About Us

Sharpen Up! Dance Team Training was formed in 2019 by three award-winning, former coaches who share a passion for excellence, and who are committed to supporting dancers and coaches by providing guidance and resources on how to effectively build successful dance teams. Since then, we have launched incredible athlete-focused recruiting events aimed to educate and connect dancers of all levels to their future dance homes in college or industry.

CORE STAFF

Rani Reichow

Co-President | Co-Founder

Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Sharpen Up Dance Team Training (SUDTT)
Co-Creator of TEAMIFY™, a signature method for total program transformation that turns talented individuals into unified, high-performing teams
Co-Creator of nationally recognized recruiting events designed to connect dancers, coaches, and families through meaningful mentorship and opportunity
22+ years of coaching and leadership experience across high school and collegiate dance, including Grand Canyon University and Pinnacle High School, producing state and national championship teams, including a UDA Game Day Championship title, and dozens of Top 5 finishes
Four-time, two-team, NFL cheerleader with the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals
Holds a Master’s degree in Secondary Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, foundational disciplines that inform the education, movement science, and performance principles behind Sharpen Up’s methodology
Former Director of Education for National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA), Associate Conference Planner, and contributor to coaches’ credentialing initiatives
Founder and visionary behind College Dance Launch, guiding dancers and families through the collegiate recruiting journey with strategy and purpose
Specialist in dancer development, coach education, recruiting strategy, and whole-program transformation

I’m truly excited to do this work because it combines so much of what I love—coaching, mentoring, teaching, and helping others grow. I’m passionate about developing confident dancers, stronger teams, and thriving programs through transformational training, meaningful connection, and strategic guidance.

Lindsey Larsen

Co-President | Co-Founder

Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Sharpen Up Dance Team Training (SUDTT) and Co-Creator of TEAMIFY™, a signature method for total program transformation that turns talented individuals into unified, high-performing teams
Co-Creator of nationally recognized recruiting events and College Dance Launch, connecting dancers, coaches, and families through mentorship, strategy, and opportunity
Accomplished choreographer, creative director, and educator with 20+ years of coaching and leadership experience elevating championship-caliber teams at the high school, collegiate, and national levels
Commercial dancer and industry professional with performance credits including Alice Cooper, The Who, Black Eyed Peas, and former Arizona Coyotes Pack Dancer, bringing real-world performance perspective into training and mentorship
Founder of Inspiration Dance Choreography and former studio owner/director, with a legacy of award-winning choreography, title-winning programs, and innovative visual storytelling
BFA in Dance Choreography from Arizona State University, plus certifications in yoga, aerobics, and personal training, blending artistry, wellness, and performance science into her teaching
Leader in staff development and performance excellence, mentoring the Sharpen Up training team while helping dancers grow as performers, leaders, and artists

I feel incredibly honored by the opportunities I’ve been blessed to experience throughout my career and those I continue to be part of today. I’m grateful for the strength God gives me to keep dancing, educating, and inspiring the next generation of dancers, coaches, and leaders.

Danielle Faulkner

Co-Founder

Coach of Worlds Champion Dance Team & Spirit Squad, Arizona State University
Coach of AZ State & National Championship High School Pom Team, Chaparral High School
Owner/Director – Adage Dance studio, ftd. in Super Bowl XLII Halftime
2-team college cheerleader – Kansas & ASU
Panel Judge – USA, UDA, Jamfest Super Nationals
AIA Panel & Technical Judge
2-time Fitness and 3-time Bikini Regional Champion
Bachelors in Child Psychology, Early Childhood Education

Ramona

CDL Program Director

Sung Ja

Accountant | Choreographer | Instructor

Hannah

Client Relations Specialist

Julia

Events Coordinator

Jerusha

Administrative Assistant

Lauren

Sales Representative

Haly

Digital Media Coordinator

Emma

Core Instructor

Paityn

Instructor | Choreographer

Ava

Core Dance Instructor

Lindsay

Choreographer

Leah

Core Dance Instructor

Megan

Core Dance Instructor

Cami

Core Dance Instructor

Hannah

CONTENT CREATOR

Maya

Content Creator

Justice

Mental Health Specialist

Erika

Core Dance Instructor

Isi

Core Dance Instructor

Kylie

Core Dance Instructor

Lily

Core Dance Instructor

Liv

Core Dance Instructor

Natalie

Core Dance Instructor

CDL Mentors

The College Dance Launch (CDL) Mentorship gives dancers direct access to experienced college dance team mentors. Through personalized mentorship, dancers receive guidance, skill development, and insider knowledge while experiencing a well-rounded approach that prepares them to launch into collegiate dance with confidence and clarity.