Our Passion is Celtic Dance

Meet our staff of caring instructors who are here to guide you through your journey in Dance

You can have confidence that your child is learning authentic Irish Dance in a sequential, developmental curriculum by caring teachers.
At Harp Irish Dance Company, our teachers combine professional training with genuine care for every dancer. We are proud to have three TCRG-certified Irish dance instructors, along with certified Scottish dance instructors. Harp is recognized by An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland, and the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance, so you can feel confident your dancer is receiving high-quality instruction—from beginner all the way to champion.

Are you interested in teaching our amazing students as one of our talented teaching staff?

Click below for more information!

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Miranda Rasband, TCRG

Hi! I’m Miranda, and I love teaching at Harp Irish Dance Company.

Irish dance has been such a big part of my life, and I feel so lucky to share it with my students. I love helping dancers learn new skills and grow stronger, both in their dancing and in their confidence.

In my classes, I want dancers to feel encouraged and supported. I believe that with hard work and a positive attitude, every dancer can improve and succeed. One of my favorite things is watching a dancer realize they can do something they didn’t think was possible.

I have danced for 14 years and attended many dance competitions from local feiseanna to nationals all over the United States. I recently graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in International Relations, and I currently live in Draper with my wonderful husband. In my spare time, I can be found reading a good book or working out at the gym. I’m so excited to be a Harp dance teacher!”

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Aubree Shelley, TCRG Director

Hi! I’m Aubree, and I’m so happy to make Harp a home for so many.

I love working with dancers of all ages and helping them discover what they are capable of. Irish dance has taught me so much about discipline, confidence, and perseverance, and I love passing those lessons on to my students.

I try to make my classes both fun and focused. I want dancers to enjoy coming to class while also feeling proud of their progress. Seeing my students grow and gain confidence is the best part of teaching.

I began Irish Step Dance at the age of 5 with the Deely School of Irish Dance in Northern California. From there  I was a part of Utah’s first performance-based Irish dance school, Rinceoiri Don Spraoi, serving as Troupe Dance Captain and Head Teacher. I also co-founded the Power Academy of Irish Dance in 2002 before going on to establish the Harp Irish Dance Company in 2012. I received her Teagascóir Choimisiúin le Rinci Gaelacha (Gaelic: Commission Certified Irish Dance Teacher) in 2009 on the first attempt.

I have danced on scholarship with the Brigham Young University International Folk Dance Ensemble, traveling the US and Europe with that World-famous ensemble. I have also choreographed for the World Dance Program and taught Irish Technique Courses for BYU, as well as been a featured Instructor for BYU’s Youth Folk Dance Summer Camp.

I graduated from BYU with a degree in Music Education, with a minor in World Dance. I has over 26 years Irish Dance teaching experience, and over 30 years experience in the Irish Dance world. I live in American Fork with my husband, Bryce, and have five little dancers of my own.

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Sarah Jenson, TCRG

Hi! I’m Sarah, and I love being part of the Harp team.

Irish dance has always been something I care deeply about, and I enjoy helping dancers build strong technique and confidence. I believe that learning dance should be both challenging and rewarding.

In my classes, I focus on helping dancers understand the “why” behind what they are doing so they can continue to improve. I love seeing dancers work hard, reach their goals, and feel proud of themselves.

I started Irish dancing at Butler Fearon O’Connor in 2004. Throughout my career in Irish dancing I trained at Claddagh Utah, Webber Academy of Irish Dance, Acadamh Rince, and the Shelley School of Irish Dance competing on both the regional and national levels. I taught for several years at Acadamh Rince as well as providing choreography for championship set dances, dance dramas placing at the Western Region Oireachtas, and many a show piece. I began her path to becoming a TCRG in early 2021 and passed on my first try in Atlanta in September of 2023. I have my bachelors degree in Experience Design and Management from BYU. I have a passion for the sport and art of Irish dance and love sharing that love and passion with my students and seeing their skills grow!

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Evelyn Jimenez Payson Director

Hi! I’m Evelyn, and I’m so happy to be part of Harp Irish Dance Company.

Irish dance has been such an important part of my life, and I love sharing that joy with my students. I enjoy helping dancers feel confident as they learn new skills and grow stronger each week.

In my classes, I focus on creating a positive and encouraging environment where dancers feel safe to try their best. I believe progress comes from hard work and patience, and I love celebrating every improvement—big or small.

One of my favorite things is watching dancers surprise themselves with what they can do. Seeing their confidence grow is the best reward.

 

I grew up in Arizona and began dancing at 6 years old. I loved dancing ceili dances with her sisters and friends before entering the competition scene as a teenager. I graduated from BYU in 2024 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Nutritional Science with hopes to integrate my many passions into a movement-based therapy clinic.  I love to trail run, paint, write music, bake, and ride horses. My favorite dance is a slip jig!

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Christeny Monzello, Elite Coach

Hi! I’m Christeny, and I’m so happy to be teaching at Harp.

I love working with dancers and helping them feel confident in themselves. Irish dance is not just about learning steps—it’s about growing as a person, too.

I want my students to feel encouraged and proud of their effort. Whether they are just starting or have been dancing for years, I love helping each dancer reach their goals and enjoy the journey.

When I was 7 years old my parents took me to see Riverdance and that settled it – Irish
dancing was my new love. I started Irish dancing at 8 years old. I placed 10 th at the Oireachtas as a
Prelim and subsequently became an Open Champion at 14. I am a a two-time World Qualifier and
danced at the World Championships in London and then again in Montreal. In California, I had
the opportunity to teach the beginner class and am excited to teach again here in Utah. I am currently
working on my grade exams with the goal of someday earning my TCRG.

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Sandy Purser

Hi! I’m Sandy, and I’m so grateful to be part of Harp Irish Dance Company.

I love helping dancers learn in a way that feels encouraging and positive. Every dancer is different, and I enjoy finding ways to help each student succeed.

Irish dance can be challenging, but it’s also so rewarding. I want my students to feel confident, supported, and excited about their progress. Watching dancers grow over time is one of my favorite things.

 I first fell in love with Irish dancing as a teenager in England when I was given a video of Lord of the Dance. I bought some tap shoes and a teach yourself Irish dance video and thought I was on my way! Unfortunately I almost immediately rolled my ankle, and then time passed and I forgot I’d ever had aspirations to learn to dance…until my hubby and I happened upon a lone Irish dancer at a Scottish festival in 2019, coincidentally right at the time Harp was reintroducing their Adult Irish dance program…

I started to learn Irish dancing as an adult here at Harp in 2019. I’ve danced in Harp’s Performing Team and in various local, regional and national feiseanna (Irish dance competitions). I feel proud of all that I’ve accomplished so far as an adult and privileged to be a role model for our budding dancers as they take their first steps in sharing in these adventures.

As a teacher I really love helping dancers not only learn their steps, but also to have a healthy mindset as they practice and progress. To me the most important part of dancing is to find the joy along the way – after all, we keep dancing because we love it, and I never want our dancers to lose that love.

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Megan Fotheringham

Hi! I’m Megan, and I love being part of the Harp family.

Irish dance has given me so many opportunities, and I love sharing that with my students. I enjoy helping dancers improve their skills while also building confidence and resilience.

In my classes, I focus on hard work, positive attitudes, and steady progress. I love seeing dancers grow stronger and more confident over time.

I grew up in Utah county and began Irish dance at 11 years old.  I started at An Dragan Ceilteach, a non-competitive school, before joining Harp Irish Dance Company around 2013.   I have  gotten experience teaching all ages in Irish dance over the years and love being a part of the dance community in Utah.

Megan went to Westminster college where she earned a degree in history and now teaches 8th grade. In her free time she enjoys mountain biking, running, and traveling.

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Kayla Wong Highland Dance Co-teacher

Hi! I’m Kayla, and I love teaching at Harp.

I enjoy working with dancers and helping them improve step by step. Highland dance teaches so many important life skills, like hard work and perseverance, and I love helping my students learn those lessons.

In my classes, I want dancers to feel supported and proud of their progress. I believe every dancer can succeed, and I love being part of their journey.

I have been Scottish Highland dancing for the past 13 years. I attend Brigham Young University, and I am studying Dance and minoring in Entrepreneurship. I am from Henderson, Nevada, and love teaching with my twin sister Leila.
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Leila Wong Highland Dance Co-Teacher

Hi! I’m Leila, and I’m excited to be part of Harp Irish Dance Company.

I love helping dancers learn and grow. Highland dance can be challenging, but it is also so fun and rewarding. I enjoy helping my students feel confident as they learn new skills.

My goal is to create a positive and supportive class where dancers feel encouraged to do their best. I love seeing their progress and watching their confidence grow.

I grew up dancing, jazz, tap, ballet, gymnastics, and hula! around the age of 8/9 i switched to Scottish Highland dance completely! Loved it and started competing two years later. I’ve advanced up to premier and am now studying dance in college at BYU! Here at BYU I’ve also started taking ballroom class and have also grown a love for that!
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Cyana Shelley

Hi! I’m Cyana, and I love teaching Irish dance.

I enjoy working with dancers as they learn new skills and build confidence. Irish dance has taught me the value of hard work, and I love helping my students see what they can achieve when they keep trying.

In my classes, I want dancers to feel positive and motivated. I believe every dancer can improve, and I love celebrating each step of their progress.

I grew up dancing at the Shelley school of Irish dance, then at the Taylor Nicole Academy of Irish dance, advancing to championship level.  From there I have focused on teaching pedagogy for Irish dancers!

Class Assistants

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Eliza, Assistant

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Lois, Assistant

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Claire, Assistant

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Alana, Assistant

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Reid, Assistant

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Iris, Assistant

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Aubree Shelley has created a wonderful studio that encourages and develops the talents of all dancers. She is fun, encouraging and provides a rich, authentic environment that nurtures a love for the Irish culture and a love for dancing!

Elizabeth Jeffrey
Harp Parent