Find Music Lessons

Alisson is a gradute of the Sinaloa Higher Dance School in Mexico (ESDS), where she received her Bachelor's degree in Contemporary Dance. Alisson grew up in Sinaloa where she studied ballet for 11 years at the "Karemia Del Rey" ballet school. During those years she had the opportunity to participate in international competitions, such as Attitude Contest where she won the bronze metal in her category in 2008. In the same years she also participated in the International Meeting of Academies for the Teaching of Ballet in Havana, Cuba, organized by the Fernando Alonso National Ballet School, where she danced in the renowned theatres of that country. Along with her studies in classical dance, she took several contemporary dance workshops with renowned teachers like: Johnny Millán, Angel Arambula, Carlos Zamora, Marion Sparber, and Shanti Vera, among others. During her university years she taught classes and training in classical dance for high-performance dancers. She also presented her own choreographies for cultural events in the state such as the Jose Limon International Dance Festival. Currently she seeks to share her dance knowledge as a teacher, dance as much as possible, and make good memories throughout the years. 

Teaching Approach: 
My main objectives as a teacher are to reinforce and polish dance technique, as well as encourage dancers to explore and obtain new movement qualities that are helpful in nurturing their dance on stage. During my class, I look for students to have fun and get excited through dance. I like to make sure that the first approach to this art is always a nice experience. 

Fun Facts: 
​​​​​​​1. I can spin more than 4 times in a row without getting dizzy
2. I can debate about colors for a long time 
3. I am a big fan of anime 
4. I love mint chocolate 
​​​​​​​5. I have an obsession with Kirby Keychains 

Alexis Salmen began her dance training at the Academy of Ballet at the age of seven.  Over her decades with Academy of Ballet she has studied with Linda Walker, Carolyn Haatainen-Wallace, Gary McKenzie, Sheri Giller, Deborah Kenner, Jeffrey Hughes, & Pamela Reyman-Hughes.  She has studied ballet at several intensive summer workshops with Academy of Ballet that included guest instructors Daniel Catanach and Anton
Labuschagne.  She was offered a partial tuition scholarship to Long Beach Ballet summer program and a full tuition scholarship to State Street Ballet in Santa Barbara, California.  Ms. Salmen was a member of Tucson Regional Ballet’s Senior Company from fall of 1997 through spring of 2002, and has participated in nineteen productions of A Southwest 
Nutcracker.

Ms. Salmen attended multiple Regional Dance America Festivals as a TRB Senior Company member.  The festivals included week-long intensive workshops with multiple daily master classes in ballet, jazz, and other dance styles, as well as nutrition, terminology, and character dancing.  Highlights of this instruction were choreology taught by Richard Holden and jazz taught by Alonzo King.  She performed with TRB’s Senior Company for RDA adjudications from 1998 to 2002.  Dances were set on her by Daniel Catanach, Anton Labuschagne, Jon Cristofori, & Carolyn Wallace.  She also performed with TRB’s Senior Company at the invitational Festival Gala Night and two RDA Festivals.

Ms. Salmen began her training to become a dance teacher when she was a
teaching assistant with Academy of Ballet from fall of 1994 through spring of 2002.  She also stepped in as a substitute teacher for Academy
of Ballet from the fall of 1999 through the spring of 2003.  She returned to teaching for Academy of Ballet in March of 2016, teaching
dancers three years old through advanced pointe.  In the fall of 2018, Alexis took on the role of Rehearsal & Staging Assistant to Linda
Walker, assisting in staging and rehearsals for A Southwest Nutcracker and TRB’s Spring Spectacular.  In fall 2019 she accepted the further responsibility of Rehearsal/Staging Director and Ballet Mistress for TRB under the artistic direction of Brittany DeGrofft. In fall of 2022 Alexis took on the responsibilities of Interim Artistic Director as well as teaching all levels of ballet, tap, jazz and conditioning for Tucson Regional Ballet. 

Bio:
Alin is a Tucson-raised Mexican American dancer since the early 2000s. Showing an interest in dance from a very young age, Alin made her debut at the age of 6 in her school's talent show and continued dancing ever since. Training in different dance academies, she learned a broad spectrum of styles such as jazz, dancehall, ballet, modern and contemporary. Showing a particular interest in urban dances, she professionally trained in Hip-Hop, street dance, and Afro-Latin in 2010. Alin started competing in a kid's dance crew in Mexico and later in her high school’s competition dance team, as well as a member of The Drop’s Varsity crew, and Restricted dance crew. Being part of the different dance groups she was in, Alin danced and competed in the Prelude Arizona Urban Style competition, Boogiedabeat dance, State Hip-Hop division competition, World of Dance, and many others. Alin is also a proud parent of two cats and a passionate community organizer dedicated to empowering communities and promoting peace and justice. Alin is very excited to share her experience and knowledge of Hip-Hop dance with the Allegro Community.

Teaching Approach: 
My mission is to create a safe atmosphere for dancers to experiment with movement and each individual's creativity. I hope to bring Allegro's students a class tailored to every student's skill level and needs by providing resourceful and accurate education on hip-hop culture and technique. As well as instilling confidence in their movement, and discipline in their performance to enhance their love and interest for dance. 

Fun Facts:
1. My favorite colors are Yellow and Purple
2. I love to hike, swim, and run 
3. I have two cats and 3 fishes 
4. My name [Alin] is my grandma's name backward [Nila] 
5. My favorite cartoon is Spongebob