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 Lōkahi 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.
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, and Modern Combo at Lokahi Dance while attending NIC for elementary education.
Malia Smith
Dance Teacher
After dancing and performing Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Irish with Momentum Dance Ensemble in Seattle for 10 years, Malia Smith danced 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.
Kimberleigh Smith
Dance Teacher
Kimberleigh Smith has had a love for dance ever since she saw her first Nutcracker performance at a very young age. She has continuously grown in her 12 years of studying dance and wishes to encourage young students to pursue their love as well. Kimberleigh aspires to be a professional dancer after high school and she finds that teaching younger students helps her expand in her knowledge of dance. Watching students become overwhelmed with the love of ballet is one of her favorite things as a teacher.
