Meet Hannah, Kicks Dance Studio Owner
At Kicks Dance Studio, we believe that dance is a journey of joy and self-discovery. Our teaching approach is simple and parent-friendly: we prioritize kindness, confidence, and community above all else. Our dedicated faculty members are here to nurture your child's love for movement in a supportive, laid-back environment where every student thrives.
We work closely with our sister school, Belisama Irish Dance & Rhthym Sol.
Nurturing Confidence Through Movement
At Kicks Dance Studio, we believe that dance should be a source of pure joy and empowerment for every student. Our teaching philosophy is simple: we prioritize kind, inclusive environments where children feel safe to explore their creative expressions. By removing strict dress codes and high-pressure competition, we create a laid-back space where dancers can truly focus on building confidence, coordination, and a life-long love for rhythmic movement.
Faculty & Teaching Philosophy
We believe every dancer brings a unique light to the studio. Our teaching approach is rooted in safety, inclusivity, and the joy of movement. By removing the pressure of competition and dress codes, our world-class faculty focuses on building confidence and fostering a lifelong love for dance in a relaxed, parent-friendly atmosphere.
Hannah McDowell
Studio Owner & Instructor
Hannah McDowell is a California native that started dancing at the age of 3. She studied jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary dance and hip hop through her teen and adult years and danced competitively in high school and through college. In 2012 she met her now husband and moved to Santa Fe where she was an Artistic Director at NDI New Mexico for the residency and north programs for 8 years. Since stepping away from her career to be a stay at home mom to her now 5 year old, Hannah started teacher with Belisama Irish Dance, and expanded their dance offering. In 2026, she opened Kicks Dance Studio as a sister studio.
Leilani Sayers
Dance Camp INSTRUCTOR
Leilani Sayers is an educator and administrator from Maui with a background in early childhood education, human services, Anthropology and Hawaiian language and culture. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Cultural Administration at the Institute of American Indian Arts. As an educator, she implements play-based, culturally grounded learning through arts and crafts, creative movement, language activities, and outdoor time. Leilani’s approach draws on Indigenous learning methodologies that foster a sense of place, uplift storytelling, and center community values-creating nurturing, engaging environments where children can connect, create, and grow together.
Jaime Valencik
Instructor, ballet/lyrical, jazz, yoga fusion
With roots in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, character, and contemporary dance, Jaime is a passionate instructor and choreographer who believes deeply in the transformative power of movement. Her competitive training began in Arizona and expanded globally through cross-cultural performances, including two pre-Olympic tours in Greece and China and an international showcase in the Bahamas. After choreographing her first piece at 16 and earning a performing arts scholarship, her focus shifted toward teaching. Jaime has since taught dance, musical theatre, vinyasa yoga, prenatal yoga, and fitness to diverse, inclusive communities nationwide, inspiring creativity, connection, and joyful expression for all.
Blake Lee Ogren
Discover Dance instructor
Blake Lee Ogren (Blake Lee Clay-McBee) is thrilled to be joining the Belisama family. She has a degree in Directing from Middlebury College and fifteen years experience as a professional actor and museum educator. Blake grew up taking ballet, ballroom, and most recently Irish dance as an adult. She is working towards completing the Foundations course in Early Childhood Dance through Discover Dance. She lives in Santa Fe with her family that includes two young sons.