RACHEL PICKUP
Head Director
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science from Brigham Young University and boasts extensive training in dance and the arts. She excels as a choreographer for studio dance teams across diverse age groups and skill levels, as well as for show choirs, musical productions, and drill teams. With over 20 years of experience, Rachel has trained in a variety of styles, including ballet, jazz, tumbling, hip hop, clogging, ballroom, lyrical, and competitive dance forms.
Having initiated this studio in her garage, Rachel has been profoundly inspired by its growth and accomplishments. She finds fulfillment in managing the studio, fostering relationships with students and parents, and letting her own four children experience it with her. Her deep affection for all her students is evident in her commitment to their growth and development.
ALISON EMBLEY
Assistant Director
​With over 15 years of dance training and nearly a decade of experience as an instructor and choreographer, Ali brings both passion and expertise to Radiant. She has coached the drill team at Westlake High School and is a certified judge with the Utah Dance Judges Association.
As one of Radiant’s founders, Ali finds deep joy in being part of a studio that reflects her love for dance and community. She is driven to connect with dancers and inspire them as they grow in confidence, skill, and creativity.
ANNA NICHOLSON
Instructor and Choreographer
Anna, with more than 13 years of dance experience, has honed her skills in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballroom, and partnering disciplines. Her journey began as a dedicated student in her local studio's pre-professional program, where she rose to the role of captain of the competition team during her senior year.
Continuing her dance pursuits at Brigham Young University (BYU), Anna delved deeper into her passion for dance. She displayed her creative talent early on by choreographing group routines at the age of 14. Anna has also gained valuable experience teaching and assisting dancers of all ages and in various styles.
Anna's enthusiasm for dance shines through her commitment to sharing her love for the art form with her students. Passionate about dance education, she finds joy in inspiring others to explore and embrace the world of dance.
Instructor and Choreographer
Madison, a current student at Brigham Young University (BYU), brings over 15 years of dance experience to her craft. With more than 10 years of competitive dancing under her belt, she has received extensive training in various styles such as jazz, ballet, hip-hop, pointe, and contemporary.
During her high school years, Madison showcased her dedication to dance by being a part of the varsity dance team for all four years, eventually assuming the role of team president during her senior year. Her talents were further recognized when she was chosen to represent Timpview High as the dance sterling scholar.
Notably, Madison has demonstrated her creativity and leadership by choreographing numerous dance numbers, including halftime performances, concert pieces, and routines for other schools. Her passion for dance has taken her to renowned stages such as Disneyland, Stadium of Fire, Odyssey’s Thriller, among others.
Beyond her own performances, Madison finds fulfillment in teaching dance and empowering others to pursue their passions.
MADISON ESS
MARGOT GRIFFIN
Instructor and Choreographer
Margot is currently a student at Brigham Young University, where she is pursuing degrees in Dance and Business. She grew up in Utah as a competitive dancer, training at The Dance Club and Studio 1 Dance Center. Her extensive training includes ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and Latin ballroom.
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Margot has had the privilege of performing as a guest dancer for The Walt Disney Company and in Odyssey Dance Theatre’s acclaimed production Thriller. She is currently a member of the charity-based dance company Glorify Christ. Margot is passionate about sharing her love of dance through teaching and is thrilled to be joining the team.
NICOLE LUNDQUIST
Ballet and Mini Dance Intsructor
Nicole's journey with dance began at the age of 3, when her doctors recommended ballet as a therapeutic measure to address leg issues. Since then, dance has been her Saving Grace, shaping her life profoundly. With extensive training, teaching, and choreographing experience in Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz, Nicole has honed her skills over the years.
Her dedication to dance took her to workshops at Disneyland and saw her perform in numerous theater productions nationwide. After taking a hiatus from teaching to focus on starting her family, Nicole is thrilled to join Radiant Dance Studio. She looks forward to imparting her passion for dance and inspiring others through her teaching.
EILEY SMITH
Instructor and Choreographer
Eiley is from Cedar Park, Texas and is currently studying at UVU. She has been dancing for over 15 years and has trained in jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, pointe, pom, tap, and clogging. She danced competitively for 13 years for her local studio, as well as her middle school and high school’s drill team. She also served as a Company Leader for her drill team Senior year, and assisted a dance class at her school.
Eiley has been teaching at Radiant for three years, and she loves her students and watching their growth and development. She has taught all ages and styles, and excels at helping dancers of all levels. She can’t wait to be teaching at Radiant again, and looks forward to working with the amazing students!
HEATHER AMBLER
Tap Instructor
Heather's dance journey began in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she immersed herself in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and tumbling from a young age. Throughout her teenage years, she taught, performed, and competed with her studio, specializing as the main tumbling instructor due to her background in competitive gymnastics. Additionally, she instructed tap, jazz, and ballet during this time and continued teaching tap while in college.
During her college years, Heather expanded her dance repertoire by taking numerous classes and delving into competitive ballroom dance. She held leadership roles as president of both the tap club and the ballroom dance club at different times. Her passion for performance led her to participate in a ballroom company and maintain an ongoing role as a performer in the tap company, Foot Poetry.
In addition to her dance pursuits, Heather is a dedicated math teacher and a mother of two children. She plans to continue dancing passionately for many years to come, embodying her commitment to both her professional career and her love for dance.