FACULTY
Artistic Director, Ballet, Premiere Co.
CAROLYN FARRAR
Carolyn Farrar, known for her unparalleled classical ballet and pointe training, is accomplished in jazz, lyrical, modern, tap, yoga, gymnastics and character.
Dancing since the age of nine, her professional career is noted for six levels of training and certification in The Cecchetti Method of Ballet. Carolyn received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from The United States International University where she benefited from the exemplary training of Erling Sunde, the ballet Master and Elaine Thomas, the ballet mistress of England’s, Royal Ballet. After graduating from USIU, Carolyn went on to dance professionally under the direction of Ronn Guidi. There she performed in such famous works as, Les Sylphides, Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker and Billy the Kid. In Washington, Carolyn received Vagonova training under Don and Helena Snyder, the founders of Ballet Petite. Here she performed in The Little Match Girl, The Centar and many other original works. She has remained a part of the Washington dance community ever since.
From 1992-2003 Carolyn has been the primary ballet teacher for The Dance Academy of Bellevue where she became a member of the Dance Masters of America (DMA) and The Dance Educators of America (DEA).
Throughout her competitive career, she has received numerous choreography awards. Her students have earned such prestigious titles as, 2nd and 3rd Runners up for Junior Miss Dance of the Pacific Northwest (DMA), Teen Mr. Dance of the Pacific Northwest (DMA), Miss Teen Dance of the Pacific Northwest (DEA), Miss Junior Dance of the Pacific Northwest (DEA), Miss Dance Rave, Miss Spotlight, Jr. Miss Spotlight, 5-6-7-8 Showtime’s Dancer of the Year and 1st Runner up Miss Teen Dance of America at the Las Vegas Nationals for Dance Educator’s of America.
In addition her students have been chosen for scholarships from Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, LADF, Co. Dance, Rainbow Connections, Spotlight Dance Cup and many more for such things as workshop admission, National Ballet Intensive workshops at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and The Broadway Dance Center in New York.
Now, as a new page begins, Carolyn would like to introduce you to Premiere Dance Center, a state of the art facility with the highest quality teachers on the eastside. A place to have fun, to learn and to grow.
Hip Hop
ALI GAROUTTE
Ali Garoutte is a dancer, instructor, choreographer, and personal trainer based in Seattle, Washington. She has trained in hip hop, jazz, jazz funk, ballet, contemporary, tap, and heels dance. For the past 5 years she has been training and teaching at Kreativ Mndz Dance Complex where she was a member of PG Fam and KM Elite. Her credits include performances such as WE DAY Seattle, Jete and Carnival in LA, Monday night football halftime show with Ciara, assisting on the 541 Vibe City Tour, and more. She is a passionate student and teacher and loves to continue training to better her craft so that she can provide the best training to students that she can. Along with her passion for dance, Ali is also passionate about fitness. She has been a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise since 2017. Whether it be in fitness or dance, Ali loves helping people achieve their goals and aspirations, while creating a welcoming space where students feel free to express and be themselves.
Ballet
ALISON EPSOM
From London, England, Alison trained at The Royal Ballet School under Katya Zvelebilova and Valentina Moukhanova, before completing her training at The English National Ballet School and on scholarship at The London Studio Center, graduating with a BA Hons in Theatre Dance, First Class Honors. She has enjoyed a diverse career, with theater credits including: On Eagle’s Wing, U.S. tour and DVD (The Rembrandt Ballerina); Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film); show dance partner to Latin Ballroom legend Paul Killick for The Fire and Ice Dance Spectacular, Ballroom’s Best at The Vail International Festival of Dance,, Paul Killick’s ballroom exhibitions in London, Portugal and Hong Kong, and the prestigious Wintergarden Ballroom; Follies in Concert at The London Palladium. Since moving to Seattle she has enjoyed dancing for International Ballet Theatre in Dracula, Giselle, Coppelia and The Nutcracker. She also maintains her interest in ballroom dance, training in the American Smooth style and dancing in productions for Microsoft and the Hyatt Olive 8. Commercial credits include trade shows, campaigns and music videos for The Rakes, Sky TV, Unilever, Marks and Spencer, Tatler magazine, and Japanese dance magazine DDD.
Contemporary, Acro, Premiere Co.
DAKOTA ELIZABETH
Dakota Elizabeth is an artist from Seattle, WA who specializes in dance, photography, and makeup artistry. Raised in the PNW, Dakota trained at studios such as Premiere Dance Center, Westlake, and The Connection and specialized in contemporary, hip hop, and tap. She has trained under some of the industry's brightest including Daniel Cruz, Kolanie Marks, Cameron Lee, and many more. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Biology, she moved to Los Angeles where she worked as a photographer and makeup artist for companies such as Break The Floor and on several independent films. Dakota is now back in Seattle and is so excited to be back teaching at Premiere Dance Center! Check out www.dakotaelizabeth.com for more and be sure to follow @dakota.elizabeth on Instagram!
Contemporary, Jazz, Premiere Co.
DANA DOUTHWAITE
Dana Douthwaite is born and raised Seattle dancer. She began training seriously around the PNW at age 15 under Premiere Dance Center, Westlake and KreativMndz, specializing in contemporary, hip hop, jazz and tap. Dana has participated on local companies such as Hannah Wintrode’s Westsiders and Josh Scribner’s Alchemy Tap Project. In the past year, she was hired on as Celebrity Dance Convention’s Professional Assistant for the 2018-2019 season. This gave Dana the opportunities to perform on a cruise ship, assist professional choreographers such as Cat Cogliandro and Aaron Turner, and build relationships with dancers around the country. Dana has found a passion for teaching and choreographing and works is an essential part of Premiere Co. Currently Dana lives in Los Angeles, and visits Premiere regularly for pop-up classes and Premiere Co. events.
Adult Ballet, Silver Swans
EUGENIA ROJAS GARCIA
Eugenia has been a dance teacher for over 30 years. She started dancing when she was 6 years old in Mexico City, and studied until reaching the Advanced level from the Royal Academy of Dance. She was a fellow of the Compania Nacional de Danza and a member of Ballet Arte Neoclasico. She is an ARAD RTS registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance of London, she also has knowledge in jazz, contemporary and character dance. She was owner and director of a dance school, Academia del Desierto, in Mexico City for 9 years where she also worked with challenged kids. After that she moved to Barcelona, Spain where she kept teaching in a number of schools for 7 years. Then she returned to Oaxaca, Mexico where she had another dance school, Espacio de Danza Aguyaa, for four years until 2013 when she moved to Washington. We look forward to having Eugenia share her experience and knowledge of dance with our Premiere Dance Center students.
Tiny Tots, Acro, Jazz, Tap
FUMI HASHIMOTO
COMING SOON...
Tiny Tots, Jazz, Premiere Co.
HANNA ORBAN
Hanna has been dancing with Premiere Dance Center ever since she was 6 years old. She has enjoyed learning many forms of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and lyrical. Hanna began competitively dancing at the age of 10. During her time on the team she’s enjoyed winning many awards alongside her fellow teammates and has received scholarships from well-known artists. Just a couple years ago Hanna had the opportunity to assist a Tiny Tots class where she fell in love with the little kids. Hanna is very excited to be sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with the younger students at Premiere Dance Center.
Jazz Funk, Grooves, Heels
ISAIAH RASHAAD
Isaiah was born and raised here in Seattle, WA. He found his love for dancing and performing early on as music videos, award shows, magazines and radio hits became his fuel for pursuing stage and entertainment. He joined high school dance teams, musical theater programs, performance training groups and trained with some of our most prominent hometown choreographers; Isaac Tee, Daniel Cruz, Alvedo Hobson, Maxie Jamal and Kabby Mitchell among many others.
After receiving a scholarship at Monsters of Hip-Hop Seattle in 2009, he was granted the opportunity to move to Los Angeles, CA to pursue his passion for performance. Making his mark on the industry, Isaiah had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best choreographers in the industry. Tina Landon, Tanisha Scott, Kevin Maher and Rich and Tone to name a few. He’s also worked with world renowned musical recording artists Rihanna, Chris Brown, Kelly Rowland, Todrick Hall, Shangela, and Jane Zhang.
Isaiah’s love for performance art and travel has allowed him to see the world through a more artistic lens. Connecting his experiences through music, art, life, and movement, he’s had the opportunity to create for major brands such as Ubisoft Just Dance, Porsche, Adidas, Nike, Skoda and Ed Hardy. From China to Thailand, Korea, Hawaii, and other studios around the U.S., Isaiah has been able to teach, connect and build community with dancers all around the world.
Isaiah is now the Creative Director and Founder of “A Day with Zay” (ADWZ)” a company that focuses on artist development, performance training, personal branding, and content creation. He is also the founder of “Zay’s Baes”, a performance heels company that works to empower and encourage the community through dance. He is also the Co-Founder of “Camera & Choreo”, a workshop designed to provide an on-camera training experience with performance choreography and live music!
Isaiah’s main mission has always been to equip, empower and prepare upcoming artists and dancers who are looking to work in any capacity of the entertainment industry. His mission has always been community and bringing the world together through art, music and movement.
Tap, Premiere Co.
JOSH SCRIBNER
Josh Scribner trained in tap dance for ten years under one of Seattle's tap icons, Cheryl Johnson, where he had the opportunity to study with heavyweights like Savion Glover, Sam Weber, Dianne Walker and Van Porter. As an adult, he has toured with Cirque du Soleil and the Las Vegas-based Iron Beats, appeared on the TV show Showtime at the Apollo at New York's famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, and participated in the creation process for Cirque du Soleil's Zaia. As much as he loves performing, Josh found another passion in choreography and instruction, and has spent the last ten years developing Premiere Dance Center's tap program for all ages and ability levels, as well as teaching workshops and setting choreography on dancers around the US and Canada. In 2012, he founded the Alchemy Tap Project, a performance company dedicated to experimenting and furthering the evolution of the art form. It has quickly become a regular presence on stages around the Seattle area, performing at Benaroya Hall, the Seattle Art Museum, the Can Can, Folklife Festival, and many more. When not tap dancing, Josh is an avid cyclist and reader, and is currently working toward a degree in Climate Science and Policy from the University of Washington.
Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Premiere Co.
KRISTINA KOUMAEVA
Kristina Koumaeva (KK), is a dancer, teacher, choreographer and native Seattleite. Her dance journey began with Trilogy Dance Company, where she trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. Later, during her time at the University of Washington and in Los Angeles, she further immersed herself in cheer, modern, commercial dance, and various street styles.
From her early days as a competitive dancer to her academic pursuits at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, Kristina's path was always intertwined with dance. Throughout her undergraduate years, she was a teacher/coach at Premiere Dance Center, performed with the UW cheer and pom squad, and on weekends traveled the country as an assistant at NUVO dance convention. She also trained and performed with The Three Yells modern dance company under the direction of Veronica Lee-Baik.
After graduating, Kristina moved to Los Angeles and pursued a commercial dance career. Signing with Bloc Talent Agency opened the door for her to work with brands such as Gucci, Hermes, Redken, and Louboutin, and acclaimed choreographers like Marty Kudelka, Richy Jackson, Chris Scott, Teddy Forance, Dana Wilson, and ICOUDLNEVERBEADANCER. Kristina also had the opportunity to dance in music videos with artists like JoJo Siwa and Justin Timberlake.
What is unique about Kristina's LA journey is her multifaceted approach, from managing Millennium Dance Complex and directing their youth dance company to teaching group fitness at a versaclimber gym and working with Dance for All, an inclusive program for people living with disabilities. Her combination of dance experience and business expertise landed her a job orchestrating industry events with Artists Creating Entertainment, and at times, she performed or choreographed for these events!
In July 2020, Kristina returned to her roots in the Pacific Northwest and reconnected with the dance community here, diving right back into coaching youth dancers, choreographing for competitive teams, taking classes/attending sessions, and performing around the city. However, it was in the spring of 2023 that Kristina embarked on her most extraordinary journey yet – motherhood. This new chapter brought a shift in focus, prompting Kristina to pivot from regular dance classes to mentorship through private lessons and substitute teaching in and around Seattle.
Today, Kristina loves her role as a teacher and coach, sharing what she has learned along the way about dance, the creative life, and mental + physical health. When she's not in the studio, you can find her exploring the world with her family through travel, enjoying live music, trying new recipes, and practicing yoga.
Tiny Tots, Tap, Premiere Co.
KRISTINA MORRIS
Kristina first began dancing as a five year old at Premiere Dance Center. She has continued her training in a variety of styles including Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Tap ever since. At the age of ten, she entered into the Teacher Assistant Training Program at Premiere Dance Center. She developed a passion to work closely with dancers to encourage their improvement in all styles of dance. While a part of the Premiere Dance Center Competition Team, she has received numerous scholarships and has been recognized by some of the best in the industry. She is currently a member of Alchemy Tap Project, a professional tap company that performs in a number of gigs and shows throughout Washington State. Kristina is excited to be a part of the Premiere Dance Center faculty where she plans to use her knowledge and experience to help younger dancers achieve their dreams.
Tiny Tots, Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical
MACKENZY ISAACSON
Mackenzy has been dancing since she was two years old and has trained at numerous schools in the area including Dance Premier, The Connection, Westlake, MK Ballet, Deborah Hadley's School and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Mackenzy's training consists of ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip hop, heels and Horton technique. Mackenzy was a part of a hip hop crew, RNG, which won 1st in the USA and 6th in the world at the Hip Hop Internationals Competition in Vegas in 2009 and was on Americas Got Talent in 2010. She also won 3rd place in contemporary at Youth America Grand Prix in 2011 and has trained at Movement Invention Project in New York City, Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco, Hubbard Street Dance Company in Chicago, Long Beach Ballet in Long Beach, Peridance Capezio Center in New York City as well as dance classes at the University of Washington. Mackenzy has toured and performed in seven cities in China and performed in New York City with Peridance Capezio Center Certificate Program. She has 8 years of experience teaching contemporary, jazz, lyrical, acro, heels, ballet and pointe and years of experience choreographing and rehearsing competition dances. Most recently Mackenzy has been performing with Ztheory at Soulout and In My Shoes. In 2018 Mackenzy earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Neurobiology from the University of Washington.
Ballet, Floorwork & Tricks, Stretch + Strength
MARIKA JAFFE
BIO COMING SOON...
Contemporary
STEPHANIE GOLDEN
Stephanie Golden is an eclectic choreographer originally from San Diego, California she has traveled most of the West Coast and received her BFA in Dance from Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Some of her teachers-influencers include Niki Lucia (Danceology), Shannon Darcey-Gilbert (Danceology), Wade Madsen (Cornish), Deborah Wolf (Cornish, Michelle Miller (Cornish), Monica Campbell (UVU), Ang Banchero-Kelleher (UVU), Amy Markgraf (UVU), Tessandra Chavez (Unity LA), Theo Ivey (Oceanside Dance), and Mike Esperanza (Bare Dance Co). Stephanie has created new works on community stages, college dance programs, competitive studios and small theaters all over the West Coast, both as an individual choreographer and with her professional dance company (Dore Dance). To know more please visit: stephaniegoldenc.com
Contemporary
VIKAS ARUN
Vikas is a multi-disciplinary creator and performer from Seattle, WA specializing in multiple forms of Western and Indian rhythmic and percussive dance. He is the first South Asian to be sponsored by the dancewear giant Capezio, to receive a residency at the historic American Tap Dance Foundation, and to perform in the worldwide sensation STOMP. His career has spanned multiple parts of the industry, including TV (NFL Houston Texans Halftime, Good Morning America, So You Think You Can Dance), commercials (J. Crew, Vogue), live theater (STOMP, Mystic India, 42nd Street), and high-profile private events (United Nations, US-India International Forum, CitiBank, Reebok). His company, Project Convergence, has performed at Lincoln Center, been featured in The New York Times and The Hindu, and performed for clients such as Buzzfeed and Spotify. Known for his ability to challenge and inspire his students, Vikas is sought after around the world as a guest instructor and choreographer. He currently resides in New York City where he teaches at Broadway Dance Center and is a guest lecturer at Columbia University.
GUEST FACULTY (SUMMER)
Musical Theatre, Jazz Progressions, Stretch & Strength
CHLOE ALBIN
Chloe Albin (she/her) is a dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist. She grew up dancing in the Seattle-area, and received her collegiate education from Chapman University. She continued her jazz, ballet, tap, modern, and contemporary training within Chapman's rigorous, high-caliber dance department.
Chloe has performed on regional, national, and international stages, including on London's West End. Most recently, she performed on the international tour of "The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show". She also serves as Dance Director for BenDeLaCreme Presents.
Other stage credits include works by Cafe Nordo, Cameo Lethem, The Three Yells, and Wade Madsen. Film credits include BenDeLaCreme's “The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special” (Apple TV, Amazon Prime).
Chloe teaches and choreographs for dance studios, and choreographs musicals for high school theatre programs (past productions include “Chicago”, “Anything Goes”, and “Beauty and the Beast”). She strives to create a positive environment in which her students feel motivated to take risks, widen their knowledge of dance, and discover their own joy of movement. Stay connected with her work at chloealbin.com!