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Life & Work with Mattie Merrill of Herriman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mattie Merrill.

Hi Mattie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
With a lifelong dedication to dance, I began my journey at the age of three, training extensively in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and modern dance. My competitive career earned me multiple regional and national titles, and I also excelled in power tumbling and Allstar cheer, competing at Worlds seven times. Alongside these styles, I developed a deep passion for street dance forms, which I’ve studied extensively and continue to explore.

Awarded a scholarship to Brigham Young University, I cheered while earning a degree in Dance Education with an emphasis in modern dance and kinesiology. During my time at BYU, I was actively involved with the university’s modern dance companies, gaining valuable experience in performance and choreography.

My journey has also included coaching in studio settings and teaching academic dance in public schools, where I have the opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation of dancers. As the Artistic Director of a Dance Company and Pre-Company program, I blend my love for dance as both an expressive art form and a technical discipline. Whether I’m in the classroom, on stage, or developing new projects, I’m passionate about creating space for dancers to grow, connect, and thrive.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any meaningful journey, mine hasn’t always been smooth. There were periods in my life where I stepped away from dance—whether due to life transitions, burnout, or other commitments. But each time I returned, the dance community welcomed me back with open arms, reminding me of the power of connection and the deep-rooted love we all share for this art form.

Starting Artistry in Motion has been incredibly rewarding, but it’s also come with its fair share of challenges. Building a business from the ground up—handling logistics, finances, outreach, and creative direction—can feel overwhelming at times. But what’s kept me going is the unwavering support from fellow dancers, educators, and creatives who have reached out, cheered me on, and offered their talents to help bring the vision to life.

Perseverance is key. Even when the road gets hard, keeping our focus on the mission—bringing dancers together, creating space for growth, and celebrating artistry—gives every challenge a sense of purpose.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the core of everything I do is a passion for helping dancers see the full scope of what’s possible in this art form—both creatively and professionally. I specialize in teaching dance through both an academic and artistic lens, working with students in public school settings, competitive studios, and master class environments. I strive to bridge the gap between technical training, artistic expression, and real-world application.

One of the things I’m most proud of is helping dancers recognize that dance is not just a passion or a hobby—it’s a legitimate, expansive field with diverse career paths. Whether it’s choreography, teaching, dance science, commercial work, or arts administration, I want young dancers to see the bigger picture and feel empowered to pursue their place in it.

Through Artistry in Motion, I’ve been able to bring together industry professionals from all corners of the dance world and create opportunities for dancers to learn, connect, and grow in an environment that celebrates both excellence and individuality. I believe what sets my work apart is the emphasis on education, accessibility, and purpose. My goal is to build not just strong dancers, but thoughtful, informed artists and humans.

Pricing:

  • Day Pass: 132.00
  • Weekend Pass: 220.00
  • Platinum Pass: 265.00

Contact Info:

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