TAYLOR BARTEL Owner & Creative Director Taylor Bartel grew up dancing at 28th Avenue Dance Studio under the direction of her mother, Stephanie, and officially began teaching in 2008. She holds a Master of Arts in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Wyoming. Taylor is certified in both Acrobatic Arts and yoga instruction.
She has trained in ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop, ballroom, and pointe, and performed in numerous university productions, including Carmina Burana, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and Continuous Momentum: The Works of Bill T. Jones. Her original choreography, *Etched*, was selected for the American College Dance Festival in 2013.
Before returning home to Torrington in 2018, Taylor taught and choreographed throughout Southwest Wyoming, coached competitive dancers at Artistry in Motion, and assisted with classes at the Manhattan Dance Project in Seattle. She continues to pursue ongoing education through master classes and professional development workshops, most recently in Austin, San Diego, and New York City.
Taylor’s roots run wide. A former 4-H member, yearbook editor, state champion softball player, and radio professional, she brings a well-rounded and adventurous spirit to her leadership. She enjoys attending concerts, hunting in the Wyoming wilderness, and spending time on the water. Taylor and her husband, Garrett, own and operate a farm alongside her dance business—living a life full of grit, grace, and growth.
Today, her mission is clear: to build strong dancers, confident humans, and a studio culture driven by passion, purpose, and resilience. She enjoys life outdoors with Garrett, their daughter Sloane, and their two dogs, Yeti and Ziggy.
STEPHANIE KATH Founder & Instructor Stephanie is a Torrington native and owned the studio with her husband, Grant Kath. She has two children, Taylor (daughter) and Ryan (son). She received her B.S. in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Physical Education from Chadron State College. She later student and substitute taught in Torrington while also instructing the THS Dance Team for 3 years. Additionally, Kath worked at St. Joseph's Children's Home for 4 years. Stephanie served on the committee that developed the Physical Education Standards for St. Joe's.
Stephanie taught Ballet for the Community Education Program at EWC, before opening her own dance studio. Stephanie's parents, Ron and Ilene Kaufman, enrolled her in a tumbling class at age 3. She then began taking dance lessons (primarily Ballet, Tap, and Jazz) from Iris Beesaw in Scottsbluff, Neb. She continued with Holly Reno in Gering, Neb., and then Sue West in Torrington. Stephanie danced on the THS dance team all four years of high school, under the direction of Linda Johnson. Kath was accepted to a Ballet West summer intensive as a sophomore in high school and participated in the Miss Drill Team USA Competition in California in 1984. She was also invited to perform as a soloist in the Miss Drill Team International Event in Japan.
Stephanie helped form a dance team at EWC and danced on that team for two years. Stephanie received quality training in Gymnastics during her childhood under the direction of Norm and Erlene Eskam and was a competitive gymnast with the Scottsbluff School of Gymnastics. She has taught elective dance classes at Torrington Middle School, choreographed musicals for both Torrington and Southeast High Schools, and choreographed several productions for Goshen Community Theatre. Stephanie has taken various master classes throughout her tenure as a teacher. Kath is passionate about education and provides continued training opportunities for her staff. She is a certified Acrobatic Arts Preschool and Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor. Stephanie loves working with children, providing an experience in the Arts, and witnessing her students' success outside of the studio.
KATIE KREIN Office Coordinator Katie Krein has been a valued member of the studio community for the past five months. Outside of her role at the dance studio, she works as a Social Worker, where she dedicates herself to making a positive difference in the lives of those she supports. She also devotes much of her time and energy to her four children, taking them to various activities, helping with their schoolwork, and encouraging their interests. At home, her lively household is always bustling with activity, thanks to her three dogs, two geckos, and a fish, all of which add to the energetic and joyful environment. Balancing her busy family life with her work and her passion for dance, Katie always manages to bring a caring and positive attitude wherever she goes.
Katie genuinely enjoys meeting new people and finds great satisfaction in seeing the smiles on students’ faces when they arrive for their dance classes. She feels truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the studio’s welcoming atmosphere, where kids are inspired to learn, grow, and build confidence through dance. Despite not having perfected the art of whistling, dancing, or keeping succulents alive, she loves working at 28th Avenue Dance at the front desk. Her warmth, friendliness, and dedication help create a comfortable environment for families and visitors alike. Her cheerful presence and genuine care contribute significantly to the supportive, joyful spirit of the studio, making it a special place where everyone feels appreciated and motivated.
MEGHAN KORTUS Instructor Meghan comes to us with over 15 years of dance education and a lifelong passion for movement. A former Division I Fastpitch player at Texas Tech University, she expertly combines the discipline and teamwork of athletics with the artistry and expressiveness of dance. Following her collegiate athletic career, Meghan dedicated a decade to coaching select softball teams, where she fostered leadership, resilience, and a love for the game in young athletes. Her academic background in Elementary Education enhances her ability to connect with young dancers and learners, creating an environment that encourages growth, creativity, and confidence both in and out of the studio.
Outside of her professional life, Meghan embraces a rich, family-centered lifestyle with her husband and daughter. Together, they enjoy raising cattle and registered White Dorper sheep, which reflects her strong connection to agriculture and rural life. Her diverse experiences, blending athletic discipline, educational insight, and a nurturing spirit, bring a well-rounded and inspiring perspective to her work with students, making her a valuable addition to our team.
CHRISTINE GUZMAN Instructor Christine Guzman has been deeply involved in dance from a young age, growing up competing in Virginia from ages 6 to 9. She considers the year of 1999 at 28th Avenue Dance Studio, her true foundation in dance. She gained experience through competitions and recitals that shaped her skills and love for performance. After her early training, she attended Casper College, further developing her technique and knowledge for dance. Christine’s passion for the art led her to perform professionally on stage with notable acts such as Mystikal, Lil Jon and the East Side Boys, and the Youngbloods, showcasing her talent and versatility as a dancer. Throughout her life, Christine has continued to pursue dance across different regions. She moved to South Carolina, where she started an adult dance company and kept honing her craft by taking classes. Later, she relocated to San Diego and danced with the Visionary Dance Company, expanding her experience in contemporary performance. In Colorado, she also taught adult dance classes, sharing her expertise and passion with a new community. Now back in Torrington, Christine's diverse background and extensive dance journey make her a valuable part of our team.
JENNA FIRKINS Instructor Jenna Firkins grew up in Colorado, where her love for dance began early with tap and ballet classes as a toddler. She returned to dance in middle school and continued through high school, training in hip hop, jazz and ballet and developed a deep personal connection to movement and music. After becoming a parent, Jenna knew she wanted to introduce dance into the lives of her children. All three of her daughters began dancing in Colorado and have continued since the family moved to Torrington, Wyoming in 2022.
While it took a little time to settle into a new community—and adjust to life after welcoming her youngest—Jenna stepped back into the studio in 2023, joining adult jazz, ballet, and tap classes at 28th Ave Dance Studio. Her passion was instantly reignited. Dance has become a soulful and energizing part of her life again, and she’s grateful for the opportunity to share that joy with others. In addition to her dance journey, Jenna brings over a decade of experience working with children ages 3–15 through homeschool co-ops in Colorado and children’s programs in her church. She is a mom of seven—three girls and four boys. While her sons haven’t yet expressed interest in formal dance classes, they’ve mastered the art of the living room dance party. Jenna is absolutely thrilled to be teaching this season and looks forward to helping young dancers grow in confidence, creativity, and love for the art of dance.
Outside the studio, Jenna’s favorite place to be is with her family. Whether it’s spending time with her husband, having spontaneous adventures with her kids, or soaking up sunshine outdoors, she finds joy in every moment together. She’s someone who genuinely loves to laugh, live fully, and create meaningful memories with the people she loves most.
ATHENA SWIHART Co-Instructor Athena Swihart is a dedicated and versatile dance enthusiast with four years of experience in Hip Hop, Jazz, and Drill. Having developed her skills through active participation in various dance styles, Athena is confident in her ability to choreograph and work effectively with all age groups. Her diverse background enables her to connect with students of different ages and skill levels, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment.
Athena is currently attending college and her family members have been loyal to our studio for a handful of years now. She has a strong passion for dance and is eager to bring her energy and creativity to the team. Having recently returned to dance after a brief hiatus, Athena’s recent experience in Texas and her home-school education have helped shape her independent and adaptable approach. She is enthusiastic about contributing her talents to support students’ growth and enjoyment in dance.
NORA JESPERSEN Co-Instructor Nora is currently a junior at THS and has been a dedicated student at 28th Avenue Dance Studio ever since she was little. Throughout her years at the studio, she has developed a particular passion for ballet and tap dance, which she continues to enjoy exploring and perfecting. Nora’s enthusiasm for dance is nothing short of contagious, and her dedication to her craft is evident in everything she does. Over time, she has grown into a confident dancer, always eager to learn and improve her skills through hard work and enthusiasm.
This year, Nora is excited to take on a new role as a Co-Teacher alongside Taylor. She absolutely loves tap dance and is looking forward to helping teach and inspire other dancers in the premier tap class. You’ve probably seen her in her signature purple JSams, showcasing her vibrant personality and love for dance. Nora’s positive attitude, combined with her experience and passion, makes her a wonderful addition to the teaching team, and she can’t wait to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with her students this year.
AVEY JESPERSEN Guest Instructor & Choreographer Avey is currently working toward her BFA in Theatre & Dance at the University of Wyoming, where she focuses on Dance Performance and is also pursuing a minor in Musical Theatre. Her journey with dance began at a very young age, starting her training at 28th Avenue when she was just three years old. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to mastering various dance styles and techniques, developing a deep love for the performing arts that continues to grow. Her experience includes both technical training and expressive performance, allowing her to bring energy, passion, and creativity to everything she does. Throughout her academic career, she has been involved in numerous performances, workshops, and projects that have helped her refine her skills and deepen her understanding of the art form.
Now, as a college student, Avey is excited to return home during her breaks to guest teach, choreograph and share her knowledge with others. She genuinely enjoys inspiring young dancers and believes in nurturing each student’s unique potential. Seeing her students grow in confidence and skill brings her great joy, and she strives to create a positive, encouraging environment in her teaching. With her extensive background, passion for dance, and commitment to helping others succeed, Avey is eager to continue making a meaningful impact in the dance community and inspire the next generation of performers.
MARJORIE ANNE Remote Admin Assistant Marjorie is a friendly and hardworking remote admin assistant based in the Philippines, supporting 28th Avenue Dance Studio from afar. She took Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management, while working as a student, juggling her studies and part-time work. In January this year, she proudly represented the Philippines and her institution, Miriam College—one of the pioneering business schools in the country—in the International Business Plan Competition held in Daejeon, South Korea. Her team finished in 5th place overall, a testament to her dedication and interest in the business field. She also spent a year as an exchange student at Camosun College in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Alongside her studies and work, she is an active member of the Rotaract Club of Rizal Centro back home, where she participates in community service projects, leadership development activities, and initiatives aimed at making a positive impact in her community. With over four years of experience as an Executive Virtual Assistant, she has worked with more than 25 dance studio owners across the globe, helping them stay organized and focused on their passion.
When she’s not working, Marjorie loves living life to the fullest. She is an adventure seeker who enjoys freediving, surfing, and hiking, and she recently experienced her very first skydive in Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, Canada—an unforgettable thrill! She’s also a big dog lover, always eager to help and donate to non-profit pet shelters for stray dogs. With her cheerful spirit, hardworking attitude, and caring personality, Marjorie brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does, making her not just a fantastic professional but also a truly inspiring and compassionate individual.
