Chelsie Hightower
Salt Lake City ,UT
Summary
Emmy nominated choreographer, entrepreneur, and former Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance performer with over a decade of experience in televised performance, choreography, and live production. Currently working as a performance and mindset coach and convention faculty member, specializing in technique, performance quality, confidence, and performance readiness. Known for a warm, inspiring, and grounded approach that helps dancers perform with clarity and presence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Performance and Mindset coach
Self-Employed
Salt Lake City, UT
01.2023 - Current
- Design and deliver performance training programs for dancers and athletes focused on confidence, focus, and performance readiness
- Coach individuals and teams in high pressure performance environments
- Facilitate mindset assessments and movement based exercises to support body awareness and resilience
Guest Faculty Member
Steps on Broadway
New York City, NY
01.2022 - Current
- Taught choreography classes in a professional training environment
- Supported dancers in developing artistry and movement clarity
Faculty Member
Embody Dance Conference
01.2022 - Current
- Taught dance classes using varied instructional approaches tailored to different learning styles
- Developed curriculum to support technical clarity, engagement, and skill development
- Collaborated with faculty to deliver cohesive conference programming
CEO
Inside Out
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.2020 - Current
- Founded and led Inside Out, a dance focused retail and education company
- Created and launched the Dance Elevated workshop series
- Oversaw brand development, marketing strategy, and public facing positioning
- Built and managed strategic partnerships across the dance and wellness industries
- Secured funding through investor relations and industry networking
- Defined company mission, vision, and organizational structure
- Conducted market research to identify growth opportunities and industry trends
- Represented the company at industry conferences and eventsCreation of dance retail company Inside Out
- Creation of dance workshop series Dance Elevated
- Worked with marketing team to build strong and aesthetic brand presence
- Enhanced brand reputation with effective marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
- Secured funding for company growth through investor relations and networking activities.
- Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by employees.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
Actor
TMG Talent Agency
Salt Lake City, UT
02.2018 - Current
- Film, television, and stage performances including projects for Lifetime, Hallmark, Roku, and Broadway productions
Guest Performer, Choreographer and Host
Ballroom with a Twist National Tour
05.2010 - 12.2024
- Guest performer on a long running national touring production
- Contributed choreography and hosted audience facing segments within the live show
- Adapted performance and presentation across diverse venues and audience formats
Guest Performer and Choreographer
Dancing to the Movies Tour
11.2018 - 02.2021
- Featured dancer on a national touring production
- Choreographed original works for live stage performance
- Contributed to creative and show development, including scripted and audience facing segments
Faculty Member
Revive Dance Convention
Dallas, TX
09.2017 - 03.2020
- Facilitated workshops to enhance dance techniques and artistry.
- Mentored emerging dancers through personalized feedback and guidance.
- Integrated innovative teaching methods using modern dance tools and resources.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through effective communication and support.
On-Air Host, "The Place"
Fox 13
03.2019 - 02.2020
- Daytime on air host leading live segments and interviews
Signature Dancewear Collection
Discount Dance Supply
10.2016 - 02.2018
- Created a named signature dancewear collection for ballroom and Latin performance
- Contributed to design, branding, and national retail distribution
All-Star/Choreographer/Conestant
So You Think You Can Dance, 19 Entertaiment
Los Angeles, California
01.2008 - 07.2015
- Performed and choreographed for televised competitions and live productions
- Worked closely with directors and production teams to integrate choreography with staging and lighting
Dancing with the Stars Live, Las Vegas and Cruise
Guest Performer
08.2012 - 10.2016
- Guest performer on live Dancing with the Stars productions in Las Vegas and cruise venues
- Performed show choreography in varied live performance environments
Media, Brand, and Industry Recognition
Various
03.2009 - 02.2015
- Face of Reebok Dance Line
- Cover Feature, Dance Spirit Magazine
- Cover Feature, Fitness Magazine
- Featured in Sports Illustrated
Professional Dancer
Dancing With the Stars, BBC productions
Los Angeles, California
01.2009 - 01.2015
- Performed as a professional dancer on live televised productions
- Collaborated with choreographers and production teams on high level performance content
- Developed strong stage presence, versatility, and consistency under pressure
Featured Dancer
National So You Think You Can Dance Tour
09.2009 - 12.2009
- Featured dancer on the So You Think You Can Dance national tour
- Performed live stage productions for large scale audiences
Education
Bachelor of Science - Philosophy
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT05-2027
Skills
- Faculty Collaboration
- Workshops and Seminars
- Subject Matter Expertise
- Teaching Strategies
- Public Speaking
- Curriculum development
- Performance coaching
- Emotional Intelligence
- Group and Individual Instruction
Websites
Accomplishments
Emmy nominated choreographer and dancer
American Latin Junior Champion
National Standard Youth 10 Dance Runner Up
World Latin Amateur Top 6 Finalist
Team USA Representative at the British Open Championships
Top 19 in the World in Ballroom, British Open Championships
World Championships Representative, Latvia
American Latin Junior Champion
National Standard Youth 10 Dance Runner Up
World Latin Amateur Top 6 Finalist
Team USA Representative at the British Open Championships
Top 19 in the World in Ballroom, British Open Championships
World Championships Representative, Latvia
Certification
Applied Neuroscience for Performance Certificate
Timeline
Performance and Mindset coach
Self-Employed
01.2023 - Current
Guest Faculty Member
Steps on Broadway
01.2022 - Current
Faculty Member
Embody Dance Conference
01.2022 - Current
CEO
Inside Out
01.2020 - Current
On-Air Host, "The Place"
Fox 13
03.2019 - 02.2020
Guest Performer and Choreographer
Dancing to the Movies Tour
11.2018 - 02.2021
Actor
TMG Talent Agency
02.2018 - Current
Faculty Member
Revive Dance Convention
09.2017 - 03.2020
Signature Dancewear Collection
Discount Dance Supply
10.2016 - 02.2018
Dancing with the Stars Live, Las Vegas and Cruise
Guest Performer
08.2012 - 10.2016
Guest Performer, Choreographer and Host
Ballroom with a Twist National Tour
05.2010 - 12.2024
Featured Dancer
National So You Think You Can Dance Tour
09.2009 - 12.2009
Media, Brand, and Industry Recognition
Various
03.2009 - 02.2015
Professional Dancer
Dancing With the Stars, BBC productions
01.2009 - 01.2015
All-Star/Choreographer/Conestant
So You Think You Can Dance, 19 Entertaiment
01.2008 - 07.2015
Bachelor of Science - Philosophy
Utah Valley University