

Kathy Smith Dupuy
Owner
Kathy started dancing seriously in high school and has continued to take classes and had the opportunity to perform through various studios in Austin. Through the years, dance has proven a great way… Read more

Dani Sanders Simmons
Director of Development
Dani Simmons is the Director of Development for Central Texas Dance Collaborative, guiding the growth and vision of Balance Dance Studios, The Dance Spot, and the Austin Performing Arts Complex…. Read more

Christine Bourgeois Autin
Program Director
Christine has been teaching ballet for 25 years and most recently taught at Revolution Dance Company in Baton Rouge, LA. She implemented the first dance program at St. Joseph’s Academy in …. Read more

Lyndsey Coburn
Director of Marketing
Lyndsey Coburn is a marketing and design specialist with a degree in graphic design and extensive experience in digital marketing, brand strategy, and web management. Driven by her passion for the performing arts,…. Read more

Li Gilbert
Studio Manager
Li Gilbert is a versatile dance artist and educator with a strong foundation in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, and musical theatre. She earned her BFA in Dance Theatre from AMDA Los Angeles and has trained at top institutions like Millennium Dance Complex, The Edge, and Playground LA. Read More

Emmalie Smith
HR Coordinator
Since the age of three, Emmalie has studied a wide range of dance styles. A Texas native, she began her training at a local studio in The Woodlands, where she quickly discovered her passion and calling for dance. She went on to train with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company’s …. Read more

Shawna Hesketh
Company Director, Ignite , Finance and Merchandise Manager
Shawna started dancing at an early age, at her one-room studio, in her small central Texas hometown. Her love of dance continued to grow, and she went on to join her high school’s drill/dance team, and then began teaching dance at the age of 16. Read more

Alex Roberts
Event and Show Coordinator
Alex supports daily studio operations while coordinating studio events and performances. With a background in project management, hospitality, and client relations, Alex is dedicated to creating well-organized and engaging experiences. Alex loves to travel, explore nature, cook, and build community through the arts. She has been teaching the beautiful dances of Kizomba and Brazilian Zouk in Austin for the past 8 years.

Haley Sikes
Director, UGK Hip Hop Crew
Haley is a dancer, performer, choreographer, and teacher based out of the Austin area. She started dancing at the age of three, training in many different styles, with a focus on hip hop and contemporary. Read more

Mandy Anstey
Company Director, Verge
Mandy Anstey graduated with a BFA in Dance from the University of South Florida in 2013. Amanda has performed, choreographed and trained all over the world including Paris, France and Beijing, China….. Read more

Kate McCann
Verge and Ignite Assistant Director
Kate fell in love with dance at an early age. The way that movement and music creates its own unique form of artistry has had an unparalleled impact on her life, both in and outside of the studio. Read more

Clay Moore
Company Director, Ignite & Client Service Admin
Clay Moore Originally from Houston, Clay Moore grew up as a competitive dancer. After graduating, he trained in Los Angeles and New York City where he has trained and worked with the Edge Performing Arts, Mark Morris Dance…. Read more

Kyrie Lloyd
Director, AYCB South
Kyrie Lloyd began her dance training in Philadelphia, PA where she studied classical ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. Upon graduating high school, she attended Palm Beach Atlantic University earning a degree in dance. Read more

Darby Perkins
DNCE Adult Program Director
Darby Perkins grew up dancing many different styles and has always had a passion for dance. As an adult, after having three boys, she started going to dance classes again, and her love and appreciation for dance grew. She loves trying new classes and learning new skills, including Bungee Fitness, which has led her to teach those skills to …. Read more

Tatiana Mechinus
Rentals Coordinator & Client Service Admin
Tatiana is the Client Services Manager of Balance Dance Studios and the shining face you see every time you walk in the door for classes. She is skilled in all things administrative and prides herself in being a confidante for both new and seasoned parents in the dance world.

Chantel Mead
Company Director, Elevate
Chantel is a seasoned vocalist, performer, recording artist, and voice educator. While she loves the stage & studio, she is also passionate about helping others more fully understand their voice, fall in love with their own unique sound, and feel truly confident with their voice in the world. Read more