Instructors

Samantha Grover is a dedicated educator and arts professional with over 20 years of experience in dance instruction and more than 15 years coaching school-affiliated dance teams. She received her formal training in Theatre Education and Dance at Central Washington University and holds a certification in dance from the Dance Teacher Web program at the University of Las Vegas. While at CWU, Samantha performed in a range of stage productions, served as Captain of the CWU Collegiate Dance Team, and was the recipient of several theatre scholarships in recognition of her leadership and talent. In 2010, she founded a successful dance company and non-profit in Ellensburg, WA, which served local youth and families for eight years before her family relocated due to her husband’s career. Throughout her professional journey, Samantha has earned multiple certifications in dance, acro, and gymnastics. She serves as a judge for regional and national dance competitions and has been recognized with numerous awards for choreography, costume design, staging, and artistic direction. Her commitment to the arts has also led to collaborative work with artists and professionals in the television, film, and dance industries—including projects in Los Angeles and Utah. Her professional connections include industry figures such as Michael Smith, Therese Young, Tony Coppola, Jess Stafford, Simone DePaolo, D’Valda and Sirico, Pete Thelisma (America’s Best Dance Crew), and Dhar Mann Productions. Samantha remains active in both the dance and acting communities—offering dance classes in Layton, Utah, mentoring students, and participating in performance opportunities as they arise. She currently works in finance while pursuing a Master’s in Business and raising her family. Passionate about access to the performing arts, Samantha believes in creating inclusive spaces where students of all backgrounds can thrive. She is committed to fostering personal growth, building confidence, and encouraging collaboration. Her teaching philosophy aligns closely with the mission of her studio, the Unity Dance Center—empowering individuals through the arts and creating a positive, uplifting environment for all at the Unity Dance Studios.

Jessica Barraza has grown up dancing right here along the Wasatch Front. For over thirty years, Jessica has studied ballet with local professionals, nationally recognized choreographers, and acclaimed instructors. While attending Weber State University, she began performing and teaching as she earned her degree in English with a Professional & Technical Writing Emphasis, along with minors in Zoology and Spanish. After college, she began working with non-profits, writing and editing in laboratory and hospital medicine, and marketing and public relations work, all while simultaneously teaching and dancing. She has performed soloist roles in The Nutcracker, Alice: Adventures in Wonderland, The Secret Garden, and many others on the stages of Capitol Theatre, Kingsbury Hall, and Peery’s Egyptian Theatre. Jessica has taught throughout the state from Sandy to Logan in workshops, men’s classes, summer intensives, Master Classes, and more, including dance classes in Layton, Utah at Unity Dance Center. As a Certified Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor, 2025-26 marks her 22nd year of teaching. Jessica continues to work in healthcare and will forever love sharing her knowledge of and passion for ballet with growing dancers at Unity Dance Studio and Unity Dance Studios.

Rylee has been dancing for over 30 years and teaching for almost 20, making her a valuable instructor at Unity Dance Center in Layton, Utah. She has trained in various styles including lyrical, jazz, hip hop, tap, and ballet. Rylee was on a competition dance team for 8 years, competing in Hip Hop, Jazz, and Lyrical. As a member of the Clearfield High School Falcettes, she honed her skills further. Dance is her favorite thing to do, and she loves sharing her passion with others, especially through dance classes at Unity Dance Studio and Unity Dance Studios. Rylee enjoys working with children, watching them grow not only as dancers and performers but also as amazing humans. She has been happily married to her High School Sweetheart for 16 years and is the proud mother of 3 beautiful girls. When she is not dancing, Rylee enjoys camping, watching baseball, and spending quality time with her family, especially in Disneyland.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Olivia Starks brings over 15 years of dance experience and 12 years of theatre involvement to her work. Since relocating to Utah in 2022, she has continued to develop her craft and share her passion for the performing arts. Olivia is trained in a wide range of dance styles and has performed in numerous dance and theatre productions across both California and Utah. Now, she teaches at Unity Dance Center, offering dance classes in Layton, Utah, where her versatility and stage experience make her a dynamic and engaging performer and instructor at Unity Dance Studio.

Cambria Parent is a passionate and versatile dancer from Kaysville, Utah, with training in all styles and a strong foundation in contemporary and ballet. She is currently majoring in Modern Dance at the University of Utah and plans to pursue a double major in Modern Dance and Astronomy after graduating high school. Cambria grew up in the competitive dance world, where she discovered her deep love for the art. Her long-term goal is to dance with a contemporary company, with her ultimate dream being to perform with the renowned Batsheva Dance Company in Israel. She is thrilled to be sharing her passion and experience as a teacher at Unity Dance Center, where she offers engaging dance classes in Layton, Utah, and contributes to the vibrant community at Unity Dance Studio and Unity Dance Studios!

Lilly is a dedicated and passionate dancer with over 15 years of experience in a variety of dance styles. She spent two years as a member of her school's drill team and also served on her junior high cheerleading team for two years. As a 2025 graduate of Clearfield High School, Lilly is excited to start the next chapter of her journey by sharing her love of dance through teaching at Unity Dance Center, inspiring others through engaging dance classes in Layton, Utah, and helping students discover their passion at Unity Dance Studio and Unity Dance Studios.

Brooklynn Arave is a dedicated dancer with over 11 years of experience and a proud three-year member of the Clearfield High School drill team. As a 2025 high school graduate, she is currently pursuing her education in cosmetology while continuing to follow her passion for dance. Brooklynn is excited to join the Unity Dance Center as a coach, where she will inspire and mentor young dancers at the Unity Dance Studio, which she now proudly calls home. She looks forward to sharing her expertise with students enrolled in dance classes in Layton, Utah, and helping them grow in their own dance journeys.

 Alison White is a dedicated and passionate senior at Davis High School in Utah, where she has lived her entire life. From a young age, Alison has been deeply involved in the performing arts, particularly dance and cheerleading. Her journey began in junior high with cheer, a commitment she maintained through her junior year of high school. Currently, she is a proud member of the Davis Dance Company, where she continues to develop her skills and express her creativity through performance.

In addition to her involvement in the arts, Alison is an active and well-rounded individual with a wide range of interests. She enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking and exploring Utah’s natural beauty. Her love of travel reflects her curiosity and desire to experience new cultures and perspectives. Alison is also creatively inclined—she finds joy in painting, singing, and playing music, using these outlets to express herself and connect with others.

Alison is known for her enthusiasm, dedication, and positive energy, both in and out of the classroom. As she looks ahead to the next chapter of her life, she is excited to continue pursuing her passions and contributing to the communities she becomes a part of.