About Us

Gotta Move Dance Competitions was founded in 2004 by co-owners and dear friends, Denna Robertson and Cristina Powers. Built on friendship and fueled by a shared passion for dance, Gotta Move was created to celebrate dancers of every level and provide an experience where both artistry and joy can shine. With over 85 years of combined teaching experience and more than two decades of producing one of Utah’s premier dance competitions, Denna and Cristina bring not only expertise, but also heart, vision, and a true love for the dance community.

At Gotta Move, our mission is simple: to provide a high-quality, affordable, and uplifting competition where dancers of all ages feel valued, inspired, and celebrated. Rooted in a genuine love of dance and a commitment to fostering a positive, encouraging environment, we take pride in helping dancers shine. Whether they’re stepping on stage for the very first time or refining their artistry at an advanced level.

Every season, we are honored to witness the passion, dedication, and joy that dancers bring to the floor. We believe in recognizing effort, encouraging growth, and cultivating confidence in each performer.

Join us for another exciting season as we continue to celebrate talent, inspire growth, and Turn It Up & Dance!

Cristina Powers

Movement has been the heart of Cristina's life for as long as she can remember. From the bustling streets of New York to the creative pulse of Los Angeles, she's trained with some of the industry's most renowned dancers, refining her craft and fueling a lifelong passion for dance. That passion first took shape in her early years and flourished during college, where she danced proudly as a BYU Cougarette. She graduated from BYU and WSU with degrees in Dance, Health Promotions, and Physical Education, and later earned her Master's Degree in Arts and Teaching.

Cristina’s professional credits include four seasons as an NBA Utah Jazz Dancer and appearances on CBS’s Touched By An Angel. As a freelance choreographer and master teacher for over 33 years, she has traveled throughout the western United States, inspiring dancers in studios, schools, colleges, and professional events. Her choreography has won numerous state and national awards. She currently teaches in public education and serves as an adjunct professor at Weber State University. Her work has been recognized Nationally and she has earned honors such as UDEO Dance Educator of the Year and Utah’s Best of State in Arts Education.

From directing her own studio, to mentoring countless students who have gone on to professional careers, Cristina is known for her positive and inspiring approach that helps dancers reach their full potential both on and off the stage. Since 2004, she has proudly served as co-director of Gotta Move! Dance Competitions, sharing her passion and vision for creating a positive, uplifting experience for all dancers.

Denna Lyman Robertson

Denna’s love of dance began at age three in her parents’ studio and quickly grew into a lifelong passion. By seven, she was competing in ballroom dance, a pursuit she continued through college. Her early dedication opened doors to unique opportunities, from earning first place in the Los Angeles County Gymnastics competition for her original choreography to touring five European countries with a performance company at just sixteen.

Her path led her to Brigham Young University, where she majored in Dance and was hired as an undergraduate tap instructor. Denna’s performing career includes appearances on The Donny and Marie Osmond Show, TV specials with Roy Clark and Olivia Newton-John, and the original 1984 film Footloose. She also gained experience in cheer and drill team and performed in numerous local productions and commercials, showcasing her versatility as both a dancer and entertainer.

For over 43 years, Denna has shared her passion as a teacher and studio director, mentoring students who have gone on to professional careers in performing, judging, and teaching. Since 2004, she has proudly served as co-director of Gotta Move! Dance Competitions, combining her performance background with her commitment to creating positive, inspiring experiences for dancers of all levels. Her lifelong dedication continues to uplift and encourage the next generation, making her a beloved mentor and leader in the dance community.