Starz in Motion
Located at 1880 South Alma School Road in Chandler, Starz In Motion offers a quality dance education in a family oriented, positive, and nurturing environment that treats every dancer, parent, and instructor with the utmost respect. It is our goal to make you feel like you are a member of our dance family!!
The studio is committed to providing energetic, fun and high caliber training to dancers of all ages, abilities and interests. We offer instruction to girls and boys in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics/Tumbling, Creative Movement and Pom for ages 2½ to Adult, at levels from Beginner through Advanced.
For the dancer who wishes to take their dance education to the next level, dancers can become part of our Starz Dance Company. Company members perform at local venues throughout the year and have the opportunity to attend regional competitions. Both recreational and company dancers are taught by a professional faculty with a personal approach to help each student reach their highest potential.
Located in the heart of Chandler at 1880 South Alma School Road, Starz In Motion Dance School is more than just a dance studio—it’s a place where dancers build confidence, friendships, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance. We are proud to provide exceptional dance education in a positive, encouraging, and family-oriented environment where every dancer, parent, and instructor is valued and treated with respect. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel like part of the Starz family.
Our experienced and passionate faculty is dedicated to inspiring dancers of every age, ability, and goal through energetic, engaging, and high-quality instruction. Whether your child is taking their very first dance class or training at an advanced level, we provide the support and encouragement needed to help every student thrive.
We offer classes for girls and boys ages 2½ through Adult in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Tap, Acrobatics/Tumbling, Creative Movement, and Pom. With classes ranging from beginner to advanced, there is something for everyone—from dancers looking for a fun weekly activity to those pursuing serious technical training.
For dancers seeking additional performance opportunities, our Starz Dance Company provides a challenging and rewarding experience. Company members receive advanced training, perform throughout the community, and compete at regional dance competitions while developing teamwork, confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
At Starz In Motion, our mission is to help every dancer discover their potential, achieve their personal best, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re dancing for fun, fitness, friendship, or future goals, we can’t wait to welcome you to the Starz family.
Dance Educators
All classes are taught by a professional faculty with a personal approach to help each student reach their highest potential. Whether students are considering a career in dance, seeking personal fulfillment, or just want to have fun, they are encouraged to develop self-confidence, form lasting friendships, and cultivate an appreciation for the arts.
Mariann Paul
Owner & Artistic Director
Mariann Paul
Owner & Artistic Director
Mariann Paul received her early dance training with Helena Baron and with Paul Sutherland and Brunilda Ruiz of the Joffrey Ballet. As a principal dancer with the Baron Ballet Company, she performed at the PNC Bank Arts Center as well as at regional dance festivals and performances throughout the Northeast.
Throughout her career, Mariann has earned numerous awards for her choreography and has served as an adjudicator for the Star Systems National Talent Competition. Dedicated to lifelong learning and staying current with the ever-evolving dance industry, she has continued her professional education through prestigious programs including the Vaganova Seminar at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society, Jazz Dance World Congress, David Howard Ballet Workshop, Broadway Dance Center Teacher Workshop, Rhee Gold's DanceLife Teacher Conference, the Dance Teacher Summit, and the IDEA Conference.
With more than 40 years of experience as a dance educator, choreographer, studio owner, and artistic director, Mariann has helped thousands of dancers develop not only strong technical skills but also confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance. She has owned and directed a highly respected dance studio in New Jersey for over four decades and is now entering her sixth season as the owner and Artistic Director of Starz In Motion Dance School.
Mariann is passionate about creating a positive, family-oriented environment where every dancer has the opportunity to grow, achieve their goals, and discover the joy of dance. Her commitment to excellence, innovation, and individualized instruction continues to shape the culture and success of Starz In Motion.
Megan Davis
Assistant Director & Dance Educator
Megan Davis
Assistant Director & Dance Educator
Megan Davis, originally from Saegertown, Pennsylvania, began her dance training at Allegro Dance Arts under the direction of Gretchen Myers. During her years there, she trained extensively, competed at regional and national competitions, and attended numerous dance conventions to further her education.
At the age of 12, Megan relocated to Pittsburgh to pursue pre-professional classical ballet training under Cynthia Castillo and Damien Martinez Coro. During this time, she competed in both the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Universal Ballet Competition (UBC), earning numerous scholarships, top overall placements, and recognition for her choreography, including the Best Choreographer Award.
In 2021, Megan signed her first professional contract with Minnesota Ballet in Duluth, Minnesota.
Throughout her professional career, she performed in numerous corps de ballet and principal roles.
Following a performance of The Nutcracker, the Duluth News Tribune praised her performance, writing, "Dew Drop Fairy Megan Davis was most impressive. Her precision on pointe was finely tuned. Davis confidently suspended her renversé and attacked her Italian fouettés while she and her waltzing flowers swept across the stage in mesmerizing patterns."
Most recently, Megan served as a choreographer for Oil Region Ballet Company in Franklin, Pennsylvania, where she spent nearly two seasons creating original works and mentoring young dancers.
At Starz In Motion Dance School, Megan serves as the Assistant Director and oversees the Starz Dance Company. She is responsible for company operations, rehearsals, dancer development, and helping to guide the artistic vision of the competitive program. Megan is passionate about inspiring dancers to reach their highest potential through quality instruction, strong technique, and a positive, encouraging environment.
Megan is thrilled to be part of the Starz family and looks forward to helping every dancer grow in confidence, artistry, and a lifelong love of dance.
Lisa Grossi
Dance Educator
Lisa Grossi
Dance Educator
Lisa Grossi was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where she began her dance training at a local dance studio. Throughout her youth, she developed a strong love for dance while competing with both her studio and her high school dance team.
As the proud mother of three daughters, Lisa has discovered a true passion for working with young dancers. She believes that a child's first dance experience should be fun, encouraging, and filled with positive memories. Nothing brings her more joy than watching her students develop new skills, gain confidence, and discover a lifelong love of dance.
Lisa is dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive classroom where every child feels successful and excited to learn. She believes that dance is about much more than technique—it teaches discipline, creativity, confidence, teamwork, and friendships that can last a lifetime.
As Lisa often says, "Dance not only builds lifelong skills, but it also builds lifelong confidence and relationships."
Dexton Bushman
Dance Educator
Dexton Bushman
Dance Educator
Dexton Bushman began his dance training at the age of ten and has developed a strong foundation in a variety of dance styles, with a special passion for contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. He grew up as a competitive dancer, training at several respected studios throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. He spent three seasons training and competing with Chandler Dance Center, where he earned numerous regional and national awards as both a soloist and group performer.
Dexton graduated from Heritage Academy Maricopa in 2025, where he was a dedicated member of the Heritage Dance Company for four years. During his time there, he served as a Dance Teacher Assistant under the direction of Ms. Ashley Christine Smith, Heritage Academy Maricopa's Dance Program Director, choreographer, and educator. This experience allowed him to develop valuable leadership skills while assisting with classes, mentoring younger dancers, and contributing to successful performances and productions.
Throughout his training, Dexton has had the opportunity to study with many respected choreographers including Cassie Lindsey, Christopher Dolder, Frankie Henderson, Anna Jones, and several others. He is currently a member of Instinct Dancecorps, an esteemed dance company at Scottsdale Community College, where he is pursuing a degree in dance.
In addition to performing, Dexton has discovered a true passion for choreography. He enjoys creating original works that showcase his creativity, musicality, and distinctive choreographic style. His goal is to inspire dancers to grow both technically and artistically while building confidence through movement.
Dexton works continually to grow not only as a dancer but also as a teacher. He is a certified Acro Dance instructor through Acrobatic Arts. He pushes himself to always bring his best for each class and is thrilled to continue educating dancers at Starz In Motion!
Ashley Christine Smith
Dance Educator
Ashley Christine Smith
Dance Educator
Ashley Christine Smith began her dance training at the age of two in Dallas, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona. Her passion and dedication to dance led her to receive a scholarship to Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, graduating cum laude.
Following graduation, Ashley was awarded a full scholarship to study and perform with the prestigious Giordano Dance School in Evanston, Illinois, as a member of the Giordano III Dance Company.
Throughout her training and professional career, she has had the opportunity to work with many renowned choreographers and educators, including Doug Caldwell, Mandy Moore, Eddie Ocampo, Brian Friedman, Harrison McEldowney, Nick Pupillo, Nan Giordano, Sherry Zunker, Autumn Eckman, Jessica Deahr, Joel Hall, William Gill, Richard Smith, and many others.
Ashley has enjoyed a successful professional performing career, including touring internationally with Disney Live! in Mickey's Rockin' Road Show, where she entertained audiences around the world.
Committed to lifelong learning and artistic growth, Ashley earned her Master of Fine Arts in Dance Choreography from Jacksonville University in 2022.
Ashley is currently the Dance Director at Heritage Academy in Maricopa, Arizona, where she is beginning her sixth year teaching and inspiring students in grades 6–12. She is passionate about sharing her lifelong love of dance while helping students develop strong technical foundations, confidence, artistry, and a genuine appreciation for the performing arts.
Ashley is excited to share her knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm with every dancer at Starz In Motion Dance School, where she is committed to helping each student reach their fullest potential in a positive, encouraging, and inspiring environment.
Jaden Stubbs
Dance Educator
Jaden Stubbs
Dance Educator
Jaden Stubbs has been dancing since the age of two and has developed a lifelong passion for performing, teaching, and inspiring young dancers. She grew up as a competitive dancer before continuing her dance career as a member of the Hamilton High School Dance Team and Varsity Pom Line.
Jaden attended Grand Canyon University, where she was a member of the GCU Dance Team for three years and helped lead the team to two National Game Day Championships. Her experiences as both a performer and competitor have shaped her energetic teaching style and commitment to excellence.
As an instructor and choreographer, Jaden is known for bringing enthusiasm, positivity, and excitement into every class she teaches. Her classes are filled with high energy, encouragement, and engaging choreography that motivates dancers to work hard while having fun. She strives to create an environment where every student feels confident, challenged, and excited to learn.
Jaden loves helping dancers build strong technique, confidence, and a genuine love for dance. She is passionate about inspiring each student to reach their full potential while making every class a fun and memorable experience.
Ella Foster
Dance Educator
Ella Foster
Dance Educator
Ella Foster is a professional dancer based in Phoenix, Arizona. She began her dance journey as a competitive dancer in Maryland, where she trained for over a decade. At just 15, Ella was signed by MSA Talent Agency, and by 17, she earned a full scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York City as a Jazz and Contemporary trainee.
After more than two years of intensive training at Joffrey, Ella took her talents on the road, performing with Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Her career has also included performances with Camila Cabello, modeling for Hermès, and dancing in several short films.
You can also find Ella featured in the book Dance Across The USA where she proudly represents Washington D.C.
In the short year Ella has lived in Arizona, she has become a well-known teacher for adults and children in the Scottsdale area. She has spent a season dancing for the Arizona Rattlers and has become a part of a contemporary dance company here in Phoenix.
Ella has become passionate about teaching and choreographing for young dancers and is excited to be part of the program at Starz In Motion Dance School.
Ella Foster
Dance Educator
Ella Foster
Dance Educator
Ella Foster is a professional dancer based in Phoenix, Arizona. She began her dance journey as a competitive dancer in Maryland, where she trained for over a decade. At just 15, Ella was signed by MSA Talent Agency, and by 17, she earned a full scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York City as a Jazz and Contemporary trainee.
After more than two years of intensive training at Joffrey, Ella took her talents on the road, performing with Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Her career has also included performances with Camila Cabello, modeling for Hermès, and dancing in several short films.
You can also find Ella featured in the book Dance Across The USA where she proudly represents Washington D.C.
In the short year Ella has lived in Arizona, she has become a well-known teacher for adults and children in the Scottsdale area. She has spent a season dancing for the Arizona Rattlers and has become a part of a contemporary dance company here in Phoenix.
Ella has become passionate about teaching and choreographing for young dancers and is excited to be part of the program at Starz In Motion Dance School.
Jaden Stubbs
Dance Educator
Jaden Stubbs
Dance Educator
Jaden Stubbs has been dancing since the age of two and has developed a lifelong passion for performing, teaching, and inspiring young dancers. She grew up as a competitive dancer before continuing her dance career as a member of the Hamilton High School Dance Team and Varsity Pom Line.
Jaden attended Grand Canyon University, where she was a member of the GCU Dance Team for three years and helped lead the team to two National Game Day Championships. Her experiences as both a performer and competitor have shaped her energetic teaching style and commitment to excellence.
As an instructor and choreographer, Jaden is known for bringing enthusiasm, positivity, and excitement into every class she teaches. Her classes are filled with high energy, encouragement, and engaging choreography that motivates dancers to work hard while having fun. She strives to create an environment where every student feels confident, challenged, and excited to learn.
Jaden loves helping dancers build strong technique, confidence, and a genuine love for dance. She is passionate about inspiring each student to reach their full potential while making every class a fun and memorable experience.
Ashley Leoncini
Dance Educator
Ashley Leoncini
Dance Educator
Ashley Leoncini has been a dedicated dance educator for more than 20 years. Growing up in the dance world, Ashley began her training at her mother's studio in Pennsylvania, which has been inspiring dancers for 48 years. Her extensive ballet training includes studying under the late Henry Danton of the Paris Opera Ballet and The Australian Ballet.
Ashley was also a principal dancer with Ballet Theatre of Scranton, where she studied under Joanne Arduino and performed leading roles in productions including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and Coppélia.
Ashley began her teaching career in Pennsylvania and has since taught at studios throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Arizona. Her teaching experience spans ballet, jazz, contemporary, and technique, allowing her to work with dancers across a wide range of ages and levels.
Over the past 10 years, ballet and pointe have become Ashley's primary specialties. She has helped develop and establish pointe programs for several studios and is passionate about sharing her love of classical ballet in a way that feels relevant, approachable, and exciting to today's dancers. Ashley strives to help her students develop strong technique, confidence, artistry, and a genuine appreciation for ballet.
Ashley is thrilled to be joining the Starz In Motion family for the 2026–2027 season and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and passion with our dancers.
Molly Ahler
Dance Educator
Molly Ahler
Dance Educator
Molly Ahler was born in South Korea and raised in Tempe, Arizona, where she began her dance training at the age of ten with Nadja Langenhorst at Jeanne’s School of Dance. She continued her training at the University of Arizona, earning her BFA and receiving scholarships to summer programs with American Ballet Theatre, Milwaukee Ballet, and BalletMet.
Following graduation, Molly joined Florida Dance Theatre, where she performed both classical and contemporary repertoire and appeared at prestigious events including the APAP Conference at Lincoln Center and the Battery Dance Festival in New York City. During her time with the company, she performed featured roles including Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, and Kitri in Don Quixote.
Molly discovered her passion for teaching at a young age and has taught ballet and lyrical for many years, as well as master classes and summer intensives in both Arizona and Florida. She later served as Academy Director of Florida Dance Theatre and is currently the Dance Director at a K–8 Arts Magnet School.
A certified Progressing Ballet Technique instructor, Molly brings a well-rounded approach to dance education, combining strong technical training with her knowledge of kinesiology. She is passionate about helping young dancers build confidence, artistry, and a strong technical foundation.