MOVEMENT WITH MEANING
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR -
ELLE JOHANSEN
Elle Johansen holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Utah. She performed professionally with Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) and has extensive experience teaching a wide range of ages and populations. All the way from creative movement for young children to adult and community-based programs. Elle is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and BrainDance and is passionate about building an inclusive, supportive studio environment while helping dancers develop a lifelong relationship with movement, artistry, and the joy of dance.
FOUNDER - KIM LUKE
Kim Luke built Artistic Endeavors Dance on a simple belief:
every child deserves meaningful access to the arts.
With a BPA in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University and a professional career that took her across the U.S. and Canada, including national tours and work with celebrated artists like Tommy Tune, Ann Reinking, and Kristin Chenoweth, Kim brought her passion for dance into classrooms and communities long before AED existed.
After years of teaching, choreographing, and leading major arts outreach programs, Kim founded Artistic Endeavors to share high-quality, joyful dance education with children throughout Salt Lake City. Her vision grew quickly, earning community recognition and creating programs that uplifted thousands, including free classes for kids facing cancer and inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities.
Kim’s dedication, heart, and belief in the power of the arts are the foundation of Artistic Endeavors. Her legacy lives on in every class, every performance, and every child who discovers confidence and creativity within our studio.
PRODUCTION & COMPANY DIRECTOR - JESSIE LUKE
Jessie began her dance training at age two through the Artistic Endeavors Dance program and continued to expand her education at Ballet West Academy, Broadway Dance Center in New York City, and the prestigious Belvoir Terrace in Lenox, Massachusetts. She was a member of the Olympus High School Dance Company and a Varsity Cheerleader, and is trained in all styles of dance as well as tumbling and acro. Having grown up in the studio, Jessie began assisting her mother, Kim Luke, at age ten and took on her own classes by fourteen. She has received numerous awards in competitive dance, including Dancer of the Year and Outstanding Choreographer for Creative Artistry. Jessie is deeply loved by students and families for her creative choreography and for producing the beloved Nutcracker each year. In addition to her work at AED, she is yoga certified, passionate about fitness, actively training in bodybuilding, and currently preparing to run her first marathon. Artistic Endeavors Dance is incredibly lucky to have Jessie and her many talents.