At Oregon Coast Dance Conservatory, we hand-pick only the best instructors to ensure that our students receive the highest quality dance education. Each of our instructors brings a wealth of professional experience, unparalleled expertise, and a genuine passion for dance and teaching. By selecting instructors who have not only excelled in their field, but also demonstrated exceptional teaching abilities, we create an environment where students can thrive and achieve their fullest potential. Our commitment to excellence guarantees that every class is led by a seasoned professional who can inspire, challenge, and support our students in their dance journey. We believe that by providing top-tier instruction, we can cultivate not only skilled dancers but also confident and successful individuals.
Sara Predebon
(Creative Director)
Sara Predebon is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, educator, and artistic leader whose career bridges continents and disciplines. Originally from South Florida, Sara began her training in classical ballet, jazz, and modern dance at the age of four. She has trained at St. Lucie Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Miami City Ballet, BalletMet, and Orlando Ballet.
At 15, Sara began teaching under the guidance of her mentors at St. Lucie Ballet, who recognized her natural leadership and passion for sharing the art form. She studied dance pedagogy alongside her performance training, and this dual focus laid the groundwork for her dual career as both a dancer and educator. Over the years, she has developed deep expertise in pedagogy, curriculum design, and student development, teaching dancers of all ages and levels across a range of styles. Her approach integrates Vaganova ballet technique, floor barre, Pilates, and contemporary movement to create well-rounded, expressive artists.
Sara went on to perform professionally for two years with Florida Ballet Theater, a contemporary ballet company, and then for five years with Savannah Ballet Theatre, a classical ballet company where she rose to the rank of soloist. Her career includes principal and soloist roles in classical and contemporary works, including the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Kitri in Don Quixote, as well as originating roles in new choreographic works.
Sara is also a pioneering entrepreneur in the international dance community. She founded Ballet America, the first English-speaking ballet school in Italy, and later launched a unique online platform offering global access to high-quality dance and fitness instruction. She also developed the Volare Method, a signature approach that blends classical ballet principles with contemporary fitness techniques, redefining how dancers train both in and out of the studio.
Whether directing a production, designing a syllabus, or mentoring students toward personal and artistic growth, Sara brings vision, empathy, and a strong belief in the transformative power of dance. She believes that dance is not a privilege for the few but should be accessible to all. This philosophy continues to shape her mission as a teacher and creative leader.
Sara draws on over two decades of experience in performance, choreography, and arts education. Her work fosters a dynamic, inclusive artistic environment grounded in discipline, imagination, and joy—preparing the next generation of dancers to thrive on stage and far beyond it.
Lindsey Dinneen
(Founding Creative Director)
Lindsey’s passion for dance began at the age of four after watching “The Nutcracker,” which led her to pursue rigorous training at Ravel Dance Studio. She joined their pre-professional company at 13, expanding her repertoire to include jazz, modern, and lyrical dance. Notably, she performed the title role in “The Sleeping Beauty” and has returned as a guest artist to reprise the role of Maleficent.
Lindsey earned a scholarship to Mercyhurst University, where she majored in dance, studying a wide range of styles including ballet, pointe, modern, and jazz. Her talent and dedication earned her an invitation to join Störling Dance Theater in Kansas City, where she danced for four seasons, quickly rising to Soloist and Senior Company Member. She then performed as a Principal Ballerina with Dramatic Truth Ballet Theater, starring in “The Mystery of Christmas.”
In 2015, Lindsey founded VidaDance, a professional dance company dedicated to making dance accessible through engaging and relatable productions. Under her leadership, VidaDance won multiple awards at the Kansas City Fringe Festival and performed across Kansas City and St. Louis. The following year, she opened VidaDance Studio, inspiring confidence and joy through dance classes for students aged 2 to 72.
Beyond her work in the studio, Lindsey has been a ballet expert for Nike’s Livestrong.com, developed popular online dance courses that have over 10,000 students, and served as an adjunct professor at Johnson County Community College. She is now thrilled to bring her passion for dance to students in Brookings, aiming to help each one discover the joy and fulfillment that dance brings.
Luc Thornton
Luc Thornton began his gymnastics career at a very young age in New Jersey where he attended Ridgewood High School. He was a member of the gymnastics team and was offered a full scholarship to the University of New Mexico. Luc began coaching gymnastics at the local YMCA and YWCA leading up to coaching at the university level where he coached the women’s gymnastics team at the University of Massachusetts. After the 1st season, Luc brought the team from 7th to 5th place at the Nationals.
Luc continued onto coaching gymnastics at multiple universities and private clubs. He has traveled throughout the United States giving lectures and demonstrations to organizations. In the 90s, Luc moved to Brookings, OR where he started several gymnastics schools and worked with local cheerleading teams. Luc has always had an interest in working with young people and his techniques are different from most coaches. His philosophy of coaching is putting emphasis on awareness and not judgement, allowing his students to be responsible for their learning.
Ben Predebon
Anne Huebert
Anne Huebert is a seasoned musician, vocalist, and educator with over 28 years of experience teaching voice, flute, and piano. A Brookings resident for the past three years, Anne has served as music director for local Chetco Pelican Players productions, including RENT (2022) and Cinderella (2023). Her performance career spans lead roles in beloved musicals such as Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, and Phantom of the Opera.
Anne has sung with acclaimed choirs including the North Coast Chorale (where she is currently a member and soloist), Siskiyou Singers in Ashland, Oregon, and the Sierra Masterworks Chorale in Reno, Nevada. She has also directed and assistant-directed numerous children’s choirs and musicals, working with students from age 7 through high school.
In addition to her classical and theatrical work, Anne has performed as a lead singer and flutist in jazz, rock, and folk/reggae bands featuring original music. She studied voice for 25 years under Maestro Richard Lee and others, and once produced and performed a full-length vocal recital alongside her mother—featuring a diverse program of opera, art songs, musical theatre, duets, and gospel.
Her commitment to nurturing talent and building community through music remains at the heart of everything she does.
Kaelyn Klaus
Kaelyn Klaus is a passionate and multifaceted dancer and teacher who brings creativity, discipline, and heart to everything she does. She starred in the lead role of Tides & Tidings: A Brookings Nautcracker, and performed the featured role of Marilla in Anne: Vignettes from Avonlea. As a choreographer, Kaelyn has contributed original work to two full-length ballets, a parade, and multiple festival performances. Her training includes ballet, jazz, tap, Irish step, and tumbling—studying under multiple professional instructors, including a former U.S. Olympic coach. She currently dances over 10 hours each week, continually honing her craft.
Kaelyn is also a valued member of the Oregon Coast Dance faculty. She has taught Mini Movers (ages 2–4), as well as beginning ballet and creative movement, and is known for her warm, engaging presence in the classroom and her ability to inspire young dancers.
From Miss Lindsey: “Kaelyn is a naturally-gifted leader and performer with a deep sense of musicality, presence, and storytelling that captivates both audiences and students alike. Over the past year, her growth as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer has been remarkable. Her confidence, technical ability, choreographic voice, and artistic depth have all expanded significantly, and she works with young dancers with insight, fun, and ease. I’m continually impressed by her wise-beyond-her-years intuition, unwavering dedication, and the grace she brings to every role she takes on.”
Coral Anderson
A transplant to Oregon from the Central California Coast and, more recently, the Gulf Coast of Florida, Coral has been practicing yoga as an integrated mind-body-soul practice for almost two decades. Coral is a 200HR Certified Yoga Teacher through The Yoga Abbey in NYC, and recognized as holding an RYT200 with the Yoga Alliance.
While her teaching credentials include a wider scope than movement arts – previously including teaching English Language Arts at a private high school, Kindergarten in a private Waldorf school, and as Adjunct Faculty in both a private college in Portland and currently at Southwestern Oregon Community College here in Brookings – she finds it a privilege to teach Yoga as well, a discipline not just of the mind but of the body and spirit. Her emphasis is Bhakti (Devotional) Yoga through a Vinyasa style, the intention being to link movement to breath as one would connect pearls along a strand in a “flow”.
Coral was a lead teacher for three years at the outdoor, yoga-based Harmony’s Garden School in California, where she taught the integrative practice of yoga daily for children 2.5-10 years of age through stories and song. Those rich times of making yoga accessible to the young prepared her for pursuing Yoga Teacher Training many years later, with the intention to bring joy, playfulness, and the integration of mind, heart, body and soul to all ages through the ever-evolving practice of Yoga.
Tricia Iverson
Tricia is a passionate music educator with over 25 years of experience in teaching music and movement. Tricia is a trained Music Together Teacher and Director and has received Montessori Music Training under the guidance of renowned Montessorian Sanford Jones. Her extensive experience includes over 25 years of teaching music and movement in Montessori schools.
In addition to her teaching roles, Tricia is the founder of Harmony & Me Music Outreach, a program providing music education for over 15 years to support youth and senior engagement, early childhood learning, and social-emotional well-being. Although she didn’t participate in Music Together with her child, her passion and love for music were instilled in her daughter long before she was born and continue to be a daily part of their lives. Tricia’s parents encouraged her to sing long before she could talk, and she is eager to share her belief in the importance of music and the best ways to support it.
Xyla Breen
Xyla Breen has loved dance through every season of her life. Over the years, she has developed a deep passion for ballet, jazz, lyrical dance, and tumbling/gymnastics. Each style holds a special place in her heart, shaping her as both an artist and a teacher. She believes dance is more than movement; it is hope, a future, and a song.
Xyla is a Company member who takes multiple weekly ballet and jazz classes, and she recently performed the featured role of The Schoolmarm in Anne: Vignettes from Avonlea. She is also a dedicated teaching assistant and instructor. She has taught two terms of beginner ballet at a local homeschool co-op, and has assisted classes at Oregon Coast Dance for Kinder Movers and Tiny Tumblers. She is now stepping into the role of lead instructor for Mini Movers.
Inspired by the kindness and encouragement of her own teachers, Xyla strives to make a similar positive impact on every student she teaches—fostering not only technique, but also confidence, joy, and a love of dance.
From Miss Lindsey: “Xyla is one of the sweetest and most caring dancers I’ve had the pleasure to work with. She immediately stood out to me both as a dedicated student and as an excellent teaching assistant—wonderful with kids, eager to help, and a natural mentor. She approaches every class with focus, dedication, and a consistently positive attitude. Her willingness to learn and grow, her gentle leadership, and her passion for dance make her a joy to have in the studio.”
Jenifer Klaus
Jenifer is a former gymnast and vaulter (gymnastics on horseback). She traveled and competed throughout the US and is an American Vaulting Association silver medalist.
She has served as teacher’s aid for elementary students, a nanny/au pair for many years, taught piano lessons to young children, and tutored students of all ages and experience levels from pre-school to college.
Jenifer is a mother of 4 amazing children whom she has homeschooled for 10+ years. She brings her extensive experience to the studio and her warm, calming presence creates an environment where students can truly thrive.
Avigail Adomitis
Avigail began her dance journey at the age of two in the Philippines, quickly developing a deep love for movement and performance. By age eight, she was competing nationally with I Love Dance and continued to refine her skills at South Texas Dance and Gym in McAllen, where she frequently trained with guest artists from the Houston Ballet. Her talent and dedication earned her recognition early on—she was selected as an alternate for the Houston Ballet in eighth grade and later trained under legendary instructors including Melba Huber, Gregory Hines, and Nikita Talin at Melba’s School of Dance.
Avigail’s collegiate dance career included being selected as one of only five dancers from hundreds of applicants to join the elite Boston University Dance Team. She has also performed in a wide range of theatrical productions including Giselle, Coppélia, Carnival of the Animals, and musical theater favorites such as A Chorus Line (Connie Wong), Cabaret, RENT, and Jesus Christ Superstar, several of which she also choreographed. Her training spans ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, Flamenco, and Folklorico, and she danced an average of 30 hours per week throughout her school years.
Avigail began teaching dance in high school and went on to teach ballroom professionally at Fred Astaire Studios in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Her teaching is fueled by her lifelong passion for dance and her vibrant, joyful energy—on and off the stage. Outside the studio, she’s known for her love of karaoke, delicious food, a great party, and a spicy skinny margarita.
Nick & Julie Caton
Nick and Julie Caton moved to Brookings from Walla Walla, WA, where they lived for 20 years. During all of that time, they served as advisors for Whitman College’s Renaissance Faire Committee. Over the years, they cultivated a knack for Renaissance cooking and dance, clothing and history.
When Julie was in high school English class, a guest instructor came from Oregon Shakespeare Festival and taught them a few dances. Julie fell in love with this free, social form of dancing, borrowed the instruction book from her teacher, and taught her friends during lunch. At college, she learned more dances and received training from Greenwood Renaissance Players based out of Kennewick, WA. She’s been growing her knowledge in specific dances from the 13th to 17th centuries and loves sharing them with others.
Guest & summer instructors
Liza Heeler
Liza Heeler is a passionate dancer, choreographer, and teacher from St. Joseph, Missouri. Liza began her dance journey at a young age and quickly fell in love with the art form. She went on to pursue her passion at Ball State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance in 2022.
While in school, Liza had the opportunity to present her own work at events around the United States such as Modern Night at the Gem, Oakland Dance Festival, Cleveland Dance Festival, and Koresh Dance Showcase. After graduating, Liza joined Resilience Dance Company, where she worked as a performer and collaborator to create many original works. There, she began to develop her artistic voice.
She then joined the Professional Training Program at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks in Calgary, Alberta Canada which has opened her eyes to more possibilities in the dance world. She is so grateful for her opportunities to learn various dance styles and is always eager to share with students.
Bella Mangretta
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Isabella Rose Mangretta is a proud yinzer, embodying the city’s spirit. She began her dance journey at Studio G Dance Center, starting with tap and tumbling, and completed all seven years of the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts’ (CAPA) program. She continued her training in the Pre-professional Dance program at Point Park University, where she earned a BFA in dance with a jazz concentration.
At Point Park, Bella worked with Jason McDole on “Awaken,” Kiki Lucas on “1964,” and Pearlann Porter on “In Effect.” In her free time, she enjoys training handstands, hosting and cooking for family and friends, exploring craft supply stores, golfing, and experimenting with new coffee recipes as a pretend barista.
Bella had an enriching experience aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady in “It’s A Ship Show!” where she explored various countries, including Barcelona, Toulon, Sardinia, Corsica, and Ibiza, with Malaga being her favorite destination.
Joe Pilgram
Joseph Pilgram began his dance training under Paul Chambers at MWSU at the age of 19. He earned a BFA in dance from the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC). Joseph has performed professionally with the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company and has showcased the choreography of Bill T. Jones, David Parsons, Donald McKayle, Sean Curran, Milton Myers, and Shapiro & Smith. He has also performed with Andy Williams, Shoji Tabuchi, Clay Cooper, and Dino Kartsonakis in Branson, Missouri, and appeared on TBN with Kartsonakis. Joseph continues to perform with Störling Dance Theater and VidaDance.
He has appeared at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City and various other venues across the United States. Joseph is thrilled to work and teach at The Dance Arts Center, where he collaborates on original ballets. He thanks his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his wife, family, and friends for their support. Joseph is passionate about sharing the joy of dance, inspired by the legacy of Paul Chambers in the St. Joseph, MO area.
Lauryn Wilson
From the Chicagoland area, dancer and choreographer Lauryn’s love for the arts began at the age of 2. She has been dancing and performing for 26 years. Growing up, Lauryn received many scholarships and traveled with Co Dance, Pulse Dance Convention, and more, assisting and training with various credited choreographers. At 18, she moved to Los Angeles to continue her training with choreographers such as Tyce Diorio, Brian Freeman, Donyelle Jones, Gerran Reese, and Kennis Marquis.
Lauryn trained with an exclusive, limited selection of dancers from around the world at Ireland’s Take Flight Intensive, being the only U.S. dancer among attendees from 16 countries. She can be seen in Disney’s “ABCD2” feature film, working with director and Bollywood choreographer Remo D’Souza. Other performance credits include working and dancing alongside artists such as Missy Elliott, Sharaya J, The Pointer Sisters, and Brian McKnight. Lauryn has toured and performed at many Gateway to Cancer Research and Child Help Galas, working with Melissa Peterman under the direction of Corey Mandel and Jennifer Mote.
With 11 years in the industry, she has worked in all fields, from stage to TV to live performance. Currently, Lauryn teaches and choreographs for studios in the Chicagoland area, where her choreography has won many awards for choreography and high points. Although she loves all styles, her passion for contemporary and hip hop creates a unique approach to her work, from studio to stage.
Sophie Yancey
Sophie graduated from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri – Kansas City with an emphasis in ballet and modern. Raised in Independence, Missouri, she began dancing at the age of three under Christine Palmer and Heather Foose at the Craig Dance Studio of Independence. Sophie also danced with several other studios in the Kansas City metropolitan area. She danced competitively as a teenager and began teaching and choreographing at a young age.
As a young adult, Sophie attended intensives at the Kansas City Ballet, Dramatic Truth School of the Arts, and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater in Chicago. She performed in Deanna Hiett’s “Ecifircas” and Gary Abbott’s “Breaking the Damn 2014” and was honored to be part of a select group of UMKC students chosen to perform in Alvin Ailey’s “Memoria” in 2014. Sophie performed professionally with Dramatic Truth Ballet Theatre for one season, VidaDance Company for five seasons, and is currently with the Kansas City Dance Collective as their Rehearsal Director.
She has performed many featured roles, including Clara in “Cracked! A Reimagined Kansas City Nutcracker,” Frankie in “Turning the Page,” and “Cat” in “House Haunters.” Sophie has also choreographed several pieces for the company, including “Teabiotics” for “Cracked!” and “Party Scene” for the Fringe! Festival 2022.
Melissa Hinz
Melissa Hinz, founder and artistic director of Move to Dance, is an award-winning dancer, teacher, and choreographer who creates works for concert dance and musical theatre for both stage and screen. She has over 15 years of experience preparing students for professional dance and musical theatre careers, giving them care and encouragement while inspiring them to become their best. She’s performed around the country in a national tour, and regional productions, including performances in New York, Chicago, and internationally in Vienna. In addition, Melissa has been a guest teacher for dance competitions and summer intensives around the United States and abroad, including Sunrise Studios (Vienna, Austria), Vienna International Ballet Experience (Vienna, Austria & USA), Ballet Beyond Borders (USA), and TCDA-IBF Summer Intensive (USA).
Growing up in western Montana, she trained and performed with the Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre before leaving to study on full scholarship at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Then she moved to NYC, where she worked professionally in dance and musical theatre while continuing to train with master teachers at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, Circle in the Square Theatre School, Ann Reinking’s Broadway Theatre Project, and received her Yoga Certification from Laughing Lotus NYC. Some of her teachers and mentors include Charla Genn, Elena Kunikova, Tony Stevens, Chet Walker, Richard Pierlon, Derek Mitchell, Jeff Shade, Ray Hesselink, Steven Sophia, James Kinney, Fabrice Herrault, Debbie Roshe, Edward Ellison, Randy Skinner, and Augusta Moore. She is proud to have been an original company member and teacher with the House of Roses, directed by Jeff Shade, performing in their first show at Symphony Space in NYC. Following her heart, Melissa moved to Humboldt County, CA, to live with the love of her life!
Lauren Smith
Lauren Smith is a Chicago-based dance educator and performer originally from Indianapolis, IN. She holds a BA in Dance and Kinesiology from Ball State University and is a 200 Hour Registered Yoga Instructor. Lauren has worked professionally with Winifred Haun & Dancers in Chicago and Ballet INitiative and Relevations Dance Company in Indianapolis. Her performance and choreography span concert stages, community programs, and competitive dance spaces.
When Lauren is not performing you can find her teaching ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and cross training for dancers. She cares deeply about creating spaces for her students to explore, question, and connect while using movement as a tool for storytelling and confidence-building. Lauren is especially passionate about working with young dancers, it is her goal for every student to feel valued and unique on the dance floor.
