Faculty

LOREN SPARKS
Loren began her dance training at the age of three in Torrington, CT, where she was instructed in the Vaganova technique of classical ballet at The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. For her next 15 years at Nutmeg, Loren studied with many known choreographers and teachers including Eleanor D'Antuono, Elena Tchernichova, Kevin Martin and Sharon Dante. Loren also attended the Joffrey Workshop in San Antonio, TX, and has competed in the Youth American Grand Prix in New York City, where she received honorable mention. Loren moved to Oklahoma to join Ballet Oklahoma. She has performed in many ballets including The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Les Sylphide, Romeo and Juliet, and many more. After spending seven years with the company, she realized that it was time to find her next path in life. Knowing how much she loved dance and children, she knew what she had to do next. Epic Dance Studio will begin its10th year in July, and she is beyond excited! Loren would like to thank everyone in her life who has made this journey an amazing one.

KAYLA QUISENBERRY
Kayla Quisenberry is from McAlester, OK and received her formal dance training at Pam’s Academy of Dance, Applause Dance Studios, Tulsa Ballet and with the Tremaine Dance Convention Performance Company as a member/assistant for 5 years. Kayla was on the McAlester High School pom squad making her a State Solo Champion, three time team State Champion, as well as placing top 5 in the Nation two years in a row. Kayla has won countless awards, scholarships, and has had the opportunity to travel the world, while assisting many known professional choreographers. Kayla is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations with a minor in Dance History. She is now an alumni of the Pi Beta Phi sorority on campus. Kayla has worked with numerous high school and collegiate pom teams across Oklahoma and Texas on technique, state and national routines. You can find some of her dancers on Division 1 dance teams. Kayla is currently the Deer Creek High School Varsity Pom Coach, leading her team to many camp and state titles. Along with state titles, Kayla has also been awarded with choreography, overall and cash awards for her routines. Kayla is excited and passionate about the art of dance. She plans to always make dance a part of her life and cannot wait to see where her dance career takes her. 

LESLIE SYRING

Leslie received her formal training under Kari Kohls- Bruch with the Starfire Dance Company, and is currently on staff as a choreographer. She also trained under some of the best in the business including Judy Rice, Barry Youngblood and the late Gregg Russell.

As a dancer, Leslie assisted many projects, including Opening Number for Starlight Dance Productions.  She was a featured performer at Tanzsommer, The International Festival of Dance, traveling through Germany, Austria and Italy. She has starred in regional productions of Wizard of Oz, Aladdin, Little Mermaid and Cinderella.  Leslie traveled as an assistant to Barry Youngblood for many years and is honored to be a member of the Company Dance Hall of Fame. Leslie can currently be seen in the Hanson music videos “ Thinking About Something” and “ Give a Little”.  Leslie performed at the Grand Opening of the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and was part of the Global Dance Convention in Sydney, Australia. 

As a choreographer, Leslie has received numerous national awards at many different studios around the country, including four pieces represented at the World Dance Championships.  Leslie is also a faculty member on Nexus Dance convention.  Many of Leslie’s students have gone on to further their education and pursue a career in dance. Most notably Julliard, SMU, University of Oklahoma Pom, University of Kansas Rock Chalk Dancers, Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders, Odyssey Dance Theatre and Cirque du Soleil’s VIVA Elvis. 

She spends most of her time setting competitive material and teaching Master Classes for studios around the country. She loves to share her passion with this next generation of dancers and she wishes to instill the hard work and perseverance she was taught growing up in the amazing dance industry. 

KORTNEI COWEN

Bio to follow...

JULIA LYALL

Julia Lyall is an aspiring dance educator and choreographer. She has been training in a variety of dance disciplines since the age of four, including ballet, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop, with her primary focus being tap. Recently, Julia completed her Bachelor of Science in American Dance Pedagogy at the renowned Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment at Oklahoma City University. Along with taking courses in technique, choreography, and pedagogy, Julia has had the opportunity to perform in multiple Student Choreography Showcases and as a part of the OCU Pep Dancers, for whom she has also choreographed. She is currently working towards her Master of Business Administration.

Julia hopes to instill a love of dance within all of her students; her primary teaching philosophy lies in the belief that everyone, no matter their skill level, age, or ability should have the chance to dance. She seeks to create artists whose technique does not inhibit their storytelling ability.

HANNAH QUISENBERRY

Hannah began competitively dancing at the age of two in McAlester, OK, where she began her dance training at Pam's Academy of Dance. She also trained at Applause Dance Studios and Tulsa Ballet. As a dancer Hannah has traveled all over the world, winning countless awards, assisting choreographers and was on the McAlester Varsity Pom team in high school. During college Hannah was in the Pi Beta Phi Sorority on campus, as well as a 4 year member and senior captain of the University of Oklahoma Pom team. She graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and is currently attending University of Central Oklahoma for another Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Hannah is currently the Deer Creek High School JV coach, leading her team and program to many accomplishments and state titles. 

Hannah has worked with many studios, teams and individuals on technique, cleaning and training for the next level. Her passion for teaching, in both the classrooms and studios, shows in her work, dedication and achievements. HQ is excited about the future and can't wait to see where her new adventures take her.