who we are...
Magnify School of Dance is a Christian dance ministry with locations throughout the North Houston area. With a passion for dance and a heart for worship Magnify was created in 2014. We believe that dance is for EVERYONE. We are passionate about the fact that God created beauty and expresses that beauty through people. We believe that artistic expression can be a powerful tool for worship and ministry. We strive for excellence through encouragement, community and friendship. We want our students to know that they are created uniquely by God and that He has a calling on each person’s life. We desire to share the joy of dance through positive instruction. Our instructors strive to live out their faith as examples of godliness, wholesomeness, worship and artistry. It is our goal to reclaim the arts for Christ, encourage our students and impact the community around us.
about the director...
Lauren Reitzammer is married to her high school sweetheart, Ryan. Together they have four precious boys, Tristan, Maverick, Pierce and Nolan. Lauren has been teaching dance for over two decades and is a gifted choreographer. Among many others, Lauren has had the pleasure of choreographing the Christmas Spectacular at Champion Forest Baptist Church for the past 6 years. As a gifted singer, speaker & writer, Lauren loves sharing messages of hope through various avenues. Lauren graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Religion and is passionate about blending her love of dance with her love of ministry. She believes that art should be used to glorify God and it was this passion that drove her to begin Magnify School of Dance. Seeing what God was doing through Magnify School of Dance, God placed a desire on Lauren’s heart to begin a dance company for adults. Magnify Dance Company began in August of 2015. The dance company performs a wide variety of dance styles including lyrical, ballet, modern, swing, ballroom, hip hop, etc. The company is comprised of men and women who share Lauren’s vision to see the gospel spread through the language of dance, performing for churches and events upon request. The company also serves as an inspiration for young dancers who desire to use their gifts for ministry. This fall Lauren will be heading up the Magnify Creative Academy at Champion Forest Baptist Church. For more of Lauren’s story, visit withfearandtrembling.org
Magnify School of Dance Instructors
Jenny Moyado Troupe & Ignite Director | Ballet & Jazz Instructor
Jenny has been dancing for over 17 years and is passionate about sharing God's love with children and adults through dance. She has trained under Mrs. Lauren since she was a child and has taught with Magnify for the past 8 years. Jenny also serves as a choreographer for Joyful Sound and has choreographed multiple productions for National Youth Theater. Jenny directs two of Magnify's ministry teams: Team and Troupe. She is also the the lead Jazz instructor at Magnify and is a charter dance member for Magnify Dance Company. While Jenny’s teaching & performing talents are undeniable, it’s her heart that endears her to students and parents alike. We are so grateful to have Jenny as part of our Magnify team!
Erica Gallegos Director of AIM & Crew | Ballet & Hip Hop Instructor
Erica has been dancing for over 19 years. She has loved dancing in the Magnify Dance Company since it began in 2015. She is passionate about seeing revival through the performing arts. She is the resident theatre director for Concordia Lutheran High School as well as a USFSA certified figure skating coach at Ice at The Galleria. Erica also has loved directing several productions with National Youth Theater. This season at Magnify Erica is teaching Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Flexibility/Conditioning and leading our AIM (Artists in Ministry) ministry team!
Abigail Gonzales Ballet and Pointe Instructor
Abigail danced for many years under Nancy Sulik at the Corpus Christi Concert Ballet. While with CCCB she danced in leading roles in The Nutcracker, Gaite Parisienne, & Alice in Wonderland. Abigail has also studied with summer programs including The Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, Virginia School of the Arts, & the Atlanta Ballet. She attended Texas Christian University and graduated with a BFA in Ballet. Abigail pursued her Pilates certification with the Physical Mind Institute of New York while teaching dance in elementary schools. She is married with 4 children and loves teaching ballet and Pilates. Abigail teaches multiple levels of ballet at Magnify School of Dance and is the Programming Director for the Children’s Ministry at Woodsedge Community Church.
Livia Kuepker Ballet Instructor
Livia Kuepker joined Magnify in 2019 with no prior dance experience and has learned so much in the five years she has been here. She was promoted to Jr. Co. in 2022 where she gained tremendous love and admiration for dance as a ministry. This is her first year teaching and she has loved getting to know and minister to the students in her class. She is currently a junior at Houston Christian University where she is studying Biology. She loves cooking, singing, playing the drums, spending time with her family, and playing with her dogs. She hopes to continue learning and growing in every avenue possible but especially dance.
Kirsten Hart Ballet and Pilates Instructor
Kirsten is a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where she began her dance training at the age of 9. She is a
dancer, teacher, and choreographer, holding 14 years of training in the styles of ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern,
musical theatre, tap, hip hop, and acro. Kirsten received her training from several institutions including the
Joffrey Ballet School, Broadway Dance Center, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB).
Kirsten holds a B.S. of Biology/Pre-Medicine and a Dance minor from Messiah University near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Kirsten currently a member of Open Sky dance collective and a Pure Barre instructor. She approaches her dance classes with extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to help her students become more informed, stronger dancers. Kirsten is excited to share her love for dance with all the students she meets at Magnify this year!
dancer, teacher, and choreographer, holding 14 years of training in the styles of ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern,
musical theatre, tap, hip hop, and acro. Kirsten received her training from several institutions including the
Joffrey Ballet School, Broadway Dance Center, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB).
Kirsten holds a B.S. of Biology/Pre-Medicine and a Dance minor from Messiah University near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Kirsten currently a member of Open Sky dance collective and a Pure Barre instructor. She approaches her dance classes with extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to help her students become more informed, stronger dancers. Kirsten is excited to share her love for dance with all the students she meets at Magnify this year!
Nomi Mucha Ballet Instructor
Nomi grew up dancing and trained in classical ballet for over 14 years where she gained an immense love and respect for the performing arts! Nomi is an accomplished dancer who joined Magnify Jr Company two years ago, and from there grew her skills in other dance styles including modern, tap,
hip-hop, lyrical, partnering and more. She was promoted to Magnify Dance Company in 2023. This
year Nomi will be teaching Ballet for Magnify School of Dance. She has a heart for children and is excited share her love for Jesus and the arts through dance!
hip-hop, lyrical, partnering and more. She was promoted to Magnify Dance Company in 2023. This
year Nomi will be teaching Ballet for Magnify School of Dance. She has a heart for children and is excited share her love for Jesus and the arts through dance!
Josh Godfrey Tumbling, Hip Hop and Jazz Instructor
Josh has trained under the director of men’s Houston ballet, numerous hip hop choreographers and, most recently, was a background dancer/traveling for several tours with Cameron Giles. He has worked with many artist such as Jon Glenn, Jaysn, Brent, and recently Eric Harleston! Josh started his dancing journey by choreographing for many local middle & high schools. When not dancing, he is running his own business, GrooveUp Ent. With many different circus performers, magicians, cosplayers, aerialist, dancers, models, gymnasts and singers all over the city of Houston. His company provides enjoyable entertainment for parties, events, birthdays, and more. Josh has been dancing for 3 years and professionally for 2 years! He teaches at Magnify, as well as at Delicate Rose, and DanceBarr. He has joined as a teacher as well as a member of the world of dance winning team, Soreal. He considers himself super blessed to be doing what he loves and hopes to continue to share his gifts and blessings from the Lord with others.
Ashleigh Lutrick Ballet & Tap Instructor
Ashleigh has been dancing for 19 years heavily training in classical ballet. She has completed her level eight exam in the American Ballet Theatre curriculum. She has also trained in and enjoys various styles such as, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and musical theatre, which has given her the opportunity to perform and do ministry in numerous places including Dallas, New York and Houston. She joined Magnify’s company in 2023 and also started teaching tap at Magnify School of Dance. Ashleigh is eager to see what the Lord has in store for Magnify and those perusing spreading the Gospel through the language of dance.
Hannah Mettler Modern Instructor
Hannah Mettler is a dance artist, educator, and creative based in the greater Houston area. Her training is rooted in Vaganova method ballet, rhythm tap, modern, contemporary, and jazz dance with her personal teaching philosophy emphasizing technical excellence combined with artistry. Hannah joined Ad Deum dance company in 2017 as part of the second company directed by Shizu Yasuda, and was promoted to the main company directed by Randall Flinn in 2019. She has performed works by Randall Flinn, Steve Rooks, Durell Comedy, Jennifer Mabus, Caleb Mitchell, Shizu Yasuda, and Alicia Graf-Mack. In addition to her love of performing, she is a passionate educator and is currently pursuing an MFA in Dance at Sam Houston State University. Her goals are to use dance as a means to connect and inspire the next generation of movement artists and use her gifts and talents for the glory of God.
AmieGrace Bledsoe Arise Director | Lyrical, Jazz, Tumbling & Contemporary Leaps & Turns Instructor
AmieGrace Bledsoe has over 16 years of dance experience and is dedicated to sharing the hope and love of Jesus through her art. She began her journey in Scottish dancing, competing nationally from a young age. AmieGrace trained with Magnify as a Junior Company member from 2017 to 2020 and was promoted to Company in 2021. After graduating high school in 2022, she attended Dallas Baptist University and was a member of the DBU Patriettes dance team, where she earned an NDA national champion title in the Pom category.
While in Dallas, AmieGrace participated in Prestonwood Baptist Church’s Christmas production, “The Gift of Christmas,” and collaborated with Bright Lights Theatre as a choreographer. She is now excited to be back in Houston dancing with Magnify’s adult company and teaching various styles as well as leading the “Arise” ministry team.
While in Dallas, AmieGrace participated in Prestonwood Baptist Church’s Christmas production, “The Gift of Christmas,” and collaborated with Bright Lights Theatre as a choreographer. She is now excited to be back in Houston dancing with Magnify’s adult company and teaching various styles as well as leading the “Arise” ministry team.
Magnify Creative Academy Staff
Ryan Reitzammer Director of Operations
Ryan has been in ministry most of his adult life and is currently serving as the Director of Operations and Outreach for Magnify Dance Company. Ryan is also a charter member of Magnify Dance Company and loves nurturing healthy team building through real connection. After graduating from the University of Houston, Ryan spent 5 years in the financial service industry and over 10 years in student ministry before stepping away to focus his efforts at Magnify. Ryan is so grateful to do life with his high school sweetheart (Lauren) and their four boys (Tristan, Maverick, Pierce & Nolan)!
Magnify Creative Administration Staff
Angel Pawlak Costumes
Angel and her daughter, Ashley, have been a part of our Magnify family since 2019, and she has been so active as a parent volunteer that we just had to have her here on staff! Angel oversees all things costume-related, including ordering, organizing, maintaining, and repairing costumes for performances and events. She ensures each dancer is stage-ready with care and creativity.
Angel is one of the hardest workers we know and does it all with a smile on her face. She loves Jesus, her family, and Magnify - giving her all for each. Angel has been a huge blessing, and it would not be the same here without her support and servant heart!
Angel is one of the hardest workers we know and does it all with a smile on her face. She loves Jesus, her family, and Magnify - giving her all for each. Angel has been a huge blessing, and it would not be the same here without her support and servant heart!
Nomi Mucha Administrative Assistant
We’re excited to welcome Nomi Mucha to our Magnify staff! In addition to continuing to dance and teach ballet with us, Nomi is stepping into a new role as our Administrative Assistant. She brings a heart that’s eager to learn and has embraced every step of this new chapter. We’re grateful for the joy, dedication, and creativity she brings to the team!
Magnify Creative Academy Music Staff
Emily Haverkorn Voice Teacher
Emily began training as a vocalist when she was 9. She participated in vocal competitions through
high school and college, and has received numerous awards for her work. Emily holds a B.S. in Vocal Performance as well as an M.B.A. in Business Management. She has been teaching voice for 12 years. Emily is passionate about helping each student find and hone their unique voice, and does so by focusing on healthy vocal techniques as well as performance skills. With experience singing in a range of genres and languages, she is equipped to teach any student with a desire to cultivate their gifts.
high school and college, and has received numerous awards for her work. Emily holds a B.S. in Vocal Performance as well as an M.B.A. in Business Management. She has been teaching voice for 12 years. Emily is passionate about helping each student find and hone their unique voice, and does so by focusing on healthy vocal techniques as well as performance skills. With experience singing in a range of genres and languages, she is equipped to teach any student with a desire to cultivate their gifts.
Carolyn Gibbens Piano Teacher
Hector Torres Guitar Teacher
We love partnering with our home church, Champion Forest, if you do not have a church home we would highly recommend you come join us!
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