Get to Know the Team

Freija Stone
Contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip hop, fusion, lyrical

Peyton Gast
Social Media Manager

Etta Susemiehl
Acrobatics and tumbling

Dijana Draskovic
Owner

Carley Moe
Ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical

Cammie Horner
Contemporary, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and team prep

Ashley Wittwer
Pre-K, ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop

Kelsey Maine
Pre-K, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary

Mson
Hip hop

Get to know a little more

  • Ashley was born in Juneau, Alaska, starting dance at the age of 5. Through the years she trained in a range of genres including, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and more. Not only did she continue to improve her technique in this time, but she also learned the importance of discipline and the various valuable life lessons that come with the art. Along with dance, she also trained competitively for 5 years in gymnastics, eventually joining the two in both studio and dance team competitive environments.

    Once college came, she made the move to Colorado to attend school and dance within their dance department. In her time there, she had the privilege of training under numerous performers that had recently come off tour, some of which from circus shows that traveled all throughout Europe. This is where Ashley got introduced to more of the acrobatic styled performing arts, learning various stage performance techniques, partner stunts and theatrical dance integrations.

    She then moved to Portland, Oregon continuing her exploration in the field of acrobatic arts, starting her training in aerial silks. Each year her passion continues to grow and explore with a goal of finding ways to marry the different areas within the dance world. She believes that it is important for each and every dancer to have the chance to learn, grow and enjoy the expression of dance in a healthy, creative learning environment. There is nothing more rewarding than watching dancers improve and grow into the best dancer they can be.

  • Cammie has lived in Clackamas, Oregon all her life. She’s always loved to dance, and playing Just Dance on her Xbox 360 was one of her favorite pastimes as a child. While she took a few dance camps here and there when she was in elementary and middle school, she only started formally dancing once she got to high school. 

    It was during her freshman year of being a Clackamas Cavalette on the Clackamas High School dance team that she fell head-over-heels in love with the art and athleticism of dance. Her living room became her dance studio, and every free moment became dedicated to dance. She practiced the contemporary, modern, jazz, and hip hop dances her team prepared for competitions, and she found immense joy in connecting to her dances emotionally. Cammie believes that acting has a huge part to play in giving a good performance, and that idea became one of her favorite aspects of dance. 

    Her team won a state title her junior year and, once she became a senior, she was chosen as a team captain. That same year, she was also selected for the Dance and Drill Coaches Association’s 6A All State team. It was through her captain position and being inspired by the creativity of her dance team’s choreographer that she discovered a passion for teaching and choreographing. 

    Cammie is currently in college and is dancing for Portland State University’s dance team. Through this experience, she’s been exposed to a whole other side of the dance world. She has been learning highly athletic and stylized hip hop, jazz, and pom dances that professional teams like the BlazerDancers do. She strives to pass on the knowledge she’s gained to her students and hopes to be a resource for them. 

    As a dance teacher, Cammie is passionate about preparing her students for the professional space as much as she can. She also is a firm believer in encouraging, uplifting, and motivating the dancers she works with, and she strives for her choreography to be creative, challenging, and enticing. Cammie is beyond thrilled to help students find joy and excitement in being a dancer!

  • Carley Moe was born in San Diego, California and started dancing at the age of 5 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She became a company member with Western Arkansas Ballet, beginning in the corps de ballet and progressing to the role of principal dancer within 5 years. Her training focused mainly on ballet and modern, but Carley took classes in a variety of genres, including tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, pas de deux, and improvisation. With WAB, Carley danced in ballets such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, and 8 Nutcrackers. Carley has also performed lead roles in several well-known ballets, including Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, in Giselle, the Fairy of Purity in Sleeping Beauty, and Arabian Lead and Drummer Doll in The Nutcracker.

    Not only was Carley very involved with WAB, but she attended regional dance festivals and summer intensives every year. Some of these intensives included Kansas City Ballet for 5 weeks, Burklyn Ballet in Vermont for 4 weeks, and University of Oklahoma for 2 weeks. Carley is a graduate of the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Exercise Science, honing her skills both on and off the stage. In college, she kept dancing by taking ballet and modern classes, and joining a competitive dance team. As an educator, Carley is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers, emphasizing self-expression, building self-esteem, and encouraging individuality.

    In Carley’s classes, students can expect a blend of rigorous, technical training and fun, creative choreography, all designed to challenge and inspire. Carley strives to be an inspiration to her students, both in dance and in life. With a passion for movement that is as infectious as it is profound, Carley continues to leave a lasting impact on the dance world, one student at a time. Carley is also a certified yoga instructor and enjoys SUP, playing the piano, and going to the coast with her 2 sheepadoodles.

  • Diana - Founder of HV Dance Academy

    A mother inspired by her daughter's passion for dance

    Hi there! I'm Diana, the proud owner of HV Dance Academy, a place where the magic of dance comes alive!

    My journey into the world of dance began with my daughter, whose unwavering passion and love for dancing ignited a spark within me. Witnessing her graceful movements and the sheer joy on her face as she danced touched my heart in ways I never imagined.

    Driven by the happiness and fulfillment that dance brings to my daughter and her friends, I embarked on a mission to create a space where young dancers could nurture their talents, express themselves freely, and forge lifelong friendships through the art of dance.

    Every day, as I see the dedication, enthusiasm, and talent of these young dancers, I am reminded of the beauty of following one's passion and the incredible power of dance to unite hearts and souls. My daughter's love for dance continues to inspire me to pour my heart and soul into HV Dance Academy, creating a welcoming and empowering environment where dreams take flight and stars are born.

    Join us at HV Dance Academy, where we dance with joy, passion, and a sprinkle of magic!

  • Originating from Northwest Washington, Freija began dancing at the age of 2. Growing up dancing for 30-40 hours per week, she has been trained in a variety of styles including Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre, Heels and Tap.

    Throughout her years of training pre-graduation, she prioritized competing at multiple competitions and conventions every year and attending intensives in both New York and Los Angeles.

    Post High School graduation, she moved to Los Angeles where she continued her dance career. She trained, auditioned, and performed for a range of Los Angeles based professional teachers and choreographers, having the opportunity to experience what being a part of the professional dance industry is like.

    In 2024, she moved to Portland to continue her academic education, with a furthered passion for teaching and guiding the next generation of dancers.

  • Mson has lived in Portland his whole life. At a young age he found his love of dance through the step up franchise, “americas best dance crew” and the numerous YouTube videos of dance classes. He is a self taught dancer from the age of 7-17. Throughout his journey he found his way to foundation classes & dove in headfirst to further improve his abilities. 

    He loves to cypher and compete in battles, he also has a passion for music & video games and loads of geek culture. 

    Although he likes to approach life in a humorous and generally is rather goofy, he loves dance & performing and takes pride in his work ethic. 

    As a teacher he aims to help his students find their voice as dancers but not just that, he hopes to give them a space to be themselves and to not be afraid to try new things. He wants his students to be able to come in & out of his classes with a smile and above all else to have fun! 

    Dance is art, dance is love, dance is living. He’s excited to meet you and dance with you 

  • I am Peyton - a University of Oregon journalism major with a passion for storytelling through writing and film. I am also a former high school dancer and 2022 state title winner. I was born and raised in Clackamas, Oregon, but in the future I’d love to move around and experience all kinds of places and cultures, documenting my experiences through journalistic work.

    The work I do at HVDA heavily involves social media, namely, Instagram (@hvdanceacademy). My approach for HVDA’s social media is to highlight the "people side” of our studio: the dancers, the staff, the community our studio fosters. My goal by doing this is to show our followers the humanity of our studio; it will build trust and drive engagement.

    This summer, I work behind the counter doing office work and in the studio snapping photos for our Instagram. In the fall and until the spring, I will be located in Eugene, Oregon, for school. 

    HVDA has a flourishing community of wonderful dancers, great staff and fulfilling classes. I am here, because I want to showcase the opportunities at HVDA for young dancers in Happy Valley and Clackamas.