Missy Dennison (Morelli) grew in Arvada, Colorado. She started dancing and teaching at a very young age. After being a competitive dancer for many years, she decided to pursue a career as a professional dancer. Her first big dance job was a background dancer in Disney's "High School Musical 2" when she was just 15 years old. A week before she turned 18, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. Missy has had the opportunity to appear on "GLEE" off and on for four years, danced with LeAnn Rimes on "America's Got Talent" (AGT), performed on The Voice numerous times, as well as perform on the "AGT" national tour. She was a contestant on "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 8, was chosen as the SYTYCD female wildcard of the Season 8 national tour. It wasn’t until Missy started teaching at one of the best dance studios in the country "The Rage" that she realized how much she missed teaching kids.
In August 2013 Missy had been living back in Colorado for a year when she purchased the existing business Westwoods Center of Performing Arts, now MOVE by Morelli.
Missy Dennison (Morelli) Owner | Social Media
Jazz
Owner since 2013
Ms. Margo began dancing at the age of 6 in her home town of Arvada, Colorado. From the moment she stepped foot into the dance studio, she fell in love with the art. She then began to teach and train in 1994 at the studio where she took lessons as a child. She was able to study under exceptional choreographers like, Joe Tremaine, Doug Caldwell, Marguerite Derriks and many more in the industry. While teaching full time Margo received a Bachelor degree in Psychology with a minor in Holistic Health. Margo also choreographed regional and national level routines in Lyrical, Tap and Jazz. She has also coached and choreographed for many local high school pom and cheer squads and performance groups in the area. She only stopped teaching briefly when she and her husband, Joe, had their three beautiful children, Joey, Grace and Wyatt. When Grace began to dance, Ms. Margo jumped, enthusiastically back into the Dance world and hasn’t stopped bringing her energy to MOVE by Morelli since she entered the doors.
Margo Grieve
Director of Education
Tiny dancers are “her people”
Years at MOVE - 16
Vickie Morelli
Creative Director
Costume Extraordinaire
Years at MOVE - 13
Stephanie is thrilled to contribute to the Move by Morelli team as an office support staff. As a previous elementary teacher and high school volleyball coach, she has a passion working with children. After taking time to raise her family, Stephanie is excited to be a part of the Move By Morelli team. Stephanie lives in Arvada with her husband and three children, Bradyn, Genesse, and Bentley. Genesse has been dancing at Move by Morelli since the age of three, cultivating a love for dance over the past 12 years. Stephanie has loved supporting Genesse's journey, both at the studio and on the Move Club Competitive team. In her new role, Stephanie looks forward to connecting and collaborating with all the families at Move by Morelli.
Steph Craft
Front Desk | Financial Director
Years at MOVE - 13
Jackie McMenaman did not take the road less traveled to becoming a dancer or a teacher. Beginning her athletic career as a pint-sized swimmer taking to the water as physical therapy for a broken collarbone, she soon realized that kick-boards and swimming lanes did not inspire her creativity. Opting to get artistic in the water led to synchronized swimming which was supplemented by ballet classes. Not long thereafter, Jackie realized her love (and the greater long term career potential) of being in the dance studio. Henceforth, Olympic dreams were swapped for pointe shoes and a new passion blossomed.
Jackie’s dance education began on scholarship with her local studio, and was later supplemented with scholarship opportunities from Montana Dance Arts Association, Ballet West, Summer Dance Laboratory, and others. In college, she owned and operated her own ballet studio where she honed her teaching skills and had the privilege of instilling a love of dance in her students. Upon moving to the Denver area, she joined the ranks of David Taylor Dance Theatre, later Dawson Wallace Dance Project, where she performed as a mainstay and a principal dancer for over twelve years. During that time she was personally mentored by the renown ballet master Nikoloz Makhateli, whom she credits with her technical and artistic development.
Jackie has also performed with Gravity Works Dance, Zikr Sacred Dance Ensemble, Summit Dance Collective, Chadash Contemporary Dance Movement, Fox Theatre Productions, Montana Ballet Company, Colorado Renaissance Festival and Delusions of Grandeur Productions. Favorite roles include the Dewdrop Fairy and the tipsy maid in DTDT’s Nutcracker, the nymph in Makhateli’s Morning in a Field, and the beatnik girl in Jeoff Horgan’s Cheek to Cheek.
Jackie McMenaman
Ballet & Pointe
Years at MOVE - 5
Payton is from Northern Colorado and began her dance training at The Conservatory and Loveland Dance Academy—better known as Dance Dream Studios—at the age of 4 where she danced on scholarship and competed. She attended Colorado State University and graduated Cum Laude and as a University Honors Scholar in May 2021 with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Business Administration. While attending school, Payton was selected for the Jane Sullivan School of Dance scholarship and the Creative and Performing Arts scholarship. At CSU, Payton had the opportunity to perform in over 15 shows, attend National Dance Education Organization, attend American College Dance Association, travel with the Outreach program where she performed and taught, and act as President of the Dance Student Advisory Committee. Throughout her 18 years of dancing, she has had the opportunity to take master classes under prestigious names including Denise Vale, France J. Roach, Jeri Kumery, Raffaele Morra, Lauren Gibbs, Cat Cogliandro, Kenny Wormald, and Mia Michaels.
Payton moved to the Denver area to be closer to the buzzing dance scene the city has to offer. Her passions lie in contemporary dance, choreography, dance education, and dance for film. She plans to keep performing as long as she can while sharing her love for dance to others through teaching, choreography, engagement, and advocacy. Payton is very excited to begin teaching at MOVE by Morelli!
Payton Lauer
Jazz & Contemporary
Years at MOVE - 4
Alison is a Colorado native and began at age seven at her home studio in Lakewood. After high school, she was hired by the Universal Dance Association (UDA), where she spent 5 years as a head instructor and had the opportunity to teach high school and college level students all around the country. Alison graduated from Colorado State University with her bachelors degree in dance and performing arts and was also a member of the CSU dance team and CSU Tour Dance Company. Following college, she went on to tour and dance around the world by cruise ship for nearly 10 years. She traveled to over 70 countries and performed onboard ships for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises. While on small breaks from sailing the seven seas, she also performed for Colorado Mammoth Wild Bunch, Legends in Concert Las Vegas, and Smoky Mountain Opry in Tennessee. In 2020, Alison made her way back to Colorado with her husband Scott and the two are thrilled to get to call it their “forever home”. She is eager to get back in the studio with her students. It’s her goal to provide dancers with exceptional technical training and push them to their highest potential, while maintaining a positive and empowering classroom setting. She believes dance can change lives and she’s ready to share her knowledge and love with the dancers at MOVE by Morelli!
Alison Bray
Jazz, Contemporary & Ballet
Years at MOVE - 6
Tory Raterman grew up in Colorado. She began taking dance classes at a young age, training and competing in all styles. After high school her dance career took her to Boston, MA to continue her studies at Dean College, where she earned her BA in dance and choreography. Tory had many opportunities for performance as a student at Dean including William Evans’ 2017 Spring Concert at Festival Ballet Providence, the 2016 American College Dance Association Regional and National Conferences, and the 2015 NFL Patriots Season Opener. Since graduating Tory moved back to Colorado where she has performed and choreographed across the state. Tory’s recent professional credits include performances in the 2019 Flight to Luxury Benefit, the 2022 National Jewish Health Beaux Arts Ball, and most recently, performing with Interweave Dance Theater at the 2022 Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop. When she is not performing, Tory enjoys teaching Contemporary and Tap to students at Move by Morelli. Tory is currently a member of Rogue Co. Dance Company, under the Direction of Meghan Lawitz, and an instructor at CorePower Yoga.
Tory Davis
Director of The Club |
Contemporary & Tap
Years at MOVE - 8
Jordan Allender was born and raised in Littleton, CO and has been dancing for almost two decades and working in the dance community for 5 years. Since starting her career, she has taught a wide range of styles including pom, tap, hip hop, ballet and musical theater. She continues to hone her craft and further her education in teaching the next generation of dancers. Jordan is excited to bring Acro classes to Move as a AcrobaticArts Certified Instructor! As a teacher, Jordan focuses on the whole child, helping them succeed in class and also in life outside of dance.
Jordan Allender
Ballet/Tap/ Acro/ Front Desk
Years at MOVE - 3
Tia Hildebrandt has been dancing since she was 3 years old. A native to Pittsburgh, PA, Tia first started as a teacher assistant at Pittsburgh Heat, helping out with 5 year old hip hop classes. She then became the hip hop teacher at Premier Dance Academy where she taught both recreational and competition level classes to students aged 3 through 16. After graduating high school, she moved to St. Petersburg, Florida to attend Eckerd College where she graduated with a BS in Psychology and a BA in Anthropology. While at Eckerd College, Tia worked at the fitness center as a fitness instructor and taught weekly hip hop classes to her fellow college peers. Upon moving to Denver, Tia began teaching a wider variety of classes including creative movement, preballet, ballet, combo classes, and jazz along with hip hop. She has fallen in love with teaching the younger students and is excited to be part of the Move by Morelli team!
Tia's family has always encouraged her to reach for the stars, and she encourages her students to do the same! Anything is possible!
Tia Hildebrandt
Ballet/Tap/Jazz Combo
Years at MOVE - 2
Genesse began dancing at the age of 3 and quickly fell in love with the art form. She has been a dedicated student at Move By Morelli for the past 12 years, where she has trained in various dance styles. As a member of Move the Club Competitive Team, Genesse has participated in numerous competitions and conventions, continuously expanding her experience. In addition to her competitive achievements, Genesse has been involved in unique opportunities such as Heat Force and Celebrity Senior Crew, which have further enriched her dance journey. Now, Genesse is excited to share her extensive knowledge and love for dance with the students at Move!
Genesse Craft
Combo Classes
Years at MOVE - 13
Grace Grieve has been dancing for 15 years at Move by Morelli and has been a dedicated member of the studio’s competitive team for the past 11 years. She trains extensively in all genres of dance and brings versatility, passion, and commitment to everything she does.
Grace has performed at both regional and national competitions across the country, where she has had the opportunity to train with and learn from renowned choreographers from around the world. Her talent and hard work have been recognized through numerous awards and scholarships, including the prestigious Junior Crew and Senior Crew honors with Celebrity Dance Competition where she assisted and worked with the faculty at their Nationals in Las Vegas and on a Cruise ship.
Grace is known for her strong work ethic, positive energy, and love of sharing her passion for dance with others. Grace is excited to be on the Move By Morelli faculty this season and share her love for dance with dancers of all ages.
Grace Grieve
Jazz/ Hip Hop/ Combo
Years at MOVE - 15
Michele Major has been training dancers in classical ballet for over 20 years. Before moving to Colorado with her family, Ms. Michele owned and operated a community dance school in Eugene, Oregon and was also Founding Artistic Director of a non-profit dance organization which provided opportunities for students and audiences in the local area. She has staged and directed many student productions, including classical ballets, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, A Midsummers Night’s Dream, sections from Paquita, La Bayadere, and Gisele, and her own choreography of The Snow Maiden, Hansel and Gretel, and The Blue Bird. Prior to launching her school, Ms. Michele performed professionally in classical ballet, contemporary ballet, and musical theater, performing with San Diego Ballet, and City Ballet of San Diego. She earned a BFA in Dance from Southern Methodist University and has completed teacher training in Vaganova method, including both lower and upper grades as well as Pointe Safe Certification. She has trained dancers who have gone on to professional performing careers as well as other dance and arts careers and involvement in the larger dance community. Ms. Michele is passionate about training healthy and capable dancers and loves sharing all the benefits of classical ballet with students of all ages and aspirations.
Michele Major
Ballet
Years at MOVE - 1
Marcus Lira
Hip Hop
Years at MOVE - first year!
Jaren grew up dancing near San Francisco but moved to Arvada in high school and competed on Move’s competition team. Post-high school, he completed the Scholarship program at Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles and danced for Step One Dance Company while sailing on Holland America Line around the world. Jaren has been lucky enough to learn from artists all around the globe and hopes to bring a different perspective to the dancers here at Move!
Jaren Dietsch
Jazz, Musical Theater
Years at MOVE - off and on 12
Kayla began dancing at Move when she was 3. She has been a student at the studio for the past 14 years where she has taken various styles of classes. Kayla enjoys competing with Move’s Competition team and spending time at various dance intensives during the summer. Kayla has been involved in many unique opportunities such as Celebrity Senior Crew with Celebrity Competitions and Soulelite with Soul De Soul Conventions. Kayla has spent the past year working alongside young kindergarten students with Warren Tech Education and Leadership program. Kayla hopes to combine her passion for education and dance to share her knowledge with young artists.
Kayla Davies
Contemporary/ Combo
Years at MOVE - 15
Marcy is excited to be part of the front desk team at Move by Morelli. She lives in Arvada with her husband and their two children, Charlie and Ellie, who both dance at the studio — making it feel like a second home for their family. Outside of dance life, she enjoys sewing and crafting, spending time outdoors, and traveling whenever she can. She also has two dogs who keep things fun and busy at home. With a background in organization and planning, she enjoys helping things run smoothly behind the scenes.
Marcy Patel
Front Desk
Years at MOVE - 4
A native of Kansas City, Katie Jenkins began her training at Graves Talent Company. She received scholarships to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York City, as well as the Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, and graduated on scholarship with a BFA in Dance from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri—Kansas City. Her professional career began over 20 years ago with the Wylliams/ Henry Contemporary Dance Company while still in college. Since that time, Katie has had the honor of not only sharing the stage with hundreds of incredible artists and performing a wide range of contemporary, contemporary ballet, and classic modern pieces— including master works by modern dance pioneers, Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, Katherine Dunham, José Limón, Martha Graham, Eleo Pomare, Leni Wylliams, and Hanya Holm—but also personally working with world renowned choreographers such as Donald McKayle, David Parsons, Milton Myers, Dwight Rhoden, Robert Moses, Kevin Iega Jeff, among others. Katie has been a member of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, City Dance Ensemble in Washington DC, TILT Contemporary Dance Company in Maui, HI, Malashock Dance Company in San Diego, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble here in Denver. Additionally, she has performed, taught, and choreographed throughout the United States, as well as Canada, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, and Poland. She recently wrapped up her 3rd and final season with the jazz company, Davis Dance, as well as serving as Artistic Director of DDNG, aka “Next Gen,” a pre-professional training company within the Davis Dance organization. Katie continues to freelance professionally throughout the area, and is very excited to be joining the faculty of MOVE by Morelli!
Katie Jenkins
All genres
Years at MOVE - 2
Italo is a well respected teacher, dancer, choreographer, and producer. His dancing led to his first performance for a world-wide audience was as a Feature Dancer in High School Musical 2. Italo then rejoined the cast, and was cast as a Principle Dancer in the Featured film High School Musical 3: Senior Year.
He has performed and choreographed on Dancing With the Stars, Disney Channel’s “So Random”, Lythgoe Panto productions “Snow White Christmas”, Touring live show “Ballroom With a Twist”, Co-choreographer for Dance India Dance. Associate choreographer and performer for hit musical “Loving the Silent Tears”. Performed for several artist in videos and stage performances including: Kylie Minogue, Jesse McCartney, Jonas Brothers, Ben Vereen, Collin Raye, Clay Aiken, Lucas Grabeel, Paris By Night. Participated as a Professional dance partner and choreographer on the Oxygen Network’s reality series “Dance Your Ass Off”, motivating and inspiring fitness and dance.
Italo Elgueta
Ballroom
Years at MOVE - 2
Hallie has coached at the high school level for 6 years, with multiple dancers continuing on to the college level, and is well versed with what is takes to be recognized at a collegiate level! She has an extensive background in social media, marketing, videography which makes her the perfect person to help strategize and edit our dancers submissions for Colleges. She stayed up to date on the industry through trainings and she will help guide athletes in their next steps to take, clinics to participate in, and so much more. We are SO excited to have Hallie a part of our dance fam, and love a good full circle moment!
Hallie Lockhart
College Prep/Pom Technique
Years at MOVE - Alumni (teaching 1)
MOVE BY MORELLI JUNIOR FACULTY!
