Meet the team!

Miss Sarah has been passionate about dance from a young age. Starting at just three years old, it quickly became clear that dance would be a central part of her life. Over the years, Sarah trained both recreationally and competitively, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout her competitive dance career.

After graduating, Sarah continued to expand her dance knowledge and skills by attending Teacher Training School (TTS), participating in conventions and intensives, dancing professionally, and teaching at various studios. Her choreography has been featured with high school and collegiate dance teams, professional dance teams, multiple dance studios, and independent dancers, leading each of them to win awards and recognition with standout routines.

However, for Sarah, it's never been about the trophies or the accolades. Her true passion lies in seeing her students improve week after week, helping them reach their personal goals, and guiding them through life with dance as a medium for artistic expression and personal growth.

Sarah is a certified instructor through Dance Masters of America, with certifications in both Ballet and Jazz, and is also a certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor.

From assisting in classes at a young age to volunteering countless hours to share her passion with others, Sarah’s journey in dance has always been about more than just movement – it’s about creating a supportive and inspiring environment for students to thrive in.

Sarah doesn’t have a favorite style as she LOVES them all!

When she's not teaching class or choreographing, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors - favorite place to be is in a kayak.

Danica's dance journey began at Leslie’s Dance and Tumbling, where she trained from kindergarten through graduation. Throughout her years there, she was actively involved in the competition team, performed in The Nutcracker with Iowa Dance Theatre, and danced on her high school’s drill team.

After high school, Danica pursued her passion for dance and education at the University of Iowa, where she earned a BFA in Dance and a BA in Journalism. Her strong technical background and storytelling skills allow her to bring creativity and expression into her teaching.

Dance Instructor

Danica loves helping students grow and develop their unique styles. Her favorite style to teach is contemporary because it allows dancers to express their personalities through movement in a powerful and artistic way.

Fun Fact!

Miss Sarah was Danica’s first hip hop and modern teacher at Leslie’s!

Sadie has been immersed in dance for over 20 years, starting her journey at the Spotlight School of Dance in Creston. She danced competitively for three years and was honored as the Spotlight Dancer of the Year in 2018. In high school, she was a four-year varsity member of the Creston High School Peppers, where she earned multiple state titles and choreographed routines.

Her dance career continued at the collegiate level, where she danced for one year with the Southwestern Community College Dance Team, earning a regional title, before moving on to the Simpson College Dance Team for three years. During that time, she contributed to the team’s impressive success, earning three state titles, three conference titles, and two national titles. As a two-year captain, she also choreographed halftime routines, showcasing her leadership and creativity.

Sadie has been teaching dance since 2019, though she started as a student assistant in 2015. She has also choreographed award-winning routines, including a solo for a member of the Pleasantville Dance Team that placed 5th at the ISDTA State Dance Championships.

Dance Instructor

With years of experience in both competitive and performance dance, Sadie is passionate about teaching and inspiring students. Her favorite style to teach (and dance!) is hip hop, where she brings energy and excitement to every class.

Fun Fact!

Sadie has traveled to six countries outside of the U.S.: Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Greece, and the Dominican Republic!

Isa grew up dancing at Robert Thomas Dance Center in Ames, where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, contemporary, and even tried Irish dance for a year. With five seasons of competition experience and nine years performing in the Iowa Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker at Iowa State, dance has been a core part of her life.

Dance Instructor

Isa brings her passion and expertise to the studio, teaching a variety of styles. This year, her favorite class to teach is Adult Ballet, where she loves helping students find joy and confidence in movement.

Fun Fact!

Isa started learning the violin at age three and played through college!

Caylon has spent years immersed in the performing arts, training across ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre, and ballroom. His range on stage and his eye for the craft behind it have made him a natural fit for helping shape the studio's work.

Dance Instructor

Caylon has performed with Iowa Conservatory in Waiting For Lefty, She Kills Monsters, Lost Girl, and Hadestown Teen Edition, and danced the Nutcracker Prince and Lead Spanish with Nolte Academy. Alongside dance, he has trained in acting technique, voice, and character development through Iowa Conservatory, the International Theatre & Dance Project, and Breaking Limits. His work behind the scenes spans photography, stage production, set design, and costume design.

Fun Fact!

A fun fact about Caylon is that when he is not on stage, he is outdoors hunting, fishing, and trapping.

Tara is originally from Colorado and has called Iowa home since 2018. While living in Colorado, she and another teacher founded a high school dance team, which she coached for three seasons before relocating to Iowa.

Tara's love of dance began at the age of five and continued throughout high school. Since then, she has always found ways to stay connected to dance through teaching, coaching, and continuing to learn herself. She has a passion for learning new choreography and finds great joy in helping others build their confidence, skills, and love for dance.

She runs Kaysen Family Farms with her family and raises pigs while also serving her community in many ways, including at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

Darcy first entered the dance world as a dedicated dance mom in 2011. Her background in working with preschoolers naturally led her to teaching the youngest dancers at Spotlight Dance Legacy, where she finds immense joy in helping little ones discover their love for dance.

Dance Instructor (PreSchool)

Darcy specializes in working with young dancers, fostering their confidence, coordination, and enthusiasm for movement. She loves introducing them to the magic of dance in a fun and nurturing environment. Her favorite style to teach is ballet, as it provides the foundation for most dance genres and helps build strong technical skills from the start.

Fun Fact!

When she’s not at the studio, Darcy can be found on her farm, caring for all her animals!

I’ve been dancing since I was 4 years old and spent 9 years in competitive dance. In high school, I was a member of the Winterset Dance Team and had the opportunity to win a national title during my sophomore year. I’m currently studying finance at Iowa State University and work part-time at the studio throughout the year. Dance has always been a big part of my life, and I enjoy staying connected to it through teaching.

Dance Instructor

At the studio, I primarily work with the competition team—choreographing routines and helping students prepare for performances. I also spend time working one-on-one with dancers to develop their technique and build confidence. I aim to create a focused but supportive environment where students can grow and push themselves.

Fun Fact!

I’ve known and danced with Sara since I was a little kid!