Sarah Jo

Darby's Dancers - Preschool Classes (Ballet & Tap/Jazz)

Sarah is a passionate dance instructor and advocate with over 20 years of experience inspiring students of all ages in tap, jazz, and ballet. Her journey began in her mother's garage-based studio, where she first discovered dance as a lifelong language of joy, connection, and self-expression.

Her path took a profound turn when her twin sons were diagnosed with Autism. As a devoted mother of five, she committed herself to the study and implementation of ABA, speech, and vision therapies, gaining invaluable insights into their transformative potential. Through this process, she witnessed how dance emerged as an essential form of emotional expression and connection for her children. Temecula Dance Company soon became their second home, where her work evolved beyond choreography into a powerful tool for connection, healing, and purpose.

In 2024, she relocated her family to Utah as her youngest children began their studies at BYU. One of her sons now serves a service mission with the Salt Lake City East Mission, including work at Darby's Dancers - an organization whose values deeply resonated with the family and inspired Sarah Jo's involvement.

With two decades of experience writing IEP goals and extensive training through the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Sarah Jo led the Adult Special Needs Dance program at Temecula Dance Company for 15 years, developing compassionate, innovative approaches for students with diverse needs.

Among her career highlights, Sarah Jo taught Kodi Lee - America's Got Talent 2019 winner and blind musical savant - tap dance for over eight years. This experience shaped her specialized approach to working visually impaired students. She is also featured in Kodi Less' music video, "Change."

Today, Sarah Jo continues her mission as an RBT at ABS Kids, championing the potential of children with Autism through movement, empathy, and unwavering dedication. She is thrilled to begin her journey with UDA and the extraordinary Darby's Dancers Program, where her passion for dance meets her lifelong commitment to inclusion.