Head Coach
Abbey grew up dancing in Minnesota, from the age of 3 she danced at studio, beginning competition in 5th grade, then joining her high school dance team in 7th grade. On the New Prague Trojan Dance Team she competed in jazz and high kick and her senior year she was awarded All-Conference and was a captain. Abbey then moved to Golden, CO to attend the Colorado School of Mines. At Mines Abbey received her Bachelors of Science in Computer Science as well as her Masters of Science in Computer Science while being an active member and leader on the Mines Dance Team. During school and after graduating Abbey has continued to teach at Virtuosity Dance Centre as their Tot Program Coordinator and Acrobatic Teacher. After graduation Abbey moved to the Englewood area for work where she coached Chaparral JV Dance for two years before taking on the Head Coach position with the Golden High School Dance Team for the 2025-2026 season. Her coaching philosophy consists of open and honest communication while working to increase confidence and develop well rounded dancers. She believes that growth happens when dancers feel both challenged and encouraged.
Assistant Coach
Renee did not start her dance journey until her sophomore year of high school. Throughout her childhood, she participated in gymnastics, cheer, and mostly soccer. She became close friends with many girls on her high school dance team, who eventually convinced her to try out. Determined to catch up, Renee practiced every day to learn the basics and proper technique. Although she didn’t become an amazing dancer overnight, her coaches saw potential in her, and she earned a spot on the Junior Varsity team alongside her friends. She worked hard and took many private lessons to continue improving. Her dedication paid off when she became team captain her junior year and led her team to a state runner-up finish in the jazz division. During her senior year, she made the Varsity team, which went on to break numerous program records. That year, they took 1st place in Pom at the NDA Regional Competition, made 5A Pom State Finals for the first time in program history (placing 4th), and capped off their season by competing Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Pom at the national level, earning 4th place in the nation in the Pom division. Renee’s love for dance continued after high school, leading her to join the dance team at the Colorado School of Mines while studying Biochemistry. She enjoyed performing at football games and competing on the UDA College Nationals floor. Recently, she decided to pursue a new career path and is continuing her education online through Arizona State University. Renee is deeply grateful for the amazing coaches who shaped her journey and helped her find her love for dance. She continues to draw inspiration from them every day. She is excited to share her love of dance and to be part of each young dancer’s journey, helping them build confidence, grow their skills, and discover their own passion for the art of dance.
Assistant Coach
Katja began her dance training as a competitive Irish dancer, dedicating 11 years to the sport and earning three World Championship titles. As a Golden, CO native, she attended Golden High School, where she was a varsity member and captain of the GHS Dance Team, competing and performing pom, hip-hop, and jazz at the national level. She went on to attend Colorado State University, where she was a four-year member and captain of the CSU Golden Poms. Following her collegiate career, Katja spent one season as a professional dancer with the Colorado Spartans and is currently dancing professionally as a member of the Colorado Mammoth Wild Bunch Dance Team. Katja earned her B.S. in Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition from CSU and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Food Science and Nutrition. She is passionate about mentoring young dancers and is thrilled to return to her roots as a coach in her hometown, with the goal of creating a fun, empowering program that helps young women grow as individuals and dancers while preparing them to explore future college or professional dance opportunities if they so choose.