Ballroom Director
Youth A Team Coach
Junior A Team Coach
Karate Instructor
Ryan Podzikowski is a multifaceted educator with a passion for dance and martial arts. As a Ballroom Dance Instructor, Ryan shares his knowledge and expertise with his students, empowering them to refine their technique and artistry.
Ryan was a member of the prestigious BYU Ballroom Dance Touring Company for four years, where he honed his skills and performed in front of audiences around the world; including countries such as England, Scotland, Wales, Chile, Argentina, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and throughout the United States. He competed with BYU at both the 2016 and 2019 Blackpool Dance Festivals. His own dance accomplishments include placing in national finals in International Ballroom, International Latin, and American Smooth as well as placing second in the United States National Amateur Cabaret Championships.
Ryan has directed the Island Style Youth and Junior A teams for over seven years, leading them to many Division 1 (top 6) placements at the United States National Championships. In 2024, his Junior A team placed 2nd in the nation in both their Latin and Ballroom medleys. Since graduating, Ryan has also taught Silver and Gold level Ballroom and Social Dance classes at Brigham Young University.
Ryan dedicates himself as a lifelong learner, ensuring he provides the highest quality instruction to his students. He continues to train in International Ballroom, International Latin, and American Smooth. He also recently passed his ISTD Examinations in International Latin.
Ryan has been accepted into a Master of Fine Arts program in Dance at Montclair State University, marking the next chapter in his dance journey, which commences in June 2024.
Ryan’s diligent pursuit of excellence in martial arts culminated in his attainment of a second-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. This rigorous training has not only honed his physical abilities but also instilled within him a sense of discipline and focus. These qualities extend beyond the dojo into every aspect of Ryan’s life.
Ryan is always striving to help his students reach their full potential. He believes that everyone has the ability to succeed and grow, and he works tirelessly to help his students unlock their talents and achieve their goals.
Ballroom Instructor
Diana and Bohdan Velykholova are a talented and accomplished ballroom dancing couple from Chernivtsi, Ukraine. Starting their dancing careers at ages 4 and 7, respectively, they quickly excelled in the world of ballroom dance. From ages 9 to 13, they competed with a studio ballroom formation team, achieving success in international competitions held in Poland, Moldova, Romania, and Austria.
Diana’s talent and dedication led her to begin teaching dance at just 14 years old, sharing her passion with others from an early age. By the time they were 15, both Diana and Bohdan were recognized for their exceptional skills and were awarded the prestigious title of Candidate Masters of Sports of Ukraine.
In 2010, they fulfilled their dream of opening a ballroom dance school in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, where they have since devoted more than 18 years to teaching and inspiring students of all ages, ranging from 3 to 40 years old. Their expertise and guidance have produced outstanding results, having trained 12 candidates for masters of sports of Ukraine, 2 masters of sports of Ukraine, and 2 honored masters of sports of Ukraine.
As licensed international ballroom judges, Diana and Bohdan have played an integral role in various competitions, lending their expertise and contributing to the growth of the dance community. They have also organized numerous dance seminars, camps, and master classes, sharing their knowledge and inspiring dancers to reach new heights.
Their son, Davyd, carries on the family legacy with incredible talent and determination. At just 8 years old, he has already achieved the title of WDC AL Latin and Ballroom Under 8 World Champion.
Diana and Bohdan’s motto, “never give up,” encapsulates their teaching philosophy. They strive to provide their students with the same level of instruction and inspiration they would want for their own children, fostering a nurturing and empowering learning environment.
Ballroom Instructor
Diana and Bohdan Velykholova are a talented and accomplished ballroom dancing couple from Chernivtsi, Ukraine. Starting their dancing careers at ages 4 and 7, respectively, they quickly excelled in the world of ballroom dance. From ages 9 to 13, they competed with a studio ballroom formation team, achieving success in international competitions held in Poland, Moldova, Romania, and Austria.
Diana’s talent and dedication led her to begin teaching dance at just 14 years old, sharing her passion with others from an early age. By the time they were 15, both Diana and Bohdan were recognized for their exceptional skills and were awarded the prestigious title of Candidate Masters of Sports of Ukraine.
In 2010, they fulfilled their dream of opening a ballroom dance school in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, where they have since devoted more than 18 years to teaching and inspiring students of all ages, ranging from 3 to 40 years old. Their expertise and guidance have produced outstanding results, having trained 12 candidates for masters of sports of Ukraine, 2 masters of sports of Ukraine, and 2 honored masters of sports of Ukraine.
As licensed international ballroom judges, Diana and Bohdan have played an integral role in various competitions, lending their expertise and contributing to the growth of the dance community. They have also organized numerous dance seminars, camps, and master classes, sharing their knowledge and inspiring dancers to reach new heights.
Their son, Davyd, carries on the family legacy with incredible talent and determination. At just 8 years old, he has already achieved the title of WDC AL Latin and Ballroom Under 8 World Champion.
Diana and Bohdan’s motto, “never give up,” encapsulates their teaching philosophy. They strive to provide their students with the same level of instruction and inspiration they would want for their own children, fostering a nurturing and empowering learning environment.
Pre-Teen A Team Coach
Hula Team Coach
Kelani Schultz is a versatile dancer with a wide range of training and experience in various styles of dance. She started dancing at the young age of three and hasn’t stopped since.
Kelani’s training began with the rich culture of Polynesian dance, where she honed her skills in the traditional styles of Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Maori dance. She also trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop – developing a strong foundation in technique and artistry.
As a seasoned ballroom dancer, Kelani has earned a number of accomplishments. As a former member of the BYU Ballroom Touring Company, Kelani showcased her exceptional talent and passion for dance to audiences throughout the United States. Her experience includes training and competing in all five styles of competitive ballroom dancing; including International Ballroom, International Latin, American Smooth, American Rhythm, and Cabaret / Theater Arts, where she has earned many awards – including second place in the United States National Youth Cabaret Championships. She has also placed as a national finalist in American Rhythm and as a finalist in various other competitions in multiple styles.
Despite her many achievements, Kelani remains humble and grounded, always seeking out new opportunities to refine her skills and expand her repertoire. She enjoys sharing her passion with others through her work as a dedicated instructor and mentor, sharing her knowledge and experience with dancers of all levels and ages. Kelani continues to train and compete with her husband, Allen Schultz, in American Rhythm and International Latin.
In 2024, Kelani coached her Island Style Pre-Teen A Team to victory as the United States National Ballroom Formation Champions, a testament to Kelani’s ability to inspire excellence and achieve outstanding results in her coaching endeavors!
Junior B Team Coach
Rebekah Seely began her dance journey at the age of 6 with a strong foundation in classical ballet, which trained her to be attentive to detail, disciplined, and to hold herself well. After 8 years of ballet, she discovered ballroom dance and quickly fell in love. Three years of training at Pacific Ballroom Dance taught her to be inclusive, work hard, master the basics, and gave her an appreciation of technical artistry through which stories can connect and inspire others.
Upon arriving at BYU, Rebekah was placed on a beginning team and worked her way up the 5 teams to become a member of the prestigious BYU Ballroom Dance Touring Company in 2020. During her three years on the Touring Company, she was thrilled to dance throughout the world–England, Belgium, France, and Germany, as well as several states throughout the US. Rebekah competed with BYU to become the US National Formation Champions in 2021 and 2022, as well as the British Ballroom Formation Champions in 2023.
Rebekah enjoyed teaching several university classes at BYU over the past two years (including Beginning Social Dance, Country Swing, Ballroom, and Latin, as well as Intermediate Latin classes) where she cultivated stalwart character while creating an uplifting, engaging environment for all her students. In addition to ballroom dance, Rebekah has worked as a Summer Daycamp Manager–planning daily activities and weekly field trips for 46 kids ages 5-11, overseeing 7 counselors, and communicating effectively with all parties involved. Additionally, she has worked as a Youth Mentor at a local Residential Treatment Center–helping 16 youth ages 13-18 with mental health and behavioral needs.
Rebekah specializes in International Ballroom and Latin, has passed her ISTD Ballroom Licentiate Exams with High Honors, and completed her BYU Gold Bar Ballroom and Latin Medals Exams. She has placed in national finals in the International Ballroom and American Smooth divisions and continues to train/compete in Amateur Ballroom and Amateur Smooth. Her passion for dance is magnified in watching her students get excited about learning new things and seeing their own progression. She is living proof of her mantra–“With hard work, any dream can come true.”
Pre-Teen B Team Coach
Savannah Espiritu is a seasoned dancer with 12 years of experience in various styles such as smooth, standard, Latin, and a bit of hip hop. She represented the United States at a world dance festival in China and recently achieved the 1st place title of British Latin Formation Champions at the 2024 Blackpool Dance Festival with the BYU Ballroom Touring Company.
Savannah’s passion for dance extends beyond her own performances to her role as a teacher. As she guides her students through their own dance journeys, Savannah takes joy in witnessing their growth, both as dancers and individuals. She believes in the transformative power of dance, not only in honing technical skills but also in fostering confidence, discipline, and self-expression.
Savannah loves dancing and teaching because it brings happiness to herself and others. Seeing the delight on her students’ faces as they learn and perform is one of her favorite parts of being a teacher. She believes in the power of dance to spread joy beyond the studio, touching the hearts of audiences and creating meaningful connections. For Savannah, the simple act of sharing the love of dance is a source of deep fulfillment and purpose.
As a member of our Island Style staff, Savannah helped lead the Island Style Pre-Teen A Team to victory as the Ballroom Formation Champions at the 2024 United States National Formation Championships.
Youth A Asst. Coach
Junior A Asst. Coach
Brynn Stapley‘s life journey has been defined by her deep passion for music and movement. From a young age growing up in Bellevue, Washington, Brynn found solace and expression through song and dance, but it was at the age of 9 when she discovered her true calling in the art of Ballroom Dance. Brynn joined Pacific Ballroom Dance, a decision that led to remarkable achievements. She earned High Honors on all her ISTD Medals Exams and became a vital member of the Pacific Ballroom Youth Formation Teams, where she secured national titles and demonstrated her skills on the competitive stage.
Venturing into various realms of dance, Brynn excelled in Open Ballroom, Latin, and Smooth categories. However, her proudest accomplishment remains securing the prestigious 1st place National West Coast Swing Title twice, a testament to her unwavering commitment and talent. Brynn’s dance journey extended beyond borders as she toured with the renowned BYU Ballroom Dance Company, leaving an indelible mark on stages worldwide. Notably, she and her team emerged victorious at the 2023 British Formation Championships held at the illustrious Blackpool Dance Festival.
Beyond her expertise in Ballroom Dance, Brynn has explored Cabaret, Jazz, Folk Dance, and Ballet. Embracing the intricacies of each genre, her training reflects her passion for movement and her desire to broaden her artistic horizons. Brynn continues to train and compete in American Smooth, believing that part of being a great teacher is being a lifelong learner.
Brynn serves as a coach for the Island Style Youth A and Junior A teams, where she inspires the students in many ways. Her guidance played a pivotal role in the Junior A team’s second-place finish at the 2024 United States National Dancesport Championships.
Brynn’s aspiration to pay it forward by becoming a ballroom dance instructor has allowed her to enrich the lives of others in the ballroom dance community. Teaching, for Brynn, is not just a profession but a profound joy, as she believes that the true essence of dance lies in sharing its joy with others.
Pee Wee Team Coach
Mini Team Coach
Hula Team Coach
Leinani Metler is a highly skilled dancer and teacher who has dedicated her life to the art of dance. She discovered her passion for dance at the tender age of two and has been honing her craft ever since. Her main area of expertise is in Polynesian dance, in which she has over thirty four years of experience. Her extensive knowledge and talent in this field have allowed her to perform on stages across the United States with her family performing group.
In addition to her expertise in Polynesian dance, Leinani also trained in ballroom dance and was a member of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company for two years while attending Brigham Young University.
Leinani’s diverse training has equipped her with a versatile skill set that she has utilized to become an outstanding teacher. She has taught dance for over twenty years and has a particular passion for teaching young children. Her ability to connect with her students and create a positive learning environment has earned her a reputation as a fantastic teacher.
Ballroom Instructor
Kaila Podzikowski is a talented dancer who discovered her passion for dance at a young age. She started dancing in the 4th grade and quickly fell in love with the art form.
Kaila’s dedication and hard work paid off when she was accepted into the prestigious BYU Ballroom Touring Company while attending Brigham Young University. As a member of the prestigious BYU Ballroom Touring Company, Kaila traveled to countries such as England, Chile, Argentina, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States, showcasing her exceptional talent and captivating audiences everywhere she went.
Kaila’s talent and commitment to dance led her to achieve great success in competition. She was a National Finalist in both Adult Amateur American Smooth and Adult Pre-Championship International Latin, proving her versatility as a dancer.
Kaila’s passion for dance extends beyond competitions, as she enjoys teaching and inspiring others to embrace the joy and beauty of dance.
Youth B Team Coach
Allen Schultz is a seasoned ballroom dancer with diverse experience and achievements. For three years, Allen honed his dance skills at Provo High School, participating in the ballroom dance formation teams. Continuing his journey at Brigham Young University, he spent another three years as a member of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company, honing his experience as a formation dancer as well as complementing his training with diverse technique classes.
Allen has also trained and competed individually in International Latin, American Rhythm, International Ballroom, and American Smooth, reflecting his versatility and dedication to mastering various facets of the art form. Allen’s competitive accomplishments include placement as a national finalist in American Rhythm, and placing as a finalist in various other competitions in multiple styles.
Transitioning from competitor to mentor, Allen has found profound fulfillment in his role as a ballroom teacher. He derives great joy from witnessing the growth and progress of his students, fostering their development both as dancers and individuals. Underscoring his own dedication to being a lifelong learner, Allen has successfully passed ISTD examinations in the International Ballroom style, cementing his credentials as a knowledgeable and skilled educator.
Currently, Allen is embarked on an exciting chapter of his dance journey, competing alongside his wife, Kelani. Their partnership on the dance floor is a testament to their shared passion and commitment to the craft.
All-Girls Asst. Coach
Hailey Herbst‘s dance journey spans six enriching years, marked by a dedication to contemporary/modern, hip hop, and ballroom styles. Beyond her core disciplines, she thrives on exploring various dance forms through local master classes, continually broadening her artistic horizons.
Collaborating with Lone Peak, Hailey has elevated her choreography, including her own creations, to the prestigious SALT (state) dance festival platform. Her commitment to excellence led her to participate in the National High School Dance Ensemble for Arts Education (NHSDA) for three consecutive years, where she graduated with honors, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication.
Currently pursuing a degree in dance education at UVU, Hailey is an integral member of the UVU Ballroom Touring Company, where she channels her passion for dance into captivating performances.
As a dance educator, Hailey finds profound fulfillment in motivating and empowering her students to reach their full potential. Her favorite moments are witnessing the “aha” moments when concepts click for her students and fostering enjoyable relationships within her classes.
Thrilled by the prospect of her new coaching position at Island Style, Hailey eagerly anticipates the opportunities it will bring, eager to continue making a positive impact in the dance community.
