Kathy Dupuy 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 for her to stay fit after having 4 kids and maintaining a busy lifestyle. She has successfully pioneered multiple businesses from start up to maturity including Texas’ largest nanny/sitter service, Mom’s Best Friend, and an assisted living home for seniors. Kathy serves on various boards, and her companies have been recognized for outstanding achievement in various venues, as well as a commitment to giving back to the local community. She was inspired by her sister-in-law who created and owns one of the largest and most successful Houston dance studios. As a dancer herself and mom to 4 little dancers, Kathy understands the need for a high quality studio environment catering to the needs of both adults and children, thus the inception of Balance Dance Studios. Kathy’s business expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her passion for the art of dance, create the perfect combination for her role as studio owner of Balance Dance Studios. Kathy and her husband Stuart, who is also very involved in the business operations, reside in Southwest Austin and are the proud parents of Grace, Kaitlyn, and James and Jordan.
Kathy Dupuy 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 for her to stay fit after having 4 kids and maintaining a busy lifestyle. She has successfully pioneered multiple businesses from start up to maturity including Texas’ largest nanny/sitter service, Mom’s Best Friend, and an assisted living home for seniors. Kathy serves on various boards, and her companies have been recognized for outstanding achievement in various venues, as well as a commitment to giving back to the local community. She was inspired by her sister-in-law who created and owns one of the largest and most successful Houston dance studios. As a dancer herself and mom to 4 little dancers, Kathy understands the need for a high quality studio environment catering to the needs of both adults and children, thus the inception of Balance Dance Studios. Kathy’s business expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her passion for the art of dance, create the perfect combination for her role as studio owner of Balance Dance Studios. Kathy and her husband Stuart, who is also very involved in the business operations, reside in Southwest Austin and are the proud parents of Grace, Kaitlyn, and James and Jordan.Bri Augenreich Briana has 18 years of dance training in jazz, ballet, modern, tap, hip hop, and lyrical/contemporary. She competed and performed across the country as a member of Buffa’s Dance Company and Ensemble Performing Company and a student athlete on the Virginia Tech Varsity Dance Team. With six years of teaching experience she is excited to join the BDS family and share her love of the arts and life with her students. She describes her class as “Structured, fun with a little team building sprinkled on top! My class is where my students combine their passion, energy, and enthusiasm for dance with hard work and focus to develop their technique and artistry. I also stress the importance of building character, confidence, and teamwork throughout each class. Briana is an adventure and travel enthusiast, active yogi, and a devoted software engineer. When she’s not coding or active you can find her cuddling her golden retriever, Randi, and cheering for her husband’s team on the basketball court!“
Bri Augenreich Briana has 18 years of dance training in jazz, ballet, modern, tap, hip hop, and lyrical/contemporary. She competed and performed across the country as a member of Buffa’s Dance Company and Ensemble Performing Company and a student athlete on the Virginia Tech Varsity Dance Team. With six years of teaching experience she is excited to join the BDS family and share her love of the arts and life with her students. She describes her class as “Structured, fun with a little team building sprinkled on top! My class is where my students combine their passion, energy, and enthusiasm for dance with hard work and focus to develop their technique and artistry. I also stress the importance of building character, confidence, and teamwork throughout each class. Briana is an adventure and travel enthusiast, active yogi, and a devoted software engineer. When she’s not coding or active you can find her cuddling her golden retriever, Randi, and cheering for her husband’s team on the basketball court!“Devon Adams Driven by her love of movement, Devon has performed professionally from New Mexico to New York City with companies such as Ballet Repertory Theatre of New Mexico, Blackbird Dance, The Angelo Dance Project, and Sparrow Dance. A member of New York City-based modern company Blackbird Dance, she joins them for regular tours throughout the 2013-2014 season. She has trained with some of the nation’s top teachers and choreographers, graduating summa cum laude with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University in 2009. A versatile mover, Devon has performed works by distinguished choreographers such as Paul Taylor, Donald McKayle, and Alex Ossadnik, and appeared as a dancer in the 2013 Walt Disney film The Lone Ranger, directed by Gore Verbinski. She began assistant teaching at the age of 15 at the Academy of Ballet Repertory Theatre of New Mexico, and quickly discovered the joy of sharing her passion with students. She has been teaching ever since, investing in each student as she helps them explore and refine their art form. Now embarking on her second year in Austin, Devon is so thrilled to be joining the faculty at Balance Dance Studios.
Devon Adams Driven by her love of movement, Devon has performed professionally from New Mexico to New York City with companies such as Ballet Repertory Theatre of New Mexico, Blackbird Dance, The Angelo Dance Project, and Sparrow Dance. A member of New York City-based modern company Blackbird Dance, she joins them for regular tours throughout the 2013-2014 season. She has trained with some of the nation’s top teachers and choreographers, graduating summa cum laude with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University in 2009. A versatile mover, Devon has performed works by distinguished choreographers such as Paul Taylor, Donald McKayle, and Alex Ossadnik, and appeared as a dancer in the 2013 Walt Disney film The Lone Ranger, directed by Gore Verbinski. She began assistant teaching at the age of 15 at the Academy of Ballet Repertory Theatre of New Mexico, and quickly discovered the joy of sharing her passion with students. She has been teaching ever since, investing in each student as she helps them explore and refine their art form. Now embarking on her second year in Austin, Devon is so thrilled to be joining the faculty at Balance Dance Studios.Daniel Broxton Daniel started dancing in high school, participating on a crew his freshman year that turned into a team his sophomore year. He started pursuing dance more and training more seriously throughout his high school years. He now directs a high school hip hop dance team, teaches workshops, and choreographs for music videos, musicals, events, and performances. Daniel is excited to bring his background and experience, as well as his excitement for hip hop, to dancers at Balance!
Daniel Broxton Daniel started dancing in high school, participating on a crew his freshman year that turned into a team his sophomore year. He started pursuing dance more and training more seriously throughout his high school years. He now directs a high school hip hop dance team, teaches workshops, and choreographs for music videos, musicals, events, and performances. Daniel is excited to bring his background and experience, as well as his excitement for hip hop, to dancers at Balance!Dane Burch Dane grew up in Oregon, where he started training in dance at the age of 10. He quickly fell in love with movement and the expressiveness of it. He moved to Los Angeles, when he was 18, with a scholarship to EDGE Performing Arts Center. After completing his training, he continued to dance and perform. He worked with Tremaine Dance Convention for 5 years. He also worked for Move Dance Competitions, where he judged and taught master classes all around the U.S. In 2008, Dane moved to Austin. He is now the Co-director of Rise Dance Company and Reverence Dance Project. He works for numerous studios and high schools all around Texas. He loves sharing his knowledge and love for dance with all.
Dane Burch Dane grew up in Oregon, where he started training in dance at the age of 10. He quickly fell in love with movement and the expressiveness of it. He moved to Los Angeles, when he was 18, with a scholarship to EDGE Performing Arts Center. After completing his training, he continued to dance and perform. He worked with Tremaine Dance Convention for 5 years. He also worked for Move Dance Competitions, where he judged and taught master classes all around the U.S. In 2008, Dane moved to Austin. He is now the Co-director of Rise Dance Company and Reverence Dance Project. He works for numerous studios and high schools all around Texas. He loves sharing his knowledge and love for dance with all.Jarius Carr Jairus started his dance training at seven-years-old. Since then, Jairus has trained with Austin’s top instructors and choreographers, but Jairus primarily trained here, at Balance Dance Studios. Starting here when he was twelve, Jairus grew up and trained with Balance’s very own Push Dance Company. This allowed him to learn and understand Balance’s core message: Finding our balance in heart, soul, and mind. In more recent years, Jairus has danced with many local artists, such as the Early Era Collective, Jennifer Sherburn, and the UT student body. Jairus can’t wait to teach you!
Nikki “Blankenship” Chambers Since the age of three, Nikki has learned to master the art of expression through movement, sharing her love of dance with others. She received her formal dance training, at Hallmark Dance Studio, practicing Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Folkloric, Flamenco, and Jazz. It was her exceptional performance as a jazz dancer which earned Nikki a scholarship to West Texas A&M University, where she earned her BFA in Dance. Some notable achievements include the Lady Viper Dance Team, Assistant Academy Director for the WTAMU Dance Academy, Artist in Residence for Lone Star Ballet, Amarillo Vixens Dance Team, and Captain and Choreographer for the WTAMU Thunderette Dance Team. She shares the positive energy and enthusiasm for her art with those around her, hoping that she can inspire others to discover and follow their own dreams.
Nikki “Blankenship” Chambers Since the age of three, Nikki has learned to master the art of expression through movement, sharing her love of dance with others. She received her formal dance training, at Hallmark Dance Studio, practicing Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Folkloric, Flamenco, and Jazz. It was her exceptional performance as a jazz dancer which earned Nikki a scholarship to West Texas A&M University, where she earned her BFA in Dance. Some notable achievements include the Lady Viper Dance Team, Assistant Academy Director for the WTAMU Dance Academy, Artist in Residence for Lone Star Ballet, Amarillo Vixens Dance Team, and Captain and Choreographer for the WTAMU Thunderette Dance Team. She shares the positive energy and enthusiasm for her art with those around her, hoping that she can inspire others to discover and follow their own dreams.For a short video of Nikki, click Here
Jacqueline Courchene Jackie was born and raised in Kingwood, TX where she began her dance training at Rowland/Ballards school of ballet. From 2008 to her high school graduation in 2012, Jackie trained with the Kingwood Dance Theatre — a pre-professional ballet company — and attended annual Regional Dance America Festivals. Through her performance, choreographic, and teaching opportunities with Kingwood Dance Theatre, Jackie’s love for dance truly blossomed. She continued her education at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York where she graduated with Honors in Dance and Business Management in May 2016. During the school year at Skidmore, Jacqueline was able to fine tune and enrich her choreography skills with many creative opportunities from collaborating with professors/peers and creating choreographic projects of her own. She has danced for and trained with choreographers such as Xan Burley and Alex Springer, Earl Mosely, Matt Pardo, Ruben Graciani, Christy Williams, and Erika Pujic. During her summers in Saratoga Springs, Jackie performed for Saratoga Summer Arts Festival and had opportunities to train with dance companies doing residencies in Saratoga Springs such as Martha Graham Dance Company, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, and Doug Varone and Dancers. As a recent college graduate, she has danced in festivals from New York City to Los Angeles, and continues to produce choreographic works for a variety of performances and site specific venues. In 2017 Jackie was awarded the San Antonio Dance Umbrella’s “Emerging Artist” Scholarship. She teaches at a variety different dance studios in the San Antonio and Austin areas, and produces original choreographic works for performances at pre-professional level dance companies in the San Antonio, Austin, and Houston areas.
Jacqueline Courchene Jackie was born and raised in Kingwood, TX where she began her dance training at Rowland/Ballards school of ballet. From 2008 to her high school graduation in 2012, Jackie trained with the Kingwood Dance Theatre — a pre-professional ballet company — and attended annual Regional Dance America Festivals. Through her performance, choreographic, and teaching opportunities with Kingwood Dance Theatre, Jackie’s love for dance truly blossomed. She continued her education at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York where she graduated with Honors in Dance and Business Management in May 2016. During the school year at Skidmore, Jacqueline was able to fine tune and enrich her choreography skills with many creative opportunities from collaborating with professors/peers and creating choreographic projects of her own. She has danced for and trained with choreographers such as Xan Burley and Alex Springer, Earl Mosely, Matt Pardo, Ruben Graciani, Christy Williams, and Erika Pujic. During her summers in Saratoga Springs, Jackie performed for Saratoga Summer Arts Festival and had opportunities to train with dance companies doing residencies in Saratoga Springs such as Martha Graham Dance Company, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, and Doug Varone and Dancers. As a recent college graduate, she has danced in festivals from New York City to Los Angeles, and continues to produce choreographic works for a variety of performances and site specific venues. In 2017 Jackie was awarded the San Antonio Dance Umbrella’s “Emerging Artist” Scholarship. She teaches at a variety different dance studios in the San Antonio and Austin areas, and produces original choreographic works for performances at pre-professional level dance companies in the San Antonio, Austin, and Houston areas.Maranda Creamer Maranda Creamer loves living a fit, healthy and active lifestyle. She has over a decade of cheerleading and gymnastics experience. Maranda began tumbling at age 9, and then cheered from middle school to college. After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from Texas State University, she moved to Austin where she now resides. Maranda is a licensed Zumba and Zumba Toning instructor, and also holds certifications in CPR/AED and First Aid, as well as AFAA Group Exercise. She is excited to bring her own spin to Zumba classes and provide fun, safe and effective dance cardio workouts. She brings a balance of various international music styles and rhythms to her classes, and strives to make each class different so that her students are constantly challenged.
Maranda Creamer Maranda Creamer loves living a fit, healthy and active lifestyle. She has over a decade of cheerleading and gymnastics experience. Maranda began tumbling at age 9, and then cheered from middle school to college. After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from Texas State University, she moved to Austin where she now resides. Maranda is a licensed Zumba and Zumba Toning instructor, and also holds certifications in CPR/AED and First Aid, as well as AFAA Group Exercise. She is excited to bring her own spin to Zumba classes and provide fun, safe and effective dance cardio workouts. She brings a balance of various international music styles and rhythms to her classes, and strives to make each class different so that her students are constantly challenged.Rachel Culver Rachel Cox Culver holds a BFA in Dance Performance from Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Since earning her degree, she apprenticed with Bruce Wood Dance and performed the works of Joy Bollinger. While pursuing her BFA, she performed a variety of ballet and modern repertoire as a Nicolay Dance Works company member, under the artistic direction of Dana Nicolay. Rachel guests frequently with NobleMotion Dance, based in Houston. While studying at SHSU, Rachel had the pleasure of working with guest choreographers Maurice Causey, Gerard Theoret, and Gregory Nuber, and performing in many SHSU faculty creations. Hailing from Elida, NM, she studied classical and contemporary ballet with S-W School of Dance and Ballet Lubbock. She spent her summers training with LoneStar Ballet, Virginia School of the Arts, and the Kirov Ballet. She has performed lead roles in Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Carnival of the Animals, and Firebird. Rachel currently performs as a freelance dancer throughout Texas, and enjoys sharing her love for ballet with young dancers.
Rachel Culver Rachel Cox Culver holds a BFA in Dance Performance from Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Since earning her degree, she apprenticed with Bruce Wood Dance and performed the works of Joy Bollinger. While pursuing her BFA, she performed a variety of ballet and modern repertoire as a Nicolay Dance Works company member, under the artistic direction of Dana Nicolay. Rachel guests frequently with NobleMotion Dance, based in Houston. While studying at SHSU, Rachel had the pleasure of working with guest choreographers Maurice Causey, Gerard Theoret, and Gregory Nuber, and performing in many SHSU faculty creations. Hailing from Elida, NM, she studied classical and contemporary ballet with S-W School of Dance and Ballet Lubbock. She spent her summers training with LoneStar Ballet, Virginia School of the Arts, and the Kirov Ballet. She has performed lead roles in Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Carnival of the Animals, and Firebird. Rachel currently performs as a freelance dancer throughout Texas, and enjoys sharing her love for ballet with young dancers.Tracy Dunivan A native Texan, Tracy has successfully coached and guided the careers of young performers for over 25 years. Because of her strong training and diverse performance abilities, she undertook many artistic endeavors and opportunities, including choreography gigs and acting roles in local and regional playhouses including Houston’s renowned Theatre Under the Stars. During the evolution of her career, she began to specialize in training and promoting young actors. Through her highly successful SHOKIDZ acting classes in Houston and Los Angeles, a “career changing” professional level seminar series, and her artist management company, numerous young actors found their niche and began rewarding careers. She helped launch the professional careers of Hilary & Haylie Duff, Renee’ Olstead, the late Skye McCole Bartusiak, Sarah Hagan, Mariah Parks, and Jinhee Joung. Tracy saw a need within the competitive and pre-professional dance community for better performance understanding; so, she developed an innovative approach to teaching dancers how to honestly, organically and fully create and interpret the “story” of the choreography given them. Tracy’s goal is to help her clients recognize their full potential so they may realize all life’s gifts!
Tracy Dunivan A native Texan, Tracy has successfully coached and guided the careers of young performers for over 25 years. Because of her strong training and diverse performance abilities, she undertook many artistic endeavors and opportunities, including choreography gigs and acting roles in local and regional playhouses including Houston’s renowned Theatre Under the Stars. During the evolution of her career, she began to specialize in training and promoting young actors. Through her highly successful SHOKIDZ acting classes in Houston and Los Angeles, a “career changing” professional level seminar series, and her artist management company, numerous young actors found their niche and began rewarding careers. She helped launch the professional careers of Hilary & Haylie Duff, Renee’ Olstead, the late Skye McCole Bartusiak, Sarah Hagan, Mariah Parks, and Jinhee Joung. Tracy saw a need within the competitive and pre-professional dance community for better performance understanding; so, she developed an innovative approach to teaching dancers how to honestly, organically and fully create and interpret the “story” of the choreography given them. Tracy’s goal is to help her clients recognize their full potential so they may realize all life’s gifts!Kim Frueh I have been practicing yoga for 7 years and teaching for almost 3 years. Yoga came into my life while I was working at a very difficult and mentally exhaustive job. I was looking for a way to find peace and balance in my life, while continuing to work on my physical self. Being a dancer my whole life, yoga seemed a very natural fit, with it’s graceful and strong postures. I love the practice of yoga because it is challenging and introspective and a great way to turn off the busy outside world. I received my teacher training with Malia Scott and Chrispy Bhaghat Singh at Say Om Yoga through the e3 Vinyasa 200 hour teacher training. My goal is to share this incredible practice of yoga, meeting students where they are, with challenges and support, hoping they find the same joy, emotional freedom and personal strength. Namaste.
Kim Frueh I have been practicing yoga for 7 years and teaching for almost 3 years. Yoga came into my life while I was working at a very difficult and mentally exhaustive job. I was looking for a way to find peace and balance in my life, while continuing to work on my physical self. Being a dancer my whole life, yoga seemed a very natural fit, with it’s graceful and strong postures. I love the practice of yoga because it is challenging and introspective and a great way to turn off the busy outside world. I received my teacher training with Malia Scott and Chrispy Bhaghat Singh at Say Om Yoga through the e3 Vinyasa 200 hour teacher training. My goal is to share this incredible practice of yoga, meeting students where they are, with challenges and support, hoping they find the same joy, emotional freedom and personal strength. Namaste.Kenah Fuller Starting at the age of 3, Kenah has pursued her love for dance. Kenah was classically trained in Ballet and has danced on pointe for over 5 years. Along with her dance background, Kenah is an avid gymnast who is strong in power tumbling. Throughout her training she pursued a variety of genres of dance and competed in multiple styles including acro, modern, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and hip hop as well. She began student teaching at 17 and is adamant to continue to share her love for the arts with students.
Kenah Fuller Starting at the age of 3, Kenah has pursued her love for dance. Kenah was classically trained in Ballet and has danced on pointe for over 5 years. Along with her dance background, Kenah is an avid gymnast who is strong in power tumbling. Throughout her training she pursued a variety of genres of dance and competed in multiple styles including acro, modern, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and hip hop as well. She began student teaching at 17 and is adamant to continue to share her love for the arts with students.Dylan Hesser Born in El Paso, Texas, Dylan Hesser began dancing at El Paso Performing Arts at the age of 8. After joining his high school dance team in 2012, he continued dancing on The University of Texas-El Paso’s dance team through his junior and senior year of high school. Dylan started pursuing ballet seriously in 2014 with Champion Dance Studio under Andree Harper and Ouisa Davis. In 2015, he had the privilege of performing the principal role in The Nutcracker with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. After graduating high school, Dylan went on to continue his dance and academic training at the University of Arizona. His summer training includes Master Ballet Academy and Ballet Austin. Outside of ballet, Dylan is continuing his academic studies as a Biology major. He would like to thank his mother for raising him as a single woman and allowing him to follow his dreams.
Dylan Hesser 
Amanda Howes-Keith Amanda started dance when she was seven-years-old at her home dance studio in Southwick, MA. Her love of movement and creativity spanned from dance, to sports, music and theater. Amanda graduated from Radford University in Radford, VA with a Major in Media Production and a Minor in Dance. Since then she has worked in several entertainment industries including Six Flags New England, Universal Studios Resort Orlando, Sea World San Antonio, Walt Disney World Resort and Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, FL. Amanda’s love of dance has extended even further when she discovered aerial arts and can now take her creativity to new heights on the silks and lyra. Currently Amanda is an acrobatics/dance instructor, choreographer and avid aerial artist who enjoys performing locally. Amanda is so excited to have the opportunity to teach and inspire young dancers with her passion and energy!
Kalee Irwin Kalee Irwin is an urban American artist based out of Austin, TX. She received her BFA in dance at Sam Houston State University. In her final year, Kalee received the fallowing: Spectrum Costume Design Award, Excellence in Dance Research Award, and Dance Service Award. Kalee has advanced training in modern, jazz, ballet, contact improvisation, dance technology and choreography; as well as training in costume design and sewing. In the summer of 2016 Kalee attended Dance Italia in Lucca, Italy where she received training from Cristina Planas Leitao, Chisato Ohno, Elitia Cannata, Erik Abbott-Maine, Nicole Von Arx, and Christiano Fabbri. Kalee’s favorite aspects of dance are choreography and improvisation. She likes to explore the boundaries of movement and express ideas, philosophies, and meaning through dance. In the fall of 2016, Kalee was selected to perform a spontaneous Improvisation performance, at the Texas Dance Improvisation Festival’s closing concert. In the spring of 2017 Kalee was selected to debut her new work “You and Me, Me and You” in the Mid the Gap festival run by Dance Source Houston. Kalee is now currently teaching at Balance Dance Studios, as well as The Dance Spot where she is the Co-Director of Envision Dance Company. Kalee has four years experience in the field of costume as a designer, assistant to the designer, and stitcher/drapper/cutter. She is self-employed as a costume designer, clothing designer, and alterations specialist. In the fall of 2017 Kalee was invited back to Sam Houston State University as an over hire professional stitcher/draper/cutter, as well as assistant designer, for the Dance department’s Spectrum Faculty concert. Kalee currently works at David’s Bridal as one of their alterations specialist. In the fall of 2018 she will begin her new journey as the costume designer and costume manager of both Balance Dance Studio and The Dance Spot in Austin, TX. On the side, Kalee is working toward building her own business in costume design and alterations.
Kalee Irwin Kalee Irwin is an urban American artist based out of Austin, TX. She received her BFA in dance at Sam Houston State University. In her final year, Kalee received the fallowing: Spectrum Costume Design Award, Excellence in Dance Research Award, and Dance Service Award. Kalee has advanced training in modern, jazz, ballet, contact improvisation, dance technology and choreography; as well as training in costume design and sewing. In the summer of 2016 Kalee attended Dance Italia in Lucca, Italy where she received training from Cristina Planas Leitao, Chisato Ohno, Elitia Cannata, Erik Abbott-Maine, Nicole Von Arx, and Christiano Fabbri. Kalee’s favorite aspects of dance are choreography and improvisation. She likes to explore the boundaries of movement and express ideas, philosophies, and meaning through dance. In the fall of 2016, Kalee was selected to perform a spontaneous Improvisation performance, at the Texas Dance Improvisation Festival’s closing concert. In the spring of 2017 Kalee was selected to debut her new work “You and Me, Me and You” in the Mid the Gap festival run by Dance Source Houston. Kalee is now currently teaching at Balance Dance Studios, as well as The Dance Spot where she is the Co-Director of Envision Dance Company. Kalee has four years experience in the field of costume as a designer, assistant to the designer, and stitcher/drapper/cutter. She is self-employed as a costume designer, clothing designer, and alterations specialist. In the fall of 2017 Kalee was invited back to Sam Houston State University as an over hire professional stitcher/draper/cutter, as well as assistant designer, for the Dance department’s Spectrum Faculty concert. Kalee currently works at David’s Bridal as one of their alterations specialist. In the fall of 2018 she will begin her new journey as the costume designer and costume manager of both Balance Dance Studio and The Dance Spot in Austin, TX. On the side, Kalee is working toward building her own business in costume design and alterations.Ginnifer Joe Ginnifer Joe received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from The University of Texas at Austin. She has training in many dance styles including tap, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz and ballet. She has trained with MET Dance in Houstin, the American Dance Festival, Northwest Dance Project in Portland, and Sidra Bell in New York City at Winter Module. At UT, she studied under professors including Charles O. Anderson, Tina Curran, and Yacov Sharir, and worked with choreographers including Jeremy Arnold, Sidra Bell, Jenn Freeman, Rennie Harris, and Raphael Xavier. She performed with UT’s Dance Repertory Theatre as a company member from 2016-2019. She has also performed at Austin City Limits Music Festival, and with Austin dance companies, ARCOS Dance and Ventana Ballet.
Ginnifer Joe 
Jordan Johnson Jordan has been dancing and choreographing hip hop for over fifteen years, and cheer and tumbling for over ten years. Jordan appeared as a featured hip hop dancer on seasons 7 & 9 of “So You Think You Can Dance”, a judge and choreographer for Dallas Cowboys “Making the Team”, and appeared on “America’s Got Talent”. In addition he was featured in Flow Rida and Nelly Furtado’s music video “Jump” and has toured Internationally with Omarion and Aquile.
Kelsey Kimble Kelsey Kimble uses her vast experience in performing a variety of different genres to entertain and educate others. As a performer, Kelsey enjoys singing jazz music with her husband, Austin Kimble. She also writes and performs original rock music with their band, The Kimbles. Trained in classical voice technique from The University of Texas at Austin under the direction of Rose Taylor, Kelsey enjoys acting in local theater productions, and recent roles include: “Louise/Eve” in Ruthless (City Theater, Austin), as well as “Regina” in Rock of Ages, “Calliope” in Xanadu, and several Theatre for Young Audiences Productions at the Georgetown Palace Theater. Aside from performing, Kelsey has a passion for educating voice students of all ages and experience levels. She offers weekly group classes as well as private lessons for several programs in the Austin, TX area.
Kelsy Leyendecker Kelsy Leyendecker is our assistant director of Elevate and PUSH Dand Company’s Opal director. She began dancing at the age of 3 and has been teaching since the age of 16 years old. She began her studies and competitive years at Irvine Dance Academy but went on to receive training at some of the best studios in the country in the styles of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, cheer, tumbling, and musical theatre. She has had the opportunity to study under legends such Joe Tremaine, Doug Caldwell, Molly Lynch, Christine Baltes, Jerome Robins, and Susan Stroman. In addition to them, she credits much of her growth and passion to her mentor, Monie Adamson who is a 3 time Emmy nominee and 2004 American Choreography Award winner. While still in school, she began choreographing young for her high school show choir and other local area theatre and children’s programs. As a diverse and performer, Kelsy danced as an extra on a couple TV shows, strutted the parade routes and stages of Disneyland as well as toured parts of the US as a member of the company, “Dance N’ ETC” and the “Concordia professional Chamber Choir”. She quickly found her passion in musical theatre and was cast in multiple theatre company ensembles such as “Guys and Dolls”, “Cabaret” and “Oklahoma” as well as lead roles such as Penny in “Swingtime” and Carol in “South Pacific”. She is proud to be a part of the Austin dance community and loves teaching all her students of all ages at Balance Dance Studios.
Kelsy Leyendecker Kelsy Leyendecker is our assistant director of Elevate and PUSH Dand Company’s Opal director. She began dancing at the age of 3 and has been teaching since the age of 16 years old. She began her studies and competitive years at Irvine Dance Academy but went on to receive training at some of the best studios in the country in the styles of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, cheer, tumbling, and musical theatre. She has had the opportunity to study under legends such Joe Tremaine, Doug Caldwell, Molly Lynch, Christine Baltes, Jerome Robins, and Susan Stroman. In addition to them, she credits much of her growth and passion to her mentor, Monie Adamson who is a 3 time Emmy nominee and 2004 American Choreography Award winner. While still in school, she began choreographing young for her high school show choir and other local area theatre and children’s programs. As a diverse and performer, Kelsy danced as an extra on a couple TV shows, strutted the parade routes and stages of Disneyland as well as toured parts of the US as a member of the company, “Dance N’ ETC” and the “Concordia professional Chamber Choir”. She quickly found her passion in musical theatre and was cast in multiple theatre company ensembles such as “Guys and Dolls”, “Cabaret” and “Oklahoma” as well as lead roles such as Penny in “Swingtime” and Carol in “South Pacific”. She is proud to be a part of the Austin dance community and loves teaching all her students of all ages at Balance Dance Studios.Stacey Lizette Stacey has been studying belly dance for twenty years. (Woah, how did that happen?) She is one of five dancers currently Level 5 certified in the internationally recognized Suhaila Salimpour format and hosts annual Suhaila workshops in Austin. Besides being a dance instructor, Stacey has taken on many roles and projects as part of the belly dance community, including: performer, choreographer, costume designer, artistic director of Tekatek Dance Ensemble, (former) producer of the annual Austin Belly Dance Convention, teaching assistant to Suhaila Salimpour, workshop sponsor, and show producer. Stacey’s style of teaching is patient yet challenging to guide students safely beyond their comfort zones and into personal growth. Belly dance will grow your brain, move your body and feed your soul!
Stacey Lizette Stacey has been studying belly dance for twenty years. (Woah, how did that happen?) She is one of five dancers currently Level 5 certified in the internationally recognized Suhaila Salimpour format and hosts annual Suhaila workshops in Austin. Besides being a dance instructor, Stacey has taken on many roles and projects as part of the belly dance community, including: performer, choreographer, costume designer, artistic director of Tekatek Dance Ensemble, (former) producer of the annual Austin Belly Dance Convention, teaching assistant to Suhaila Salimpour, workshop sponsor, and show producer. Stacey’s style of teaching is patient yet challenging to guide students safely beyond their comfort zones and into personal growth. Belly dance will grow your brain, move your body and feed your soul!For a video of Stacy’s bio, click Here
Andi Loo Native to Texas, Andi Loo graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Spanish and quickly jumped on the earliest flight to Los Angeles. While in L.A., Andi worked for a local newspaper while studying dance at local venues. She recalls pre-Zumba days in L.A. being filled with healthy doses of “Latin Hip Hop” and “Salsa-esque” aerobics. Needless to say, her love and commitment to dancing grew quickly and after 3 children and a move back to Texas, she found her passion in teaching dance fitness classes.
Andi Loo Native to Texas, Andi Loo graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Spanish and quickly jumped on the earliest flight to Los Angeles. While in L.A., Andi worked for a local newspaper while studying dance at local venues. She recalls pre-Zumba days in L.A. being filled with healthy doses of “Latin Hip Hop” and “Salsa-esque” aerobics. Needless to say, her love and commitment to dancing grew quickly and after 3 children and a move back to Texas, she found her passion in teaching dance fitness classes.For a short video of Andi, Click HERE
Danielle Storey Loredo Danielle has been dancing since the age of five and has studied an array of genres, her favorites being jazz, modern/contemporary, and musical theatre. She trained with Tempe Dance Academy in Tempe, Arizona while growing up and has received numerous regional and national competition titles. She was captain of her Arizona state champion high school dance team. Danielle made her way to Texas after accepting a dance scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. At SMU Danielle trained with a world renown faculty studying Jazz, Ballet and the Martha Graham modern technique. In college, she kept busy performing, teaching, choreographing and pursuing a degree in Corporate Communications. She is loves to stay active as a performer and choreographer in the local dance scene and is a dancer with the Austin companies The Dance Project and Reverence Dance Project.
Danielle Storey Loredo Danielle has been dancing since the age of five and has studied an array of genres, her favorites being jazz, modern/contemporary, and musical theatre. She trained with Tempe Dance Academy in Tempe, Arizona while growing up and has received numerous regional and national competition titles. She was captain of her Arizona state champion high school dance team. Danielle made her way to Texas after accepting a dance scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. At SMU Danielle trained with a world renown faculty studying Jazz, Ballet and the Martha Graham modern technique. In college, she kept busy performing, teaching, choreographing and pursuing a degree in Corporate Communications. She is loves to stay active as a performer and choreographer in the local dance scene and is a dancer with the Austin companies The Dance Project and Reverence Dance Project.Natalia Maravi Natalia was born to dance. From dancing on the bleachers of a football game at 5 years old, to choreographing a dance performance for her and her friends for their 5th grade class talent show, to tearing it up on the dance floor of many clubs as an adult. However, it wasn’t until she was 26 years old that she took her first dance class and started her training. She fell in love immediately and got to work. She’s taken a ton of hip hop classes and heels classes and has traveled to LA to train with Brinn Nicole and Tevyn Cole. Her passion for dance and teaching runs very deep and she is grateful for every opportunity to shake her hips and flip her hair.
Natalia Maravi Natalia was born to dance. From dancing on the bleachers of a football game at 5 years old, to choreographing a dance performance for her and her friends for their 5th grade class talent show, to tearing it up on the dance floor of many clubs as an adult. However, it wasn’t until she was 26 years old that she took her first dance class and started her training. She fell in love immediately and got to work. She’s taken a ton of hip hop classes and heels classes and has traveled to LA to train with Brinn Nicole and Tevyn Cole. Her passion for dance and teaching runs very deep and she is grateful for every opportunity to shake her hips and flip her hair.Sharon Marroquin Born and raised in Mexico City, Sharon’s choreography has been listed numerous times as one of the top ten dance events of the year by the Austin Chronicle, and she is a three-time winner of the Austin Critics Table Award for Outstanding Choreographer. Sharon has created pieces for Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre, Big Range Austin Dance Festival, Forklift Danceworks, Ballet East, Hot September Flurries, Tapestry Dance Company, and many others. Her production, The Materiality of Impermanence, based on her experience with breast cancer, was honored with awards for Best Dance Concert and Best Dancer. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Sharon is a dual language elementary school teacher, and the proud mother of a beautiful son.
Sharon Marroquin Born and raised in Mexico City, Sharon’s choreography has been listed numerous times as one of the top ten dance events of the year by the Austin Chronicle, and she is a three-time winner of the Austin Critics Table Award for Outstanding Choreographer. Sharon has created pieces for Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre, Big Range Austin Dance Festival, Forklift Danceworks, Ballet East, Hot September Flurries, Tapestry Dance Company, and many others. Her production, The Materiality of Impermanence, based on her experience with breast cancer, was honored with awards for Best Dance Concert and Best Dancer. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Sharon is a dual language elementary school teacher, and the proud mother of a beautiful son.
Kate McCann 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. She has been working with children since the age of 14, and has found that one of her greatest joys is being able to share her passions with a younger generation. Because Kate didn’t start her formal dance training until highschool she is a huge proponent of self discipline, and regards dance as the medium which taught her that all things are achievable through hard work and diligence. It was at Balance Dance Studios she cultivated this understanding, as she is one of our very own Push Dance Company alumni. Kate looks forward to teaching, training, and exploring movement with you!
Mark Moy A veteran instructor and choreographer with over 20 years of teaching experience, Mark has a passion for teaching the love of dance. Beginner and advance students alike benefit from his warm, enthusiastic, and patient style. Mark’s greatest joy is watching his students have the “lightbulb” moment. Mark tries various approaches for presenting concepts until that happens for each and every student.
Giving back to the Austin community and participation and local charitable events is important to Mark. In 2011 and 2012, he was a featured dance professional in the Lake Travis Dancing with the Stars event to benefit the Lake Travis Community Library, and in 2011 & 2016, he was a featured professional in the Dancing with the Stars Austin, benefiting the Center for Child Protection. He served on the Board of Directors of the prestigious Mayfair Dance Club from 2011 – 2013 and served as Membership Chair of the organization in 2014.
David Nava David Nava, also known by Navaji, started his career at 16-years-old shortly after representing Texas and the United States in the 2008 Rudolph Nureyev International Ballet Competition in Budapest, Hungary. Afterward joining the Sarasota Ballet Company in FL as a corps de ballet. Nava, has performed in works by Andre Prokovsky, Frederick Ashton, Dame Ninette De Valois, John Cranko, Robert North, and Sir Peter Wright’s. His lead and feature roles include Classical – Anthony Tudor’s Lilac Garden, George Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15, Matthew Bourne’s Boutique, Peter Darrell’s Othello, Contemporary- Dominic Walsh’s Trilogy & Napoletani, Leymis Wilmott’s In Flight & Aftermath, Elizabeth Bergmann’s When We No Longer Touch. Recently Nava was invited to audition for Wayne McGregor’s company in London and performed at the Florida Dance Educators Conference alongside Complexions. Currently enrolled as a full time student at The University of Texas at Austin, David Nava has 10 years of professional dance and choreography experience and 6 years of teaching experience recently the Director of Ballet at The PAC in Houston, TX.
Kristin Nicolaisen Kristin Nicolaisen started dancing at a very young age and is now the Artistic Director of Balance Dance Studios. Kristin grew up in Houston dancing with some of the best studios in the city including North Harris Performing arts Center and Masters Upper level where she was on the advanced competitive team under the direction of Melissa Hooks. The company traveled all over the country seeking the highest level of well-rounded dance education and placed first overall at national competition, multiple years in a row. She also received many awards and acclamations in her solo work including multiple scholarships, ‘L.A. agent’ and ‘Teen Dancer of the Year’ I.D.C. etc. During these years Kristin also coached gymnastics and participated on her high school cheerleading team where she was awarded the honor of All Star as well as All American. Kristin then attended Texas State University where she graduated with a bachelor degree in mass communication with a sociology minor. While going to college she worked as a dance sr. instructor/choreographer for 8 years at Alisa’s Dance Academy. She also has directed the off campus physical education program at ADA working with Austin school district. Kristin has worked close with Austin’s Dance Elite competitive team, Aspire Dance Convention, Lake Travis I.S.D. and Manor I.S.D. choreographing many award winning ensembles and countless solos including the 1st place district champion 2011. She travels to Los Angeles and New York regularly to continue her training and stay current. Last year she toured U.S. and Canada as a backup dancer for singer Zayra. She dances with Reverence Dance Company as well as Verge Dance company where she has been artistic director and head choreographer. Kristin is madly in love with the art of movement and is ever embracing and exploring this beautiful boundless art. She has found in her dance experience that she not only loves the art but also truly loves sharing it with students. Exposing people of all ages to a form of athleticism and personal expression that induces healthy happiness for the mind, body, and soul is endlessly fulfilling.
Mikayla Pham Mikayla Pham is from Orange County, California but moved to Texas in 2005 and began training in gymnastics. In 2013, Mikayla retired from a successful gymnastics career as the Texas Beam Champion and began her dance training at Balance Dance Studios to pursue what she felt to be a more artistic or expressive form of movement. Since then she has grown tremendously and has received countless awards and scholarships as a part of Push Dance Company. She has traveled and trained at studios such as Edge and Millennium in LA as well as Broadway Dance Center and The Ailey School in NYC just to name a few. Mikayla also assists Streetz and LA Dance Magic as a part of their convention teams and teaches Jazz for NEXT GEN Dance Intensive in the summers. She has also been a Push Dance Company intern since 2016 as well as a teaching sub for classes at Balance. Mikayla really enjoys being a part of the Austin dance community and loves any opportunity to share her creativity and passion with other dancers that she comes across.
Megan Richard Megan began her training in ballet at the age of four under Lady Leah Lafargue Hathaway and Lady Holly Hathaway Kaough in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was a performing member of the Lake Charles Civic Ballet for 19 years. While dancing with LCCB, she received her Bachelor of Art in Visual Art, with a concentration in Photography, from McNeese State University. After graduating in 2008, Megan continued dancing and began teaching ballet and pointe classes for her home studio in Louisiana. In 2010, she moved to Florida to work as an instructor in Ballet Pensacola’s Academy, and danced as a soloist with Ballet Pensacola. While in Florida, Megan also taught ballet and pointe classes for several years with Dance Academy of Santa Rosa in Milton. In addition to teaching, Megan worked for photographers in Louisiana and Florida, as well as worked in graphic design. She is also a PMA certified Pilates Instructor, and received her training through Balanced Body under Susan Clark Waters of Pure Pilates, Pensacola. Megan teaches ballet and Pilates classes for The Dance Spot, and is a Pilates and adult ballet instructor for Ballet Austin.
Megan Richard Ashley Rothwell Ashley was born and raised in Newcastle Upon Tyne in the UK. From a young age Ashley has thrived within the Performing Arts, She completed her Teaching Degree in the UK and taught Dance and Vocal technique for Sunderland University. She then went on to complete her Masters in Musical Theatre at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Shortly after graduation she packed up and moved to New York City to pursue Theatre and Film. During her time in New York she appeared in numerous Off-Off-Broadway plays such as ‘Exposed’ and ‘The Hurtling Stillness’ whilst continuing to develop her skills within the Performing Arts. She moved to Austin in October 2015 and is very excited to be a part of such a dynamic and nurturing dance school such as Balance.\
For a short video of Ashley, click Here
Dani Sanders Dani Sanders, CPT, FMT, is a fitness professional that focus’ on dancer health and performance, and functional fitness. She studied Exercise Sports Science at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX and graduated with her Bachelors in 2015. She has worked in multiple gyms and dance studios across Texas teaching her love of health and fitness and sharing the benefits of sport specific training with dancers. Dani started dancing at a young age up until her early twenties when a chronic hip injury pushed her into another direction. This is where her passion for cross training and educating dancers began. Her dance training experience coupled with her copious amounts of kinesiology and physiology knowledge has given her the ability to work with dancers in a unique way that has yet to hit mainstream dance studio training. Her program is designed using scientifically proven muscle training protocols that incorporate both dance techniques and Pilates ideologies. She works hard to cross train dancers in order to keep them dancing longer, injury free, and performing at their best.
Haley Sikes 
