Meet The Diamond Team
Owners
Carly and Dan
Carly and Dan Thigpen have been involved in Diamond Dance for 8 years as dance parents until they bought the studio in May 2024. Dan is a sales and marketing executive and Carly is former grade school teacher. They both have a passion for enhancing/expanding the level of dance for the students and growing the Diamond Dance brand to the next level for many more years to come.
Instructors
Kelsey Gibson
Kelsey Gibson was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She began dancing at Diamond at the age of 11 and competed and trained with the Diamond Dance Studio team for 8 years. She was trained in multiple styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, improvisation, and lyrical. While at Diamond she was dancing under the incredible instruction of Ms. Kate Yurtayeva, Ms. Margaux Leffas, Ms. Tina Day, Mr. Aj Ocampo, and many more. She also attended Las Vegas Academy of the Arts where she trained in several styles of modern dance and ballet under the direction of Ms. Delaney Otjes and Ms. Jeneane Huggins. Since graduating high school, she has continued training in contemporary dance around the world. She recently attended the International Summer Dance Intensive at Arts Umbrella in Vancouver, Canada and the Spring Intensive at Modus Operandi Dance Program in 2024. During the summer of 2025, she will be traveling to Moncalvo, Italy to train with contemporary choreographer Sharon Eyal at Orsolina28. She is so inspired to share her love of dance and passion for performing with the students at Diamond Dance.
Alan Waldron
Alan Waldron has been dancing since the age of 11, training extensively in Latin, Rhythm, Smooth, Standard, and a wide range of social ballroom styles. He has studied under top coaches across the United States.
Alan began teaching in 2019 and is a certified instructor through Dance Vision. He brings passion and clarity to every class, working with students of all ages and skill levels. His teaching experience includes local ballroom studios in Las Vegas, schools throughout the Clark County School District, and even elite athletes—such as Olympic-level figure skaters and gymnasts.
In addition to teaching, Alan actively competes and performs nationwide, continuing to grow as both a dancer and educator.
Margaux Leffas
Raised in sunny San Diego, Margaux fell in love with dance from the second she put on tap shoes. Her early years of training were at the well renowned San Diego Dance Centre. She attended Orange Coast College and received her Associates in Fine Arts and then made her way to Las Vegas and received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with emphasis in Performance from UNLV. She has trained and competed in tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre. Once her school years were completed, she moved back to California to continue what she loves most, teaching dance to the next generation. Since Margaux has been teaching for 15 + years, you can find her students on WOD, tv commercials and more. Margaux has won many awards at competitions such as “Highest Score of the Competition”, “Tap Excellence” and lastly has been nominated for the IDA’s several times for her Tap routines. She works with Spotlight Dance Cup as a Show Director and is also judging with Starquest.
Savanah Skaggs
Savanah Skaggs is a dance teacher and choreographer at Diamond Dance Studio. She is always striving for a hardworking, positive environment. She has been teaching for over eight years and also works in the professional industry. Her credits include; Latin Grammys, Super Bowl Halftime Show 2022, Samsung Flip Phone national commercial, choreographed “danse” for Kamyar music, Charlie D’Amelio Music Video “if you ask me to,” Shab music video ft. Fat Joe “VooDoo,” and many more, with her Bachelors in Fine Arts and previous college professor of dance theatre accompanying her experience. It is her passion to share her knowledge and stories to our new generation of dancers.
Kate Yurtayeva
Yekaterina Yurtayeva (Kate) was born in Russia to an artistic family. From an early age Kate loved to dance and at the age of 6 she was accepted to a ballet school that was run by Omsk State Music Theatre. After a couple years of intense training Kate started dancing solos on the professional stage. It was a great responsibility and honor for the little ballerina. At the age of 9 she left Omsk to study at the famous Novosibirsk State Choreographic College where she was selected into the top 10 out of 300 candidates. While in the college Kate went through rigorous ballet training and performed different parts in ballets, such as “Giselle”, “Don Quixote”, “Swan Lake”, “Nutcracker” and others, that were performed on the stage of Novosibirsk State Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of the best theatres in Russia. After finishing her studies in Novosibirsk Kate moved back to Omsk and got her degree in teaching ballet, folk, ballroom and modern dance from Omsk State College of Arts and Culture. After graduating from the college she was offered a dancer position at the State Dance Company and eventually was promoted to a principal dancer. During those years Kate was coaching dancers of the company and choreographed most of the performances. At the age of 20 Kate moved to the USA. After her performance in “Nutcracker” in 2002 she was offered a job at New Mexico Ballet Company but at that time couldn’t accept any job as a newly arrived immigrant. Since 2003 Kate has been working as a ballet teacher in dance schools and judges for national dance competitions.
Joshua Bozzacco
Joshua Bozzacco has been dancing since the age of 2 and started teaching at 14, winning multiple awards for dance and choreography in regional and national competitions. He graduated from the University of Arizona School of Dance in 2022 with a BFA and minor in Business Administration, where he was able to perform works from world-renowned dance companies including Keigwin + Companies “Megalopolis,” River North Dance Chicago “Habaneras: Music of Cuba,” and Paul Taylor Dance Companies “Colven Kingdom.” He also has trained with Giordano Dance Chicago, Limón Dance Company, and Summer Dance Sessions at their summer intensives. After his time at the University of Arizona, he began his professional dance career as an entertainer on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas performing Showgirl: Past, Present, & Future, and Ballroom Fever. Joshua is currently performing in various shows on the Las Vegas strip as a dancer and aerial soloist; including haunted brunch at House of Blues, brunch of a broken dreams, and more to come. He plans to continue teaching and performing nationwide, spreading his joy through dance.
Isabel Flores
Isabel Flores was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She started out as a gymnast at the age of 7 and trained as a dancer with the Diamond Dance Studio starting in 2020. She is trained in jazz, hip-hop, pom, ballet, contemporary, acro, and more. While training at the studio, she was on the Coronado Cougarettes Dance Team in high school and went on to win 2 NDA national titles in jazz and pom. She is currently on the UNLV Rebel Girls and Company Dance Team and has won 2 UDA national titles along with an ICU Worlds Championship Hip-hop title in 2025. She will be entering her third year on the team. Teaching and choreographing are very strong passions of hers, and she is eager to share her experiences and insights to dancers. She recently won a national title with her choreography in pom at the 2025 NDA High School Nationals Competition. In the future, she plans on either dancing in a Las Vegas show or taking the pro route and joining the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Raiderettes, etc. She also plans on becoming an elementary school teacher and continuing to spread her passion for dance.
Eri Koiso
Graduated from Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts as a dance major under the instruction of Lindsey Rogers and Sarah Sutter. Eri has been dancing since age three and has never stopped loving it! She danced with Diamond throughout high school as well and loved every minute of it. She has trained in many styles, some include: ballet, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, jazz. During her high school career she starred in The Addams Family musical and Newsies as a lead dancer. She then went on to choreograph for the Freaky Friday musical her junior year. By senior year she got the Dancer of the Year Award, chosen by the instructors.
When she isn't being a dance teacher she works as a hair stylist! (Psst! She loves taking new clients!) She recently just got her own station and can't wait to start this new journey! She hopes to inspire and create a loving environment for everyone who wants to dance!
Angelica Perez
Angelica is a passionate and accomplished dancer currently pursuing her dance major at UNLV preparing for a future that may include dance instructor, choreography, or arts outreach. Off stage, she inspires through community workshops, school visits, and volunteer performances across Las Vegas. With a lifetime of dedication already behind her and many more performances yet to come, Angelica Perez embodies what it means to be a competitive, creative, and committed dancer representing her university and her city. With over 12 years of dedicated training and experience under her belt, she brings both technical creativity and expressive artistry to every routine.
Charlena (Shar) Hester
Is originally from Kansas City, KS, a boy mom and married to her high school sweetheart. Passionate about the art of dance, Shar brings a unique blend of creativity, skill, and teaching prowess to the world of movement. With a dance journey that spans over 15 years, she has made a significant impact both on stage and in the studio. Before before moving to Las Vegas, Shar directed a studio and competition team for 5+ years. However, she learned her true passion was with her preschool kids.
As a dedicated dance educator, Shar possesses a deep commitment to sharing the joy of dance with tiny dancers. She has trained with the best at Dance Teacher Summit for two seasons and has learned many great tools for recreational dance. Known for her ability to inspire and motivate students, Shar fosters a positive and inclusive learning environment where creativity flourishes.
Elise Porter
Elise is a Las Vegas-based dancer and instructor with over 13 years of training in hip hop, jazz, Horton, ballet, contemporary, and musical theater. A graduate of Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, she has performed with Contemporary West Dance Theater, Live Arts Collective, and in productions for Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation, the Stellar Awards, and more. Elise is a passionate educator known for her dynamic style, strong technique, and commitment to inspiring dancers at every level.
Piper Moore
Piper has been dancing since the age of 3 and has trained in a variety of styles over the years. She started going to Diamond in 2022 after taking a tap class with Ms.Margaux and absolutely loved it! Her dedication and passion for dance have earned her numerous awards and recognitions at competitions and events. She recently spent a week in New York attending Steps on Broadway Pre-Professional Summer Intensive! This year marks the exciting start of her teaching journey, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to share her love of dance with the littlest dancers at the studio. After graduation, she plans to pursue a professional dance career and dreams of moving to New York City to continue growing as a dancer and artist. Miss Piper is so excited to inspire and be inspired by the next generation of dancers!
Student Teachers
Ari Esquivel
Ari has been dancing since the age of 3, and Diamond Dance Studio has always been her second home. Over the years, Ari has trained in a variety of styles, gaining a strong foundation in the technique, discipline, and creativity it takes to be a dancer. She loves expressing strength and emotion through movement and texture, and is passionate about bringing that energy into every class. “I’m incredibly grateful to learn from and now work alongside the talented instructors who have helped shape me into the dancer I am today. I’m excited to share my love of dance and help inspire the next generation of performers!”
Charli McGrath
Charli has been dancing since the age of 8 and is currently a dance major at the Las Vegas Academy. Over the years, she has discovered a deep passion for movement and expression through dance. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase her love for the art form, while also expanding her skills in teaching and choreography. Charli looks forward to learning from some of the best mentors as she continues to grow as both a dancer and an emerging artist.
Office Staff
Jill “The Lady” McGrath
Studio Manager
Meet Jill McGrath, the behind-the-scenes superstar who keeps Diamond Dance running smoothly day in and day out! As our Studio Manager, Jill is equal parts organized wizard, cheerleader-in-chief, and go-to problem solver. Whether it’s juggling class schedules, answering parent questions with a smile, or making sure the costumes shine the brighest on the stage, she keeps the energy high and the vibe positive.
With a deep love for all things creative, Jill brings heart, hustle, and just the right amount of sparkle to everything. When not keeping the studio running like clockwork, you’ll probably find her dancing along from the front desk or from the side of the stage at competitions.
Joy Sager
Creative Director
When I’m not running into burning buildings as a firefighter (19 years strong!), I’m usually running around with a glitter cannon and a hot glue gun, helping bring the magic to life at the studio. As a proud dance mom, I quickly discovered that my “off-duty” passion lies in all things creative — from crafting one-of-a-kind hair pieces, building over-the-top stage props, sewing, merchandising and planning parties that dancers (and parents) will never forget.
My happy place is somewhere between the dollar store craft aisle and the "Lavender Ladies Lounge" (Our Crafting Headquarters) during recital week, fueled by coffee, sparkle, and a deep love for our dance family. Whether it’s designing themed photo ops, decorating for competitions, or just adding that extra wow-factor to a studio event, I love turning visions into reality and making every dancer feel like a star.
Helping people is in my blood — whether I’m answering a 911 call or putting the final touches on a recital backdrop or competition prop. Being part of this incredible studio lets me blend creativity, community, and heart, and I’m honored to help make the behind-the-scenes magic just as memorable as the spotlight moments.
Jen Stone
Administration Assistant
Wife of 16 years, proud mom to two beautiful girls, Emma and Scarlett — and a full-time homeschooling mama. I'm a big believer in strong coffee, good workouts, crispy French fries, and cute bows (the more, the better!).
When I'm not teaching school lessons or chasing chickens in the backyard, I'm leaning on 15 years of experience in the insurance world and my associate degree in elementary education to pour into my family and community. Life's busy, messy, and beautiful —and I wouldn’t have it any other way!