Teachers
Bria Zan Thompson
Owner and Dance Teacher
Bria’s love of dance began in her hometown of Haiku, Maui where she studied and performed Hula at the age of 5. She later studied Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Modern and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance at the University of Colorado. Additionally, Bria is certified in Module 1 Acrobatic Arts and the DiscoverDance Early Childhood Development Program.
After finding her calling for teaching, Bria began Lokahi Dance as a traveling dance company in Coeur d'Alene in 2014. She has taught dance classes for Hutton Settlement Children's Home, local Preschool and Elementary schools, and the CDA Recreation Department over the years.
Discovering a need for a non-competitive dance studio and a positive outlet for children in her community, Bria took a big leap and opened Lokahi Dance Studio in 2017. She is grateful to share the joy of dance with children and families in beautiful downtown Coeur d'Alene!
Carrie Kinsey
Acro Coach
Carrie is a professional competitive gymnastic coach and for the last 12 years she has coached Acro for dance studios and high schools along with tumbling to cheerleaders. Carrie is U.S.A.G. Coach, Safety, Safe Sport and Evaluator Certified. She is also a certified pre-primary Montessori teacher.
Carrie's commitment is to support each student on their journey to master self-confidence, strength, integrity and the commitment to follow their dreams, in a safe and nurturing environment. She is thankful for the opportunity to work with children, and watch them discover their own greatness.
Holly Alling
Hula Dance Teacher
Holly began dancing at a young age taking ballet and tap in her small hometown of Forks, Washington. Years later she found her love of dance after having an appreciation for the Hawaiian Culture and moving to Maui, Hawaii. Holly began dancing with Halau I Kona Mau Lima under Kumu Ualani Maka'ike and moved up to the competitive group after dancing for 2 years. She was blessed to attend the World Hula Conference in 2014. For the last 7 years, Holly has been dancing with Halau Nā Ohāna O Mana'olana under Kumu Lita Catiel helping out with keiki (children) hula when possible. Holly has worked with children in her profession for many years and looks forward to this opportunity to share hula with North Idaho.
Rachael Rhodes
Dance Teacher
Rachael has been dancing most of her life, starting at a young age. She went on to study ballet at various dance intensives, participated in competitive dance, competitive cheer, and was even on her high school dance team. Rachael is well versed in many styles but loves ballet and specializes in teaching ballet technique in a fun way. She knows the impact that dance can have on young lives and looks forward to sharing her love of dance with you!
GraceAnn Gaherty
Dance Teacher
GraceAnn is an Idaho native and first started dancing at the age of 3 years old. She discovered her love of dance by studying Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz at local dance studios. Currently, GraceAnn is pursuing her passion of dance by teaching Creative Ballet, Ballet, DiscoverDance, Modern Combo at Lokahi Dance while attending NIC for elementary education.
Malia Smith
Dance Teacher Assistant
After dancing and performing ballet, tap, jazz, and Irish with Momentum Dance Ensemble in Seattle for 10 years, Malia Smith began to dance at Comerford Irish Dance School. She enjoyed performing in the city at venues like the Seattle Center House, Bellevue Square and the Woodland Park Zoo. Ballet is her favorite style of dance, and she brings many years of choreography and childcare experience with her to Lokahi Dance Studio. Malia is looking forward to sharing her passion for dance with your child as she works toward her goal of becoming an elementary teacher.
