Born and raised in Northeast Iowa, Sabrina has been an active participant and supporter of the fine arts. Her journey began at age 6 under the direction of Marian Schatz, a tap teacher in West Union, Iowa. Through Marian’s creative direction, an instantaneous love for dance was born.
During high school at Turkey Valley in Jackson Junction, Iowa, Sabrina met Kate and Roger Barloon, who noticed her passion for the fine arts and took her under their creative wings. The Barloon’s offered Sabrina the opportunities for her creative visions through their vocal, dance and theatre programs. She was a driving force for the fine arts at Turkey Valley, participating in dance team, musicals, choir, band, color guard and cheerleading, all while being a four-sport athlete. The Trojan color guard team were third-place finishers during the 1995 season and state champions during the 1996 season.
During Sabrina’s senior year, she was invited to become an assistant teacher at First Step Studio, owned by Kate Barloon. That opportunity set the ground work for her future.
Upon graduation from Turkey Valley, Sabrina enrolled at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. She quickly found her place at UIU, being a four-year captain for the cheer and dance programs under the direction of Shelly Abernathy. Sabrina remained an assistant teacher for Kate Barloon during her collegiate journey at UIU.
Post-graduation from UIU, Sabrina became the owner of Expressions Dance Studio, previously known as First Step Studio. The studio has grown to be a successful fixture of Northeast Iowa, teaching multiple styles of dance to all ages, in multiple communities. Expressions Dance Studio has brought many competitive opportunities to many young dancers. In the Summer of 2017, Trinity Brinck’s brought home a championship thru the Bill Riley Talent Search. Sabrina’s passion for the fine arts has also opened the doors for additional community involvement. Sabrina is a choreographer for many dance teams, community theatres, swing choirs and weddings.
Sabrina was recognized with the Service to University award for her volunteer contributions during the cheer team revival. The endowment by Diane Harms and the hiring of Coach Tony Morris, and current coach Mary Hutson, have opened additional doors for the continued growth of the UIU Spirit Teams.
Sabrina’s life long drive for hard work and success began at an early age, growing up in a family dynamic of entrepreneurs. Her family has operated the Alpha Tap for 24 years, as well as being involved in agriculture. When asked how she does it, the response is simple; do what you’re passionate about what you do, it isn’t work, it’s a way of life.
