Jolena Payan was born in San Diego, CA and began dancing at the age of 3! She graduated from the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Chula Vista and began her professional career aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. After gaining her sea legs, she performed in a variety of shows ranging from Superbowl XXXVII to American Superstars in Las Vegas. Performing was exhilarating but she discovered that her true passion was sharing the gift of dance with others when she began teaching and studying dance education. Jolena holds her bachelor's degree in dance and theater, a master's degree in secondary education and is committed to being a lifelong learner by pursuing frequent professional development opportunities. Jolena has over 20 years of teaching experience in studios, public schools and dance conventions and her favorite thing about teaching is watching dancers light up when they achieve their goals!

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Megan Smothers was born in Phoenix and started her dance career at the age of 3. She danced competitively throughout high school and assisted with classes growing up. She then went on to college where she earned a fine arts degree with an emphasis in dance. Megan has 10 years of teaching experience and is certified through Acrobatic Arts. She continues to take classes and earn more certification to further her dance education. 

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Traci Mann has made a living as a professional dancer and instructor for over 40 years! She began dancing at a young age in New Mexico and eventually found her way to New York City where she worked extensively in the dance industry. Once in NYC, Traci ran her own dance company called The Young Hoofers. Traci choreographed and performed in a number of shows such as, 'Les MIserables', 'Shrek', 'Once on this Island', and the Lincoln Center Broadway Series - 'Reel to Real'. She has also produced and co-produced for over 30 years for events such as, the annual Tap Extravaganza, Taste of Broadway, Tap in for Clean Tap Water, and a 12-series show for New York Town Hall. To this day, Traci is an active member of the NY Committee to Celebrate National Tap Day as Chair Emeritus, and her favorite thing about working at a dance studio is the poise, progressive thinking, creativity, teamwork, and, most importantly, the joy that dance creates!

Hannah Natale was born in Corpus Christi, TX and started dancing at the age of 3! She trained in various styles of dance at an Arizona dance studio and was a part of her high school's dance team and pom team. Hannah competed regionally throughout the state with both her studio and high school teams and had the opportunity to perform in Super Bowl XLIX. After high school, Hannah went on to obtain her Bachelor's in Community Health and Master's in Family and Human Development through Arizona State University. It was during this time that she found her way back into the dance world as the office manager of Heart and Sole and now serves as the social media specialist. Her favorite thing about working at a dance studio is being able to see the dancers shine on stage and share her passion for dance with everyone that comes through the doors!

Abbi McLyman grew up dancing, competing in gymnastics and in high school she was a member of her school's Pom team. Miss Abbi has a keen eye for detail and always strives to provide amazing customer service. Miss Abbi started as a receptionist at Heart and Sole and will now serve as office manager! Her favorite part of the job has been building relationships with all of our dance families.  

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"This job has brought so many happy memories to myself, the staff and dancers and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Heart and Sole!!"

- Miss Abbi

Bailey Wegner was born in Huntington Beach, California in 2004 and lived there for 2 years before moving to Surprise, Arizona. She took her first dance class when she was 3 years old and has not stopped dancing since! She began competing with a dance team when she was 7 years old, and continued to dance competitively until she graduated High School. Bailey graduated from Shadow Ridge High School where she was a participant in the Shadow Ridge dance program as well as the Varsity Pom team. She discovered her love for choreographing and teaching during her 4 years of High School and hoped to continue that passion after she graduated. Her first year out of High School she joined the Heart & Sole team! Bailey holds a comprehensive certification in mat and reformer Pilates from Breathe Education. She is passionate about creating strong and fearless dancers through safe yet empowering training! She loves the relationships she builds with the kids and how rewarding it is to watch them achieve their goals!

Devin Cruz was born in Los Angeles, California and moved to Arizona during middle school. She grew up playing soccer and didn’t start dancing until her freshman year. Heart & Sole holds a special place in her heart because Miss Jolena was her high school Dance Teacher. Devin was on the dance company for 4 years at Willow Canyon High School. Devin also danced with the Arizona Jam Dancers at the Arizona Grand Resort and got the opportunity to perform with the Suns Dancers at an NBA Game. Devin went on to pursue her love for dance by getting her Bachelors in Dance Education at Arizona State University. Her favorite styles of dance are Jazz and Contemporary! Before coming to the studio, Devin was the Dance Teacher at West Point Elementary School.

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“I didn’t start dance when I was younger like most, but if I could give any advice to my students it would be- No matter how or when you start dance, it’s never too late to go after your dreams!”

Deborah Mensah is a native of Phoenix, AZ who is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University. She has years of experience of working with children, teenagers, and young adults. Her experience as a mentor and leader has enhanced her passion for children’s success. She also various experiences in dance - from studying in high school and teaching it at church. She loves working with the team at Heart and Sole.

Samantha Stogner was born and raised in northern New Jersey, and began dancing at the age of 3. She started competitively dancing when she was 4, and moved to Arizona at the age of 12 where she continued to compete until she was 16. She graduated from Shadow Ridge High School where she was apart of the dance program and cheerleading team throughout all four years. She has continued to choreograph for the schools programs since she graduated, and loves to watch the growth of the students. She took classes and continued to train in college at the University of Arizona prior to transferring to the University of Hawai’i, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. Dance and performing is a huge part of who she is, and she’s excited to share the love with the dancers of Heart and Sole.

Ashlyn Leming - Bio coming soon!

Anna Allen - Bio coming soon!