Our Team

Here at Melody Lane Dance, Music, and Drama Academy, our team includes dance, singing, and acting instructors that help your student reach for their goals. We’re committed to bringing more than 75 classes to the Yakima community through our professional, expert instructors who are well-versed in both their craft and working with students of all ages.

Sarah Marquis-Smith

OWNER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Miss Sarah is the passionate Owner and Artistic Director of Melody Lane Dance Music & Drama Academy, where she is dedicated to empowering kids, enriching families, and shaping tomorrow through the performing arts. A lifelong member of the Melody Lane family, she spent 15 years as a student before stepping into leadership, making the academy not just a career, but a true home.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance and brings years of experience in both performance and arts education. With a deep love for teaching and inspiring young artists, she believes in fostering confidence, creativity, and leadership in every student, ensuring they leave each class not only stronger in their craft but also in character. Miss Sarah’s favorite class to take has always been modern and ballet dance, where she finds the perfect blend of athleticism, artistry, and expression.

When she’s not at the studio, you can find Miss Sarah spending quality time with her family, planning her next historical adventure with her husband, or enjoying a cozy moment with a good book.

The performing arts have the power to transform lives, and I’m honored to be part of that journey for so many incredible students.

Paige Delp

PROGRAMS/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Paige grew up dancing in Yakima and now teaches all ages and genres, but has a special love for toddlers and preteens! She has 18 years experience working with children in dance, gymnastics, and Montessori classrooms.

Paige graduated with an AAS in Agribusiness from YVC in 2017, and a BS in Environmental Sciences from Heritage University in 2021. Paige enjoys applying her STEM education and experience in the classroom and has a special love for helping families nurture independence in their performers!

Sidney Reichert

THEATRE PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

STUDIO COORDINATOR

Miss Sidney is the MLA Theatre Programs Director and Studio Coordinator at Melody Lane Academy. She believes theatre is more than just acting—it’s a space for storytelling, growth, and building a strong, connected community.

A lifelong performer, Miss Sidney has been acting, singing, and playing instruments since childhood, teaching herself many along the way to deepen her understanding of music and expression. In 2021, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in K-12 Theatre Education from Central Washington University.

Miss Sidney is especially passionate about helping students discover their voice, confidence, and leadership potential. Through theatre, she encourages young performers to think critically, collaborate meaningfully, and step into the world as confident, capable individuals ready to make a difference.

When you don't hear her leading vocal sirens in the classroom, Miss Sidney enjoys traveling, experimenting in the kitchen, putting together more funky outfits, and continuing to sing whenever she can.

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.

Peyton Frank

LOBBY HOST

Miss Peyton is the first face you see when you walk in through the doors! She grew up in Yakima and went to school at East Valley and Yakima Valley Community College. Passionate about kiddos and helping people however possible, she'll be there to answer questions and chit chat with the kids!

I love being able to develop relationships with the students here at the studio! They're the sweetest. Being able to watch them do what they love every day and hear them excitedly talk about it is a feeling that can't be replaced!

Fun fact about me- I love to bake! I make some pretty delicious cookies if I do say so myself...I might even share them if you ask nicely ;)

Christian Frausto

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Mister Christian is a passionate and dedicated executive assistant on the admin team at Melody Lane Music & Drama Academy, where he is committed to assisting the staff with empowering students, assisting families, and helping shape the future of the performing arts! A former member of Melody Lane Academy and Columbians Drum & Bugle Corps, Christian was a performing color guard and dancer for 13 years before transitioning into teaching and coaching at Eisenhower High School in Yakima, WA.

Christian has experience in multiple forms of dance including hip hop, ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, musical theater. Along with this, Christian has professional trained in colorguard, with knowledge on equipment like flag, rifle, sabre, airblades, swing and chain flags. Christian has used his love for performing to fuel his newfound passion of teaching colorguard, fostering a home for all experience levels and welcoming all backgrounds.

When Christian is not teaching at Eisenhower or assisting at Melody Lane, you can find Christian brainstorming new designs for silks, creating small routines for dance and colorguard, trying out new tricks or routines from Youtube,, playing with his puppy Mochi and spending time with his family!

Emily Hastings

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Emily Hastings is a proud community member of Yakima Washington where she was born and raised. Emily finds joy in supporting, and uplifting the local art community in any way she can. She graduated from West Valley High School with years of experience in the theater and band program where she found the importance of striving for opportunities to grow and acknowledge the artistic outlets around us.

She is passionate about searching and supporting local businesses that foster self-expression, creativity, and a positive outlet for the future leaders of our community. Being a part of Melody Lane Academy is something that she is extremely proud and excited about, finally feeling her goals & values are now a part of her job.

Outside of work you can find Emily at a local show, hanging out with her family, or walking one of Yakima's parks with her guitar she doesn’t know how to play just in case she finds somebody that does.

Hailey Kingsboro

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Miss Haley grew up immersed in the world of dance, training at a studio, competing, and attending numerous workshops and masterclasses. She was also a proud member of her high school dance team and took on the exciting challenge of choreographing district-wide musicals and competition routines.

What Miss Haley cherishes most about the dance studio is the sense of family—whether it's the late-night rehearsals or helping each other prepare before a performance. She strives to create an environment where students can come into class and leave the stresses of the day behind, finding joy in the present moment.

Miss Haley believes that everyone can dance and everyone should, as it's a powerful way to express emotions, creativity, and more. Her goal is to build confidence not just in dance, but in every student, helping them become more confident in themselves as well.

RuthAnn Stewart

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Rue, a seasoned dancer with 17 years of experience, has honed her skills in ballet and modern dance. However, her knowledge extends beyond these genres, as she has also delved into various other dance styles.

A passionate performer, Rue holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in performance. Her love for performing has been a driving force throughout her life, and she has graced the stage in various productions. During her college years, Rue actively participated in Cornish Dance Theater, Tiny Dances, and New Moves, further enriching her dance experience.

Rue’s passion for performing arts ignited after she transitioned from gymnastics to dance. She has always been deeply moved by the expressive, creative, and beautiful nature of dance, and she finds immense joy in sharing this passion with others. Witnessing her students’ success and growth in the dance world brings immense excitement to Rue. She is committed to helping the next generation achieve their dreams and aspirations.

When she’s not dancing or teaching, Rue cherishes her role as a mother to her own creative and expressive child. In her free time, she enjoys reading, singing along to Disney movies, and even dancing in her kitchen.

Alexis McCloud

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Miss Alexis is a junior at Eisenhower High School with a deep passion for movement and performance. She began dancing and doing gymnastics at age three and discovered her love for cheerleading at seven. Diving into competitive cheer, Alexis had the opportunity to compete at high levels and earn bids to nationals.

As a freshman, she made the varsity cheer team and helped lead them to state. She also received an All-American Badge for her stunting skills at the NCA cheer camp. This season, Alexis made the varsity dance/drill team, and they’re on their way to state!

Looking ahead, Alexis plans to attend Washington State University to major in biology. She is excited to inspire and help others grow their skills in cheer and dance, believing every child can achieve their dreams with the right support.

Testimonials

This is our first year with Melody Lane Dance Music and Drama Academy, it has been stunning to say the least. My daughter has already made great strides not only with her dance moves 🤗 🏼 but also her confidence within herself shines inside and out! She has new friends there and the staff has always been friendly and welcoming. Thanks Melody Lane Performing Arts Academy for your kindness and care with our child.

Olga B.

Melody Lane has become our home away from home! My daughter loves the jazz/tap and musical theatre classes. She has grown so much in so many ways over the last year. The teachers and staff are so supportive. I didn't know if I would fit the mold of a "dance mom," but the community is truly for everyone!

Esther S.

Contact Us

ADDRESS

3901 Creekside Loop Suite #102

Yakima, WA 98902

Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday : 11:00am – 4:00pm

Studio Hours:

Monday – Thursday : 4:00pm – 7:30pm

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About

Melody Lane is about creating memories, lasting friendships, and connections through a shared experience of performing arts. For more than 25 years, Melody Lane has been known in the Yakima Valley for its exciting dance, acting, and drama classes.

Office Hours

Monday – Thursday : 11:00am – 4:00pm

Studio Hours

Monday – Thursday : 4:00pm – 6:30pm

ADDRESS: 3901 Creekside Loop Suite #102, Yakima Wa 98902

Telephone: 509-248-9623

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