ERIN MERKLEY
DIRECTOR
With over 25 years of dance experience, Erin is the visionary behind Eleve.
As a dedicated dance instructor and choreographer, she has made it her mission to inspire students of all ages to find joy in movement and expression through dance.
Erin's dance journey began at age 5, quickly transitioning into a competitive career that took her across the country, earning numerous national titles. She focused on Musical Theater and percussive dance styles like Tap and Irish. During her freshman year of college, Erin became the lead choreographer for a local theater company, working on productions like Annie, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, and Music Man.
Erin’s decision to pursue Performing Arts at New York University, furthered her love for dance and deepened her knowledge and expertise. Launching Eleve has been her lifelong dream, and she hopes it will bring joy, energy, and inspiration to students in Johnstown.
Whether you're aspiring to pursue dance professionally or dancing for fun and fitness, Eleve welcomes you to begin your journey with us.
Instagram: @erin_merkley
ASHLING BRADY
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Ashling began her dance training at age 7, with her background including contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, commercial, ballet and lyrical. She is certified in Acrobatic Arts and Progressing Ballet Technique, and holds a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certificate.
Her love for teaching started in 2013 in which she choreographed for college dance teams competing in Irelands Dance Intervarsities. This continued until 2017 where she began her career as a dancer and choreographer for award winning XOD Entertainment Agency, performing in some of Irelands largest venues. She also partnered as lead choreographer and event stage manager with European fundraising company, Kevin Rowe Events. Some of her other previous work includes choreographing and performing for Breast Cancer Ireland’s Battles of the Stars in 2018, and has worked with brands such as Coca-Cola, Mace, Krispy Kreme, Fortnite and Fresh.
During this time she was a faculty member of Phoenix Performing Arts College where she had the pleasure of working with young adults looking to pursue a career in the dance industry. Here she got to share her passion for dance through teaching. various classes, including contemporary, jazz, acrobatics and commercial, as well as choreographing musicals numbers and for yearly pantomimes.
Ashling is very excited to share her knowledge and passion with the students of Eleve Dance Academy, helping them reach their goals and full potential in their dance adventure!
Instagram: @ashlingbrady
LIZZY STEPHENS
STUDENT TEACHER
Coming Soon
ALYSSA BENIK
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Alyssa is a Colorado native who has been dancing for 15 years. Growing up in Parker, she trained and performed in styles including ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and more. She danced competitively for 5 years performing solos, duets, trios, and group pieces. Alyssa has been an assistant teacher for 4 years, and has spent the last 2 years teaching classes as well as composing choreography. She is currently a student at Colorado State University studying Dance with a concentration in Education. She is beyond excited to join the Eleve team and encourage young dancers!