion for dance and inspiring others through her teaching.
HEATHER AMBLER
Tap Instructor
Heather's dance journey began in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she immersed herself in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and tumbling from a young age. Throughout her teenage years, she taught, performed, and competed with her studio, specializing as the main tumbling instructor due to her background in competitive gymnastics. Additionally, she instructed tap, jazz, and ballet during this time and continued teaching tap while in college.
During her college years, Heather expanded her dance repertoire by taking numerous classes and delving into competitive ballroom dance. She held leadership roles as president of both the tap club and the ballroom dance club at different times. Her passion for performance led her to participate in a ballroom company and maintain an ongoing role as a performer in the tap company, Foot Poetry.
In addition to her dance pursuits, Heather is a dedicated math teacher and a mother of two children. She plans to continue dancing passionately for many years to come, embodying her commitment to both her professional career and her love for dance.