MEET OUR
Sequel Dance Complex has an incredible lineup of teachers and choreographers from every corner of the dance industry.
Danielle Laven | Owner & Instructor
Jazz, Musical Theater & Tap
Danielle Laven
Danielle is one of the co-founders of Sequel Dance Complex. She originated from the Bay area in California where she trained with some of the top choreographers and master teachers of the nation.
FAVORITE STYLE:
Jazz
FAVORITE DANCE MEMORY:
Winning national champs after coming in 2nd the first time then taking the pinnacle trophy, winning highest scoring routine of the weekend for over 3500 dances.
FUN FACT:
I have danced on a cruise ship for 6 months... and it was AWESOME!
Noelle Messa | Owner & Instructor
Lyrical, Musical Theater, Jazz & Tap
Noelle Messa
Noelle is one of the co-founders of Sequel Dance Complex. Noelle grew up dancing in the Bay Area in California where she trained with many sought after choreographers.
FAVORITE STYLE:
Lyrical & Tap
FAVORITE DANCE MEMORY:
Anytime I get to watch a student have a victory, whether it’s getting that first double or hitting an aerial, or their first time in the overalls, seeing their hard work pay off are moments that always stick with me.
FUN FACT:
I was cast in the ensemble of “off broadway” musicals. MY favorites include “Anything Goes” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
Alia Harlan Bourie | Instructor
Ballet, Jazz, Company Barre, Musical Theater & Tap
Alia Harlan Bourie
Having taught dance for over 30 years, she is elated to continue to work with the new generations of dancers and performers.
FAVORITE STYLE:
I love all styles equally. Whatever one I am doing in the moment.
FAVORITE DANCE MEMORY:
Anytime I get to teach a dancer their first shuffle or watch them do their first double pirouette.
FUN FACT:
She once was dressed like a guy to do a male part in a musical when the actor couldn’t perform. She had to lip sync while someone sang for her off stage!
Anna Merritt | Instructor
Acro, Jazz, Contemporary & Hip Hop
Anna Merritt
FAVORITE STYLE:
Contemporary
FAVORITE DANCE MEMORY:
Watching the team win their second back-to-back National Title in Vegas!
FUN FACT:
She danced on the University of Memphis Pop Team for 5
Stephanie Ledbetter | Instructor
Jazz, Acro & Hip Hop
Stephanie Ledbetter
FAVORITE STYLE:
Dark contemporary with a flare of Acro
FAVORITE DANCE MEMORY:
I’ve always loved the feeling of dancing in front of a crowd. The energy, the excitement, and just getting to perform. My favorite memory would be dancing at all the college football games.
FUN FACT:
She broke her arm as a kid, and now she's practically part metal! That metal arm eventually led her to quit cheerleading and discover the world of dance. She spent time in therapy during her recovery, which inspired her to become an occupational therapist. So, in a funny way, one broken arm led her to two things she loves most: dance & OT!
Stephanie Bunker | Front Desk
Front Desk Expert
Stephanie Bunker
FAVORITE STYLE:
Hip Hop (so much hype in the moment!)
FAVORITE DANCE MEMORY:
Getting to watch all the dances, from the beginning when the choreo is evolving to the stage-ready versions. Our dancers never cease to amaze me AND I have the best seat in the house!
FUN FACT:
She loves to jump in some of the dance classes or conditioning with the dancers…it’s never too late to learn and try new things!
Tiahna Taylor, TT! | Instructor
Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary & Hip Hop
Tiahna Taylor, TT!
FAVORITE STYLE:
Jazz
FAVORITE DANCE MEMORY:
Winning my high school dance team’s first State Title 4!
FUN FACT:
I dance for the University of Memphis! I’m on the Memphis Pom & Ambush Crew.
Ariyanah Shelton | Instructor
Hip Hop
Ariyanah Shelton
FAVORITE STYLE:
Contemporary
FAVORITE DANCE MEMORY:
Definitely becoming a National Champ my senior year of high school!
FUN FACT:
I have been dancing for 18 years!
AWARDS AND HONORS
2nd Overall National Champions -
Big Spender (Teens)
3rd Overall National Champions - Hey Mickey (Minis)
3rd Overall National Champions - Promises (Teen small groups)
Best Choreography Award of 2026 Nationals - Big Spender 2026 Nationals Las Vegas
Junior Nationals Champions
Nationals 2025
Orlando
Nationals 2023
Daytona
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS at Starpower Orlando during their largest ever Nationals
Pinnacle Award: Highest scoring group of all ages
Most Entertaining Award
Nationals 2026
Las Vegas
Nationals 2026
Las Vegas
& multiple title soloists winners and Overall Soloists throughout the years!
OUR STORY
At Sequel Dance Complex, we offer evidence-based techniques designed to help dancers maximize their strength and flexibility, ensuring long-term, sustainable dance careers. We believe in providing everyone the opportunity to explore their passion for dance, regardless of age, gender, or experience. Sequel Dance Complex is here to meet all your dance needs and desires.
When Alia was looking for a dance studio for her own daughters, she brought her to The Urge Dance Complex in Ladera Ranch, California. Upon entering the lobby, she heard a student come out of class and exclaim to one of the instructors, “Ms. Danielle, I got my aeriel today!” To which she heard Ms. Danielle reply, “ I know – your mom sent me the video today! I am so proud of you!” Alia knew at that moment that this woman and her equally wonderful sister Noelle were exactly who she wanted teaching her daughter.
This moment blossomed into a strong friendship and professional collaboration among Noelle, Danielle, and Alia, spanning over five years at The Urge Dance Complex. Together, they developed a program that cultivated well-rounded, intelligent, and beautiful dancers.
Each of these women, along with their families, decided to move to Collierville, drawn by its welcoming community. From their first visit, Collierville felt like home, and planting roots here was as natural as their shared love for dance. Excited to reunite and collaborate with the Collierville community, Noelle, Danielle, and Alia established Sequel Dance Complex as the next chapter in their journey.
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTA!
