Talented
Performers
Amanda Carlson
Amanda Carlson Colorado Native, Amanda is a choreographer, dancer, teaching artist and movement educator.
She is a versatile dancer trained in techniques including Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Latin styling, many different street styles and, her favorite, Contemporary Floorwork.
Amanda is the lead choreographer for Theatrical Fashion Shows with Night One Productions. She has worked on numerous stage productions in New York, Dubai, London, and Colorado. While living in Dubai, Amanda was a principal dancer with Sima Dance Company. In New York City, she performed with several different dance companies. As well as teaching dance at Broadway Dance Center. Amanda continues to collaborate with choreographers both nationally and internationally.
Jamie Carr
Jamie Carr is a performer, choreographer, teacher, and action photographer. With a strong background in classical ballet, Jamie graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance from California State University Long Beach, an Associate’s Degree in Photography, and is a nationally certified teacher from the American Ballet Theatre. Jamie has been selected to train and perform nationally and internationally with several high-profile artists.
Jamie has performed with and managed several contemporary companies and is currently a dancer with the T2 Dance Company. Additionally, she is a ballet and jazz teacher and Senior Ensemble advisor at Lakewood Dance Academy.
Payton Lauer
Payton Lauer is a dancer, choreographer, and educator of dance. Originally from Northern Colorado, Payton graduated Cum Laude and as a University Honors Scholar from Colorado State University in May 2021 with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Business Administration. At CSU, Payton had the opportunity to perform in over 15 shows, present numerous pieces, attend National Dance Education Organization, attend American College Dance Association, travel with the Outreach program where she performed and taught, and act as President of the Dance Student Advisory Committee. Currently, Payton teaches at two studios in the Denver Area where she teaches all ages and numerous styles including contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, and children’s dance classes. Her passions lie in contemporary dance, choreography, dance education, and dance for film. She plans to keep performing as long as she can while sharing her love for dance to others through teaching, choreography, engagement, and advocacy.
McKell Lemon
McKell Lemon, originally from Boise, Idaho, graduated summa cum laude from Chapman University with a BFA in Dance Performance and a minor in Integrated Educational Studies. Following her time at Chapman, she performed professionally in Southern California with Backhausdance Company, performing works by Jennifer Backhaus and Amanda Kay White. Throughout her training and time as a professional dancer, McKell has worked closely with choreographers such as Ido Tadmor, Gregory Dolbashian, Nicole Hagen, Sean Greene, and Holly Johnston. Most recently, McKell decided to move back to the Rocky Mountains and relocated to the Denver area, where she became a member of Authentic:Grooves for their 2022 season.
Tessa Reiss
Tess Reiss, Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Tessa began dancing with Expressions Dance, Lemon Sponge Cake Ballet, and Artistic Fusion Dance Academy. She later attended Chapman University on scholarship, graduating magna cum laude with departmental honors in both Dance and Kinesiology. In her senior year, she received the Scholar Athlete Award, recognizing excellence in both dance and academics. Tessa had the opportunity to dance with Kim Robards Dance in Denver as a company member for two seasons, performing in concert and educational outreach events for local and underserved communities. Tessa is now currently a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Tessa is incredibly excited to be joining Authentic Grooves for their 2023 season, and looks forward to bringing the joy of art to our community!
Alumni
Gabby Mulder
Matt Sagisi