Director: Erin Hutchings Malan
Erin Hutchings Malan discovered her passion for ballet at age 5 and began her journey at Jacqueline’s School of Ballet in Utah. She joined the Utah Regional Ballet’s second company at 14, advancing to the professional company, now the Utah Metropolitan Ballet, by 18. Throughout her performing career, Erin danced in classical productions like Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, and The Nutcracker, and modern works by renowned choreographers.
Erin holds a BA in Dance from Brigham Young University and an MFA in Ballet Teaching and Choreography from the University of Utah. Her teaching career spans notable studios in Utah, the Midwest, and Atlanta. She has served as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University and taught at Emory University and Utah Valley University.
Erin is a certified instructor in Progressing Ballet Technique and Pilates, and continues to expand her teaching methods. She founded Primary Ballet Academy, growing it to over 100 students, and is passionate about nurturing young dancers with confidence and grace.
Ballet Instructor: Aubrie Owen Crandall
Aubrie Owen Crandall began her ballet training at age 3 with Ballet Minnesota, advancing to their professional company by 16. She has trained with prestigious institutions like Philadelphia Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, and danced with Ballet West and Utah Metropolitan Ballet.
Aubrie is currently a student at Brigham Young University, majoring in Exercise Science and Ballet. She dances with BYU Theatre Ballet, seeking to develop technically strong and physically adept dancers. Her goal is to enrich the lives of young dancers and nurture their individual talents.
Ballet Instructor: Olivia Newell
Olivia Newell started her ballet journey at 3 with Jacqueline’s School of Ballet, joining Utah Metropolitan Ballet II at 14. She has performed in numerous productions, including The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, and danced with Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company.
Currently, Olivia is part of BYU Theatre Ballet. She has achieved recognition at the Youth America Grand Prix, earning top honors and scholarships. Olivia is committed to educating and inspiring young dancers, sharing her extensive experience and passion for ballet.
Ballet Instructor: Isabelle Walker
Raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, Isabelle Walker is pursuing her BFA in Dance at Brigham Young University, where she performs with the Theatre Ballet Studio Company. Her training includes experiences at Dance Etc. in Nevada and the Northwest Arkansas Conservatory of Classical Ballet.
Isabelle has attended summer intensives at The Joffrey Ballet and the Martha Graham School, and plans to pursue graduate studies. Her mission is to use dance as a tool for healing and connection, especially among youth in underserved communities.
For more information on our programs and instructors, please feel free to contact us or visit https://primaryballet.com/about.