Kasie Johnson
Kasie Johnson is going into her 13th year as owner, teacher, and choreographer of Legacy Studio of Dance. Beginning at the age of 4, Kasie spent 14 years training at Debby’s Dance Studio in Biwabik, MN, where she became an assistant teacher to learn the tricks of the trade, as well as a member of Debby’s Competition Team, competing through the state and receiving various judges choice and overall high score awards. After graduating, Kasie was chosen to tour across the country with the Dance Olympus Convention, assisting world-renowned choreographers and teacher, then going on to train full-time with the Minnesota Ballet school and company for 4 years. With the Ballet, she performed both on tour and locally in shows such as: The Nutcracker, A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, Giselle, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, and excerpts from La Bayadère as well as several original pieces. Kasie then went on to teach at Range Academy of Dance and Downtown Dance Academy before becoming owner of her own studio, where she produces an annual Nutcracker show and spring recital, and runs her own Competition team who have won various choreography, high score, judges choice, and sportsmanship awards. Kasie is also a member of the Mesabi Musical Theatre board, choreographing for their productions of “Crazy for You,” “Xanadu,” “Matilda,” “Willy Wonka,” and “Oklahoma.”
It is Miss Kasie’s mission to share her love of dance and the arts with her students and community, and instill in her students the self-confidence and awareness of their bodies to be a successful, happy individual, no matter what career they wish to pursue! In addition, she strives to give each student the tools and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in dance if they so wish!
Demetri Johnson
Demetri Johnson has been teaching at Legacy Studio of Dance for 9 seasons. As a self-trained Urban Hip Hop dancer, he is very passionate about the arts, and has an exceptional eye for chorographical flow. Demetri has also helped with backstage, lighting, and sound for community theatre productions and for Legacy Studio of Dance. Demetri performed in Mesabi Musical Theatre’s production of “Xanadu’, as well as being stage manager for their production of “Matilda,” director for “Willy Wonka,” and choreographer for “Oklahoma.” Drawing much of his inspiration form dance crews such as Quest Crew, Kinjaz, and Poreotics, Demetri brings a refreshing twist on the typical Hip Hop styles, and with his unique perspective and ideas, he really brings the studio’s choreography to the next level by helping us think outside the box!
Angela O’Connor
We are thrilled to have Ms. Angela returning for her 6th season of teaching with us! With 18 years of dance experience, 5 years as an assistant teacher, 5 years competing, and countless classes from world-renown choreographers, her dedication and hard work has helped her accumulated quite the dance knowledge over the years! Exceptionally good at “cleaning” dances, we love having her talents and insight!
Sophie Roark
Although she’s going away to college, we’re blessed to have Ms. Sophie doing some competition choreography for us this season! This incredibly hard working young lady has been dancing for the past 15 years and in gymnastics for 12 years. In her 9 years on the studio competition team, her dedication has earned her many high point awards and judges choice awards. Her focus and understanding of technique and alignment as well as gymnastic skills make her an excellent choice to guide dancers safely and effectively in acrobatics!
Lori Saumer
Lori Saumer (Miss Kasie’s mom) is the studio’s fantastic receptionist who does everything from cleaning the studio, helping with costuming and props, helping with signs and handouts, and keeping the books organized! We don’t know what we’d do without her!
Kieran Roark
“Hello, my name is Kieran Roark. I have been dancing for 12 year-end have been on the competition line for 7 as well as choreographing last year and this upcoming one. Some of my goals for my class and I are to pay attention to the details within the big picture, to learn that you have to put in good work to see great results, and to help them grow as not just dancers but as human beings. I am very excited to introduce kids to jazz this year and to continue their tap journey!”
Ella Rue
“Hello, my name is Ella Rue, and I am so excited to be teaching 3rd and 4th grade ballet this year! I’ve been dancing for 11 years and have been on the competition line for 3 years. My Passion for dance originated with ballet and I hope to one dance dance with the Minnesota Ballet. I look forward to helping my class grow their ballet knowledge, understand proper technique, and become stronger dancers. I can’t wait to be part of their dance journey this year.”
Jocelynn Love
“Hi! My name is Jocelynn and I’m 22 years old. I have been dancing since I was 2 and that has been my passion ever since then! I grew up at my dance studio Tap to Toe in New York and once I graduated high school I became a teacher there! I moved here about 2 years ago and I’m excited to start dancing again and sharing what I love to do!”
Persephonie Johnson
In her short almost 6 years with us, Persie has become quite accustomed to the dance world, she loves being backstage with the dancers at competitions and helps keep everyone in line, and jumping into class with the “big girls.” Her favorite dance moves include shuffle, arabesque, and pirouette.
Poppy Johnson
Miss Poppy loves our late night dance parties at the studio after everyone leaves (complete with award ceremony), and loves to do Plié Releves with the older dancers. She definitely has the drama and facial expressions for theater!
phoebe
Johnson
Our newest member, Miss Phoebe is already on a late night schedule for studio life, loves music, and is ready to dance the night away!