A Little About Us
Our Story
In 1975 Donna was working at the Clark County Community College in Las Vegas, NV teaching Pottery and Dance. After she moved to Pahrump in the late 70’s, the college set up an outreach program for Donna to teach dance for adults at the old Pahrump Valley High School. She also taught an adult exercise class and a children’s ballet class at the original community center in the Amargosa Valley. The parents of those children insisted on having a “recital” at the end of a short 8 week program. To Donna’s amazement, Marta Becket, the world renowned dancer of Death Valley Junction showed up at that small recital!
Several years later when Donna’s daughter, Venza, was 3 years old she realized the need for a fun, physical activity for the children of the valley. Mr. Jack Sanders (Sander’s Family Winery) was then general manager of the Saddle West Casino and graciously allowed Donna to teach in their ballroom after school for many years. The first students were called “Donna’s Desert Dancers”. She also taught at the Moose Lodge and the Preferred Equities Sports Complex, now Nevada Treasures. Eventually they converted an old feed store on Frontage Road, owned by Donna's parents, and created their first real dance studio. That building is now gone and a new one stands in its place just next to our current location.
A ground breaking event occurred in 1992 when Donna’s Studio of Dance partnered with the Pahrump Visual and Performing Arts Council and the Pahrump Writer’s Guild to create and produce our own theatrical version of the Nutcracker Suite which was filmed and televised on KPVM Channel 41, new to the valley at that time.
At this point, Donna’s studio has taught two generations of Pahrumpians and we have seen many talented young students grow up and continue with the studio as instructors and assistants, a practice we encourage. It is my hope that dance instills a sense of confidence in our students that goes well beyond performing in recitals, a sense of belonging to a team and a community, and a sense of well being which will promote a healthy lifestyle.
Several years later when Donna’s daughter, Venza, was 3 years old she realized the need for a fun, physical activity for the children of the valley. Mr. Jack Sanders (Sander’s Family Winery) was then general manager of the Saddle West Casino and graciously allowed Donna to teach in their ballroom after school for many years. The first students were called “Donna’s Desert Dancers”. She also taught at the Moose Lodge and the Preferred Equities Sports Complex, now Nevada Treasures. Eventually they converted an old feed store on Frontage Road, owned by Donna's parents, and created their first real dance studio. That building is now gone and a new one stands in its place just next to our current location.
A ground breaking event occurred in 1992 when Donna’s Studio of Dance partnered with the Pahrump Visual and Performing Arts Council and the Pahrump Writer’s Guild to create and produce our own theatrical version of the Nutcracker Suite which was filmed and televised on KPVM Channel 41, new to the valley at that time.
At this point, Donna’s studio has taught two generations of Pahrumpians and we have seen many talented young students grow up and continue with the studio as instructors and assistants, a practice we encourage. It is my hope that dance instills a sense of confidence in our students that goes well beyond performing in recitals, a sense of belonging to a team and a community, and a sense of well being which will promote a healthy lifestyle.
Talented & Experienced Dance Instructors
Meet Our Friendly Staff
Donna Lamm
Owner
Donna studied ballet and modern dance at UNLV under the instruction of Vassili Sulich, founder of the Nevada Dance Theater. She was also a member of the first performing troupe of the UNLV Contemporary Dance Theater.
Donna subsequently taught pottery and dance at the then brand new Clark County Community College. Upon her move to Pahrump in the late 1970’s she became an instructor for the outreach program and taught dance in the Pahrump and Amargosa Valleys before starting her own studio in 1979. In 1993 Donna was a founding member of the Pahrump Visual and Performing Arts Council (PVPAC) and president for the first two years. She participated in numerous programs sponsored by PVPAC bringing instruction and demonstrations of dance, pottery and sculpture to the classrooms of Pahrump.
Donna studied ballet and modern dance at UNLV under the instruction of Vassili Sulich, founder of the Nevada Dance Theater. She was also a member of the first performing troupe of the UNLV Contemporary Dance Theater.
Donna subsequently taught pottery and dance at the then brand new Clark County Community College. Upon her move to Pahrump in the late 1970’s she became an instructor for the outreach program and taught dance in the Pahrump and Amargosa Valleys before starting her own studio in 1979. In 1993 Donna was a founding member of the Pahrump Visual and Performing Arts Council (PVPAC) and president for the first two years. She participated in numerous programs sponsored by PVPAC bringing instruction and demonstrations of dance, pottery and sculpture to the classrooms of Pahrump.
Alisa Shoults
Artistic Director & Instructor
Alisa began dancing in 1981 in San Marcos, CA. She began with ballet and tap and advanced to include jazz and pointe. Alisa developed into an interest in musical theater a few years after starting to dance. Over the years, Alisa performed in musicals at various venues in California before moving to Lake Havasu City, AZ, where she continued to enhance her love for dance and musical theatre by continuing to perform. She performed in a variety of musicals – Carousel, The Wiz, Lil Abner, Annie, Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, Tom Sawyer, Peter Pan, and Music Man. Alisa’s combined love of both dance and musical theater developed into a passion for the arts that has continued throughout her entire life.
In 1995 when she moved to Las Vegas, NV to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. While at UNLV, she studied dance and musical theater and was a member of UNLV’s ballroom dance formation team. Alisa retired from dancing and theatre in 1997, and in 2010 she returned to dance at Donna’s Studio of Dance, where she added lyrical and clogging to repertoire. You’ll still find her enjoying any of the dance or theater classes here at the studio!
Alisa became the Artistic Director of Donna’s Studio of Dance and Theatre in 2023. She looks forward to sharing her experience, dedication and passion for the art forms of dance and theatre, as there is no greater magic than seeing the joy and freedom on the faces of the students when they realize their own passion and strength as performers.
Alisa began dancing in 1981 in San Marcos, CA. She began with ballet and tap and advanced to include jazz and pointe. Alisa developed into an interest in musical theater a few years after starting to dance. Over the years, Alisa performed in musicals at various venues in California before moving to Lake Havasu City, AZ, where she continued to enhance her love for dance and musical theatre by continuing to perform. She performed in a variety of musicals – Carousel, The Wiz, Lil Abner, Annie, Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, Tom Sawyer, Peter Pan, and Music Man. Alisa’s combined love of both dance and musical theater developed into a passion for the arts that has continued throughout her entire life.
In 1995 when she moved to Las Vegas, NV to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. While at UNLV, she studied dance and musical theater and was a member of UNLV’s ballroom dance formation team. Alisa retired from dancing and theatre in 1997, and in 2010 she returned to dance at Donna’s Studio of Dance, where she added lyrical and clogging to repertoire. You’ll still find her enjoying any of the dance or theater classes here at the studio!
Alisa became the Artistic Director of Donna’s Studio of Dance and Theatre in 2023. She looks forward to sharing her experience, dedication and passion for the art forms of dance and theatre, as there is no greater magic than seeing the joy and freedom on the faces of the students when they realize their own passion and strength as performers.
Kittra Coomer (Warren)
Theater Director & Instructor
Kittra is honored to teach what will now be the 4th season of theatre classes at Donna's Studio of Dance! She holds a BFA degree in Acting with a minor in Musical Theatre from the acclaimed acting school at Marymount Manhattan University in NYC. As a proud member of AEA, she enjoyed playing Rosie in the 2nd National Tour of Mamma Mia! for 4 years that included a televised appearance on the 69th annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall with Neil Patrick Harris. Ms. Coomer also originated the role of Earth Mother in the now world famous MENOPAUSE the MUSICAL in Portland, OR 19 years ago and has continued to tour nationally with the beloved show while also performing the role with Cindy Williams at both Luxor and Harrah's right over the hump in Las Vegas for many years. Other favorite roles include Patsy in Always, Patsy Cline, Rizzo in Grease, Yitzhak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Princess Puffer in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rhetta in Pump Boys and Dinettes among others.
Kittra is humbled to have directed Donna's Studio of Dance's first full-scale Disney musical last season. Leading the young Wayfinders on their Moana JR voyage has definitely been a career highlight.
Kittra is honored to teach what will now be the 4th season of theatre classes at Donna's Studio of Dance! She holds a BFA degree in Acting with a minor in Musical Theatre from the acclaimed acting school at Marymount Manhattan University in NYC. As a proud member of AEA, she enjoyed playing Rosie in the 2nd National Tour of Mamma Mia! for 4 years that included a televised appearance on the 69th annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall with Neil Patrick Harris. Ms. Coomer also originated the role of Earth Mother in the now world famous MENOPAUSE the MUSICAL in Portland, OR 19 years ago and has continued to tour nationally with the beloved show while also performing the role with Cindy Williams at both Luxor and Harrah's right over the hump in Las Vegas for many years. Other favorite roles include Patsy in Always, Patsy Cline, Rizzo in Grease, Yitzhak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Princess Puffer in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rhetta in Pump Boys and Dinettes among others.
Kittra is humbled to have directed Donna's Studio of Dance's first full-scale Disney musical last season. Leading the young Wayfinders on their Moana JR voyage has definitely been a career highlight.
Kyrstyn Peugh
Tumbling Director & Instructor
Kyrstyn was born and raised here in Pahrump, NV. She spent most of her childhood days as a cheerleader, both at school and briefly in competition cheer. She started dancing at the age of 9, her first class being ballet at Donna’s Studio of Dance. Since then, she has taken many classes including ballet, jazz, pointe, hip hop, lyrical, and tumbling. During her high school days, she was a part of the Pahrump Valley High School Cheer team before joining the Pahrump Valley High School Dance team in 2017. She also participated in the Pahrump Valley Jr/Sr High Rodeo Team, served as president from 2018-2019, and was a member of Pahrump Valley Rough Riders gymkhana club. Through her various activities her love for dance never faded away. In 2016 she began her teaching career with Donna’s Studio of Dance as a substitute teacher before becoming a full-time teacher in 2017. With a passion for dance, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and helping young girls in her community blossom with the confidence dancing brings. After taking a step back in 2020 she is beyond happy to be back on the team since 2023!
Kyrstyn was born and raised here in Pahrump, NV. She spent most of her childhood days as a cheerleader, both at school and briefly in competition cheer. She started dancing at the age of 9, her first class being ballet at Donna’s Studio of Dance. Since then, she has taken many classes including ballet, jazz, pointe, hip hop, lyrical, and tumbling. During her high school days, she was a part of the Pahrump Valley High School Cheer team before joining the Pahrump Valley High School Dance team in 2017. She also participated in the Pahrump Valley Jr/Sr High Rodeo Team, served as president from 2018-2019, and was a member of Pahrump Valley Rough Riders gymkhana club. Through her various activities her love for dance never faded away. In 2016 she began her teaching career with Donna’s Studio of Dance as a substitute teacher before becoming a full-time teacher in 2017. With a passion for dance, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and helping young girls in her community blossom with the confidence dancing brings. After taking a step back in 2020 she is beyond happy to be back on the team since 2023!
Molly Stoddard
Instructor
Michaela Charbonneau
Instructor
Michaela has been dancing for eight years and loves teaching the kids - it’s one of the things she loves most in life. She teaches ballet and tap and assists with many other classes. As for classes, she takes lyrical, tap, ballet, pointe, jazz and hip hop and has taken Indian and clogging in the past. She will try almost any style of dance that Donna’s Studio Of Dance offers. She hopes that she can put her many years of dance experience into something fun for the kids and maybe even help a kid find their passion just like her teachers did and still do for her.
Michaela has been dancing for eight years and loves teaching the kids - it’s one of the things she loves most in life. She teaches ballet and tap and assists with many other classes. As for classes, she takes lyrical, tap, ballet, pointe, jazz and hip hop and has taken Indian and clogging in the past. She will try almost any style of dance that Donna’s Studio Of Dance offers. She hopes that she can put her many years of dance experience into something fun for the kids and maybe even help a kid find their passion just like her teachers did and still do for her.
Lisa Paulson
Instructor
Lisa began her ballet training before the age of 3. She studied under Vassili Sulich at Nevada Dance Theater, Gloria Bowen, and Vicki Byers at Boulder City Ballet. She attended several summer dance intensives including The Kirov of Washington DC, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, Mississippi.
After graduating from Boulder City High School in 2002, Lisa became a trainee and then a company member with Ballet Magnificat. There she gained extensive touring and performing experience across America.
In 2006 Lisa became the ballet mistress for Ballet Mississippi under David Keary. She taught multiple classes a week to children ages 4-18, while also dancing as a guest artist in the Nutcracker and Spring performances. Some of her favorite roles include Gulnara and Medora from Le Corsaire, Dew Drop and Sugar Plum Fairy from the Nutcracker.
After moving back home to Nevada in 2009, Lisa became a dancer in the show “The Tournament of Kings” at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip in 2010, where she performed for 8 years.
Lisa hopes to share her passion of classical ballet with her students and is grateful for every chance she gets to dance!
Lisa began her ballet training before the age of 3. She studied under Vassili Sulich at Nevada Dance Theater, Gloria Bowen, and Vicki Byers at Boulder City Ballet. She attended several summer dance intensives including The Kirov of Washington DC, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, Mississippi.
After graduating from Boulder City High School in 2002, Lisa became a trainee and then a company member with Ballet Magnificat. There she gained extensive touring and performing experience across America.
In 2006 Lisa became the ballet mistress for Ballet Mississippi under David Keary. She taught multiple classes a week to children ages 4-18, while also dancing as a guest artist in the Nutcracker and Spring performances. Some of her favorite roles include Gulnara and Medora from Le Corsaire, Dew Drop and Sugar Plum Fairy from the Nutcracker.
After moving back home to Nevada in 2009, Lisa became a dancer in the show “The Tournament of Kings” at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip in 2010, where she performed for 8 years.
Lisa hopes to share her passion of classical ballet with her students and is grateful for every chance she gets to dance!
Suzanne Durst
Office Administrator
Suzanne is the new Office Administrator here at Donna's Studio of Dance and is genuinely thrilled to be part of such a creative, supportive, and inspiring environment. With over 15 years of experience in office administration, she brings a strong background in organization, communication, and behind-the-scenes coordination to help keep everything running smoothly.
Though she didn't begin her career in the arts, she's found real joy being surrounded by music, movement, and the energy of young performers. After spending 20 years living in Germany, she relocated to Pahrump two years ago and has loved becoming part of the local community. The warm welcome she's received - especially from the incredible team at the studio - has made this new chapter especially meaningful.
Suzanne takes pride in being a steady, supportive presence at the studio and is passionate about creating a positive, efficient environment where students, staff, and creativity can thrive.
Suzanne is the new Office Administrator here at Donna's Studio of Dance and is genuinely thrilled to be part of such a creative, supportive, and inspiring environment. With over 15 years of experience in office administration, she brings a strong background in organization, communication, and behind-the-scenes coordination to help keep everything running smoothly.
Though she didn't begin her career in the arts, she's found real joy being surrounded by music, movement, and the energy of young performers. After spending 20 years living in Germany, she relocated to Pahrump two years ago and has loved becoming part of the local community. The warm welcome she's received - especially from the incredible team at the studio - has made this new chapter especially meaningful.
Suzanne takes pride in being a steady, supportive presence at the studio and is passionate about creating a positive, efficient environment where students, staff, and creativity can thrive.
Thank You
Thank You Maughan Photography for our teacher’s Photos!
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