About US

Hi, I’m Rhianna – The owner/director of The Dance Project North, as well as one of the instructors. I was introduced to the art of dance at 8 years old, and as I grew, my passion for dance really took off!  Thanks to my teachers at my home studio and mother who supported me in the pursuit of dance throughout my life, dance continues to fill my life with many, many adventures. 

At sixteen, I spent an amazing summer at Perry Mansfield and was able to train under some amazing artists – This is where my true love for dance blossomed.  Shortly after high school I started my professional career out as a Phoenix Suns Dancer. I went on to get my bachelors degree in Elementary Education, and when offered a teaching job, I realized my love for dance triumphed over everything else.  I decided to pursue dance professionally in Los Angeles, training at the Edge Performing Arts and Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio. During this time, I was represented by Bloc agency for commercials, movies, musicals, and other fun opportunities. While pursuing all these avenues of dance, I was also able to travel & perform with Mosaic dance ministry, travel as a dancer with the magician Franz Harry, train in New York, and was featured in a couple infomercials!

In 2008 I moved back to Phoenix and married the love of my life, Josh Adams! In 2010, we welcomed our first child (a daughter!) and started The Dance Project in Peoria, AZ with my dear friend Dinah Foddrill. Nine years & two kids later, our lives brought us to Prescott Valley, AZ and I said goodbye to my dance family in Peoria, knowing I would always come back and visit. Dance once again found my heart in this beautiful town. I began teaching a handful of talented young dancers and am now thrilled to be opening another studio – The Dance Project North in Prescott Valley! 

It has been such a blessing & honor to be a part of this community – I am so excited to see how The Dance Project North can impact and uplift these children. None of this would be possible without our amazing team of faculty. I am so grateful for them, their passion, and commitment… They truly are the best!

Ms Christa has been a dancer and lover of dance all her life. She has trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, belly dancing and modern. Christa has also been a teacher of many things all her life, everything from high school Spanish, to childbirth education, to many forms of dance.  Christa is a home school mother to six wonderful and talented dancing children. She has taught dance for about 7 years in ballet, tap, jazz, and tumble dance styles and she has helped to start and coached various Competitive Dance Teams in the Prescott Area.  She is passionate about sharing and spreading a love of dance to young dancers. She LOVES young children and being able to pass on to them the gift of correct technique while cultivating a true love for dance. It brings great joy to her heart.

Ms. Stacey has been dancing for over 30 years and teaching for almost 20.  After receiving her BFA in dance and BS in physiology from the University of Arizona, she began her performing career which included dancing as a Radio City Rockette and as a lead and dance captain in Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out. Other credits include dancing with LA Opera, Lé Ombré, and the 2014 Emmy Awards as well as films in the US and China. In addition to teaching at multiple dance studios throughout Southern California and Arizona, she held the position of Director of Dance at La Reina Middle and High School where she built their dance program with competitive dance and cheer teams. Stacey knew quickly that teaching movement to children to increase confidence, strength, coordination and overall health and happiness would be her passion in life.  She began teaching aerial silks and gymnastics in 2017, and in 2020 moved to Prescott Valley where she currently resides with her wonderful husband and four lovable kids. Being a part of DPN is truly a dream!

Jedidiah Okerlund is a young man with a love of dance and the gift of teaching. He has been teaching for 3 years and has an amazing talent for creativity and choreography.  He has studied and trained in many styles including ballet, contemporary, tap, modern, and of course hip hop! Jed has competed in dance, winning many top awards. Jed received a full scholarship to study dance at The Institute of American Musical Theatre in New York City for the summer of 2019.  Jed continues to pursue dance training and education while passing on his love of dance to his students.  He is passionate about teaching, creating, and sharing the art form of dance to his students.

Breanna Crane began dancing at the age of six and has been teaching for 14 years. She specializes in tap dance. Growing up in Montana, she was part of Feat by Feet, a pre-professional youth tap ensemble. Feat by Feet allowed her to train with many tap legends at a young age. Prior to moving to Prescott, She was the sole tap dance instructor for The Silhouettes, Runners Up on America’s Got Talent Season 6, in Denver, Colorado. She was also a member of Rocky Mountain Rhythm, Colorado’s only performing tap company. Breanna is passionate about teaching tap and hopes her students grow to be passionate about it too. Some of her favorite instructors include Michelle Dorrance, Aaron Tolson, Sara Reich, and Derick Grant. Outside of dance, she enjoys spending time with her husband Tyler, their son Wyatt and their four dogs and cat.

Nicole Baltes began her dance training at age 3 in Southern California. She went on to perform both commercial, concert jazz, & contemporary work throughout Orange County and LA for many years. After leaving California in 2004 to perform abroad on a cruise ship, Nicole moved to New York City where she continued her extensive dance training, and performed with two local companies.

In addition to dance, Nicole’s other movement loves are Pilates and the GYROTONIC® method. Nicole was first led to Pilates at age 17 after having surgery to fix torn cartilage in her knee. It was love at first session. As a dancer, the Pilates method deeply resonated with her. Pilates offered Nicole a way to rehabilitate, manage her injuries and continue dancing and performing into her 30s. Nicole received her Pilates certification in classical Pilates in 2009 in New York City.