Taylor Churchill
Founder/Owner/
Dance
Company Director
Taylor started dancing when she was 6 years old, and taught her first “Littles” class at age 14, which sparked a deep passion for teaching the art of dance. in her over 25 years of experience in the world of dance she has become proficient in a multitude of different styles, though the heart of dance for her will always lie in the fluidity and expression of Contemporary/Lyrical. She believes giving the youth of our community a safe and wholesome place to come and expand and grow as both dancers and humans is utmost importance! She feels dance has taught her about patience, humility, perseverance, grace, human connection, and so much more! And she considers the opportunity to share that with others through teaching one of her greatest blessings in life!
Lynn Churchill
Co-Owner/Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Lynn moved to Rifle over 30 years ago, and here she raised and homeschooled her four kids. As her children grew they all developed an affinity for the performing arts, and, as an avid supporter of their interests, she became a mother figure to the local homeschool community, directing plays, founding performance groups, and trading out her time and labor at the local dance studio so they could expand their skills. In 2010 their beloved dance academy decided it was time to close its doors. Her youngest (Taylor) had long fostered a dream of owning her own studio, so together the family opened the ArtillumA Dance Company. Through ArtillumA Lynn continued to guide, support and encourage young hearts with a passion for the arts, just as she had her own children! The company has grown and shifted over the years, but it is still owned and operated by Lynn and her daughter Taylor, and their mission remains the same: to provide quality, enriching dance education in a safe and encouraging environment for the youth of Rifle and surrounding areas!
Mickie Carpenter
Dance Instructor/ArtillumA Alumni
Hi! I’m Miss Mickie and I’ve taught here at Artilluma for a total of 5 years. I’ve trained in Tap, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and the list continues to grow! I have a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance from CMU and have loved dedicating myself to dance. For me, dance is the way I attempt to figure out how to live life. What I have learned/continue to access and reveal through dancing, plus the experiences that dance provides me with = nothing short of a primary reason I continue on in life with hope and curiosity.
Sydney Aguirre
Dance Instructor/ArtillumA Alumni
Sydney Aguirre is a dance artist from Rifle, Colorado, who advocates for creativity, uniqueness, and innovation. She received training in Contemporary, Modern, Ballet, and Jazz and has earned a BA in dance from Brigham Young University-Idaho. While at university, she directed and choreographed several pieces for seasonal performances and has had some featured in the university’s Research and Creative Works showcase. Alongside this, she had the opportunity to mentor fellow college students as a formal member of the Dance Society leadership board and taught both modern and jazz classes at the university during her senior year. She performed and toured on the Collegiate Dance and Dance Alliance teams and was involved in work by SALT Contemporary Dance. She has most recently featured work with Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company as a part of their Movers+Makers intensive.
Julia Speedy
Dance Instructor/ArtillumA Alumni
Julia began her dance journey at the age of four at Artilluma. After exploring a variety of interests and training at multiple studios, she discovered that nothing ignites her passion quite like dance—and no place feels more like home than Artilluma. By age twelve, Julia fully committed to her training at Artilluma, dedicating herself to an intensive schedule of classes including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, and exploring other styles such as Hip Hop, Modern, and Poi. In high school, Julia became an active member of the newly formed Artilluma Leadership Team. She took on student teaching roles and even led a Nutcracker performance in collaboration with Symphony in the Valley. At seventeen, Julia began teaching her own classes—and she hasn’t looked back since. Today, Julia teaches all classes at the New Castle location and also instructs at the Rifle studio. She has experience working with students of all ages and skill levels, from young beginners to advanced dancers. Julia is dedicated to creating a classroom environment that both challenges and inspires. She strives to foster confidence and empowerment in every student, helping them grow not just as dancers, but as individuals.
Zoey Bradley
Dance Instructor/Advanced Dancer
Hi, I’m Zoey! I have been dancing with ArtillumA since I was 3 years old, and it has become a huge part of my life. I have had the opportunity to learn and grow under the brilliance of my dance teachers at the studio. I am so excited to teach again this year and create a positive learning environment that creates a space for my students to have fun and learn new skills. I can’t wait to dance with you this year!
Blair Bracken
Dance Instructor/Stage Manager
Blair is a lifelong lover of community, the arts, and the power of movement. Since her teenage years, she has been dedicated to teaching dance as a way to inspire confidence, connection, and self-expression. Blair believes dance is for every body. She finds her greatest joy in watching students challenge themselves, lean into any uncertainty of movement, discover new strength, rise with confidence and emerge empowered. Her classes are more than steps and choreography – they are spaces where movement becomes a pathway to self-discovery and belonging.
Jaycee Kirkpatrick
Teacher/Advanced Dancer
Jaycee started dancing at 11 years old and it quickly became her favorite hobby! She does every style she can, but she especially loves Tap and Contemporary. She absolutely loves being in Leadership, and teaching the little ones is a passions of hers. Jaycee believes dance is a safe space for many, and something everyone should be able to enjoy!
Laura Swatloski
Dance/Fitness Instructor
Hi! I’m Laura! I started dancing at a young age but ended up focusing on gymnastics. After many injuries and time, I decided dance was what I wanted to focus on and had the chance as I entered college at CMU. There I was able to take all the classes and find my love for Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Jazz. I was able to choreograph pieces for the first time and use my degree to make dance films. I minored in dance and everywhere I have moved since college my first mission is finding a dance home. Artilluma has been my favorite and love teaching all the students and working with amazing people!
Grace Smith
Dance Instructor/
Photographer
Grace started dancing at 8 years old. She did one year of Jazz before switching to Ballet. From then on, Ballet became Grace’s focus and love. Eventually she went on pointe at age 12. Grace has always loved the structure, poise and beauty of Ballet. She strongly believes that dance in general, and Ballet in particular, is for everyone. She loves connecting with her students and watching them grow in her classes as people, dancers and performers. Grace believes in structure, etiquette and positivity in her classes.
Cole Kirkpatrick
Advanced Dancer/Student Teacher/Tech Assistant
Cole, 17, has been passionate about dance for years. He trains in various styles and particularly loves Jazz. This is his third year as a student teacher on the Leadership Team, and he is excited to perform in his sixth recital with Artilluma this Spring.
Kali Thomas
Advanced Dancer/Student Teacher
Kali has been dancing with ArtillumA for 13 years going into her 14th year. During that time she has practiced Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, and Pointe. She’s been a student teacher for 4 years. Her favorite thing about dancing at ArtillumA is the family like bond between all the dancers.
Mallory Yorty
Advanced Dancer/Student Teacher
I’ve been dancing with Artilluma since I was four, and it’s been such an amazing experience. This company has brought me so much love and inspiration and the people here feel like family. Everyone is so supportive, and I love being a part of this amazing community.