Co-Owner/ Instructor

Maddie Burnham is from Waconia, Minnesota, and began her journey at the studio as a student, just like many of the dancers she now teaches. Throughout high school and college, she trained extensively in Modern, Continuum, Improvisation, Musical Theatre, and Composition. She found her artistic home in Continuum—a movement practice rooted in fluidity, curiosity, spatial awareness, and seamless transitions through and across the floor. This style continues to influence both her choreography and teaching philosophy.

With over 18 years of dance experience, more than a decade of teaching and choreographing, and nearly 10 years of professional performance experience, Maddie is passionate about creating meaningful movement experiences for dancers of all ages. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance from Gustavus Adolphus College and is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, bringing a holistic approach to movement, wellness, and artistry.

Maddie is the Founder and Executive Director of 8:20 Dance Company, a contemporary dance company dedicated to creating immersive theatrical performances that inspire curiosity and human connection. Since its founding, the company has produced multiple original evening-length productions, including Somna and Vigil, while providing professional performance opportunities for artists throughout the Twin Cities.

In addition to Cultivate Dance Collaborative, Maddie founded Cultivate Wellness, offering yoga, Pilates, barre, sound baths, and community wellness experiences that encourage movement beyond the traditional dance classroom.

Outside of the studio, Maddie works for Studio Pro, where she partners with dance studios across the country to help them grow and succeed. She loves combining her experience as both a studio owner and dance educator to support fellow business owners. She is also a mother to her son Luca, a wife to her husband Sam, and two loving dogs Zuka & Mako that often make an appearance at the studio. ;)

Maddie believes dance is about far more than technique—it is a vehicle for confidence, creativity, storytelling, and connection. Her greatest joy is helping students discover their own voice through movement while creating a space where they feel seen, challenged, and empowered to become the best version of themselves.

Co-Owner/ Instructor

Melissa has taught all levels of dance from creative movement to professional level classes for 25 years. She is proud to have been teaching in this community since 2003. Melissa earned her bachelors of arts degree in dance from California State University, Long Beach. She is grateful to have danced with many talented, modern contemporary choreographers in both Minnesota and California. She has also performed lead roles in Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast, Paquita and Coppélia. Melissa has shown her choreography at American College Dance Festival, in the Minnesota Fringe Festival, Walker Art Center’s Choreographers’ Evening, Bryant Lake Bowl’s 9×22, and in Continental Ballet Company’s showcases.

“I have been in the dance studio my whole life. I have been blessed with phenomenal teachers. Annmarie Drake, Sue Gunness, Riet Velthusien, Douglas Nielsen, Sharon Kinney and Keith Johnson were among the most influential. I’ve learned from them so much more than dance. I’ve learned how great teachers can impact, inspire and pass on a life long love for movement to their students. It is my goal to make my students feel how I’ve felt in dance class, grateful, passionate, and connected. The studio is truly a magical place for me. It brings me so much fulfillment to share this with my students. Watching them grow as dancers and people is one of the greatest joys in my life.”

Instructor

Born and raised in Southern California, Cassandra discovered her passion for dance at a young age. With over 20 years of dance experience and 8 years of teaching under her belt, she has become a valued contributor in the dance community. Her journey began with intensive training under various professional choreographers, honing her skills and mastering multiple dance styles.

At just 14 years old, Cassandra made her mark on the dance world with guest appearances on "So You Think You Can Dance" and performances at the VMAs. She continued to flourish in the entertainment industry, spending over a decade acting and dancing in various productions. She also distinguished herself as a choreographer, creating award-winning dances.

Having been signed with a top-ranked talent agency from a young age, she had the opportunity to work with industry professionals and gain valuable experience early in her career. Following her heart, she eventually relocated to Minnesota, where she found fulfillment in sharing her expertise with aspiring dancers. It was there that she also started her own family, embracing the joys of motherhood while continuing to pursue her passion for dance education.

Leveraging her Master's degree in psychology, She channels her passion for dance into nurturing young minds, hoping to make a lasting impact on her students. Today, she continues to inspire and uplift through her dedication to dance education.

Instructor

Shelby began dancing at the age of seven after her mom assured her several times she would likely enjoy it. In high school, she joined a small ballet company in California and stuck with them through college. She has performed such roles as Rose Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker as well as Juliet in the Bakersfield City Ballet’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Upon moving to Minnesota in 2015, she joined Continental Ballet Company and danced various corps de ballet and soloist roles.

She was happy to end on a high note when she was cast as the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty. Shelby has taken classes from instructors around the country and attended dance festivals and honor classes with Regional Dance America. All of these opportunities and experiences created tools to better express the depth and passion in her approach to teaching.

Shelby has 15 years of teaching experience ranging in styles from ballet to improv to pointe to jazz. She loves to break down the technique of dance and build the strength necessary to consistently perform a movement with grace. She finds herself most happy when her students’ hard work is shown through the choreography of her imagination.

Instructor

Michelle Ward is a dance enthusiast with over 25 years of teaching experience. She got her dance minor from SCSU, where she also danced with Deborah Leigh’s Repertory Dance Theatre. Ward later ran the Hutchinson Dance Center for 11 years, after succeeding the studio from her long-term teacher and mentor. She went on to teach ballet in Jamaica for several years before returning to MN. She has enjoyed her years as “dance mom” watching her kids develop and grow their love for dance as well. Michelle is excited to be involved at Cultivate Dance Collaborative sharing her joy with others. Her emphasis was modern, but she enjoys everything, from ballet to belly dancing! 

Instructor

Philip Hommes is a Minneapolis-based movement artist, dance instructor, and musician originally from Two Harbors, Minnesota. His dance training began at Duluth Dance Center in Duluth, MN when he was six continuing there until he was eighteen, where he won numerous overall high points and titles at regional and national competitions. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2021 with a B.F.A. in dance, where he had experiences working with and learning from multiple dance artists, both local and international, including Pramila Vasudevan, Eko Supriyanto, Annie Hanauer, and Alito Allesi. As a choreographer, his work has won choreography awards at competitions, and a piece he created in college was selected as alternate for American Collegiate Dance Association. With over five years of teaching experience, he promotes supportive and thoughtful learning environments for students of all ages and experiences, emphasizing the importance of artistry, human expression, and collaboration.

Instructor

Emily Saba, a Minnesota native, began her dance journey with 12 years of training at River Valley Dance Academy, specializing in Ballet, Modern, and Lyrical styles. She went on to pursue pre-professional training at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, studying in the prestigious Conservatory of Dance. During this time, she also danced as a trainee with Crash Dance Productions. Emily currently performs with 8:20 Dance Company. In addition to her work as a performer, she is a dedicated dance teacher and choreographer, passionate about inspiring the next generation through a blend of technical training and creative expression.

Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow, Kids Yoga, and Reiki 1 on 1 Instructor Instructor

I am a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher, Retreat Co-Facilitator, and Mind and Body expert, who is originally from Texas. Like my home state, everything's BIGGER with me - My personality. My sense of humor. My love of adventure. And, my passion for helping people. I am a loving mother to my children, married to the best man ever, and two fur children (dogs: Axl & Madden)

Authenticity, caring, mindfulness and being fully present in life, are the values which drive me and guide my work with clients and my time with family. I love being an active member in my community and an advocate for balance and mental wellness in all aspects of life – especially those with special needs along with their caregivers.

I am passionate about yoga and you can find me working with men, women, children and seniors, who are looking to improve flexibility, strength and balance while reducing stress and anxiety levels. I mindfully focus on whole-person wellbeing to help others balance their lives physically, mentally and emotionally.

Additionally, I am the Board Vice Chair for a non-profit organization, onelove.yoga, whose mission is to support the physical and mental health of children and teens in Minnesota by providing yoga, mindfulness, and community education.

Lastly, I am a Minnesota Certified Peer Support Specialist to support those on their mental wellness healing and recovery journey. I play a critical role in helping individuals in recovery achieve their goals and maintain their well-being.

Gentle Reiki Stretch, Gentle Meditation w/ Sound, & Reiki 1 on 1 Instructor

Jess Rae is a dedicated holistic healer and wellness guide. She offers a nurturing space for self-discovery, healing, and connection. With deep rooted experience as a Reiki Master and a nursing background in western medicine, Jess blends energy work with modern techniques to support deep relaxation and transformation. She is also a certified Internal Family Systems coach, Registered Nurse, and an experienced meditation facilitator.

At Cultivate, Jess brings a compassionate approach, intuitively helping clients release tension, process emotions, and cultivate a sense of inner peace, restoring the mind, body, and spirit.

Passionate about creating supportive environments, Jess invites each individual to explore their own journey toward wellness, offering personalized care and holistic practices that honor each person's unique path.

Pilates Instructor

Hi, I’m Sam! I’m currently working toward my 500-hour comprehensive Pilates certification as a teacher-in-training. Movement has always been a huge part of my life—I grew up as a dancer and have always loved staying active.

In 2020, I experienced a back injury that led me to physical therapy, where I was introduced to Pilates. That moment completely changed how I viewed movement. I fell in love with the way Pilates strengthens the body, restores balance, and creates a deep mind-body connection.

Now, I’m excited to go from student to teacher and share this passion with others. My goal is to create classes that feel empowering, accessible, and fun for everyone.

Follow along on Instagram: @pilateswith_sam

Somatic Flow Instructor

Trisha is a passionate Yoga Instructor, Transformation and Empowerment Coach, Reiki Master, Somatic Healing Practitioner, and Women’s Retreat Facilitator. She is dedicated to guiding individuals on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. With an extensive background in sound healing, meditation, and breathwork, Trisha weaves together holistic practices to create deeply transformative experiences both on and off the mat.

As a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher, Trisha loves to incorporate somatic movement, energy work, and integrative wellness techniques to help students connect deeply with their bodies and release tension. Her unique approach blends the physical, emotional, and energetic aspects creating safe and supportive spaces for personal empowerment and inner expansion.

With over 20 years as a Registered Nurse and expertise in holistic practices, Trisha’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that yoga is more than movement—it is a pathway to transforming the mind, body, and soul for lasting radiance and balance. Whether you’re seeking grounding through Hatha yoga or liberation in her Somatic Flow classes, Trisha is committed to empowering her students to step fully into their power.