Meet Our Skilled and Passionate Dance Instructors

Kacey Atlas

“I look to find the potential inside every student, using positive ways to build skills safely, increase confidence and esteem, and achieve things they never thought possible!”

Kacey started off on a performing tumbling team at the age of 5 and transitioned to a traditional gymnastics facility where she switched from artistic to rhythmic gymnastics becoming state and regional champion 5 consecutive years in a row, qualified and placed in top 10-15 at the junior Olympics, achieved elite status (placing top 12 in the nation) and 9th OA, her first year at the US National Championships. Her second year, she achieved a US national team ranking of 5th OA. After gymnastics, she began dancing, (beyond the ballet training required for gymnastics) branching into other styles/ genres on a performing company called Moveo. She is currently a working performing artist for Duo Kinetix, performing an acrobatic duo in the art of balance across the US for multiple types of events.

She has received the coach of the year award multiple years in rhythmic gymnastics, coached national team members, and was an accredited judge in the sport. She has had multiple top and Overall and National placements for groups, solos, duos and trios in Acro dance. She has spent the last 17+ years building her one of a kind Acro and stretch and strength training programs to take kids safely to the next level of ability. She continues to educate herself and learn about anatomy/kinesiology, Hypermobility, and how to access movement and pinpoint weaknesses and compensations for better health and performance of the dancers she works with. She is certified in the following:

-DancemED

-The Atlas method

-Alixa Flexibility

-mUv method

-Certified Personal Trainer (International Sports Science Academy)

She has also had instruction in contortion and acrobatic partnering from former Cirque Du Soleil Artists Carmita Lorador, Alixa Slobodyan and Meaghan Wegg, and EDS Contortion specialist and agent Jasmine Straga.

Sarah Baltazar

Sarah Baltazar began her dance training at the tender age of three in the small town of Boulder City, NV. She graduated as a dance major from Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts, and began her dance career in both teaching and performing. Sarah danced for Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA from 2013-2017 before moving to the Pacific Northwest. She currently teaches Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Contemporary for multiple studios in the Portland and Vancouver areas, and truly loves working with all ages of dancers who share the love of this craft.

Studio portrait of smiling woman with braided hair

Rikkia Pereira

Making her way from New York City, Rikkia Pereira formatively received training in Ballet, Horton Modern, Jazz, and West African Dance from various studios and schools. Rikkia went on to pursue studies in Dance and Education at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. There, she was introduced to Improvisation, studied choreography and Contemporary dance with Deborah Goffe, implemented projects focused on engaging the voices of young people through dance, and produced her own work. Post grad, Rikkia taught dance in after school programs, participated in the Urban Bush Women’s Summer Leadership Institute, and pursued Hip Hop training and coaching with Robin Dunn. Presently, Rikkia is dancing with Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater in Portland, Oregon and now teaching at Evergreen Dance Academy in Vancouver, Washington. Rikkia strongly believes in the power of dance, as it has served as a site for her self actualization and gifted her with the tools to be an empowered, embodied person in everything she does.

Kelly Mathieu

Kelly Mathieu is a guest teacher with Evergreen Dance Academy. She grew up in Northern California, where she developed a taste for the outdoors, dance, and gymnastics. Professionally, Mrs. Mathieu holds a BFA in Dance, from Cornish College of the Arts and is a Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Dance Educator. Kelly has been a lead dance/ballet instructor, performer, and choreographer for over 20 years, bringing a vast amount of knowledge, experience and passion to her students. She was also the Artistic Director/Owner of Rainier Ballet Academy in Renton, WA, from 2006 to 2012.

She empowers dancers to achieve their full potential through a holistic approach to movement. As an experienced dance educator, she specializes in ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, jazz, modern, choreography, and basic anatomy.

Recognizing the critical link between strength and performance, she guides her dancers to increase strength, improve conditioning and endurance, safely enhance flexibility, and prevent injuries. In every class, Kelly fosters a supportive environment, weaving in musicality, creativity, and care while emphasizing proper body alignment and a solid dance technique.

Kelly actively promotes dancer health and safety by holding memberships with Doctors for Dancers (DFD), the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS), and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). Her additional certifications in Pointe Safe, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), and The Ellové Technique further underscore her commitment to “helping dancers find their strength from Studio to Stage.”

Portrait of a woman with long brown hair and red lipstick.

Jana Matthews

Jana has performed as a dancer and magician’s assistant across the US from coast to coast. In 2016 she received a BFA in Dance from West Texas A&M. She has studied many dance styles including, ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, acro, zouk, salsa, and bachata. She feels honored to have the opportunity to share her love, knowledge and passion for dance with others. 2025-2026 will be her second year teaching with Evergreen Dance Academy.

Rebecca Spencer

Rebecca received her foundational training in ballet, modern, jazz, and pointe at the Louisville Ballet School. She gained more comprehensive education by completing a BFA in Dance from Belhaven University, graduating with honors. Rebecca has taught, choreographed, and performed in five states and has been active in the field for fifteen years. Some of her favorite ballet performances include the Louisville Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and excerpts from Cinderella and La Vivandiere. Her favorite modern/contemporary experiences include performing in nontraditional venues, partnering, and using props as eclectic as flippers and rolling office chairs.

She is a member of IADMS and NDEO and is also a certified yoga instructor.

Rebecca loves facilitating people of all ages thriving in the arts. Outside of the arts, you can find her walking, hiking, reading, and drinking tea.

Smiling woman with long brown hair outdoors.

Julia Tshyankova

Julia Tsyhankova brings over 15 years of dance teaching experience to Evergreen Dance Academy. A passionate and dedicated dance coach, Julia has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, helping them explore the beauty and discipline of dance.

Originally from Ukraine, Julia began her journey as a dance teacher in 2005, managing successful dance programs that inspired students to thrive. She specializes in group and private classes, covering a wide variety of styles.

Now, at Evergreen Dance Academy, Julia is excited to offer dynamic and engaging dance classes for kids and adults. Her teaching approach focuses on skill-building, confidence, and enjoyment, making every session a chance to grow both technically and creatively.