Ms. Miriam
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I'm the founding and co-executive director, and I still get to teach!
What do you love about our studio?
I love the families at our studio: each person is gracious and kind. We have such a wonderful group of parents who support their children and celebrate the successes of all our dancers. Our teaching staff is also superb: I've learned something from each of them.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
I love to wander around town with my kids. We walk or bike to our activities and the ride is just as enjoyable as the activity. They currently love to sing "Jingle Bells" while biking around in the summer, which might be my favorite way to hear that song.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I love organizations who think outside of the box: The Durango Farmer's Market is doing some really cool things, and I appreciate the work of organizations like Community Connections and Arc of the Southwest who help families affected by disabilities to get the support they need.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I saw a black fox on the CU Boulder campus one time and have decided it's my patronus. I love the quirkiness and mysteriousness of foxes. That combined with the rare color variation... it felt like a special gift to see one.
What’s your coffee order
Either black coffee or a breve (always hot!)
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I'm the founding and co-executive director, and I still get to teach!
What do you love about our studio?
I love the families at our studio: each person is gracious and kind. We have such a wonderful group of parents who support their children and celebrate the successes of all our dancers. Our teaching staff is also superb: I've learned something from each of them.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
I love to wander around town with my kids. We walk or bike to our activities and the ride is just as enjoyable as the activity. They currently love to sing "Jingle Bells" while biking around in the summer, which might be my favorite way to hear that song.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I love organizations who think outside of the box: The Durango Farmer's Market is doing some really cool things, and I appreciate the work of organizations like Community Connections and Arc of the Southwest who help families affected by disabilities to get the support they need.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I saw a black fox on the CU Boulder campus one time and have decided it's my patronus. I love the quirkiness and mysteriousness of foxes. That combined with the rare color variation... it felt like a special gift to see one.
What’s your coffee order
Either black coffee or a breve (always hot!)
Ms. Therese
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
My role is dancer teacher and co-executive director.
What do you love about our studio?
I have taught at Durango dance for many years. I love the families and dancers who have grown with me these past 13 years. I love that it now provides a safe inclusive space for my daughter to grow.
What's your favorite thing to do in Durango?
My favorite thing to do in Durango is to ride with my daughter on our bike and have adventures all around Durango. A close second would be exploring and camping in the beautiful mountains that surround us. We have an amazing town with many adaptive and inclusive activities.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
Two of our family favorites are Adaptive Sports Association and Powerhouse Science Museum.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
If I could be an animal it would be a wolf their ability to work together and roam the wild combine my two favorite things closeness with family and the beauty of the world.
What's your coffee order?
All coffee, any coffee, but dirty chai is my usual go to treat!
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
My role is dancer teacher and co-executive director.
What do you love about our studio?
I have taught at Durango dance for many years. I love the families and dancers who have grown with me these past 13 years. I love that it now provides a safe inclusive space for my daughter to grow.
What's your favorite thing to do in Durango?
My favorite thing to do in Durango is to ride with my daughter on our bike and have adventures all around Durango. A close second would be exploring and camping in the beautiful mountains that surround us. We have an amazing town with many adaptive and inclusive activities.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
Two of our family favorites are Adaptive Sports Association and Powerhouse Science Museum.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
If I could be an animal it would be a wolf their ability to work together and roam the wild combine my two favorite things closeness with family and the beauty of the world.
What's your coffee order?
All coffee, any coffee, but dirty chai is my usual go to treat!
Ms. Amanda
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach ballet, tap, modern and love to sneak in a poms class any chance I get. I also love taking adult classes whenever I can!
What do you love about our studio?
What I love most about Durango Dance is that it offers a welcoming, fun, and inclusive space for everyone in the community regardless of ability or experience. It breaks away from the exclusivity often seen in the dance world and instead fosters a sense of belonging and support. Our highly qualified and experienced staff are dedicated to meeting each dancer where they are, tailoring instruction to their unique needs and goals. Whether you're dancing for joy or training technique with focus and intention, there's a place for you here.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
Coming from a big city in Texas, I really appreciate the slower, more peaceful pace of life in Durango. One of my favorite things is experiencing all four seasons, with each bringing its own unique activities and beauty. Whether it’s skiing in the winter, enjoying the outdoors without the scorching heat in the summer, or taking in the fall colors, there’s always something special to enjoy. Living here has truly been a blessing for me and my family.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I love working with the Durango High School Poms (Dance) Team as well as the Durango High School Unified Sports Program, which makes different sports accessible to all abilities.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I'd be a panda bear! They look like they are worry-free and always having fun, plus watching them brings people joy and laughter.
What’s your coffee order?
Half-caff Americano, extra hot with extra half and half
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach ballet, tap, modern and love to sneak in a poms class any chance I get. I also love taking adult classes whenever I can!
What do you love about our studio?
What I love most about Durango Dance is that it offers a welcoming, fun, and inclusive space for everyone in the community regardless of ability or experience. It breaks away from the exclusivity often seen in the dance world and instead fosters a sense of belonging and support. Our highly qualified and experienced staff are dedicated to meeting each dancer where they are, tailoring instruction to their unique needs and goals. Whether you're dancing for joy or training technique with focus and intention, there's a place for you here.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
Coming from a big city in Texas, I really appreciate the slower, more peaceful pace of life in Durango. One of my favorite things is experiencing all four seasons, with each bringing its own unique activities and beauty. Whether it’s skiing in the winter, enjoying the outdoors without the scorching heat in the summer, or taking in the fall colors, there’s always something special to enjoy. Living here has truly been a blessing for me and my family.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I love working with the Durango High School Poms (Dance) Team as well as the Durango High School Unified Sports Program, which makes different sports accessible to all abilities.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I'd be a panda bear! They look like they are worry-free and always having fun, plus watching them brings people joy and laughter.
What’s your coffee order?
Half-caff Americano, extra hot with extra half and half
Ms. Deidre
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
At Durango Dance, I teach musical theater and a Discover ballet/tap class. I also, gratefully, get to take classes from all the wonderful instructors.
What do you love about our studio?
I love that our studio includes everyone. We are there to enjoy moving, laughing, supporting, and ultimately creating art together.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
My favorite thing to do in Durango is combining food and being outside. PB&J on top of a mountain? Yes! Coffee on my patio? Absolutely. Rooftop at Eolus? Count me in.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
Maria's Literary Foundation. The library!
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would be a cat that lives in a bookstore. Very sleepy, very comfy, does what brings her joy, but still endearing.
What’s your coffee order?
Hazelnut latte with oat milk (only half the syrup)
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
At Durango Dance, I teach musical theater and a Discover ballet/tap class. I also, gratefully, get to take classes from all the wonderful instructors.
What do you love about our studio?
I love that our studio includes everyone. We are there to enjoy moving, laughing, supporting, and ultimately creating art together.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
My favorite thing to do in Durango is combining food and being outside. PB&J on top of a mountain? Yes! Coffee on my patio? Absolutely. Rooftop at Eolus? Count me in.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
Maria's Literary Foundation. The library!
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would be a cat that lives in a bookstore. Very sleepy, very comfy, does what brings her joy, but still endearing.
What’s your coffee order?
Hazelnut latte with oat milk (only half the syrup)
Ms. Mackinsey
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
Teaching Imagine and Acro classes are my primary roles, but I help a fair bit behind the scenes as well.
What do you love about our studio?
I love that the moment you walk in how welcomed you are by not only staff but students as well! Everyone makes you feel like you belong from the beginning and it just feels like true community.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
Sitting at the river with a coffee soaking in the sunshine or walking the river trail.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I've always loved what adaptive sports offers for our community! I've not yet had the opportunity to be involved with them yet but it is organization I align with and want to get involved with.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
A Pterodactyl! Their ability to fly and be strong and just because I really love dinosaurs.
What’s your coffee order?
This one is tricky! My favorite cold drink is Starbucks pink drink with extra caffeine. My favorite hot drink any flavor Latte (except vanilla or ginger) made with coconut milk (or oat milk if coconut isn't available).
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
Teaching Imagine and Acro classes are my primary roles, but I help a fair bit behind the scenes as well.
What do you love about our studio?
I love that the moment you walk in how welcomed you are by not only staff but students as well! Everyone makes you feel like you belong from the beginning and it just feels like true community.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
Sitting at the river with a coffee soaking in the sunshine or walking the river trail.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I've always loved what adaptive sports offers for our community! I've not yet had the opportunity to be involved with them yet but it is organization I align with and want to get involved with.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
A Pterodactyl! Their ability to fly and be strong and just because I really love dinosaurs.
What’s your coffee order?
This one is tricky! My favorite cold drink is Starbucks pink drink with extra caffeine. My favorite hot drink any flavor Latte (except vanilla or ginger) made with coconut milk (or oat milk if coconut isn't available).
Mr. Xanie
they/them
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach Musical Theatre, Pathways, and Voice Lesson classes. I also take as many adult classes as I can fit into my schedule!
What do you love most about our studio?
I love how welcoming and inclusive Durango Dance is. I was immediately welcomed into the community with open arms and kind hearts. All the people who attend Durango Dance, from the instructors and adults all the way to the teenagers and kids, are full of joy and passion.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
My favorite thing to do in Durango is go to the farmers market and go out for ice cream with friends and family. Durango is so beautiful and full of so many spots to take in nature, especially when the leaves start changing.
What other organizations in town do you love and share values with?
I love organizations that support LGBTQIA+ individuals, such as the Rainbow Youth Center and the Four Corners Alliance for Diversity. I appreciate these organizations because inclusion is for everybody exactly as you are.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would be a whale shark! They’re symbols of calm strength, gentle nature, and wisdom which are all things that I try to give to others. They’re beautiful and persevere through hardship.
What’s your coffee order?
A hot vanilla chai with wildflower honey mixed in.
they/them
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach Musical Theatre, Pathways, and Voice Lesson classes. I also take as many adult classes as I can fit into my schedule!
What do you love most about our studio?
I love how welcoming and inclusive Durango Dance is. I was immediately welcomed into the community with open arms and kind hearts. All the people who attend Durango Dance, from the instructors and adults all the way to the teenagers and kids, are full of joy and passion.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
My favorite thing to do in Durango is go to the farmers market and go out for ice cream with friends and family. Durango is so beautiful and full of so many spots to take in nature, especially when the leaves start changing.
What other organizations in town do you love and share values with?
I love organizations that support LGBTQIA+ individuals, such as the Rainbow Youth Center and the Four Corners Alliance for Diversity. I appreciate these organizations because inclusion is for everybody exactly as you are.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would be a whale shark! They’re symbols of calm strength, gentle nature, and wisdom which are all things that I try to give to others. They’re beautiful and persevere through hardship.
What’s your coffee order?
A hot vanilla chai with wildflower honey mixed in.
Ms. Becca
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
Oula Instructor
What do you love about our studio?
Durango Dance is warm, welcoming, and a lovely place to spend time! The focus on inclusivity is super important to me.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
All the outdoorsy things - skiing, paddle boarding, spending time at the river.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
Early Childhood Council of La Plata County. It supports early childhood programs and families in our community!
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I hate this question haha. I asked chatgpt, and it said I was a dolphin - gentle, emotionally perceptive, loyal to your circle, peaceful, and much deeper than people initially realize.
What’s your coffee order?
Oatmilk lavender latte or a London Fog
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
Oula Instructor
What do you love about our studio?
Durango Dance is warm, welcoming, and a lovely place to spend time! The focus on inclusivity is super important to me.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
All the outdoorsy things - skiing, paddle boarding, spending time at the river.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
Early Childhood Council of La Plata County. It supports early childhood programs and families in our community!
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I hate this question haha. I asked chatgpt, and it said I was a dolphin - gentle, emotionally perceptive, loyal to your circle, peaceful, and much deeper than people initially realize.
What’s your coffee order?
Oatmilk lavender latte or a London Fog
Ms. Faye
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach different levels of Tap, Contemporary and Hiphop. I also enjoy hanging out with our dance friends at Parent’s Night Out!!
What do you love about Durango Dance?
Where do I start I'm so grateful for our welcoming, positive and inclusive community here at Durango Dance, offering so many different styles with fun, technical and creative classes!
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
Here in Durango I enjoy going on hike’s, skiing, spending time at the river, going to different coffee places, restaurants and hanging out with my friends. I also love to enjoy coffee in the morning sun!
What other organizations in town do you love and share values with?
Here in town I value the DNF and their values in supporting local businesses and an emphasis on fueling your body with good food. I also really enjoy United Methodist thrift store on second ave, a positive community with great values in reducing waste and giving back to the community.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I'd be a Monkey! They have so much fun swinging to and from branches while enjoying so many delicious fruits. I also love the way they help one another.
What your coffee order?
I love just a warm black coffee little room for light whole milk and two packs of sugar!
When it comes to my coffee at home I pour a double shot of espresso over some maple syrup and add a little bit of whole milk it's delicious!
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach different levels of Tap, Contemporary and Hiphop. I also enjoy hanging out with our dance friends at Parent’s Night Out!!
What do you love about Durango Dance?
Where do I start I'm so grateful for our welcoming, positive and inclusive community here at Durango Dance, offering so many different styles with fun, technical and creative classes!
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
Here in Durango I enjoy going on hike’s, skiing, spending time at the river, going to different coffee places, restaurants and hanging out with my friends. I also love to enjoy coffee in the morning sun!
What other organizations in town do you love and share values with?
Here in town I value the DNF and their values in supporting local businesses and an emphasis on fueling your body with good food. I also really enjoy United Methodist thrift store on second ave, a positive community with great values in reducing waste and giving back to the community.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I'd be a Monkey! They have so much fun swinging to and from branches while enjoying so many delicious fruits. I also love the way they help one another.
What your coffee order?
I love just a warm black coffee little room for light whole milk and two packs of sugar!
When it comes to my coffee at home I pour a double shot of espresso over some maple syrup and add a little bit of whole milk it's delicious!
Ms. Ava
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach adult jazz and contemporary and sub in as needed! My mission in every class is to foster love and gratitude for the body that gives us movement.
What do you love about our studio?
I love that Durango Dance focuses on dance that meets us right where we are at and inspires us to go further. The positive and uplifting environment is easy to feel at home in.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
I love to go outside with my friends, I am always on an adventure!
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I am Vice President of a college club called Dance Co-Motion whose mission closely aligns with Durango Dance. DCM sets out to unite experienced and non-experienced dancers through the love of dance. We foster a community based around support and respect while coming together to create art through movement.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would like to be a Raven because I like to collect little trinkets and I’d love to be free to fly where I want. Ava in Latin is bird so I think that is fitting for me.
What’s your coffee order?
Iced chai latte with cold foam
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach adult jazz and contemporary and sub in as needed! My mission in every class is to foster love and gratitude for the body that gives us movement.
What do you love about our studio?
I love that Durango Dance focuses on dance that meets us right where we are at and inspires us to go further. The positive and uplifting environment is easy to feel at home in.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
I love to go outside with my friends, I am always on an adventure!
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I am Vice President of a college club called Dance Co-Motion whose mission closely aligns with Durango Dance. DCM sets out to unite experienced and non-experienced dancers through the love of dance. We foster a community based around support and respect while coming together to create art through movement.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would like to be a Raven because I like to collect little trinkets and I’d love to be free to fly where I want. Ava in Latin is bird so I think that is fitting for me.
What’s your coffee order?
Iced chai latte with cold foam
Ms. Jamie
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach Oula Dance on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
What do you love about our studio?
I love the instant good vibes as soon as I walk into the studio. This is a space full of big hearts, joy and kindness. It is safe suave to be in a body…everyone is welcome and encouraged to take up space and be free in their own expression of movement and feelings.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
Dance with the amazing Oula community, paddle board on the animas, hike and backpack in the high country abd ski.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I love Compañeros and share values of is a of empowering immigrants and their families through resource navigation, education, legal services, and community engagement in order to achieve the vision of a diverse, empowered and liberated community of immigrants
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Maybe an Eagle. I have felt so connected to them since I was a kid. I am drawn to their amazing vision, ability to ascend so high in the sky and when they fly, the way they look effortless and free and also appearing rooted in a tree branch.
What’s your coffee order?
Black tea, cream and honey.
she/her
What is your role at Durango Dance?
I teach Oula Dance on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
What do you love about our studio?
I love the instant good vibes as soon as I walk into the studio. This is a space full of big hearts, joy and kindness. It is safe suave to be in a body…everyone is welcome and encouraged to take up space and be free in their own expression of movement and feelings.
What is your favorite thing to do in Durango?
Dance with the amazing Oula community, paddle board on the animas, hike and backpack in the high country abd ski.
What other organization in town do you love and share values with?
I love Compañeros and share values of is a of empowering immigrants and their families through resource navigation, education, legal services, and community engagement in order to achieve the vision of a diverse, empowered and liberated community of immigrants
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Maybe an Eagle. I have felt so connected to them since I was a kid. I am drawn to their amazing vision, ability to ascend so high in the sky and when they fly, the way they look effortless and free and also appearing rooted in a tree branch.
What’s your coffee order?
Black tea, cream and honey.
Ms. Laurette
she/her
she/her
Ms. Misha
she/her
she/her