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. She has attended and taught at countless dance conventions. 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

Studio Manager

Talon grew up dancing competitively in White Bear Lake Minnesota. 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, 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 and made their dance team. Then, she continued to share her passion by 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!

Tatiana Biessener

Dance Instructor (Works well with young dancers; teaches all ages)

Tatiana began her dancing at Woodbury Dance Center when she was three years old. Over her many years of competitive dance she has competed in jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, musical theatre, hip hop, contemporary and open. Numerous routines that she’s been a part of have placed in overalls, as well as winning Industry Dance Awards. Along with dancing for 20 years, Tatiana has always loved working with kids, so much so that as soon as she was eligible, she became an assistant. She has found her passion in educating students in their future of dance. After graduation, Tatiana took her dancing to the next level. In 2020, she auditioned for the Minnesota Timberwolves. She then danced for the NBA organization for two seasons and is grateful for the opportunity to dance professionally. She is currently representing the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders this 2024-2025 season, and is so thrilled to be given the opportunity to represent the great state of Minnesota yet again! Filled with lots of positive energy, Tatiana is excited to share her love of dance with everyone. We are grateful to have Tatiana here to share all her knowledge with our dancers.

Wesleigh Dichter

Ballet 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 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.

Lauren Olson

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. Lauren also joined Dance Tech Studios and trained competitively with them for 5 years. 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 Team MN and was able to compete for them alongside her home team. Lauren now dances 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.

Skyler Johnson

Dance Instructor (Great for younger dancers; 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 on the Premier Dance Team. She is majoring in Athletic Training and Dance. Skyler is a well rounded dancer, with a passion in Contemporary, Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop.