Meet the Instructors
KARA MINNIS
Creative Arts Dance Studio Director
Kara Minnis, a Montana native, began dancing at the age of three in her hometown of Eureka. She trained at Creative Arts Dance Studio before continuing her dance education at the University of Montana, where she refined her technique and expanded her artistic perspective.
Now celebrating 12 years of teaching and 10 years as Director of Creative Arts Dance Studio, Kara has dedicated her career to creating a positive, inspiring environment where dancers can grow in both skill and confidence. Under her leadership, the studio has expanded to offer classes in both Eureka and Whitefish, providing more opportunities for students to experience the joy of dance.
Kara believes dance is about more than technique—it’s about building confidence, creativity, discipline, and lifelong friendships. She is passionate about helping every dancer reach their potential while fostering a love for movement that lasts beyond the studio.
In addition to continuing her work at Creative Arts Dance Studio, Kara is excited to join the faculty at Rio and looks forward to sharing her passion for dance with even more students.
TYYLI BAKKILA
Assistant Director/Instructor
Tyyli’s dance journey began at the Creative Arts Dance Studio at age 5, where she quickly discovered a passion for choreography. In 2019, she won the 25th Anniversary Award at the Kimberley Danceworks Competition for her self-choreographed solo. After graduating from LCHS in 2020, Tyyli moved to Bozeman to pursue a career in esthetics at Amara Advanced Esthetics School. She is now the proud owner of Beauty by Tyyli in Eureka, offering professional makeup and esthetic services.
In the fall of 2022, Tyyli began teaching dance, sharing her expertise in Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. She finds great joy in supporting local creativity and giving back to the community that shaped her.
“It’s a privilege to support local creativity & give back to the community that I grew up in. It brings me lots of joy to teach in this beautiful facility that Eureka is so thankful to have.”
KAITLYN MENDUM
Instructor
Kaitlyn’s dance journey began 20 years ago, at just 18 months old. Training in ballet, tap and tumbling. She first competed in gymnastics at age 7. Shortly after, her family moved to Naples Idaho. There she began Dancing for the Studio One Dance Academy.
Kaitlyn dedicated 25 hours of ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop every week for the following 6 years. During this time, she would achieve a spot in The Waltz of The Flowers ballet and perform for The Festival at Sandpoint (accompanied by The Spokane valley, classical Orchestra). Followed by another year performing there as, “the Wolf” in the classical ballet: Peter and The Wolf.
Entering high school, she enjoyed competing with the varsity dance team. This opportunity allowed her to attend multiple summers of performance camp, where she learned about choreography, music and showmanship. In 2022 she began teaching ballet, hip-hop, and gymnastics full time.
Kaitlyn is passionate, not just for preforming art, but for making it. She is excited to share her love of ballet and other dance styles with such an amazing community.
MICKAYLA CONARD
Instructor
Mickayla Conard has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of three, when she first began training at Creative Arts Dance Studio. Throughout high school, she dedicated countless hours to the studio, competing and exploring a wide range of styles. Along the way, she discovered the power of movement as a tool for expressing emotions and sharing stories.
Now in her second year of teaching and choreographing, Mickayla is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment where dancers feel free to be themselves and explore their artistry. Her goal is to pass on the love of dance that has shaped her life, while helping each dancer discover their unique voice and bring performances to life with genuine emotion and meaning
MORGAN PILKINGTON
Instructor
Morgan grew up in Eureka, Montana, and has been dancing with the Creative Arts Dance Studio since the age of three. Over the course of her dance career at CADS, she trained under many directors who helped shape her love for the art. After graduating Morgan immediately set out on a mission trip to Albania and Hawaii, where she discovered new inspiration and a deepened sense of purpose through her travels.
After returning home to Eureka, Morgan felt called back to the dance world. Now beginning her 4th year as an instructor, she looks forward to bringing her worldly experiences and lifelong love of dance to the next generation at CADS.
Since then, Morgan has gotten married and welcomed a baby boy, adding even more joy and meaning to her life.
CARA BENNETT
Instructor
Cara was born and raised in Eureka, Montana and began dancing with the Creative Arts Dance Studio at the age of five. She continued on to Montana State University where she majored in Graphic Design and pursued her dance education, immersing herself in as many new classes and styles as she could. This is where she was given the opportunity to choreograph her first small hip hop piece for the University performance program. After two years, Cara transferred to the University of Colorado to continue her education. This is where she experienced much of the hip-hop and street dance culture that inspires her today.
In 2013 Cara moved back to Eureka and began teaching under the Director of the Creative Arts Dance Studio, Desiree Libby. Then eventually stepped into the role as Director in 2015. Cara led the studio for the next two years teaching various styles and disciplines to students of all ages. In 2017 she moved to the Crowsnest Pass in Alberta, Canada.
Cara has remained with the Creative Arts Dance Studio as an instructor primarily teaching hip hop. She has also been an instructor at a start-up studio in Fernie, British Columbia from 2017 to 2021 and is currently teaching at Turning Pointe Dance Studio in the Crowsnest Pass. She passionately believes that dance is as healing and healthy for the soul as it is for the body. She is dedicated to helping her students embrace their bodies and their individuality in their movement and finding the joy in doing so.