About Our Staff
Christie Neilson
Owner/Director
Christie has been the owner for over 25 years. She taught dance for 20 years and now oversees the business. She has over 35 years in dance, physical fitness and teaching experience. She has a BS degree in Dance, Physical Education and Recreational Therapy. She is also a certified teacher for public schools. She has taught Middle School Drill team, High School Dance classes, and Dance Therapy as a therapist. She enjoys the outdoors and has participated in many outdoor activities. She has traveled all over the US teaching in many states dance and Physical Education."My mission is to have every student feel the positive effects of dance and Physical Ed in their lives." She enjoys spending her spare time with her husband and children.
Jamie Cooper
Assistant Director
Jamie has been teaching with Jazzerettes and Gymtyme since 2013. After five years of teaching she transitioned into a new role as Assistant Director. She is excited to still be working with the company and to be able to continue seeing all your children excel at the showcases each year. Jamie has been performing all her life however she didn’t get serous about it until she graduated High School. Upon High School graduation, she started the dance program at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. In 2003 she moved to Roseville, California where she began working with her sister's company and found her passion for Latin and Ballroom dancing. With her dance partner she began traveling the world competing and performing. She did her first international competition in 2004 in Berlin, Germany, and she has won numerous titles since. Some of her titles include 1st place in both International Latin and Latin American Showdance, and 2nd place in American Smooth and Classic American Showdance at the United States Championships. Currently she holds the title as Female World Champion in American Rhythm and 9-dance. Although she loves to compete and perform, her true love is teaching. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with others to help them succeed in their own personal goals. She continues to grow her knowledge in all dance styles and she is always excited when she can share it with others.
Haley
Instructor
Miss Haley’s passion for dance has allotted her over 10 years of experience working on stage. Her background includes the study and performance of Jazz, Tap, Hip-hop, Hula and Tahitian, and she has appeared in numerous competitions, recitals, fairs, festivals and luaus throughout her youth. Growing up in the Bay Area, she focused her early high school and college career on Health and Medicine. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of San Francisco, she has continued her education in Physical and Holistic Therapy, with an interest in Dance Movement. She has previously worked with children as a teacher’s assistant, tutor, pediatric intern and nanny, and is overjoyed with the opportunity to take lead in her own classroom. Striving to create a safe space for expression and movement, Haley looks forward to learning alongside the growth of your little star dancers!
Jordan Gilles
Instructor
Jordan graduated from Franklin High School in the Elk Grove area and currently attends Folsom Lake College. During her free time, she enjoys reading and dancing. She participated in dance lessons starting at age 5 and continued her passion for dance through her high school dance team. From choreographing her own pieces to learning complex choreography from fellow peers–Jordan has extensive experience within the dance world. She loves the thrill of preparing for performances and presenting her skills alongside people she loves. Jordan is thrilled to contribute her knowledge of dance, providing the kids an understanding of various techniques while keeping it exciting.
Tawny Garcia
Instructor
Tawny was born and raised in Southern California and has been dancing since she could walk. She comes from an eclectic and competitive dance background training in everything from Ballet to Ballroom. She moved to Texas to attend UT Austin and earn a dual degree as a BFA Dance major and BA Education. While in Texas she danced with Dance Repertory Theatre and multiple other local dance companies. She also invested her time in creating dance choreography that premiered all over Texas. She's spent the last ten years teaching competitive dance at the High School and Middle School levels and coaching Cheer at the middle school level. She just relocated to Boise with her husband and two daughters and is loving the opportunity to teach dance, cheer, and tumbling.
Aarti Chandra
Instructor
Miss Aarti is a California native who has lived in the Sacramento area since 2001. She is a certified yoga teacher with a passion for play and dance. Her formal education includes coursework in psychology, natural science, and early childhood education. Her intention is for each student to leave class feeling connected to themselves through music, movement, and fun. She motto is simple "Let's dance!"
Lillian
Instructor
My name is Lillian Colbert. I have taken dance classes ranging all the way from ballet to hip hop for a total of 12 years and counting. I am currently on two competitive teams. I am excited to officially start my dance/ gymnastics teaching career here at Jazzerettes and Gymtyme.
Lexi Eisenbarth
Lexi's dance journey has spanned the Treasure Valley, embracing disciplines from Ballet to Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop. Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Dance from Boise State University, she concurrently refined her artistry under the guidance of Idaho Dance Theater.
After choreographing for several years, Lexi showcased her directorial debut in 2023 with a mesmerizing dance film. Beyond dance, she dedicated years (2016 - 2022) to providing Habilitative Support and Respite Care for children and teens with Developmental and Mental Disabilities.
Since 2021, Lexi has shared her passion by teaching at Jazzerettes and GymTyme, epitomizing her commitment to both dance and fostering growth in others.
Instructor