Meet Our Teachers
Amantha Vandiviere
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I grew up in England where I started dancing at the age of three. I trained in ballet only until my teen years when I discovered jazz, tap and modern dance and fell even more in love with the art. After high school, I trained full time at Bird College of Performing Arts in London England, graduating with distinction as well as teaching qualifications in ballet, jazz, tap and modern. I am also certified to teach group fitness classes and Progressing Ballet Technique
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
For over 30 years (I started young!!!)
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
I was lucky enough to travel the world and meet the love of my life while dancing for Carnival Cruise Lines. I have also performed in musicals, pantomimes, trade shows and for various modern and ballet companies and worked as a magician's assistant.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
I am a huge AFOL (adult fan of LEGO) I love to design and build just about anything and I was recently featured in a LEGO magazine for my original rendition of Main Street Disney
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
Nothing gives me more joy than watching my students grow as dancers, but even more importantly as people. I have been teaching long enough now that students I knew as babies have graduated, danced in college, had professional careers. married, and brought their own babies back to me to dance. It is such a beautiful cycle.
Leah LaGrange
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I grew up training as a competitive dancer in my Hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. I competed with my studio company as well as my high school dance team, earning 3 national championship titles. After graduating college with a BA in Arts and Humanities, I moved to Los Angeles where I spent 6 years training and working as a professional dancer and choreographer. I am also certified with Dance Masters of America.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
I started teaching when I was 15 years old so 16 years in total
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
I have worked as assistant choreographer for Olivia Rodrigo and Bebe Rexha. I was a movement coach for a Nike Jordan print shoot which was so fun! I was also extremely honored to be nominated as a Capezio ACE Award Finalist in 2020
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
I love to draw and paint! I’ve been doing it since I was in junior high. I also love to be outdoors, so you’ll catch me camping, hiking, surfing, or bike riding in my spare time.
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
Diversity is a home away from home. Everyone is so supportive and accepting of all types of dancers and people. I’m grateful to work with such an incredible team and have everyone’s trust in me to train dancers to be the best artists and humans they can be.
Tess Franz
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I started dancing at the age of 5 and quickly fell in love with the art. I trained in New Jersey and Philadelphia in a diverse range of styles including ballet, modern, contemporary and competitive dance team. After completing high school, I went on to Rutgers University to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and continued my dance education by joining a student run dance company. I am also a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
5 years
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
My biggest highlight in the field of dance and choreography is being able to switch careers and finally pursue my dream job full time. I’m excited to continue on my journey as a teacher and choreographer.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
I love being outside and will often be found bike riding, hiking, swimming, or skiing on the weekends. I am also an avid baker and chef and love to learn and share new recipes.
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
I love how passionate and committed every dancer and teacher is that walks through our doors. Working with a team of dedicated individuals makes every day, good and bad, worth it. At Diversity, I feel like I’ve found my home.
Nicolle Ament
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I grew up in Billings, Montana and started Ballet at the age of 4, training in Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Modern. I attended Northwest College for 3 years on a dance scholarship, and finished my Dance Degree in Missoula at UofM. After college, I moved to Denver, Colorado and taught at Parker Dance Academy, along with working directly under the owner and director as her assistant. In 2004 I moved back to Billings, where I owned and directed Billings Dance Academy until 2016. Spring of 2019 took me to Oklahoma where I focused on my Pilates training and teaching. I recently moved back in 2023 and I am very excited to be involved in the Billings dance community again!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
I started assisting my instructors at age 12. By age 16, I had a few of my own. So... 30+ years! Wow!!
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
I love what I do, so there are so many highlights! Performing with Terpsichore Dance Company,
owning a dance school, and working for amazing dance directors are a few, but my students are the best part! Seeing them grow and become amazing humans through the years brings me so much joy.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
I love to refinish old furniture, collect antiques, and care for my houseplants. This past spring and summer, I started to enjoy working on my yard while landscaping and planting. And I can’t forget hiking!
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
Seeing the growth of my dancers throughout the years. I was a Diversity instructor from 2017-2019 and I am thrilled to be back and work with some of the same dancers!
Megan Wall
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I started dancing at the age of three at the Northwest Ballet School in Kalispell. I was quickly invited to join their company and ended my high school experience as principal dancer. I then attended the University of Montana where along with a major in Marketing, I achieved a Dance Education Minor, which included student teaching both at our facility and in schools around the city.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
I started teaching and choreographing while still in high school. I continued to teach through college before moving to Billings in 2019 and taking a teaching position at Diversity.
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
As a dancer. I have been lucky enough to dance lead roles such as Cinderella, Tatiana in a Midsummer Night's dream and The Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. As a teacher, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your students grow throughout the year. Seeing them up on stage in their final recitals and shows brings happy tears to my eyes - an absolute joy and highlight of what I get to do! It’s as if I’m watching my own baby girl up there - which I can’t believe is only a couple of years down the road!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my husband and daughter (and soon-to-arrive baby boy) - either cozied up at home, out enjoying the sunshine, or road-tripping across the state to visit my family in the Flathead Valley!
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
There are truly so many reasons that I love working at Diversity. I’ve found that it’s so much more like a dance family than a dance school or company - full of support, passion, generosity, drive, encouragement, excellence, and FUN!
Madi Havens
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I grew up doing competitive Cheerleading and Gymnastics in the Dallas area, where I trained with World Olympian Coaches and alongside Olympian Winning Gymnasts. Upon my family's relocation to Wyoming in 2008, I joined the dance team in Sheridan, Wyoming and my passion for the art of dance grew tremendously. I danced competitively until I was 18, and then continued my dance education at Sheridan College while I acquired my Business of Arts Degree.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
I have been teaching recreational dance in Wyoming and Montana for 8 years.
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
In 2013, I had the privilege of performing in the Holiday Bowl Halftime Show, where we also got to meet and learn choreography from The San Diego Chargers Cheerleaders. I have also taken some very inspirational choreography classes from other industry professionals.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
When I'm not dancing, you can find me at the lake, hiking the mountains, or at home coloring and snuggling with my dogs.
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
Teaching at Diversity has truly been a privilege for me. The environment is professional and there are so many talented and well trained dancers. I particularly enjoy getting to watch the dancers grow from my beginner class to competing on the big stage!
Rylee Seeberger
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I have been dancing for 17 years with Diversity Dance where I also spent many of those years traveling and competing. I have trained in many styles including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and more.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
This is my 2nd year teaching, but I have assisted for a few years before that.
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
My whole career so far has been a highlight! I have had the most amazing opportunities to travel and train with many talented, world-wide instructors. I can not wait to further my own journey as a choreographer and teacher as well.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
Outside of dance, I love hanging out with my dog, Coco. Whether we are staying at home or hiking, we are always having fun!
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
I love teaching at Diversity Dance because it has not only been another home to me my entire life, but I get to continue to welcome new dancers into our home and share my talent and passion for dance with them.
Arianna Skoog
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I took dance classes for several years at CDS in Billings, MT until I started competing and traveling as a gymnast, when it became too busy to juggle both.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
I have been teaching for about 17 years. I started teaching rec gymnastics when I was 15 years old and I continued to teach throughout high school and college. I then moved to Minneapolis, where I coached an excel-level gymnastics team, as well as acrobatics for dancers. In addition to dance and gymnastics, I also teach yoga.
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
Body movement and expression has been one the biggest forms of medicine and joy in my life. To be able to give back and share my experience with others is a huge highlight to my teaching career.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
When I’m not teaching, I am typically behind a camera. Photography is another BIG LOVE of mine and what I do as my main career. During the rest of my free time, I’m often at a show, dancing and photographing live music. Music is my favorite thing on the planet because it’s tied into everything I get to do in my life!
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
From the moment I started working with Diversity, first as a photographer, then as a teacher, I felt respected and welcomed. Community is incredibly important to me and I quickly felt accepted by the Diversity community. Aside from that, it's so fun to watch the dancers improve every week and reach their goals!
MacKaylee Frazer
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I started dancing and competing at the age of 9 in Billings, MT. Training with Diversity has allowed me to experience a variety of styles and further expand and grow within my dance career.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
I have assisted and subbed many classes over the past few years and am looking forward to teaching my very own this year!
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
My biggest highlight as a dancer is all of the memories and lessons that dance has taught me. Dancing taught me dedication, self discipline, and determination. I also can’t forget the fellow dancers that quickly became my second family.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
When I’m not teaching, you can find me with friends and family, relaxing with my dog, enjoying the sunshine at the lake, and traveling.
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
My favorite thing about teaching at Diversity is watching all the dancers grow together and individually. I’m excited to teach at the studio who formed me into the dancer I am today.
Janie Hollowell
WHAT IS YOUR DANCE BACKGROUND?
I’ve been dancing for 15 years and started competing at age 7 in Billings, MT. While dancing competitively, I also trained at a local ballet studio for 4 years.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
I have been assisting and subbing classes for a couple of years now and this will be my second year teaching my own classes.
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?
My favorite teaching memory has been helping with our dance for all abilities group (DFAB). They are so driven and passionate about dance and I love watching them grow. I also had the privilege of playing Snow and Petal in The Nutcracker.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT DANCING
When I’m not dancing, I like to sing for my choir. I also love my other job taking care of the elderly.
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING AT DIVERSITY
My favorite part of being at Diversity is their promotion of artistry in dance. I also love that the teachers always push their students to be their very best in all aspects of life.