Shayna Christon

Owner and Artistic Director

Dancing since she was three years old, Shayna began her training at Larkin Dance Studio, rising to their elite competitive teams early on. While dancing competitively, Shayna also was part of her fall high school’s dance team (White Bear Lake HS) and had the opportunity to lead as captain her last season. She later became part of the highly decorated dance team at University of Minnesota (2013). This opportunity made a tremendous impact on Shayna’s experience and training; not only as a dancer but also a mentor and coach for the art. For the last 15 years, Shayna has been teaching at some of the biggest studios in Minnesota including Larkin Dance Studio and Woodbury Dance Center. Shayna had also been the Head Coach at Irondale High School for three winter competitive seasons, and choreographed for All-State 2020 & 2022. She also has choreographed for other schools and colleges in the midwest. Shayna continues to strive to help others understand their path in life. Though she has won numerous awards for her choreography and dancers’ training; her biggest accomplishment remains watching her students grow confidence in their dance training but also their character as young individuals.

“These last 27 years I have fully committed to the world of dance, furthering my knowledge of this industry. This is my life, and I’m excited to share my knowledge with other hard working students.”

Talon Masanz

Studio Manager & Dance Instructor

Talon grew up dancing competitively in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. After High School, she attended a variety of dance conventions to broaden her horizons where she ultimately joined the staff of Monsters of Hip Hop Chicago as an assistant and apprentice. Talon has received formal training in ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz, & hip hop, though she gravitates towards jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. Alongside her competitive dance career, Talon also participated in her high school’s dance team where she was captain and co-choreographer for 3 years. Talon continued to pursue her love of dance while studying at St.Thomas and was a part of their team for a bit, until transferring to St. Catherine’s University. During college Talon continued to share her passion by coaching Irondale’s High School Dance Team. Currently, she guest teaches and choreographs for a number of studios throughout the Twin Cities, choreographs for college dance teams such as Gustavus Adolphus College’s National Jazz Routines, and traveling across the country on staff at Legacy Dance Competition as an adjudicator and stage manager. Though she is a sought out coach for dance in Minnesota, Talon has found her home here at The Movement MN. Talon encourages all of our students to find their own zest and passion for dance!

Tatiana Biessener

Dance Instructor & Group Fitness Educator

Tatiana began dancing at the age of three. She started and finished her dance training at Woodbury Dance Center. After graduation, Tatiana took her dancing to the next level while teaching young dancers in the Twin Cities. In 2020, she auditioned for Minnesota’s very own NBA Team. Dancing for the NBA organization for two seasons. Since then, Tatiana has shifted into learning from and being apart of the NFL team the past 2 seasons and was so thrilled to be given the opportunity to represent the great state of Minnesota, yet again! She has found her passion in educating students, not only in the dance studio but inspiring them to keep reaching for their goals beyond. Along with teaching at TMMN, she instructs group fitness classes. When she has time to relax, she likes to hang out with her cat, Cinnamon and eat gummy candy. Filled with lots of positive energy, Tatiana is excited to share her love of dance with everyone. We are grateful to have her here to share all her knowledge with our dancers, as she has a lot of knowledge and joy to give.

Wesleigh Dichter

Ballet Director & Ballet Training Program Director

Wesleigh began her ballet focused training at Ballet Royale in Minnesota. She spent high school training year-round with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.  After graduation, she spent a year dancing in New York City. There she was able to study at the Conservatory Program at Steps on Broadway as well as with the French Academie of Ballet where she had the opportunity to perform soloist roles such as Snow Queen in “The Nutcracker” and a variation from “Paquita”.  She has also trained and professionally danced at Master Ballet Academy/Phoenix Ballet in Scottsdale, Arizona under the direction of Slawomir Wozniak. She danced and performed with American National Ballet until December 2017. Wesleigh began dancing with St. Paul Ballet in January 2017 and performed with them during the Cowles Center 5th Anniversary Show as well as Carmen in the 1920s. She also performed as Water in Ballet Co.Laboratory’s Remembering the Little Prince and Patty in Nutcracker in Wonderland. Her strengths include teaching strong technique, and to grow dancers foundations. 

Currently, Wesleigh has her own high quality Tu Tu Company “Le Chaton” where she was professionally trained and now creates customized Tu Tu’s for dances across Minnesota. Check out her website if you would like to use her service!

Something interesting: I learned my first Principal role in 5 days because the lead fell and broke her foot. You never know the opportunities that may arise.

Lauren Olson

Social Media Manager, Studio 3 Coordinator &Dance Instructor

(Great for all ages; strong at teaching acro)

Lauren started dancing at the age of 3 with Larkin Dance Studio. She trained there for 11 years before deciding she wanted to also participate in athletic programs at her high school. She joined the Forest Lake Dance Team her sophomore year and competed locally for the remainder of her high school career ultimately being elected captain her senior year. Also during her senior year of high school, Lauren made Miss Drill Dance Team MN and was able to compete for them in California, alongside her home team. Lauren was a 4 year member for the University of St Thomas Dance team and is deeply humbled to have won the D1 title in jazz her very first year. Laurens best dance styles are Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz and Acro. She is set to graduate from St. Thomas this May with a degree in Business Administration Marketing & a minor in Business of Healthcare. We are blessed to have her teaching daily at our dance studio.

Lexus Riera

Dance Instructor

(Plus Private lessons)

Lexus began dancing at the age of 2 training with Larkin Dance Studio. She was a valuable member on the top lines for 17 years. During her time at Larkin she was honored with being apart of The Dance Awards “Top 10” Best Females and loved the opportunity of working with Kelle Co Modeling. After High School, Lexi went to Iowa State and participated on the colleges Dance Team. Lexi found her heart back in MN where she earned her spot as a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader, dancing professionally and sharing her love for Minnesota Sports. Lexus is beyond excited to be spending her first season with us at The Movement. She hopes that her love of dance is passed on to every kid she has the opportunity to teach.

Skyler Johnson

Dance Instructor

(movement quality master)

Skyler started dancing at 2 years old. She started at a studio in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. When she moved to Minnesota she joined Northern Force Dance Company. Skyler finished on the top lines and was dedicated to pushing her potential. Skyler assisted classes at her home studio. She is a dance artist who takes pleasure in movement, striving to find purpose on her journey as an artist. Skyler currently goes to the University of Minnesota; and is the Captain of the Premier Dance Team. Skyler is set to graduate college in May. She is majoring in Athletic Training and Dance. She is also a group fitness instructor at Flight. Skyler is a well rounded dancer, with a passion in Contemporary, Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop.