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 high school’s dance team 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 for 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 has 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 and received national recognition for University of Riverfalls- Wisconsin Dance Team’s National Hip Hop routine and Gustavus Adolphus College’s National Jazz Routines. Though she has won numerous awards for her choreography and dancers’ training, her biggest accomplishment remains watching her students grow inside their dance training but also their character as young individuals.

“These last 25 years I have fully committed to the world of dance, furthering my knowledge of this industry. I am excited to take on this new adventure and continue to grow with you all.”

Talon Masanz

Talon grew up dancing competitively for Fourth Street Dance Centre. While she was frequently achieving numerous accolades in the competitive dance community, Talon also frequently 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, contemporary 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. Talon continued to pursue her love of dance while studying at St. Catherine’s University, primarily through coaching Irondale’s dance team, guest teaching and choreographing for a number of studios throughout the Twin Cities, and traveling across the country on staff at Legacy Dance Competition. 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!

Wesleigh Dichter

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 the ability to learn choreography quickly. 

Something interesting: I learned my first Principal role in 5 days because the lead fell and broke her foot and had understudy.