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Meet Our Team.
Alexis Syverson
Executive Director
Hailey Wilmer
Program Director
Hailey Wilmer is from Moorhead, Minnesota. She has taught at Red River Dance for six years as well as running the Outreach Coordinator position for the past four years. Hailey received her dance training at Camria Ballet Academy formerly in Moorhead, Minnesota under the instruction of Bee Pinotti. She also spent summers at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Canada and at Ballet Magnificat in Mississippi. Hailey is a 2017 graduate from Minnesota State University Moorhead where she received a B.S. degree in Multi-Media Journalism with a certificate in publishing and a minor in Theater Dance. Hailey was a member of the MSUM Dragon Dance Team for three years and has now been the Head Coach for the past 6 years. She has enjoyed choreographing for Horizon Middle School and has recently worked on the shows, Oliver! and, The Little Mermaid Jr. Hailey also had the opportunity to be a member of the Straw Hat Players for three summers in Cats as Victoria, Blame it on the Movies as a featured dancer, The Wedding Singer as an ensemble member, and Hello Dolly! as Ermengarde. She has a strong passion for dance and whether it be teaching, performing, choreographing, or managing, she loves to share it with others.
Hailey Wilmer is from Moorhead, Minnesota. She has taught at Red River Dance for six years as well as running the Outreach Coordinator position for the past four years. Hailey received her dance training at Camria Ballet Academy formerly in Moorhead, Minnesota under the instruction of Bee Pinotti. She also spent summers at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Canada and at Ballet Magnificat in Mississippi. Hailey is a 2017 graduate from Minnesota State University Moorhead where she received a B.S. degree in Multi-Media Journalism with a certificate in publishing and a minor in Theater Dance. Hailey was a member of the MSUM Dragon Dance Team for three years and has now been the Head Coach for the past 6 years. She has enjoyed choreographing for Horizon Middle School and has recently worked on the shows, Oliver! and, The Little Mermaid Jr. Hailey also had the opportunity to be a member of the Straw Hat Players for three summers in Cats as Victoria, Blame it on the Movies as a featured dancer, The Wedding Singer as an ensemble member, and Hello Dolly! as Ermengarde. She has a strong passion for dance and whether it be teaching, performing, choreographing, or managing, she loves to share it with others.
Kristi Reich
Competition Director
Kristi grew up with competitive dance specializing in jazz, lyrical, and ballet. Kristi has been teaching dance for over 15 years and a part of the RRD organization for the past 11 seasons, 10 with the competition program. Through these years, she has instructed and choreographed many award-winning routines at all age levels, including several best choreography acknowledgements. She has watched this competition program grow through these last 10 years and is thrilled to be transitioning to the Competition Director role, continuing the legacy that has been developed. In her free time, you can find Kristi spending time with her husband and 3 boys at the baseball field, basketball court, or at the lake!
Kristi grew up with competitive dance specializing in jazz, lyrical, and ballet. Kristi has been teaching dance for over 15 years and a part of the RRD organization for the past 11 seasons, 10 with the competition program. Through these years, she has instructed and choreographed many award-winning routines at all age levels, including several best choreography acknowledgements. She has watched this competition program grow through these last 10 years and is thrilled to be transitioning to the Competition Director role, continuing the legacy that has been developed. In her free time, you can find Kristi spending time with her husband and 3 boys at the baseball field, basketball court, or at the lake!
Bailey Fletcher
Outreach Coordinator
Bailey joined Red River Dance in February of 2021 where she has been teaching Outreach classes. As a full time speech-language pathologist, Bailey has a passion for teaching dance as a way to communicate. Bailey danced for Just For Kix as a child and later joined her High School Dance team, the Carrington Cardinaires, as well as Top of the Stairs Dance Studio in Jamestown ND. Following high school, she danced for the MSUM Dragon Dance team for one year. The rest of her college career was spent dancing for the MSUM Theatre Arts program where she found a passion for musical theatre dance during her time taking dance classes and performing with The Straw Hat Players. Outside of dance and being a speech-language pathologist, Bailey loves to craft, do yard work, and spend time with her husband and son (specifically at the lake).
Bailey joined Red River Dance in February of 2021 where she has been teaching Outreach classes. As a full time speech-language pathologist, Bailey has a passion for teaching dance as a way to communicate. Bailey danced for Just For Kix as a child and later joined her High School Dance team, the Carrington Cardinaires, as well as Top of the Stairs Dance Studio in Jamestown ND. Following high school, she danced for the MSUM Dragon Dance team for one year. The rest of her college career was spent dancing for the MSUM Theatre Arts program where she found a passion for musical theatre dance during her time taking dance classes and performing with The Straw Hat Players. Outside of dance and being a speech-language pathologist, Bailey loves to craft, do yard work, and spend time with her husband and son (specifically at the lake).
Amanda Torok
Instructor
Amanda Torok has been an instructor with Red River Dance for 16 years. Her dedication to the mission fuels her passion for dance. From choreography to technique, Amanda enjoys teaching of variety of dance styles and dancers of all ages. Her biggest passion lies within choreographing and teaching the Red Line competition teams. Amanda started dancing at a young age and enjoyed taking classes at Red River Dance while competing with her school dance team. She had the honor of receiving two National Championships throughout her high school dance career for dances she was a head chorographer for. After high school, Amanda transitioned into the teaching world at Red River Dance working with students as young as three to adult teaching a variety of dance styles from ballroom to hip hop. She also enjoys guest teaching and choreographing in various communities.
As the Senior Vice President of Culture at Gate City Bank, she oversees the Bank’s social media, internal communication, philanthropic giving and more. Amanda’s diverse work and volunteer history has fueled her zeal for creativity and engagement. Amanda also volunteers her time speaking to local organizations about philanthropic giving, social media, company engagement, culture and more! She is also an avid supporter and volunteer with various nonprofits in our community.
Amanda Torok has been an instructor with Red River Dance for 16 years. Her dedication to the mission fuels her passion for dance. From choreography to technique, Amanda enjoys teaching of variety of dance styles and dancers of all ages. Her biggest passion lies within choreographing and teaching the Red Line competition teams. Amanda started dancing at a young age and enjoyed taking classes at Red River Dance while competing with her school dance team. She had the honor of receiving two National Championships throughout her high school dance career for dances she was a head chorographer for. After high school, Amanda transitioned into the teaching world at Red River Dance working with students as young as three to adult teaching a variety of dance styles from ballroom to hip hop. She also enjoys guest teaching and choreographing in various communities.
As the Senior Vice President of Culture at Gate City Bank, she oversees the Bank’s social media, internal communication, philanthropic giving and more. Amanda’s diverse work and volunteer history has fueled her zeal for creativity and engagement. Amanda also volunteers her time speaking to local organizations about philanthropic giving, social media, company engagement, culture and more! She is also an avid supporter and volunteer with various nonprofits in our community.
Nikki Black
Instructor
Nikki Black is a mom of 3 from Moorhead, MN where she enjoys time spent with family, friends & the FM community. Nikki is a teacher of many trades, she teaches Family and Consumer Sciences with Fargo Public Schools as well as dance. Nikki was formerly the Competition Director at Red River Dance, where she spent 11 years growing and developing what is now one of the most well-known competitive dance programs in the region. She continues to dance, teach dance and loves spreading the joy of learning to all she comes across. Nikki has experience in many genres of dance, including: lyrical, contemporary, jazz, ballet, acrobatics and fitness. Originally from Minot, ND, Nikki danced with Rinat Mouzafarov’s Dance and Ballet Theatre, along with Studio X, directed by Joshua Wise. Nikki's dance teaching career has lead her to multiple high point awards, choreography awards and even Masquerade's Top Studio Award, three years in a row. She has also had the opportunity to learn from master teachers, mentors and choreographers across the nation. She consistently finds ways to inspire her fire for dance and teaching life skills.
Nikki Black is a mom of 3 from Moorhead, MN where she enjoys time spent with family, friends & the FM community. Nikki is a teacher of many trades, she teaches Family and Consumer Sciences with Fargo Public Schools as well as dance. Nikki was formerly the Competition Director at Red River Dance, where she spent 11 years growing and developing what is now one of the most well-known competitive dance programs in the region. She continues to dance, teach dance and loves spreading the joy of learning to all she comes across. Nikki has experience in many genres of dance, including: lyrical, contemporary, jazz, ballet, acrobatics and fitness. Originally from Minot, ND, Nikki danced with Rinat Mouzafarov’s Dance and Ballet Theatre, along with Studio X, directed by Joshua Wise. Nikki's dance teaching career has lead her to multiple high point awards, choreography awards and even Masquerade's Top Studio Award, three years in a row. She has also had the opportunity to learn from master teachers, mentors and choreographers across the nation. She consistently finds ways to inspire her fire for dance and teaching life skills.
Bernadette (Bee) Pinotti
Instructor
Bernadette (Bee) Pinotti
was the owner and artistic director of Camria Ballet
Academy in Moorhead, MN, for 38 years until its closing in 2020. She likes to say she started dancing literally before she was born, as her mother taught ballet
while expecting her! Growing up in her mom’s dance studio, The Maria Crist Academy of Dance, Bee formally began her own ballet training at age four and went on to study other genres, including lyrical, jazz, and tap as well.
She has been an active, certified member of Dance Masters of America, International, Inc. since 1987. Under Bee’s guidance, her students have gained
acceptance to prestigious dance institutes across the United States, Canada, and France. Several of her former students have pursued careers in dance
performance, education, and management. Bee has also assisted with and
judged numerous dance competitions and pageants. She now resides in Dilworth, MN, with her husband Chris and their black lab Shyanne. They have 2
grown children and 2 grandchildren
Bernadette (Bee) Pinotti
was the owner and artistic director of Camria Ballet
Academy in Moorhead, MN, for 38 years until its closing in 2020. She likes to say she started dancing literally before she was born, as her mother taught ballet
while expecting her! Growing up in her mom’s dance studio, The Maria Crist Academy of Dance, Bee formally began her own ballet training at age four and went on to study other genres, including lyrical, jazz, and tap as well.
She has been an active, certified member of Dance Masters of America, International, Inc. since 1987. Under Bee’s guidance, her students have gained
acceptance to prestigious dance institutes across the United States, Canada, and France. Several of her former students have pursued careers in dance
performance, education, and management. Bee has also assisted with and
judged numerous dance competitions and pageants. She now resides in Dilworth, MN, with her husband Chris and their black lab Shyanne. They have 2
grown children and 2 grandchildren
Trica Mosser
Instructor - Rhythm Works Certified
Allison Thompson
Instructor
Kennedy Sandvik
Instructor
Bella Dukart
Instructor
Kaitlyn Johnson
Instructor
My name is Kaitlyn Johnson and I have been working as an instructor at Red River for 4 years. I have been dancing since the age of 3 and started competitively dancing when I was about 12. I danced at RRD on red lines throughout high school. My favorite style of dance is contemporary/lyrical. Currently I am working towards a doctorate degree in physical therapy at the University of Jamestown.
My name is Kaitlyn Johnson and I have been working as an instructor at Red River for 4 years. I have been dancing since the age of 3 and started competitively dancing when I was about 12. I danced at RRD on red lines throughout high school. My favorite style of dance is contemporary/lyrical. Currently I am working towards a doctorate degree in physical therapy at the University of Jamestown.
Olivia Grefsheim
Instructor
Emmy Gates
Instructor
Mariah Schafer
Instructor
Hey everyone, I am Miss Mariah! I grew up dancing at Red River for 10 years and now have been an instructor for 8 years. Red River Dance is where I found my passion for teaching and choreography, and I’m so glad I get to share my passions at the place I learned it all from. I teach a wide range of ages and styles but find myself most drawn to jazz and musical theater. Some of my highlights as a student were at Nationals where we won Encore my senior year, Charlie Chaplin and Shania production dances, and waterpark fun days at nationals. While my memories as an instructor are endless, a highlight would be from this season where I got to choreograph my first contemporary group, Dracula and it has been so fun seeing this piece come together. They have really embraced the characters, and it received a choreography award. Another highlight is from Masquerade Nationals 2023 where both my group dances made it to the finals. It was special getting to see both of those dances one extra time.
In the summers I work at Trollwood Performing Arts School teaching dance classes and ArtSpark. This will be my third summer there, and I am super excited for all the new and old faces. I also spend my falls choreographing the musical at South High School in Fargo. So far, I have choreographed The Wizard of Oz, Beauty & the Beast, Annie, and this fall the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Outside of dancing and passion projects, my full-time job is at L.E. Berger Elementary where I am the Administrative Assistant. I absolutely love this job, because I get to work with adults and children and it allows the freedom of evening and weekends to be at my favorite place, Red River Dance. When I am not working, you can find me hanging with my family (we love game nights and escape rooms), going to the lake, taking my cat Baymax for walks, assembling puzzles, or reading.
Hey everyone, I am Miss Mariah! I grew up dancing at Red River for 10 years and now have been an instructor for 8 years. Red River Dance is where I found my passion for teaching and choreography, and I’m so glad I get to share my passions at the place I learned it all from. I teach a wide range of ages and styles but find myself most drawn to jazz and musical theater. Some of my highlights as a student were at Nationals where we won Encore my senior year, Charlie Chaplin and Shania production dances, and waterpark fun days at nationals. While my memories as an instructor are endless, a highlight would be from this season where I got to choreograph my first contemporary group, Dracula and it has been so fun seeing this piece come together. They have really embraced the characters, and it received a choreography award. Another highlight is from Masquerade Nationals 2023 where both my group dances made it to the finals. It was special getting to see both of those dances one extra time.
In the summers I work at Trollwood Performing Arts School teaching dance classes and ArtSpark. This will be my third summer there, and I am super excited for all the new and old faces. I also spend my falls choreographing the musical at South High School in Fargo. So far, I have choreographed The Wizard of Oz, Beauty & the Beast, Annie, and this fall the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Outside of dancing and passion projects, my full-time job is at L.E. Berger Elementary where I am the Administrative Assistant. I absolutely love this job, because I get to work with adults and children and it allows the freedom of evening and weekends to be at my favorite place, Red River Dance. When I am not working, you can find me hanging with my family (we love game nights and escape rooms), going to the lake, taking my cat Baymax for walks, assembling puzzles, or reading.
Grace Eicher
Instructor
Hi my name is Grace Eicher and I am from St. Michael, MN. I am going into my freshman year at North Dakota State University for Vocal Music Education. I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. I spent 5 years at a Just For Kix facility and then spent the last 8 years of my dance career at Millenium Dance Company in Albertville, MN. I have trained in all styles and have been surrounded with wonderful teammates. Through high school I found a huge passion for choir and theater. I have been in many productions, but my favorite has to be Newsies where I played the role of Race-car Higgins. During Newsies I was given the opportunity to choregraph the large dance number “King of New York”. This truly sparked the idea of wanting to do more and continue teaching what I love. I am more than excited to work at Red River and am looking forward to meeting so many of these dancers!
Hi my name is Grace Eicher and I am from St. Michael, MN. I am going into my freshman year at North Dakota State University for Vocal Music Education. I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. I spent 5 years at a Just For Kix facility and then spent the last 8 years of my dance career at Millenium Dance Company in Albertville, MN. I have trained in all styles and have been surrounded with wonderful teammates. Through high school I found a huge passion for choir and theater. I have been in many productions, but my favorite has to be Newsies where I played the role of Race-car Higgins. During Newsies I was given the opportunity to choregraph the large dance number “King of New York”. This truly sparked the idea of wanting to do more and continue teaching what I love. I am more than excited to work at Red River and am looking forward to meeting so many of these dancers!
Mya Pfenning
Instructor
"Hello! My name is Mya Pfenning, and I am so excited to join the Red River Dance family. I’ve been dancing since the age of 3 and previously trained competitively at DanceWorX Studio in Bismarck. I am heading into my sophomore year at NDSU studying HDFS/Elementary Education, and have continued my passion for dance with some training with the Bison team, teaching classes, and traveling with Spotlight Dance Cup.”
"Hello! My name is Mya Pfenning, and I am so excited to join the Red River Dance family. I’ve been dancing since the age of 3 and previously trained competitively at DanceWorX Studio in Bismarck. I am heading into my sophomore year at NDSU studying HDFS/Elementary Education, and have continued my passion for dance with some training with the Bison team, teaching classes, and traveling with Spotlight Dance Cup.”
Grace Backes
Instructor
"Hi, my name is Grace Backes! I am starting my sophomore year at NDSU this fall majoring in Exercise Science. I grew up in Albany, MN where I was a member of the Albany Dance Team for 5 years and I also trained at St. Cloud School of Dance and Gymnastics in St. Cloud, MN. I also have experience coaching gymnastics, and I am super excited to be a part of the Red River Dance family!"
"Hi, my name is Grace Backes! I am starting my sophomore year at NDSU this fall majoring in Exercise Science. I grew up in Albany, MN where I was a member of the Albany Dance Team for 5 years and I also trained at St. Cloud School of Dance and Gymnastics in St. Cloud, MN. I also have experience coaching gymnastics, and I am super excited to be a part of the Red River Dance family!"
Rachel Bachmeier
Instructor
Rachel began dancing at the age of three and entered competitive dance at the age of ten at All About Dance by Kirsten in Stow, Ohio. Training under Kathi Halbert, Gigi Hartman, and Kristen Messner, she practiced jazz, contemporary, and ballet, passing her Cecchetti Method Grade Five Professional Examination in 2008. While completing her undergraduate degree at Marietta College in Ohio, Rachel instructed at the Marietta Dance Academy, teaching a variety of classes to all ages and coaching competitive teams, winning national awards for choreography. Additionally, she had the incredible opportunity to attend workshops through Dance Masters of America. In 2012, she moved to Mission, South Dakota and established recreational dance programs for elementary and middle school-age students on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Rachel also instructed ballet, pointe, jazz, and tap classes at Dance Institute in Denver, Colorado. Rachel relocated to Fargo in 2016 and found a new home at Red River Dance! She is currently the head principal of West Fargo High School and, when not dancing or at school, enjoys adventuring outdoors with her husband Levi, rescue pup Sunka, and daughter Linden.
Rachel began dancing at the age of three and entered competitive dance at the age of ten at All About Dance by Kirsten in Stow, Ohio. Training under Kathi Halbert, Gigi Hartman, and Kristen Messner, she practiced jazz, contemporary, and ballet, passing her Cecchetti Method Grade Five Professional Examination in 2008. While completing her undergraduate degree at Marietta College in Ohio, Rachel instructed at the Marietta Dance Academy, teaching a variety of classes to all ages and coaching competitive teams, winning national awards for choreography. Additionally, she had the incredible opportunity to attend workshops through Dance Masters of America. In 2012, she moved to Mission, South Dakota and established recreational dance programs for elementary and middle school-age students on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Rachel also instructed ballet, pointe, jazz, and tap classes at Dance Institute in Denver, Colorado. Rachel relocated to Fargo in 2016 and found a new home at Red River Dance! She is currently the head principal of West Fargo High School and, when not dancing or at school, enjoys adventuring outdoors with her husband Levi, rescue pup Sunka, and daughter Linden.
Emily Lubenow
Front Desk Specialist
"Hi everyone, my name is Emily Lubenow! I grew up in Princeton, Minnesota, but I joined the Fargo-Moorhead community three years ago when I moved up here for school. I am a junior at Concordia College in Moorhead, and I am studying to become an English teacher. I enjoy game nights with my friends, being outdoors, and reading. I am so excited to join the Red River Dance team!"
"Hi everyone, my name is Emily Lubenow! I grew up in Princeton, Minnesota, but I joined the Fargo-Moorhead community three years ago when I moved up here for school. I am a junior at Concordia College in Moorhead, and I am studying to become an English teacher. I enjoy game nights with my friends, being outdoors, and reading. I am so excited to join the Red River Dance team!"
Tracy Reames
Acro Instructor
"Tracy is from the east coast and grew up as a competitive gymnast at the regional and national level. She also participated in dance classes, mainly lyrical. While in law school at UND, she assisted with the coaching and choreography of competitive team floor and beam routines at a local gymnastics facility. She is very excited to be a part of RRD and teach acro to recreational and competitive dancers to incorporate into their dances. Outside of this role, Tracy is a staff attorney for the North Dakota State District Court. She resides in West Fargo with her husband Robert, toddler son Graham, Bentley the golden retriever and Wiley the cat. A new baby brother is also set to join the family this fall. She enjoys Solidcore classes, traveling, and family activities. "
"Tracy is from the east coast and grew up as a competitive gymnast at the regional and national level. She also participated in dance classes, mainly lyrical. While in law school at UND, she assisted with the coaching and choreography of competitive team floor and beam routines at a local gymnastics facility. She is very excited to be a part of RRD and teach acro to recreational and competitive dancers to incorporate into their dances. Outside of this role, Tracy is a staff attorney for the North Dakota State District Court. She resides in West Fargo with her husband Robert, toddler son Graham, Bentley the golden retriever and Wiley the cat. A new baby brother is also set to join the family this fall. She enjoys Solidcore classes, traveling, and family activities. "
Megan Drummond
Yoga Instructor
"I discovered yoga as a way to continue expressing my love of movement after years of dancing competitively. Yoga quickly became more than just a physical outlet—it’s now a source of balance, strength, and connection in my life. I’m a 200-hour certified instructor through Yoga Alliance and currently teach heated classes at Haute Yogis. When I’m not on my mat, I’m pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at NDSU. I also love to travel and spend time with my family, especially skiing together in Colorado. I’m excited to share my passion for movement and mindfulness with the RRD community!"
"I discovered yoga as a way to continue expressing my love of movement after years of dancing competitively. Yoga quickly became more than just a physical outlet—it’s now a source of balance, strength, and connection in my life. I’m a 200-hour certified instructor through Yoga Alliance and currently teach heated classes at Haute Yogis. When I’m not on my mat, I’m pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at NDSU. I also love to travel and spend time with my family, especially skiing together in Colorado. I’m excited to share my passion for movement and mindfulness with the RRD community!"
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