Wanna join our amazing, fun, and easy going staff?

We are always accepting resumes for Dance Teachers. All applicants must have experience in dance and previous teaching experience.

Email your resume today!

Sara Sanders, Owner, Director and Teacher

Sara Sanders is a National Certified Teacher and Examiner through Dance Masters of America (DMA) and the owner of Higher Ground Dance Studio.   She started dancing at the age of 6 and quickly fell in love while dancing at a couple of local studios in town.  Sara has currently been teaching for 16 years.  During her dance career she participated in many events.  She won several awards and scholarships at competitions and conventions all across the United States and Canada.  She also learned how important it is to give back to the community.  She participated in several community events like retirement and nursing home shows, fair shows, parades, benefit shows supporting Hospice and AIDS, teaching underprivileged kids dance in Yakima, Washington, and an anniversary celebration of a church in Portland, Oregon.

She took a break from dancing, married Zac, moved to Colorado then back to the beautiful Northwest and started their family.  During her time off from dance she realized more and more how much she loved dance and wanted to start her own studio.  She wanted to create a place where children could come and learn the love of dance she was given in a warm and encouraging  environment.  Dance and children have a special place in her heart.  She is excited to share her heart for dance with all who come through her dance room!  

When she isn't teaching or running the studio, her and her family love to spend time together regardless what they are doing.  Their favorite place to go together is Disneyland.  She has had the privilege of dancing in 3 Disney parades with her children, a memory she will cherish forever! 

 

Maddie Davis

Maddie Davis is PNW proud and has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She has been a dance student and dance teacher for many years. She has also been a sideline and competitive cheerleader and youth coach. Maddie has taken various styles of dance but found a niche in hip-hop. She is married to Riley and they share two children together. She enjoys camping, reading, thrifting, and spending time with family and friends. Maddie found her dance home at Higher Ground and hopes to share her love for dance in a fun, welcoming environment! 

Hallie Earnest

Hallie was born and raised in Longview, WA. She began dance at the age of 3 and was one of the first students at Higher Ground, where she danced for 10 years. Her favorite styles are tap, jazz, and lyrical. She graduated from Mark Morris High School in 2021 and from Lower Columbia College in 2023, she is continuing her education to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Higher Ground has always been her home away from home and she loves being back at the studio.

When she’s not teaching she enjoys spending time with her friends and family as well as her two dogs Winston and Ranger. She’s excited to share her joy of dance with her students and help them learn in a fun and positive environment

Kaitlyn Kincaid

After graduating high school, Kaitlyn joined HGDS and competed during her freshman year of college, while also starting to teach dance at HGDS. Kaitlyn has taught dance for several years and now is also a varsity cheer coach.

When not dancing, she is a high school mathematics teacher and is currently starting a produce and flower farm. She has two dogs and loves to be outdoors whenever she can.

Iris Sanders

Milly Sarysz

Milly Sarysz is a proud and passionate dancer who finished her non-professional career at HGDS! She is a R.A.Long graduate and soon to be LCC graduate. She has always loved dance since the age of 2, and has loved competing dance since she was 6. She is a very versatile dancer, but beyond that she’s a choreographer. After working for Stageworks NW, she really got into being a teacher and choreographer! She’s been helping at HGDS for 3 years now, which has helped her journey and transition into a teaching role.

Outside of her love for dance she is passionate about makeup. Milly has always been bold with her stage makeup and is known for her eyeshadow! She started getting serious about makeup 6 years ago, and started playing around with SFX makeup 4 years ago! She also loves to write, whether it be songs or stories, her creative mind is always spewing!

You can trust that Milly will help your kids grow, even beyond dance! She makes a safe environment for all who steps into her class! She wishes everyone at HGDS an amazing time!

Sara Mittleider

Sara Mittleider was born and raised in Longview, Washington. She began dancing at Higher Ground Dance Studio at the age of three and continued there until she graduated at eighteen. During that time, she was also a dedicated member of the studio’s performing company for several years.

Sara recently graduated in June 2025 from both R.A. Long High School and Lower Columbia College. While she’s trained in many styles of dance, acrobatics has always been her favorite. She is currently attending Washington State University in Vancouver, where she’s pursuing a degree in Business.

Outside of dance and school, Sara has a deep love for animals and enjoys spending time with her three sweet kitties—Aurora, Sylve, and Tito. She also loves traveling and spending time near the ocean. 

Although she’s moved on to college, Higher Ground Dance Studio still feels like home. Sara is thrilled to return as an acrobatics teacher and share the same love, energy, and creativity that inspired her as a student. She’s especially passionate about helping young dancers build strength, confidence, and joy through acro—just like she did growing up at HGDS.