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Rachel Hunter
Founder & Director
Rachel has been dancing since the age of two and has trained extensively in a variety of dance styles. Rachel graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, where she held the role of Dance Coordinator for Laurier’s Recreational Dance Program. This program is highly regarded among Canadian Universities. Rachel led a team of 27 dance instructors and a program of over 400 participants and produced 12 sold out dance showcases with over 1000 attendees! She was also a Tap instructor within the program for 4 years growing their tap program from 6 participants to 30+. Rachel had the pleasure of introducing new class offerings into the program including Intro to Burlesque, Afro-Beats, Latin and Advanced Ballet.
Rachel then later graduated from Arizona State University with a Masters of Sports Law and Business where she introduced Heels Dance Workshops to ASU's Sun Devil Fitness, pioneering the introduction of the style within department’s class offerings. Here she had the pleasure of hosting monthly Heels Dance classes for ASU students.
She has completed her Level 1 International Dance Teaching Standards Certification and is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Shaylyn Timmons
Head Instructor
Shaylyn Timmons is a dance educator committed to empowering dancers and cultivating meaningful community in every class she leads. She holds a BFA in Dance Education from Arizona State University and is Barre certified. With over five years of experience as a high school Dance Director, Shaylyn has championed a district-wide emphasis on Dance Education and continuously advocates for opportunities that allow students to expand their artistry, deepen their creativity, and challenge their physical potential.
Shaylyn believes that dance is for everybody and every stage of life. She is especially passionate about teaching contemporary and jazz, where she inspires dancers to explore dynamic artistry, musical nuance, and authentic storytelling. Beyond her work with high school and adult dancers, Shaylyn guest teaches classes across Arizona and New York, sharing her expertise in anatomy to empower dancers with knowledge that enhances technique, safety, and longevity in their movement practices.
Her classes for adult dancers are rooted in creating an uplifting, inclusive environment where individuals can reconnect with their bodies, build unwavering self-confidence, and thrive within a supportive community. Shaylyn is honored to join Cloud Dance Collective, where she is driven to further her leadership, inspire dancers to embrace their fullest potential, and create brave spaces where movers of all ages feel seen, valued, and free to express their creative voice.
Miranda Souder
Dance Instructor
Miranda is a passionate and experienced dance educator with over 22 years in dance, 10 years in gymnastics, and 7 years of teaching. She began training in both disciplines at a young age, developing a dynamic, expressive style rooted in strength and artistry.
Her background includes a wide range of styles—jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap, and tumbling—with jazz being one of her specialties. She’s certified in Sugarfoot Therapy, personal training, and barre, and brings a thoughtful, well-rounded approach that supports dancers' growth, strength, and longevity.
From beginners to pre-professionals, Miranda is committed to creating inclusive spaces where dancers feel supported, challenged, and inspired. She believes dance is a powerful way to connect— to the body, to the music, to others, and to one’s authentic self. Her teaching blends strong technique with authentic expression, always encouraging dancers to move with confidence and purpose.
She’s thrilled to be joining Cloud Dance Collective and looks forward to sharing her love of movement with a vibrant, creative community!
Ella Foster
Dance Instructor
Ella Foster is a professional dancer based in Phoenix, Arizona. She began her dance journey as a competitive dancer in Maryland, where she trained for over a decade. At just 15, Ella was signed by MSA Talent Agency, and by 17, she earned a full scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York City as a Jazz and Contemporary trainee.
After more than two years of intensive training at Joffrey, Ella took her talents on the road, performing with Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Her career has also included performances with Camila Cabello, modeling for Hermès, and dancing in several short films.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ella is passionate about building connection and community through dance. At Cloud Dance Collective, she is excited to foster a welcoming environment where dancers of all levels can grow, share, and thrive together.
Ella is thrilled to join the Cloud Dance Collective community and is excited to share her passion for dance through teaching, connecting with students, and building relationships in Arizona.
Hannah Sewester
PT, DPT
RYT-200
Fitness Instructor
Hannah is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified Yoga and Yoga Sculpt instructor. Hannah has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Arizona State University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Hannah has a background in ballet and contemporary dance, which she initially pursued within the dance program at ASU until later switching her focus to physical therapy. She found her love for yoga while pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and discovered how complementary a yoga practice could be to dance training.
She has since developed a passion for guiding people through yoga and movement-based classes that are effective in both increasing strength and mobility through optimal and sustainable movement. Hannah believes that yoga is truly for everyone, and her goal is to cultivate an environment in which everyone who steps into her class feels welcomed and leaves feeling empowered in their body.
Her classes will help you find your inner strength and inspire you to push your own limits both on and off your mat. When Hannah is not on her mat, you can catch her hiking with her aussiedoodle, Lulu, or trying new restaurants with her husband, Alex.
Lillian Nelson
Dance Instructor
Lillian is a ballroom instructor and choreographer with over 18 years of training. She began dancing at a young age with foundations in classical ballet. She has experience teaching dancers of all ages and skill levels with a particular focus on ballroom technique, performance, and partnering. Her experience includes training in American and International styles with a major emphasis on International Latin.
She is originally from Dallas, TX, where she worked with studios to choreograph for their performance companies and led technique classes. She also served as the President of the ballroom team at Southern Methodist University, where she gained experience in leadership and team building.
She is now a second-year law student at Arizona State University, but maintains a passion for dance. She aims to create a supportive learning environment in all her classes to help dancers build confidence, new technique, and a love for dance. Through thoughtful choreography and intentional movement, she encourages dancers to challenge themselves while feeling supported and empowered.
Ashley Cook
Dance Instructor
Ashley is a dance educator dedicated to empowering dancers and fostering a positive, supportive environment in every class she leads. She has been dancing since the age of five and brings over six years of teaching experience to her work as an instructor. Ashley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, allowing her to thoughtfully integrate both physical and mental well-being into her teaching approach.
Ashley believes dance is a powerful tool for growth, self-expression, and confidence at every stage of life. She is passionate about helping dancers develop strong technique while also building mental resilience, self-awareness, and a healthy relationship with movement. Her teaching emphasizes intention, confidence, and artistry, encouraging dancers to grow both technically and personally.
In addition to her work as a dance educator, Ashley is a certified Pure Barre instructor. This background enhances her focus on strength, alignment, injury awareness, and longevity, supporting dancers in developing deeper body awareness. Her classes are rooted in inclusivity and encouragement, creating a space where dancers feel inspired to grow both on and off the dance floor.
Arielle Lemke
Dance Instructor
Arielle is an Arizona native who began her dance journey through her high school’s dance program. She has since performed with several dance companies, including Rogue Dance Productions and Desert Dance Theatre, and has had additional performance opportunities across Arizona and throughout the U.S. Arielle earned her BFA in Dance Education from Arizona State University.
Today, Arielle guest teaches in schools and studios across the state and continues to create meaningful work for young, aspiring dancers. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, inspiring confidence, and fostering growth both in and beyond the studio.
She is deeply committed to mentoring dancers and creating a space that encourages confidence, artistry, and growth. Arielle’s classes emphasize intention, expression, and community, fostering a supportive environment where dancers feel challenged, inspired, and empowered to discover their full potential.
