OUR TEAM
Welcome to Open Arts!
A Note from Founder & Artistic Director, Maia Wirth
Dear Dancers and Families,
When I founded Open Arts in 2013, my dream was to create a space where arts education goes far beyond steps, notes, and trophies—a place built on joy, community, and genuine connection. Drawing from my years as a public school educator, music and teaching fellow scholar, and yoga practitioner, I wanted to build an arts home where every child is deeply known, celebrated, and supported from day one.
In a world full of high-pressure studios and cookie-cutter programs, our entire team is dedicated to doing things differently. When you walk through our doors, here is what you and your dancer can expect from your Open Arts experience:​
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Warm Welcomes & Real Belonging: From the moment you step past our front desk to the high-fives at the end of class, you’ll encounter a team that knows your name, cares about your day, and makes sure your family feels right at home.
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Confidence-First Teaching: Grounded in positive behavior support, mindfulness, and creative storytelling, our educators swap rigid pressure for genuine encouragement. Growth happens best when kids feel safe to try, stumble, and shine!
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Joyful, High-Energy Classrooms: Whether it’s Disney magic in preschool, Beyoncé confidence in hip hop, or alternative vibes in modern, our rooms are buzzing with energy, laughter, and connection.
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Growing the Whole Child: We teach so much more than technique. We build resilience, friendship, and self-expression through a variety of programming designed to nurture, support, and inspire.
When your dancer leaves our doors, our goal is for them to walk out glowing with pride, standing a little taller, and feeling empowered to conquer the world.
Teaching and nurturing humans through all the twist, turns, and trials of life is my passion - and the arts has always been my favorite way to do this. When you step into the studio with me, we're going to jam (to the most varied playlist ever - from funk to classical to jazz and everything in between), we're going to laugh, we're going to work hard and hopefully sweat and push ourselves beyond what we thought was possible and maybe even cry! And we're going to do and create AMAZING things. Together.
When I’m not teaching, dancing, or hanging at the studio, you’ll most likely find me outside in nature, reading a book, dreaming of my next travel adventure, or chasing every day magic with my lil family - my partner Skye (honorary unpaid employee of Open Arts), my son Gunnar (who you’ll often see at the studio drawing, telling ridiculous jokes, or delightfully interrupting my conversations!), and our furry mutt Bae!
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Below you'll be able to learn more about the incredible team that makes all of the magic happen here at Open Arts. When we hire staff and teachers, we're always looking for not just highly qualified individuals, but also kind and nurturing humans who align with our mission, vision, and core values. As a studio owner who once taught every single class at Open Arts myself, hiring teachers and staff that I trust to fully support, implement, and honor the HEART in the ARTS is my top priority. I invite you to click on each staff member's card to read their introductory letter to you and to learn more about these amazing and talented specialists who will be guiding, inspiring, and cheering on your dancer this season.
​We can’t wait to welcome you home to Open Arts!
With Love & so much HEART,
Maia
Caitlyn Van Houten
Assistant Director
Hi Dancers and Families and welcome to Open Arts!
It's my complete joy to welcome you to our studio as the Assistant Director and the lead enrollment coordinator for our studio. Most likely I've already spoken with you or answered your emails, and it's my top priority to ensure you, your dancer, and entire family has a magical and heart-felt experience from first steps to final bows!
In my young dancer classes, we are always moving and grooving to your favorite hits from TV and movies. As a huge Disney lover, you will definitely catch some magic on my playlist! I strive to keep our classroom completely creative and interactive so you are always excited to come back.
My absolute favorite teaching trick is making class an ongoing conversation. I want you to feel like you have a voice in what we are learning! Through fun rhymes, imaginative storytelling, and magical imagery, we lock new steps and vocabulary into our memories without even realizing we’re working hard. When you walk out the door to meet your parents, I hope you feel confident, proud that you tried something new, and full of joy because you had so much fun!
My own dance teachers had a massive impact on my confidence growing up, and having the opportunity to share that gift with you in a holistic, safe way is a dream come true. When I’m not at the studio, you can find me crafting, cooking, or hanging out on the couch with my dog, Leo! I can't wait to share the magic of dance with you!
xo, Caitlyn
Lyla Austin
Support Staff
Once an Open Arts dancer, Lyla has continued to be a part of our studio as a regular Summer Camp Assistant and will now join our staff at the Front Desk this season!
Desk Superpower:
Quietly setting up everything you need behind the scenes
Jenni Davidson
Support Staff & Artistic Design
"As an Open Arts dance mom for 10+ years and counselor, I know firsthand what makes this studio special. My goal is for every dancer and parent to know they truly belong here."
Desk Superpower:
Creative problem-solving, backstage costume fixes & last-minute ballet buns!
Alyssa Lett
Support Staff
"My favorite part of welcoming families each day is being one of the first friendly faces you see. I love creating a warm, upbeat, and encouraging space where everyone feels supported."
Desk Superpower:
Staying calm, organized, and positive no matter how busy check-in gets!
Laura Parker
Support Staff
"As a former child advocate and a dance mom myself for 12 years, I strive to anticipate your needs before they arise so your dancer can express themselves with complete confidence and joy."
Desk Superpower:
Anticipating dancer and parent needs and fulfilling them before they arise!
Darius Anthony
Dance Instructor
"My dance room has an alternative, cool electric vibe. My goal is for students to feel challenged, seen, and heard as they find their unique artistic voice."
Magic Teaching Tool:
"Thumbs Up Temperature Check" to check in on everyone's energy.
Ashley Avent
Dance Instructor
"I believe in encouraging every dancer to discover their own artistry while developing solid technique and a strong foundation."
Ballet Power-up:
Using PBT to help feel proper alignment & engagement from the inside out,
Layla Ballinger
Dance Instructor
SHINE Co-Director
"As an Open Arts Alum, I love being back at my dance home to connect with and inspire my dancers!"
Most lIkely To:
Jump excitedly when I'm watching my dancers perform!
Micaela Deadwyler
Dance Instructor
"When you step into my room, expect a big, joyful dance party! We love expressing ourselves freely to upbeat, golden tracks."
Super Teacher Secret Weapon:
Playing "Ballerina Says" to refocus the class with smiles!
D'Amani Hillman
Dance Instructor
Community Events Liason
"Dance unifies us through fun, creativity, and teamwork—my goal is for every dancer to walk away feeling celebrated, confident, and smiling from ear to ear!"
Top Teacher Tool:
"Getting the Sillies Out": helping refocus with joy, clarity, and enthusiasm!
Madison Morgan
Dance Instructor
"We channel Beyoncé powerhouse energy! My classes are high-energy, confident, and determined because growth happens outside your comfort zone."
Go-To Teacher Trick:
"Performance Percentages" (25%, 50%, 100% full out!)
Sydney Sirkin
Dance Instructor
SHINE Co-Director
"In our class, we celebrate every win together—whether it's improving a turn or getting a great grade in school!"
Classroom Mantra:
"Were any of us born with the perfect skill?" Shake off the pressure & try!
Makenna Barefoot
Emerging Teacher
"We jam out to upbeat hits and hype each other up! I want every kid feeling confident and included from start to finish."
Secret Teacher Weapon:
Spontaneous mini dance party brain breaks!
Lakshmi Menon
Emerging Teacher
Lakshmi is joining our staff as a 1st Year Emerging Teacher. The ET program is designed to train and support our senior dancers as they begin their teaching and leadership journeys!
Favorite Part of being the regular Saturday Morning TA:
I love helping our youngest dancers discover their joy in movement!
Ella Revels
Emerging Teacher
Ella is joining our staff as a 1st Year Emerging Teacher. The ET program is designed to train and support our senior dancers as they begin their teaching and leadership journeys!
After Years as a Leadership Team Member:
I’m here to ensure every dancer feels seen, supported, and excited to shine!
Gabby Fekete
BFF Co-Creator & Director
"I am passionate about helping young people grow up feeling good about their bodies and all they can accomplish!"
I'm Basically A Multi-Tool Master Around Here:
Crafting, Backstage Baby Dancer Whisperer, and Lollipop & Popsicle Queen