Welcome to Melody Lane!
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.
Erika Haukness
PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
Erika Haukness is the Program Supervisor at Melody Lane Academy and has worked with children, teens, and their teachers in schools and early childhood programs for over fifteen years. She and her family relocated to Yakima from Dallas, Texas in June 2025 for her husband's career.
Erika has worked as a counselor, classroom teacher, and director of private preschools and holds her Master of Science in Clinical Social Work. A drill team member all four years of high school, she loves everything the performing arts bring to a person's life, from self-expression to growing in confidence.
Outside of Melody Lane, she loves traveling, spending time with her husband and daughter and getting together with friends and family.
Haley Kingsboro
DANCE INSTRUCTOR & ADMINISTRATOR
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.
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 ;)
Nina Soetamin
THEATRE INSTRUCTOR
Miss Nina is a Theatre Instructor at Melody Lane who is currently majoing in Music Education at Central Washington University while also pursuing a minor in theatre and business. Since they were young, they've loved the performing arts and education. They were heavily involved in band, choir, and theatre throughout their K-12 education and now bring that love into their future career. They love watching kids flourish in confidence and creativity with their art and hope that each student will feel like they're able to be their authentic selves when they are with Miss Nina. They strive to make sure that the students love the art they're making and feel inspired by not only other performers, but by themselves as well. Outside of Melody Lane, Miss Nina loves to read, enjoy the outdoors, and hang out with their two cats, Monkey and Jim Bob. Miss Nina is so excited to be joining the Melody Lane community and building a shared love for music and performing.
Abby Mitchell
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Miss Abby is a dance instructor here at Melody Lane.
Dance has been a meaningful part of her life from a young age. She grew up training in both studio and competitive environments, and has had the opportunity to attend dance conventions and take a variety of master classes that have helped shape her both as a dancer, and performer.
Outside of the studio, she currently working towards her degree in Healthcare Administration through Western Governors University, with a strong focus in leadership. She loves bringing those leadership skills into the studio to help create a positive, supportive, and encouraging environment where every dancer feels valued and inspired.
"What I love most about teaching is watching dancers grow—not just in their technique, but in their confidence. Dance is such a powerful form of self-expression, and I’m passionate about helping each student feel comfortable, confident, and proud of who they are both on and off the stage."
When shes not dancing or studying, you can find her watercolor painting, hiking , or spending time with her family.
Testimonials
Contact Us
ADDRESS
3901 Creekside Loop Suite #102
Yakima, WA 98902
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday : 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Studio Hours:
Monday – Thursday : 4:30pm – 8:00pm
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About
Melody Lane is about creating memories, lasting friendships, and connections through a shared experience of performing arts. For 45 years, Melody Lane has been known in the Yakima Valley for its exciting dance, acting, and drama classes.
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday : 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Studio Hours
Monday – Thursday : 4:30pm – 8:00pm
ADDRESS: 3901 Creekside Loop Suite #102, Yakima Wa 98902
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 509-248-9623
@ Copyright 2026 - Melody Lane Academy - All rights reserved
