Paige Delp

Programs/Operations director
Dance instructor

Paige Delp, born in Yakima and raised in East Valley, has been dancing since the age of 3. her very first job was teaching gymnastics, and it’s that same dedication she brings to teaching every dance class. She hopes to help dancers learn and grow into young adults with a strong work ethic that allows them to pursue what sets their soul on fire. In 2021, she graduated from  Heritage University studying Environmental Science, Paige also holds a degree in Agribusiness and Tree Fruit Production.

Sarah Marquis

OWNER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

In 2018, the Akin family welcomed Sarah Marquis as studio owner. A longtime member of the Melody Lane family, Sarah began dancing at the age of two. She grew up at Melody Lane, taking classes five days a week in genres like ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary. By the time she was in high school, Sarah taught the Dance Explorers class and came to love educating students to become contributing members to the community, later attending the University of Idaho to earn her Bachelor of Science in Dance. 

Emily Bissonette

As a substitute teacher for Highland School District, mom of two, and dog owner, Jennifer Danforth loves working at Melody Lane because everyone feels like family. Born and raised in Yakima, she attended Highland High School and YVC. Fun fact: Jennifer shares her birthday with Elvis Presley!

Jennifer Danforth

dance Instructor

Cyndi Charles 

Administrator

Cyndi was born right here in Yakima and grew up in the White Pass mountains. She loves traveling all over the world, her favorite being Honduras and Guyana! Cyndi grew up performing at MLA and got to meet her best friend, Miss Sarah, while doing so! She is so excited to work alongside her lifelong friend at a place where she herself was able to grow as an artist. She is excited to use the skills that helped her grow within her family business, Silver Beach Resort, to support the students and staff here at Melody Lane! 

Sidney Reichert

Instructor
Administrator
Theatre Company director

Sidney is originally from all over the westside of Washington State (specifically Sumner, WA.)  In 2021, she graduated with her BFA in K-12 Theatre Education. Sidney has been performing since the age of 6 playing instruments, singing, acting, and dancing. With many years involved in school and community theatre as well as choir, she loves the arts and continues to share that love with her students. 

Kally Marquis

assistant

A resident of Yakima for 35 years, Kally Marquis graduated from CWU with a degree in Business. She has worked as a church administrator and in accounting offices of retail, wholesale, and long-term care facilities. She enjoys crafting, card games, and puzzles. Kally has three children, two daughters-in-law, and two grandsons.

Instructor
Administrator

Melody Lane Singer's Company Director
Private Instructor

Born and raised in Yakima, Sergio Valdez is a graduate of A.C. Davis High School and Yakima Valley College where he was in many musical productions. Sergio also helps in directing and choreographing for A.C. Davis High School. He enjoys teaching at Melody Lane because he gets to teach students who love to sing and dance as much as he does.

Sergio Valdez

Emily was born in Seattle, WA and raised in Yakima. She graduated from East Valley High School and continued her passion for dance and the arts in Los Angeles, California at AMDA, The American Musical and Drama Academy, where she received her BFA in Dance Theatre. "The arts have always been a huge passion of mine. Getting to watch the kids here at MLA find lifelong friends and express themselves in so many ways has been amazing and I cant wait to continue to watch the students shine!

Justin Poole

Private Instructor

An experienced guitar player, saxophonist, and choral singer, Justin Poole grew up in Yakima and got his A.A. at YVCC and B.S. at CWU. Justin has been teaching at Melody Lane since 2015. What he loves most is passing on something that has given him so much joy and customizing his lessons to the student. His other experiences include singing in chamber choirs, barber shop and opera; playing the Ukelele; creating soundscapes for museum exhibits; and creating the background audio in radio ads. Fun fact: he has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.

Cadence Day

JUNIOR FACULTY

Cadence was born and raised right here in Yakima, Washington. A big fan of the color yellow, kpop, and her two dogs, Cadence also loves dance! Cadence has been a dancer for almost 13 years and is so excited to be apart of the staff at her home away from home. While still in high school, she has big plans to continue dancing, attend college, and finishing the running start program at Yakima Valley College. She loves getting to share her passion for dance with students all around MLA!

Angel Martinez

PRIVATE INSTRUCTOR

Angel was born in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico and grew up right here in Yakima, Washington. A graduate of A.C. Davis High School, Angel has participated in their top choral ensembles and music productions. Recently, Angel graduated from Central Washington University where he earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Music specifically working in Voice-Opera and Choral studies. Outside of school, he has participated in Yakima's premier Vocal ensemble 'Canticus' and other choral activities around the Central Washington area. Angel enjoys good food and is enjoys being at Melody Lane where he can put his own skills to the test and continue his music education through teaching! 

Dominic Dobbs

PRIVATE INSTRUCTOR

Dom is excited to be a part of the MLA team which is located in the community he grew up in! Dom was born in Tucson, Arizona and moved to Yakima in 2011 where he began to learn the flute, saxophone, piano, and other instruments that allowed him to travel while performing. Dom graduated from West Valley High School and is currently attending Central Washington University where he is earning his BM in Music Performance. Dom loves that by being at MLA, he is able to give back to his community that helped his own music career begin.