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
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
Shawna Hesketh
Director, Elevate Broadway Babies | Co-Director, Ignite
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
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
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
Verge, and Ignite Director
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. After graduation, she moved to Orlando, FL where she was the lead performer for the dance theater company VarieTEASE for 5 years under the direction of Blue Star. VarieTEASE dance company has been awarded “Top Dance Company of Orlando” for the past 5 years. In 2015, Amanda received her Yoga Teaching Certification from Asheville Yoga Center. 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
Ignite Assistant Director
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, Terrill Mitchel, and Dorrell Martin before relocating to Austin Tx. 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 adults of all ages. For her, dance isn’t only a way to stay active, it’s a fun way to build community and to improve all aspects of personal health.
Her appreciation of dance and all it has to offer, along with her involvement in the dance community, has led her to become the Adult Programs Director at Balance Dance Studios. In this role, she is committed to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where adult dancers of all levels can thrive and grow.
Beyond dance, her professional journey has been equally enriching. She started her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, where she developed skills in communication and empathy that continue to serve her in all aspects of her life. Later, she transitioned to becoming a Birth Doula, supporting families during the transformative journey of childbirth.
When she’s not at the dance studio, Darby loves hanging out with friends around town, hiking with her Boston Terrier pup, and spending time with her husband and three teen boys.
Tatiana Mechinus
Client Services Manager
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.