Teaching Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet our talented team of instructors at Elevation Academy of Dance. Focused on teaching a high standard of technique and creating unforgettable experiences, we are committed to the success of our dancers not only in DANCE, but in LIFE as well!
Kaleigh Hinkson
Owner/Director
A lifelong dancer with a BA in Dance and a foundation in musical theatre, she has trained extensively in all major styles and performed professionally with Aspen Dance Connection, Mind and Body Dance Theatre, and in commercial work for brands like Shock Top Ale.
With 20 years of teaching experience across Colorado, Kaleigh is known for her dynamic choreography, strong technical foundation, and deep commitment to both the artistry and athleticism of dance. Her teaching emphasizes strength, versatility, expressive movement, and personal style—developing dancers who are as powerful as they are passionate. She has taught master classes statewide, coached the CMU Mavettes, and choreographed for Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids.
Since founding EAD, Montrose’s first studio to offer a full competitive team, Kaleigh has built a high-caliber training ground where dancers are challenged to grow in both skill and soul. Her holistic approach fosters confidence, resilience, and creativity—preparing dancers not just for the stage, but for life.
Chanen Kearns
Mrs. Chanen, Ballet Program Director, is a Colorado native with a lifelong love of dance. She trained for 16 years in ballet, lyrical, jazz, pointe, hip hop, and more, and now brings that passion into the classroom. With a background in early childhood care and a heart for creative movement, she’s excited to inspire a new generation of dancers through grace, joy, and strong ballet foundations.
Hannah Metzger
Hannah Metzger trained in ballet, jazz, acro, lyrical, and contemporary, dancing with Western Slope Dance Alliance and Elevation Academy of Dance under Kaleigh Hinkson. A decorated competitive dancer, she now brings that same passion into her teaching, with a focus on lyrical movement and strength training. Hannah is committed to creating a supportive environment where dancers feel confident, motivated, and proud of their progress.
Daphne Wissel
Mrs. Daphne is a former dancer, baton twirler, and longtime preschool teacher with nearly 30 years of early childhood experience. She grew up dancing in Denver, training in tap, ballet, jazz, and lyrical—tap being her favorite! A proud dance mom of 18 years, she has been teaching with Elevation Academy of Dance for five years and loves sharing her joy for music and movement with our youngest dancers.
Lauren White
Originally from the Front Range, Miss Lauren is happy to bring her passion for dance and even bigger love for the kids she teaches to Montrose! For the past seven years, She’s been lucky enough to share her favorite styles, hip-hop and contemporary, with amazing dancers. Her goal is to build confident kids, strong dancers, and classes that feel like the best part of their week.
Katie Krygier
Katie was born and raised in Southern California and began dancing at age six, training extensively in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, tap, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and gymnastics. A competitive dancer from a young age, she earned national championships with her high school dance team and as a Division I collegiate athlete while completing her BA in Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic University Pomona. Katie has taught and subbed at studios across Orange County and coached a high school cheer and song team for four years. Now in Colorado, she is proud to call Elevation home, where she inspires dancers to grow in both skill and confidence while cheering on her own daughters as they follow in her footsteps.
Sophia Cooling
Sophia Cooling has danced and competed since a young age, developing a strong foundation in all styles with a special love for ballet and pointe. She brings energy, encouragement, and a deep passion for dance into every class. Sophia finds joy in helping young dancers discover their potential and grow into confident, expressive artists.
Emily Reynolds
Emily Reynolds has been dancing and singing since childhood and grew up competing in multiple styles. She is especially passionate about contemporary, musical theatre, and acro. Emily brings energy, creativity, and strong performance skills to her classes, inspiring students to build confidence and express themselves fully through both dance and song.
Sheri Strawn
Sheri was born and raised in Southwest Kansas and now calls Montrose home. She is a full-time special education teacher and proud dance mom who has been part of the studio family for five years. This is her first season working at the front desk, and she loves getting to support dancers and families in a new way. Outside the studio, Sheri enjoys trail running, hiking, and paddle boarding while soaking up the Colorado sunshine. She looks forward to welcoming you and helping everyone feel right at home.