I am passionate about nurturing each dancer’s individuality while honoring the rich history and musicality of this beautiful (and fun!) art form.
You're invited to click the headings below to learn more about my tap dance journey, experience, and qualifications.
Throughout my journey, I have prioritized my own growth to better serve my students, bridging my experience between North Dakota and Arizona:
Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation: Arizona State University (2021)
MBA: Grand Canyon University (2012)
BA in Business Administration & Communication: University of Jamestown (2010), summa cum laude
Specialized Tap Certifications: iTap Teacher Certificate (Level 1, 2024) and Tap Roots Teacher Certification (2025)
Safety & Wellness Certifications: Youth Mental Health First Aid, First Aid/CPR/AED
Additional Certifications: Personal Fitness Training (AFAA), Zumba, and Jazz Dance Technique & Syllabus
My approach to tap dance is deeply rooted in my background as a musician. Having studied piano for ten years and played clarinet through my senior year of college, the floor is my percussion instrument. This musical training allows me to help students understand complex rhythms and the "why" behind the choreography.
My journey began at age three at Jack Dyville’s Dance Factory in Williston, North Dakota. Those early years shaped my technical foundation, leading me to join the studio's competition company, eventually earning numerous awards at competitions like the International Dance Challenge and Spotlight Dance Cup.
In 2002, I transitioned from student to educator, becoming the studio’s tap dance specialist. My passion for choreography also took center stage during my time as a five-time Miss North Dakota Scholarship Program participant, where I was honored with the High Score Preliminary Talent award four times for my self-choreographed tap solos.
While completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Jamestown, I continued to refine my teaching and choreographic voice. I taught at a local studio and had the opportunity to choreograph for the University’s theatre program, which allowed me to blend technical tap dance precision with theatrical storytelling.
In 2011, I co-founded Kay Michael Lee Studio in Williston alongside my sister, Sarah Johnson. For over a decade, under my sister's leadership, we brought high-quality instruction to Western North Dakota, establishing a community cornerstone that thrived until its closure in 2024.
I began building my life in Arizona while continuing my work with the studio in North Dakota. I have been teaching in the Arizona studio world since 2016, and in 2018 I served as adjunct faculty at Arizona State University's School of Film, Dance, and Theatre.
My style has been deeply shaped by my primary mentors, Jenefer Miller and Mary Wall. I was honored to be invited as a founding member of JAM & Company, an all-women tap ensemble, and have been a part of the group since its inception.
My journey in the Southwest tap community also includes performing with Dance Fusion and Tap 24.7, as well as regularly attending and performing at the Phoenix Tap Festival and the Hollywood Tap Fest to continue learning from industry masters.
Now fully based in Tempe, I live with my husband and our two pups. I am thrilled to be a part of your dance journey and invite you to follow my tap adventures on Instagram @serenataplife.