FACULTY & DIRECTORS

Elisse Shell is the owner and director of Classical Ballet Conservatory. A BYU dance graduate and former Theatre Ballet member, she holds an MFA in Ballet from the University of Utah and has taught, choreographed, and mentored dancers throughout the Wasatch Front.

Carol N. Iwasaki is the retired Professor and Chair of Ballet at the University of Utah. Her distinguished teaching and leadership career includes Ballet West, the University of Cincinnati, Wichita State University, and dance programs across the U.S. and abroad.

Lauren Frost holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Utah. Her experience includes SALT II, Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company, Mountain West Ballet, and teaching both dance and fitness.

Kimberly is a director, photographer, choreographer, and vocalist. She has directed and music-directed productions throughout Utah and brings extensive musical theatre and performance experience to the Conservatory.

Claire Jones holds a BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah and performed with the Performing Dance Company and Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company. She is passionate about teaching, choreography, and helping students grow.

Faculty member at Classical Ballet Conservatory.

Alisa has dedicated her life to dance and the performing arts, with over 25 years of teaching experience. A former cheerleader, dance company member, and college cheer captain, she brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion to every class. Alisa has worked as a dance specialist for the Salt Lake City School District and has choreographed solo and group routines for high schools, colleges, and events such as Miss Teen Utah USA. She was honored by the City of Holladay with the “Artist of the Year” award and serves as a judge for high school and collegiate dance and cheer tryouts. As a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor, Alisa takes great pride in helping dancers build confidence and achieve their acro and dance goals. She and her husband, Jason, are proud parents of four sons and one daughter.

David Riskin teaches pas de deux and men’s class at Classical Ballet Conservatory.

Emily has been dancing since she was three and was there at the creation of Classical Ballet Conservatory. Currently she enjoys dancing and performing with Salt Lake Ballet Cooperative. Emily has worked with children and youth in many capacities and loves creating a positive environment where students can grow in their technique, artistry, and confidence.

Joslynn has been dancing her whole life and has always had a deep love for creativity and movement. She has been part of CBC since she was 12 years old and has been teaching dance for the past five years. She is currently a senior at Brigham Young University, studying communications with a minor in ballet performance. Joslynn has experience working with dancers of all ages, from kindergarten through high school seniors. She believes in pushing each of her students to become the best dancer they can be while creating a positive and encouraging environment. Most importantly, she wants every student to feel confident, supported, and proud of themselves every step of the way.

Jordan Mulyangote began formal ballet training at age 14 at Classical Ballet Conservatory under Elisse Shell and continued developing under the guidance of Elisse Shell, Carol Iwasaki, David Riskin, Lauren Frost, and other teachers. He trained in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop, including two years with his high school dance company. Since fall 2024, Jordan has continued his training at Utah Valley University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree while studying ballet and modern technique. He is also a member of UVU’s pre-professional Repertory Ballet Ensemble, working under Christa St John and Tyler Schnese. Jordan has performed multiple roles in The Nutcracker and continues to freelance as a dancer every winter and spring. He is passionate about continuing to grow as both a performer and educator while sharing his love of dance with his students.

Ruth's love for dance began at Utah Artists School of Ballet, where she first discovered how much joy and passion dance brought into life. She continued dancing at Murray High School, where she was a member of the drill team during my freshman and sophomore years of high school. In 2023, Ruth began training at Classical Ballet Conservatory, where she spent two years growing as a dancer, performing, and building an even deeper love for ballet until She graduated. In 2025, Ruth started teaching dance, which has been a special way to share her love of dance with others. She continues to dance and train today, always looking for ways to grow, learn, and keep doing what she loves

Ashlyn Duckwitz is currently attending BYU in Theatre Ballet Company and has spent the last two years on scholarship for ballet at UVU. She grew up dancing at Utah Metropolitan Ballet from ages 7-18 where she trained in many styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and ballroom.