Meryl Lester has been dancing since the age of three, studying tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and lyrical.  She began her dancing career sixteen years ago at LaDanz’ Studio, under the direction of Jamie Bragg.  While at LaDanz’, Meryl attended various conventions and competitions such as NYCDA and Tremaine, where her dance group won many first place and Critcs’ Choice Awards.  She also performed at numerous Indiana Pacers basketball games, including the John Wooden Classic.  In 2004, Meryl became a part of “Tappindiana,” a premiere tap group—created and directed by Jamie Bragg—that traveled and performed for schools and various events all over Indiana. 

While dancing at CSA her senior year, Meryl was given the opportunity to teach and choreograph performance numbers for three hip-hop classes for children of various ages and skill levels. 

Meryl graduated from Marion High School as valedictorian and now attends Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. 

At Vanderbilt, Meryl pursued dance through college as well as privately.  She auditioned for and was accepted into Vanderbilt’s premiere student dance performance group, “Momentum.” Meryl got the chance to choreograph for Momentum’s bi-annual productions, creating a fusion of hip-hop and jazz.   She also attended various dance classes through Vanderbilt’s Dance Department.  In addition, she studied hip-hop under Christopher Tyler at the renowned Green Hills School of Dance in Nashville.  While in Nashville, Meryl was selected to be a back-up dancer for the up-and-coming musical group, Plastic Clap. She performed with them on their promotional DVD.

In 2007, Meryl was sought out to be signed by DDO Artist Agency for Dance.  Since then, she has been a back-up dancer in Britt Nicole’s music video for her upcoming single “Holiday,” and auditioned for a new dance show on Bravo.  She is very excited for other opportunities that lie ahead.

Over the past seventeen years, Meryl has had the chance to study under world-renowned choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Dan Karaty, Laurie Johnson, Bruce Stegman, and Lisa ­ Hopkins.

Meryl has thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to dance and teach at CSA, and is excited to continue teaching there this summer, sharing her love of dance with her students.