STAFF

Aimee Chamberlain - owner / master teacher

Aimee Chamberlain has been passionate about teaching the art of dance for the last 22 years. She began her dance training in 1986. 

Aimee was accepted into California Institute of the Arts in 2002, where she became a congressionally recognized California Art Scholar. 

While attending Cal Arts, Aimee was also a three time recipient of the California Governor's Medallion, the highest distinction in California for artistically talented students. 

After teaching throughout the west coast, Aimee opened Turning Point Dance Studio in Medford in 2014. 

Aimee has built TPD’s philosophies on values that lead students to learn the importance of being respectful, confident and conscientious young people who share their gifts and talents with the community.

Aimee’s true passion is creating environments that nurture dancers creativity and passion for innovation. Aimee holds credentials as an Acrobatic Arts certified instructor, Progressing Ballet Technique certified instructor, and also holds her YPAD (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance) Certification.


Caitlyn Nolan- Studio Director / Mater Teacher

Caitlyn, the administrative backbone of Turning Point, is a true embodiment of talent and dedication. For the past 17 years, Caitlyn has wholeheartedly pursued her passion for dancing, allowing it to shape her life in profound ways.

Caitlyn’s commitment and skill have made her proficient in a diverse range of disciplines, including contemporary, ballet, pointe, jazz, and hip hop. Each style provides a unique canvas for Caitlyn to express her creativity and captivate audiences.

As a company member of North Coast Dance, Caitlyn has graced the stage in numerous productions. In the enchanting world of "Alice in Wonderland," and the magical realm of "The Nutcracker," she brought characters to life with her performances. These experiences have honed her skills and allowed her to collaborate with fellow artists, weaving stories through the language of dance.

Caitlyn's contribution to the world of dance extends far beyond her performances. As a dance instructor and choreographer, she possesses a natural flair for teaching and guiding aspiring dancers. Caitlyn finds immense joy in sharing her love and knowledge of dance with others, nurturing their potential and inspiring their growth. Her dedication to mentoring students and creating captivating choreography reflects her unwavering passion for the art form.

Within the Turning Point team, Caitlyn's expertise and commitment are highly valued. Her administrative skills and organizational prowess provide a solid foundation for the organization, ensuring its smooth operation. Her deep-rooted understanding of the dance world, coupled with her unwavering dedication, make her an invaluable asset to the Turning Point community.

Caitlyn's journey as a dancer, instructor, and choreographer showcases her unwavering commitment to her craft. With every step she takes and every move she makes, Caitlyn embodies the spirit of dance, touching the hearts of those who witness her artistry. Her love for dance and her desire to inspire others make Caitlyn an extraordinary force within the Turning Point family, embodying the transformative power of movement and creativity.


Arianna Mullins- Ballet Director/

Master Teacher

Arianna is a passionate ballet dancer and instructor who has been captivating audiences with her grace and discipline since the age of three. She was immediately drawn to ballet and quickly became immersed in the art form, studying under Sylvia Bolton and focusing her efforts fully on the genre.

Throughout her career, Arianna has always drawn inspiration from those she teaches. Her passion for sharing the beauty and poise of ballet with others has led her to become a certified instructor in Progressing Ballet Technique and receive her YPAD Certification, which advocates for the safety and well-being of young dancers.

Arianna's dedication to her craft has earned her a coveted spot in the American Ballet Theater's Teacher Training Program. She is eager to learn and further refine her skills, all while sharing her love and expertise with her students.

Looking forward, Arianna is excited to take on the role of Ballet Director at Turning Point Dance Studio. Her leadership, experience, and unwavering passion for ballet make her a perfect fit for the position, and she is eager to continue inspiring and mentoring dancers of all ages and levels.


Caty Raupp- Master Teacher/ company Director

Catherine 'Caty' Raupp is a passionate dance artist. She is the artistic director of Tandem Contemporary Dance Collective - a Southern Oregon dance company created in the spring of 2023. Originally hailing from the Midwest, Catherine has been an Oregon-based dance artist since 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance with high honors from the University of Michigan. During her undergrad, she had the privilege of training under Bobbi Smith (Batsheva) at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance and with Gallim Dance through her university. 

 

Catherine began her professional career in performance, working with Harge Dance stories of Detroit, Michigan and then companies push/FOLD and the Holding Project in Portland, Oregon. During her years in Portland, she trained with and was an intern for Northwest Dance Project. She then explored different movement modalities, and satiated her urge to travel, by completing her yoga teacher training in India, and later, becoming a certified Thai massage therapist in Costa Rica. She has been a dedicated dance educator for over a decade, mainly training high school level students. She was accepted into the University of Maryland Masters in dance program with full scholarship, but ultimately decided to move to Ashland instead!

 

Being one of 12 siblings, Catherine is deeply devoted to her wild, wonderful, large family. She is passionate about health, wellness and a natural lifestyle – and lives in a rustic cabin in the mountains. Outside of dance, Catherine expresses her art through guitar, piano and voice – and is an independent singer-songwriter with published album “Before we Die “. She is honored to teach at Turning Point Dance & loves all her students with her whole heart!


Haleigh Stewart/ Hip Hop

Haleigh Stewart is a talented dancer and dedicated instructor hailing from Junction City, Oregon. Her passion for dance ignited at a young age, commencing her journey in the captivating world of movement when she was just five years old. Beginning with hip hop classes, Haleigh quickly developed a deep connection with the art form, which spurred her to explore various styles such as lyrical, ballet, jazz, and tap.

During her formative years, Haleigh's skills flourished under the direction of the Junction City School of Dance. As she honed her craft, her undeniable talent caught the attention of prestigious dance companies in Eugene, Oregon. Joining the esteemed ranks of Kings Krew and Evolve Dance Companies, Haleigh expanded her horizons and immersed herself in a vibrant dance community.

By the age of 17, Haleigh's dedication and expertise were recognized as she took on the role of running the hip hop program at her hometown studio in Junction City. This new responsibility allowed her to connect with aspiring dancers and impart her knowledge, passion, and love for the art form to a new generation. Haleigh found profound fulfillment in nurturing her students, recognizing the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives.

Teaching became an avenue for Haleigh to share her unwavering joy for dance and empower her students to explore their own potential. She aspires to instill newfound confidence in each of her students, guiding them towards self-discovery and personal growth. Creating a safe and welcoming space for her dancers is of utmost importance to Haleigh, ensuring that they feel loved, seen, and supported every step of the way.

Haleigh Stewart stands as a beacon of inspiration in the dance community, using her own experiences and skills to uplift and encourage others. Through her teaching, she not only imparts technical expertise but also fosters an environment where creativity flourishes, self-expression thrives, and dancers are empowered to unlock their true potential. With unwavering dedication and an infectious passion, Haleigh continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of her students, one dance step at a time.



Kaia Maukonen

Kaia is a talented dancer who has been a member of Turning Point Company for the past seven years. Her dedication to the art of dance is evident in everything she does, and her passion for teaching is especially inspiring. Last year, Kaia completed Turning Points Student Teacher Education Program (STEP), which gave her the skills and knowledge she needed to become an outstanding dance teacher.

Since completing the STEP program, Kaia has been teaching at Turning Point Dance and has quickly become one of their most beloved teachers. Her ability to connect with her students and create a fun and nurturing learning environment has made her a favorite among students of all ages and skill levels. Kaia's commitment to excellence and her genuine love of dance has made her an invaluable member of the Turning Point community.

As a More Than Words Company member, Kaia has had the opportunity to dance with some of the nation's leading choreographers and has dazzled audiences with her skill and artistry. Her performances are always a highlight of any show, and her passion for dance is contagious. Kaia's dedication to her craft and her love of teaching make her an inspiration to all those around her, and she is sure to continue making a positive impact on the dance world for years to come.


Kenzie Kauzlarich

Kenzie Kauzlarich is an accomplished dancer whose passion for the art form has fueled her journey for the past 8 years. With unwavering dedication and an insatiable desire to learn, Kenzie has immersed herself in a wide range of dance styles, becoming a versatile and well-rounded performer.

A significant milestone in Kenzie's dance education was her graduation from Turning Point's Student Teacher Education Program (STEPS). This program not only deepened her technical knowledge but also honed her teaching skills, providing her with the tools to pass on her love and knowledge of dance to future generations.

Kenzie's passion for dance extends beyond her own performances. She finds immense joy and fulfillment in sharing her love and passion for the art form through teaching. As a dance instructor, she strives to inspire and guide her students, nurturing their talent and igniting their own love for dance. Kenzie believes in the transformative power of dance and is dedicated to passing on her joy and enthusiasm to the next generation of dancers.

As a Turning Point Company Member, Kenzie has had the opportunity to showcase her talents and perform extensively across the Pacific Northwest. Her captivating performances have graced stages of various sizes, from intimate theaters to larger venues. Notably, she had the honor of captivating audiences during a halftime performance at a Portland Trailblazers NBA game, where her talent and stage presence shone brightly.


Kaetriauna Bowser-Smith

Kaetriauna Bowser-Smith, Turning Point's resident administrative wizard and communication maven. As a crucial member of the team, she helps keep the gears turning and the hugs flowing in Turning Point's vibrant and supportive culture.

When she's not working her magic at Turning Point, Kaetriauna balances her time between college and her role as a key member of the team at David's Bridal. But even with a busy schedule, she always manages to bring her A-game to every task she takes on.

Kaetriauna's expertise in measuring is a sight to behold, as she proved during the recent Costume Measuring week where she helped ensure every dancer was perfectly fitted for their role. With her attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills, she truly is a force to be reckoned with.

Whether she's greeting visitors with a warm smile, keeping the office running smoothly, or making sure everyone gets a much-needed hug, Kaetriauna's contributions to Turning Point are invaluable. We are lucky to have her as part of our team and look forward to seeing all the amazing things she will accomplish in the future


Malia Williams

Malia Williams’ passion for dance has permeated her entire life. From a young age, dance has been an integral part of her being, a source of joy and expression.

As a graduate of Turning Point's Student Teacher Education Program (STEPS), Malia's dedication to dance extends beyond her own performances. The program not only enriched her technical skills but also honed her teaching abilities, equipping her to guide and inspire aspiring dancers. Her commitment to passing on the knowledge and joy of dance to others is truly commendable.

The Turning Point community is thrilled to have Malia take over the position of STEPS Director. Her appointment to this role is a testament to her exceptional talent and her ability to serve as a guiding light for the STEPS members. As the new director, Malia will undoubtedly be a steward of the program, nurturing and guiding the aspiring dancers under her care.

Malia's love for dance and her commitment to sharing that love with others make her an invaluable asset to the Turning Point family. Her journey as a dancer and her dedication to teaching and mentoring will undoubtedly inspire and empower those she encounters. As the STEPS Director, Malia will continue to shape the future of dance education, nurturing young talents and fostering a love for dance that will last a lifetime.


Natalie Ritchie

Natalie Ritchie is a passionate dancer and dedicated instructor who has been an integral part of Turning Point for over four years. With a dance journey spanning over a decade, Natalie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the studio. Having immersed herself in the world of ballet for thirteen years and acro for four years, she also boasts a commendable background in competitive gymnastics, which she pursued for an impressive six years.

Natalie's genuine enthusiasm for teaching shines through in her role at Turning Point. Over her training in our STEPS Program and her time as an instructor, she has been instrumental in nurturing and guiding young artists, helping them not only develop their dance skills but also fostering a sense of self-assurance and growth. Holding an Acrobatic Arts certification, Natalie has honed her ability to instruct with precision and creativity, making each lesson a truly magical experience for her students.

Dance holds a special place in Natalie's heart, and her unwavering dedication is palpable in her commitment to continuous improvement. As she looks ahead to the upcoming season, she is excited to embark on a journey of refinement and mastery, working diligently to elevate technique and skills to new heights. Natalie's warm and encouraging demeanor, coupled with her extensive background, makes her an inspiring figure in the world of dance education.

With an unwavering belief in the transformative power of dance, Natalie Ritchie is thrilled to share her passion and expertise with the Turning Point community, fostering an environment where aspiring dancers can flourish and discover the magic of movement.


Guest Artists and Choreographers

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Bailey Callahan

Bailey Callahan, is a Florida native who started her dance training at a very young age.  She studied the American Ballet Theater curriculum as well as musical theater jazz, tap and lyrical.  After graduating high school, Bailey launched her professional career in joining a national tour with Feld Entertainment’s Disney Live.  After a year of performing in 90 of America’s best cities, Bailey followed her dreams by joining the beloved Radio City Rockettes in New York’s Radio City Christmas Spectacular, working with directors Linda Haberman, Dennis Callahan, and Julie Branam. In her 8 years as a Rockette, she has had the honor of performing in 6 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades, The 71st Annual Tony Awards, The MTV’s Video Music Awards, The Rockefeller Tree Lighting, NBC’s Michael Buble Christmas Special, The New York Knicks Half Time Show, and much more.  She has debuted as a swing in both Radio City’s summer production The New York Spectacular with Mia Michaels and Singin’ in the Rain at the John W Engeman Theater. As well as making a few appearances in Town Hall’s Broadway by the Year concert series. Now residing in Westchester New York, Bailey continues to train in New York City to further her knowledge in the arts.   


Lo poppy / contemporary, hip hop & jazz

Lo Poppy is a movement healer. She pulls inspiration from her years as a child, playing in the garden, painting her bedroom walls and questioning everything. Deciding to weave her youth into Her movement language has now catapulted her philosophy towards facilitating a space of Love, Compassion, Appreciation and complete Acceptance of one’s self. Allowing anyone she works with to Be anything that resonates with them.

Her creations are collections of art that both communicate and reflect to the viewer a form of themselves, as if they are being healed from the inside out and watching it in real time. Lo seeks humble warriors and hungry wonders who are willing to take risks and grow in places that ask them to Think, Observe, Listen and Digest. Working with Lo is Raw, Real and Honest and she will ask you to come as you are and just BE. She looks forward to sharing space with you.


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Bosco/Hip Hop

Bosco is a dancer, instructor, and choreographer with over fifteen years of experience in the performance industry.  Missy Elliott, Chris Brown, P!nk, The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol and the MTV Movie Awards are just a few of the credits on his resume. 

 

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Holly Curran/

Master Teacher

Holly Curran is a performer currently residing bi-coastally between New York and Southern Oregon. A native of New Jersey, she trained and graduated from the Rock School of Dance Education. She has danced professionally with Ballet Austin, Terra Firma Dance Theater, Claudia Schreier and Co, New Chamber Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Chicago amongst others, and is currently a member of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet at Lincoln Center. Through her career she has had the opportunity to work with some of the most acclaimed coaches and choreographers, and hopes to bring the knowledge she has gained to a new generation of students. 

 Simultaneous with her dancing career, Holly studied American History at Columbia University, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2018. 

 

Turning point steps program

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Our Student Teaching Education Program has been created for students who uphold and demonstrate Turning Point Dance Studio LLC’s core values to become ambassadors of the studio. STEP is a in-studio education program that promotes the love of dance and instructional methods to our students. The chosen students/applicants will be guided through the dance education process using methods such as in-class training, hands-on practice, instructor mentoring, research-based activities, self-analysis assignments and more. TPD’s STEP Program provides the necessary STEPping stones for building confident, hardworking, well-informed, and eager dance educators for the future.