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Meet our ODC Staff
ALEXIS RAE WALLEN
~DIRECTOR~
Birthday: October 7, 1998
Birthplace: Maryland; moved to Tennessee when 1 years old
Schooling: Graduated from Sullivan South High School
Degrees: Associate's degree in Finance and Business Administration from Northeast State Community College; Bachelors degree in Human Resources/Small Business Management with a Minor in Dance from ETSU
Pets: 1 cat named Miles, 1 cat named Salem, 1 dog named Dunkin
Passions other than dance: Bike riding, puzzles, coloring, shark movies, scary movies, going on walks
Classes you teach: Level 1 ballet, Level 1 tap, Level 1 hip hop, "Everybody Dance Now", Modern, Mixed age lyrical, Level 5 tap, Level 5 jazz, Level 4 ballet, Pre-pointe, Level 2B ballet, Level 3 tap, Level 3 jazz, Level 5 ballet, Level 5 pointe, Level 5 lyrical, "Twinkle Toes & Fresh Fellas"
How long have you been dancing?: since I was 4 years old
How long have you been with ODC?: I created Outpour in November of 2017
How many years have you taught dance?: I started teaching classes at the age of 15
Favorite genre: Modern
What inspires you?: "The idea that dance is a silent language that speaks to everyone; dance itself inspires me because it is constantly evolving and has so much to offer; always trying to be the best version of myself I can be and pour into others lives. The ocean- because it is so calming and peaceful but then can be so powerful. It really reminds me to think about how big God is and his creation compared to me."
Who inspires you?: "My students everyday in class inspire me through the art form of dance, but also to become a better version of myself in every aspect. People in general, their stories, their pain, and what they go through inspire me to connect and tell their story in a way maybe they can't. I also would have to say my nanny and poppy especially played a significant role. My nanny was the epitome of grace and wisdom. I aspire to embody both of those characteristics as a dancer, a leader to my students, their families, the community, and just as a person to exude grace and wisdom. My poppy is the reason for my strong work ethic and was my number 1 fan while I was dancing as a kid, and my chauffeur to and from class. He passed just months before I started Outpour, so it is constantly a goal to make Him proud."
What part of teaching do you enjoy the most?: "When a student breaks out of their comfort zone, their confidence grows, they experience a breakthrough with their dancing and connect on a much deeper level, and seeing my ideas come to life especially onstage. I love making connections and relationships with my students and families."
What does dance mean to you?: "Dance to me is whatever you need it to be in that specific moment in time; whether its to express/pour out joy, sadness, confusion, or escape from everything else in the world. It is the place where I can lose myself all at the same time finding myself. I like to remember that just as God breathed breath into is, it is His breath filling and moving through me when dancing."
What do you want your students to know?: "That I am always there for them, they are so much more than their past/family/whatever they have been negatively told, that they are so worthy and valuable and God has a plan for everything. And that dance can be such a sweet beautiful thing for them to experience and dive into."
5 random facts about you: "my favorite colors are purple and teal (hint Outpour's colors); I'm obsessed with Halloween and anything Fall/spooky related; my favorite animals are elephants, dinosaurs, and sharks; I love and have all the seasons of "The Golden Girls", "The Nanny", and "Three's Company"; I love rainy and stormy weather
LAIKEN BROOKE COFFEY
~TEACHER~
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Birthday: March 21, 2004
Birthplace: Tennessee
Schooling: Knoxville Christian Academy
Pets: yellow lab named Croix
Passions other than dance: I love art. I enjoy making it and also admire pieces that other people create. All forms- sculpting, painting, drawing.I've recently started learning how to play the drums and I love it. I love how I'm learning something new and different techniques everyday. Music has always been a big part of my life, and experiencing the process makes me tune in and fall in love with music even more..
Classes you teach: Level 5 hip hop
How long have you been dancing?: I have pretty much been dancing since I learned to walk! My parents say even when I was a baby- every time they would turn on Aaliyah or Michael Jackson on the radio, I would dance in my car seat!
How long have you been with ODC?: since 2024!
How many years have you taught dance?: 2 years
Favorite genre: hip hop, breakdancing and popping are my favorite. I love to feel the beat of the music and tell a story through movement.
What inspires you?: "Definitely other dancers. There is no other better dedication that in a dancer I believe. They are always trying to learn something new and improve themselves in and out of the dance world. I think that dancers motivate me even more when they do not give up on a trick or even on a routine that is very difficult. When a dancer gives their 100% best, you can feel and see the authenticity in their dance and that inspires me."
What part of teaching do you enjoy the most: "The thing I enjoy the most about teaching, is that I love to learn new things from my students. I always end up learning a different way or new perspective of doing things. It makes me so happy that we’re all learning something new. "
Who inspires you?: "Honestly I can't really pick just one person that inspires me. I have so many inspirations, but if I had to pick my top one would be my mother (Erin). She has always inspired me to go the distance and never give up especially when things in life become difficult. My mother's work ethic inspires and encourages me to never give up on my dreams and anything can be possible if you put in the work. I hope to be as successful as her in the future. What inspires me most is how she always puts her family first before anything and everything. She is the "rock" of our household and my number one supporter since day 1. I am eternally grateful to be blessed with such a wonderful role model, and supporting parents and family."
What does dance mean to you?: "Dance means everything to me. I don’t think their are enough words to describe how much. I love and enjoy, how you can tell a story or an emotion through dance. Dance brings people together, and it can relate to how other people may feel. It impacts in so many different ways. Dance is so special, you can describe how you or how someone else is feeling without even needing to speak. It’s sort of therapeutic in a sense. That’s why I love it so much because when you have no words or can’t describe something then you can express yourself through dance."
What do you want your students to know?: " I would like my students to know that I am not only looking forward to teaching them, but for them to teach me. I’m excited to learn from them and help them achieve their goals and grow as a dancer and as a person. I look forward to my students helping me learn more about myself, and as a dancer as well!"
5 random facts about you: "I love spaghetti and all Italian food to be honest! I love to skateboard with my sister and friends. The beach is my happy place, besides the dance floor. I love to do anything outdoors and in nature, especially swim. And I love to watch really GOOD movies and spend time with family!"
LAIKEN ELIZABETH JAHLEE HYATT
~TEACHER~
Birthday: March 4, 2006
Birthplace: Tennessee
Schooling: Homeschooled; Plan on staying local for college, hopefully for dance
Pets: I have a dog named Sugar. She is a chihuahua and mountain fiest mix
Passions other than dance: I enjoy performing of all kinds, books, and traveling
Classes you teach: Level 1 ballet, Level 1 tap, Level 1 hip hop, Level 3 ballet, Mixed Age Lyrical, Level 4 lyrical, Level 4 tap, Level 4 jazz, and I teacher assist with the "Twinkle Toes & Fresh Fellas" class
How long have you been dancing?: about 6 years
How long have you been with ODC?: since the very first class in 2017
How many years have you taught dance?: I've been teaching on my own for 2 years, and teacher assisted before that for 1 year
Favorite genre: Easy, ballet/pointe but I also enjoy lyrical/modern and jazz
What inspires you?: "seeing a sunset or a sunrise. No matter what happens during the day the world begins and ends with something beautiful and I think we all should take a note from that"
Who inspires you?: "Lol cliche but definitely Alexis. She has been a role model for me since I was young."
What part of teaching do you enjoy the most?: "This is a hard one because I enjoy so many different parts. Probably during stretching or downtime I get to hear stories and really learn about my students and hwat makes them well, them"
What does dance mean to you?: "Dance to me is a way to express things I would never say out loud or to a real person. I often talk about it like a journal or a therapy session. I could go on for hours about what dance does for me mentally and physically but I think most importantly dance is a way of connecting with myself again and remembering that I am capable of beautiful things, even when I don't feel that way."
What do you want your students to know?: "That they will always have a home as long as they are in my class. Too often people feel outcasted or unwanted and that will never be the case with me. I want them to know they are loved and beautiful and are able to do great things beyond the dance world, regardless of background, personality, size, or anything they may bring. They can always come to me about anything even if it's not dance related. If they need a friend, a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, or just someone to listen, they can count on me anytime, "
5 random facts about you: "I am obsessed with anything light/baby pink; giraffes are my most favorite animal; I love amusement parks and roller coasters more than I think anyone I've ever met does; I am a HUGE country music fan; I love travelling and want to visit every state someday; I think sams club or the tire section of Walmart is the best smelling thing ever."
OLIVIA BROOKE SMITH
~TEACHER~
Birthday: January 11, 2006
Birthplace: Gate City, Virginia
Schooling: Gate City High School
College: Already taking college classes through Mountain Empire, and plan on going to ETSU
Pets: 1 dog named Fancy, one cat named Bella, and some fishies
Passions other than dance: Caring, helping, and working with children. I work at a daycare and I hope to become an elementary teacher.
Classes you teach: Level 1 ballet (assist), Level 1 tap (assist), Level 1 hip hop (assist), Level 2A tap, Level 2A hip hop, "Twinkle Toes & Fresh Fellas" (assist)
How long have you been dancing?: 5 years
How long have you been with ODC?: Since the first year
How many years have you taught dance?: "I was a classroom helper for 1 year, and I have been a teacher assistant for 2 years"
Favorite genre: modern/lyrical
What inspires you?: "Being apart of this studio/staff inspires me because they are like my family. They always encourage me to do my best and show me how to use my gift of dancing to worship God"
Who inspires you?: "My parents because they always encourage me to do the right thing and they both give the best advice"
What part of teaching do you enjoy the most?: "I enjoy learning about all of the kids and each of their very unique personalities."
What does dance mean to you?: "To me dance feels like home. It gives me a way to channel my emotions in a positive way while keeping myself active."
What do you want your students to know?: "I want my students to know that they are all beautiful, inside and out. I want them to know that they are all created in God's image and that they are amazing the way that they are."
5 random facts about you: "I absolutely love summer (especially summer thunderstorms); I love going to the beach, camping, hiking, etc.; my favorite food is any kind of pasta and I believe each meal should be finished with a treat; my favorite color is a light, baby pink and pretty much everything I own is pink; I love all animals but giraffes are my favorite; I also love to shop- my mom, mamaw, and I like to take day trips to Pigeon Forge or Knoxville to shop together."
ABIGAIL KATELYNNE MARSHALL
~TEACHER~
Birthday: February 16, 2006
Birthplace: Tennessee
Schooling: DB Excel
College:
Pets: I have a few dogs (Moose, Holly, Kora, Peggy)
Passions other than dance: I have grown up in musical theatre and love being onstage, I also lead worship for many different events, church, and retreats. I love playing the guitar and piano. I also work at First Broad St. Day Care and love my job.
Classes you teach: Level 1 ballet (assist), Level 1 tap (assist), Level 1 hip hop (assist), Level 2A ballet, "Twinkle Toes & Fresh Fellas" (assist)
How long have you been dancing?: I started dancing at a very young age (either 5 or 6) and quit when I was 10. I discovered Outpour when I was 14 and have been dancing since.
How long have you been with ODC?: 3 years
How many years have you taught dance?: I was a teacher's helper for one semester, and have been a teacher's assistant for two seasons.
Favorite genre: I love ballet the most but lyrical and modern come very close.
What inspires you?: God is my number one inspiration on life. I believe He has a purpose for everyone and everything and has given us talents we can use for Him. Being able to worship God is such a unique way through dance is so beautiful to me. I'm inspired everyday to praise Him in the good and bad and know that He has a plan.
Who inspires you?: "I have many friends and mentors in my life that have taught me so much and I couldn't name them all. They inspire me to be the best version of myself no matter who or what is around me. Special shout outs to my mom, Alexis, Megan, Stephanie, and Hannah.
"What part of teaching do you enjoy the most?: "I think my favorite part of teaching is being able to make an impression on these kids and let them know that they are all fearfully and wonderfully made. "Being able to watch them grow as beautiful young dancers is my favorite part."
What does dance mean to you?: "To me dance is a form of therapy. It allows me to dive into deeper parts of myself and let my body tell stories and display emotions I can't put out with words. Dance lets me use my body in a unique way that I find so beautiful. With all the stress that can come in wanting to be perfect the overall serenity when you can just let go makes it all worth while."
What do you want your students to know?: "I want them to know they are loved no matter what others may say."
5 random facts about you: "I love iced coffee, my favorite animal is a sloth, my favorite colors are blue and pink, I love the ocean, and my favorite food is pasta."
ABIGAIL GRACE UTTERBACK
~TEACHER~
Birthday: November 1, 2005
Birthplace: Tennessee
Schooling: Senior at Dobyns-Bennett High School; attending ETSU in the fall of 2023 to study sports management and dance; I will be going into college with 15 credit hours already completed
Pets: I have a pit bull named Cerus :)
Passions other than dance: I sing with Christ Fellowship youth worship team, I am na officer in DB's beta club, and I am currently Miss Roane County's Teen in the Miss America Organization
Classes you teach: Level 2B tap, Level 2B hip hop, Level 3 hip hop, Level 4 hip hop, Mini tumbling, Junior tumbling
How long have you been dancing?: since I was 4 years old
How long have you been with ODC?: since August 2022
How many years have you taught dance?: "I have 3 years of cheer/gymnastics coaching experience and I began teaching at Outpour in January, 2023"
Favorite genre: Hip hop is definitely my favorite. I also love ballet and lyrical.
What inspires you?: "The amazing kids I get to teach inspire me most. I love watching their effort in everything they do and their improvements each week. Every time I have a rough day in class, I remember the kids that look up to the "big girls" and they keep me going."
Who inspires you?: "The younger dancer in me that grew up at another studio. I made lots of promises that I would always be better than I was the day before, so everyday I better myself for the little dancer I used to be."
What part of teaching do you enjoy the most?: "Sharing my knowledge of the art of dance in a beautiful way. Not only are they learning from me, but I get to have a hand in their journey as a dancer, an athlete, and a child of God."
What does dance mean to you?: "Dance is my whole world. It has given me more opportunities than I can count and it gives me an outlet of expression that results in a God given art. Dance just isn't one of my things, but my everything."
What do you want your students to know?: "If I could leet my dancers know one thing, it's that dance isn't about perfection, but passion. Your body type, flexibility, ability to turn/flip, or any other thing is not what dictates how successful you are as a dancer, but rather your drive and desire to progress. Work hard kiddos, make the dance world yours."
5 random facts about you: "I LOVE warm colors (red, pink, orange, etc.), my favorite movie is Top Gun, I love Taylor Swift and The 1975, I love cereal, and my favorite song of all time is Power by Little Mix."
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