Kathy Dupuy 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 household staffing service, Mom’s Best Friend, which she founded in 1994. She and her husband, Stuart, now run this together, along with the College Sitters & Tutors Barton Springs franchise. She also started and ran a residential care, assisted living home for seniors, for 10 years. Kathy has served on various boards, and her companies have been recognized for outstanding achievement, as well as a commitment to giving back to the local community. As a dancer herself and mom of 4 kids who all danced at one point or another, Kathy understands the need for a high quality studio environment catering to the needs of both adults and children, thus the creation of Balance Dance Studios in 2012. 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 purchased a Round Rock studio, The Dance Spot, in 2017, and now manages both locations. Kathy and her family reside in Southwest Austin and are the proud parents of Grace, Kaitlyn, and James and Jordan.
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.
As an educator, Amanda has produced, choreographed and directed multiple dance concerts and musical theater productions, for all ages for the past 17 years. She created two successful dance programs at Paredes Middle School (Austin, TX) and University High School Performing Arts Magnet (Orlando, FL) from ground zero. While at University High School, her impact resulted in the school receiving the national award of “Top Magnet School” in 2021. Her career in dance education values movers of all levels and promotes character building through the vehicle of dance.
Her choreography offers a fresh outlook on life. Her show “Let Go” and “Forgotten Memoirs” performed in the Orlando Fringe Festival in 2017 and 2019, both pieces were asked by patrons to perform in venues throughout the state of Florida. In 2016, the American Association of University of Women offered Amanda a grant to create a curriculum and dance film for her show, “Let Go”. The curriculum and dance film creates awareness around self-defeat and guides the viewers to become the master of their mind.
George Bohn started performing in California at an early age with Vernon Russell who set the foundation for much of his dance career. By age 13, George had performed on television, in an Equity Summer Stock package, and at the San Francisco Opera House with the Kirov ballet. After earning an English degree from St. Mary’s College, he toured throughout the Northwest United States and internationally performing ballets and choreographing in countries such as Mexico, Germany, and the Netherlands; eventually performing with Disney-on-Parade in South Africa before moving to New York City. George’s New York credits include Gypsy with Angela Lansbury, several Off-Off Broadway shows, The American Dance Machine, and Not So New Faces where he originated the “Flipper Dance” with choreographer Terry Rieser, While in New York, he was recruited by the esteemed choreographer Henry LeTang to travel to Las Vegas to perform in a revue of The Cotton Club coinciding with the release of the film starring Gregory Hines. Once back in New York, George joined DancEllington, a concert tap company founded by Gregory and Maurice Hines and led by Mercedes Ellington, Duke Ellington’s granddaughter. In addition to performing and touring with the company, George made his New York choreographic debut creating the Russian and Sugarplum Fairy dances in DancEllington’s premier of Cracker Jazz—Peter and the Duke, to Ellington’s famous arrangement of the Nutcracker Suite, as well as assisting Ms. Ellington in choreographing for Andre Heller’s Body and Soul which opened at the Munich Opera House and toured in Germany and Austria. George also created and performed A Simple Song with his longtime friend, Broadway actor Bob Fitch for the group Dancers Over Forty before closing a 30 year chapter on his New York career and moving to Aus9n to be closer to family. His current projects include teaching, maintaining his YouTube channel and originating the Austin Rhythm Incubator. He is working on a full-length creative project specific to Texas which will encompass many different dance forms. He is also developing a state-of-the-art tap shoe.
Mia Skylar Borjas is a local dancer in Austin, TX. In 2022, she started her dance journey when she was searching for a new way to stay active and became passionate about dancing. She loves to share her love of dancing with friends, family and other dancers. When she’s not dancing, she’s studying to be a graphic designer at ACC. Mia is super excited to be teaching at both TDS & BDS. She looks forward to sharing her enjoyment of dance and support others on their dance journey.
Christine Bourgeois Autin, a native of Baton Rouge, LA, 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 Baton Rouge in 2006, was Director of Dance, a Pilates instructor, and Psychology teacher at Episcopal High School of Baton Rouge from 2007-2011, as well as Co-Director and choreographer of The Bridges Project for the 2008 Young! Tanzsommer Tour in Austria and Germany.
Christine was also the Production Stage Manager for Debbie Allen for her productions of “Dreams”, “Just Dance”, and “All the Right Moves”, has appeared on Mario Lopez’s “Name Your Adventure” on NBC, was a guest dancer for Luciano Pavarotti’s Concert Gala in Baton Rouge, and danced with former NBA player Glen Davis, the first year of Dancing with Big Buddy.Christine has trained around the globe, such as the Royal Ballet in London, Joffrey II in San Antonio, Joffrey Ballet in NYC, & The Rock School in Pennsylvania. She was also accepted into the School of American Ballet in NYC, Virginia School of the Arts, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Houston Ballet School. She was a principal dancer with Louisiana Dance Theater and Mid City Dance Project, & also performed with the Delta Festival Ballet & Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. She is certified in Kathy Corey Pilates (formerly West Coast Pilates) for Mat and small apparatus, Reformer, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, Cadillac, and Ladder Barrel. She is also certified in PiYo, Progressing Ballet Technique, a Merge Level I practitioner, and recently completed the Dance Teacher Training with Australian physiotherapist, Lisa Howell. She is a 200-hour RYT & member of the Yoga Alliance, a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS), a NASM Virtual Coaching Specialist, an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, a Fascial Fitness Trainer, & an Advanced Instructor & Master Trainee with Buti Yoga, certified in all 7 formats.Being a lifelong lover of learning, Christine is currently working on the Brain Longevity Therapy Training Certification with the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, and will begin her 300-hour YTT & Ayurvedic Nutrition Certification this summer. Christine is excited to share her love of ballet, yoga, and fitness in and around Austin, TX, where she currently resides with her family.
Daniel Broxton 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!
Harper Burgy Bio Coming Soon!
Erin Carle began dancing at the age of 3 in Houston Texas. She attended the Fort Bend Ballet School starting at the age of 14. She then began training in the circus arts at 15 and is versed in aerial silks, trapeze, flying trapeze, triple cloud swing and contortion. Erin holds multiple state and national competitive dance solo titles both at the high school and college level, including an all American title from the National Dance Alliance (NDA) at the collegiate level. She danced with the Ballet Forte ballet company for 3 years and has done short contracts with multiple ballet companies around Texas. She has been teaching and choreographing for over 5 years. In more recent years she received her BFA from Texas State University, and she has been working with visual artists creating art pieces that include dance.
Krystel Conover began her journey in dance at 3 years old at a local dance studio in Laredo, Texas. She studied all types of dance from jazz to folklorico, learning at a young age that dancing always brought her joy. Krystel started recreational cheer when she was 7 and began competing at the national level when she was 12. At the age of 14, she began choreographing and coaching for local elementary schools. It’s here where she learned that she loved working with children. Krystel continued to dance, cheer and coach through high school and college. After graduating from the University of Texas, she pursued her passion and has been teaching in Del Valle ISD since 2007. While searching for a fun way to workout, Krystel found JAM Dance Fit in 2021 and fell in love with the innovative dances and the community it offers. She became an instructor in 2023 and loves combining her passions for teaching and dance and being able to share it with others. When Krystel is not teaching, she is a wife and Mom to two children.
Samantha de Lemos began dancing at only 3 years old at Hermannsons Dance Company in New Braunfels before moving to Dance by Design. She found this to be a major passion for her. While at Dbd, she practiced Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and was also on Pointe. In addition, she dabbled in Tap, Musical Theater and Tumbling. She also played a part in her high school drill team, even becoming a Junior Major. She graduated from New Braunfels High School, and is currently a freshman majoring in Neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin. She is thrilled and beyond grateful to share her passion and love of dance and movement by teaching at Balance Dance Studios!
Nicole Dugdale grew up doing competitive gymnastics in Texas and Missouri, training and competing across both states. At 14 years old, she switched to dance and fell in love with ballet and jazz. In high school, she performed as much as possible in dance, musicals, plays, choir, and color guard. She continued her dance training at Brigham Young University, earning a BA in Dance Performance with a contemporary emphasis. While in school, she performed and choreographed with BYU’s dancEnsemble. She also performed the lead role in a dance-based children’s play, touring in China and throughout Utah.
After graduating in 2014, Nicole went on to perform professionally with Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company and later Creators Dance Project. She enjoyed working with a variety of choreographers, performing in site-specific shows, and setting original works of her own. Since moving to Austin, she’s begun dancing with Spaces of Fontana- a contemporary company focused on human connections.
Nicole loves sharing her passion for movement with students of all ages. She has been teaching many styles of dance and acro in studios for 13 years now! She’s taught extensively in both competitive and recreational environments. She really cares about each student as an individual and wants her students to always leave her classes feeling confident and amazing. In addition to dancing and teaching, she enjoys her roles as a wife and a mom to her three adorable kids- Maddy, Kenna, and Noah. She’s excited to join the BDS family! “
Kira Fredericks began dancing at the age of four at Betty Jacks School of Dance in San Marcos. It quickly became a large passion for her. While there, she practiced Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Contemporary. It was very apparent to her that she truly enjoyed the art that is dance. Later she went on to join her High School Drill team. She graduated from San Marcos High School, and is currently attending Huston Tillotson University. She is very excited, and so grateful to share her passion of dance through teaching at Balance Dance Studios.
Jose “Zay” Galdamez is an artist and choreographer born in Inglewood, California and raised in Austin, Texas. Jose did not begin formally training in any style of dance until they were an adult but quickly fell in love with the connection that it gave him with music. Jose’s disciplines include hip hop and house, but he continues to train in other styles such as waving and locking. Although Jose did not get to experience a formal education as a studio trained dancer, he is a true believer that with hard work, anyone can achieve anything.
Sydney Gladden My name is Sydney Gladden. I am a freshman at the University of Texas studying dance. I have been dancing for about 15 years. I grew up dancing at The Dance Spot and was a member of my high school drill team as well. I have a huge passion for dance and I love getting to share it with others.
Shawna Hesketh 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. She attended Sam Houston State University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, in Photography and Dance. While at SHSU, she was in several performances, including a graduate thesis, and also worked in the costume department for their Nutcracker production. After moving to Austin, she got back into dance full-time, diving into ballroom dancing. Shawna then joined Balance Dance Studios, in the fall of 2012, in its inaugural year. Since then, she has created a home and family with Balance, and now gets to share this journey with her two children, as she watches them dance and grow.
Jake Howard is originally from Jacksonville, FL, where he received his early dance training from Linda Jenkins, Laurie Picinich-Byrd, and Ihaiah Miller at the Florida Ballet Conservatory. Following a move to Austin, TX with his family as a teenager he continued his training at Ballet Austin and attended summer intensive programs with The School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Orlando Ballet. Once he graduated high school, he was invited to join Ballet Austin’s Butler Fellowship program and after two seasons was promoted to Ballet Austin’s Second Company. He eventually went on to dance with and choreograph for professional companies around the country such as Ballet Tucson, South Valley Ballet, and New Ballet. Throughout his career as a dancer, he enjoyed performing works by renowned choreographers such as Stephen Mills, Septime Webre, Paul Vasterling, and George Balanchine.
During his time as a professional dancer, he began teaching outside of his rehearsal schedule. He loved teaching so much that he became an ABT® certified teacher after successfully completing the teacher training intensive of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. He really enjoys having the opportunity to share the knowledge he’s gained throughout his years as a professional dancer with his students.
Megan Hudson Bio coming soon
Anna Kerwin began dancing when she was 6. When she was 13, she decided to take her dance training to the next level and joined various competitive teams at her studio. Anna then switched to Balance Dance Studios for her senior year in order to further her artistic training by joining Ignite and AYCB. Anna is currently attending Texas State University for Exercise Sports Science and Dance. Anna has always enjoyed teaching/assisting and can’t wait to help your children learn about dance!
Monica Landois Meet Monica Landois, a Mompreneneur of two boys who inspires others to live passionately and find a fun way to move their bodies. She has been leading unique group fitness classes in Austin for over 12 years. Her fitness classes are designed to uplift you in a positive community that leaves you wanting more. She is passionate about helping others build confidence through dance and movement. It’s an extremely powerful experience that changes people’s lives all around. She facilitates a healing space through movement that empowers you. Monica is the creator of all her dance fitness routines and choreographies. She programs all her fitness classes in her own distinctive way. You have a fun experience in each class she teaches.
Monica is an Austinite and first generation here as her family originates from Monterrey, Mexico. She is bilingual and didn’t learn English until grade school. This was a challenge for her growing up. She loves encouraging others from different cultural backgrounds to create space for themselves confidently.
Monica is a true jack of all trades when it comes to Dance and Fitness. She can adapt her creative work for anything. She collaborates with other local artists, High School Dance Teams, and Businesses.
Stacey Lizette 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!
Andi Loo began her dance journey at a young age, through high school and college! She continued studying Latin Fusion and Hip Hop classes at local studios in Los Angeles. While in L.A., Andi worked for a local newspaper while studying dance at local studios. However, she found her passion in teaching dance fitness classes at a local big box gym, which influenced her decision to create her own brand – the very popular JAM Dance Fit certification program, which under her direction, has now grown nationwide to over 3 states with six instructors! If you’re looking for a super fun way to have un and get fit, drop into a JAM Dance Fit class at the studio today!
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. While at PBA, she had the opportunity to study under Demetrius Klein of Demetrius Klein Dance Company, Jin Young Lee from NYCB, and Eileen Hebron from ABT. She also performed and choreographed original work for the university’s dance ensemble. Since graduating college, she has been teaching at dance studios teaching all levels of dance, with an emphasis on ballet and modern dance. She also teaches barre fitness classes for teens and adults. She has performed for various South Florida dance companies and artists including Demetrius Klein Dance Company, REACH; A Dance Theater Collective, and Florida Grand Ballet. In addition, she has worked with MUSE Theater Company and has performed works such as CHICAGO and A Chorus Line.
Anabelle Maples is a passionate dancer and educator who graduated from the University of Houston with a minor in dance. Throughout her academic career, Anabelle had the opportunity to perform in numerous works and study under esteemed professors and choreographers. Her dedication led her to join a pre-professional ensemble group, where she continued to hone her craft.
Anabelle’s love for dance extends beyond performance; she finds joy in teaching young children and inspiring their creativity. Her approach is rooted in creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and confidence. By blending her extensive training with a nurturing attitude, Anabelle aims to instill a lifelong appreciation for dance in her students, helping them discover their own potential and passion for the art form.
Natalia Maravi 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.
Kate McCann 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 high school 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!
Chantel Mead 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.
Chantel has a BFA in Musical Theater, Minor in Classical Voice, graduate work in Vocal Pedagogy, over 20 years of experience, both as a performer & educator, and is continually attending trainings to stay up to date on the most current vocal science available.
Chantel grew up in the hill country, but found herself happily tucked away in Boulder, CO after college where she lived, performed and taught for over 12 years. During her time in Boulder she was the Children’s Choir Director at Sacred Heart of Mary for 5 years, directed multiple youth musicals with multiple local performance companies, and founded her own teaching studio.
In 2010, she and her husband moved to NYC where she took a full time position as the Music Teacher and Performing Arts Director at the Stephen Gaynor School. 2013 brought the blessing of their daughter, and they decided to move back to the hill country to raise her close to Grandma & Grandpa!
Here in Austin, Chantel homeschools her daughter, runs her own voice studio (private lessons, audition & performance coaching, voice related masterclasses, & singing camps), is in her 9th year of directing the musical at the Austin Jewish Academy, and is the Youth Choir director at the First UU Church of Austin.
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. Now an Austin based choreographer and performer, he is a current company member with Blue Lapis Light where he trains and performs in aerial apparatus. He has been featured in works with ARCOS Dance, BLiPSWiTCH, Jennifer Sherburn, Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company, and many more. Clay has been featured in local ATX musicians music videos Including Tomar & the FCs. Clay shares his passion for movement by teaching and choreography with non-profit groups and schools in the AISD and LISD and non-profit groups. He is excited to be back with the CTDC family where he’ll be working the admin desk and hopping in to sub classes from time to time.
Mark Moy A veteran instructor and choreographer with over 25 years of teaching experience, Mark has a passion for teaching the love of dance. Beginner and advanced 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.In 2005, Mark was one of the founding owners who opened Austin Uptown Dance and owned and operated Rhythmic Motion School of Dance 2008 – 2012. 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 has been president of the prestigious Mayfair Dance Club since 2020.
Specialties: Social Ballroom, Competitive Ballroom, Pro-Am instructor/coach for American Smooth and Rhythm, International Standard and Latin.
Teaches: Ballroom – Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz,
Latin/Rhythm – Rumba, Bolero, Cha Cha, Mambo, Samba, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Hustle, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Paso Doble, Jive
Selena Offenberg is originally from Munich, Gemany, and enjoyed a 14-year professional career; Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden and Nuremberg City Ballet, Germany; Paul Henry Dance Company, London; Concert Dance Theater, Munich; Michael Mao Dance and Dance Imprints, NYC.
Selena worked with choreographers Royston Maldoom of the Scottish Ballet and Mauricio Wainroth of Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal. She also trained with Batsheva Dance Company in Tel Aviv; Ballet Rambert and Michael Clark in London; David Parsons and Alvin Ailey School in NYC.
In the fashion industry, Selena was a dance model in fashion shows with Nike, Reebok, Goldwell, Wella, and Mercedes Benz. Selena also worked as a personal trainer with members of the HBO Fitness Center, NYC, and in Miami. From 2007 to 2013, Selena was ballet mistress, instructor (all ages) and administrative director with the New Mexico Dance Theater School and Performance Company.
Kelsey Oliver, an Austin native, is a freelance choreographer, performer, and artist in the digs for ridiculously experimental theatre, video, and dance. As she has taught a wide swath of styles, commercial/competitive dance forms, as well as experiential post-modern explorations, Kelsey has more recently fallen in love with Momentum + Floorwork, her squirrelly take on contemporary movement. Routinely in scrappy, maximalist, humor-struck collaborations, Kelsey has worked with Frank Wo/Men Collective, Rude Mechanicals, Salvage Vanguard Theatre, Magdalena Jarkowiec, Heloise Gold, Thee Gay Agenda, Body Shift, + more. Kelsey received a B.F.A. in Dance in 2015, studying at the University of Texas at Austin and Le Centre National de Danse Contemporaine in Angers, France. She has also been an adjudicator, choreographer, and dance instructor for studios and teams throughout Texas.
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.
AJ Pugh began her dancing career at a local dance studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has performed and competed in all types of dance for 20 years with her favorite styles including jazz, modern and ballet. AJ became incredibly interested in optimizing athletic performance and went on to pursue a degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences along with a degree in Dance from the University of Nebraska. Since moving to Austin, AJ has been performing and integrating new movement forms into her dancing including aerials, contortion, and prop dancing. As a health nut, AJ loves to educate her students on the science behind why we stretch and practice specific movements. She hopes to be able to inspire her students to achieve their dreams, gain a hard working mindset and of course, have fun!
Jak Michael Ryan was born in Melbourne, Australia. Given his parents were Austral-asian champions and his aunties and uncles: world semi finalists. All of which owned a dance studio together….there was clearly no escaping a pair of Cuban heels and a lifetime in the Ballroom/ Latin world.
Jak’s career began being coached by his family. Jak’s dedication earned him many titles in Australia, all whilst honing his teaching skills in the family studio and schools around Australia. Teaching was always just as important as learning for Jak. At the age of 18 , ever hungry, Jak decided to venture to the United States to form relationships and gain knowledge from some of his favorite dancers and the top coaches in the business. From then on, Jak continued to absorb and pass on information from some of the best dancing minds of all time. Jak has dedicated his entire life to the purity and authenticity of Latin American dance. Jak takes great pride in entertaining, educating and empowering. His mission, with his own dancing or his students has always been to create dancing you can feel instead of just see.
Ally Rodriguez started dancing at the age of three years and has been moving ever since. She has 22 years of experience in tap, acro, jazz, contemporary and ballet and has been a student and teacher back home in San Antonio at Amy’s All Stars Dance Studio. With her love for dance, she was a part of her high school dance team for all four years and was colonel her senior year. Above all, she enjoys working with kids and is currently a middle school social studies teacher.
Dani Simmons, CPT, FMT is a wellness professional that focuses solely on dancers health, fitness, and performance. A native Texan, Dani grew up dancing in the DFW area from a young age. She was heavily involved in her dance studio as a student teacher and was captain of her drill team. She then went on to study dance in college until her early twenties when hip injuries pushed her in another direction. This is where her passion for training and educating dancers about their bodies began.
She then graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science at Texas State University, where she specialized in dancer’s strength training. Years of dance coupled with a formal education in kinesiology and physiology allow Dani to help dancers keep their bodies safe and reduce injuries so they can continue their passion for a lifetime. She has worked in fitness boutiques and dance studios across Texas as a faculty member and masterclass teacher with a focus on teaching and advocating for healthy physical, mental and emotional development of dancers.
Dani is a professional member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science as well as the National Dance Education Organization. She has contributed to many different organizations by writing articles and publications centered around dancers injury prevention training and development.
You can find Dani teaching youth classes for CTDC north and south locations as well as adult FUSE bungee fitness classes and private training sessions. When not teaching, she is hiking with her pups, taking yoga classes, or traveling the country.
Lisa Schreck has enjoyed a lifelong love of learning and dance! This passion began in her hometown of Cedar Falls, low, and led her to Ball State University, where she graduated with a BFA in Dance. During her time at Ball State, she had the opportunity to perform across multiple genres in shows such as Swing! The Musical, A Chorus Line (Bebe u/s, Dance Captain), modern dance concerts, and collaboratively in student-led grant projects. In 2017, she worked closely with Sidra Bell on the project iZi: Impact to Innovation, an immersive evening-length concert. After graduation, Lisa moved to Indianapolis, where she performed in the annual PL Yuletide Celebration, The Fringe Festival, and Flourish: A Modern Dance Showcase, a recurring concert at the White Rabbit Cabaret. In addition to performing, Lisa has taught dance to students ranging in age from two to adult.
She is thrilled to be in Austin and to share her love of dance!
Krista Scott Krista is a former advertising executive with experience in New York and Austin who left the industry in 2020. Her passion for health and fitness began in 2005, leading her to become a certified yoga instructor in 2009. Although she preferred home workouts, Krista discovered JAM Dance Fit at Balance in 2015 and fell in love with its format and sense of community. After eight years and hundreds of classes, she became a certified JAM Dance Fit instructor herself, finding joy in teaching, choreographing routines, and continuing to stay mentally and physically healthy through dance. Krista is also a wife to an amazing Scotsman and mother of two teenage children.
Haley Sikes 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. Haley has been teaching dance for the past five years, and her resume includes working for Prestige Dance Convention, choreographing for many Hip Hop crews all over Texas, and being a background dancer for local artists. She has a fresh new view that she uses to spark creativity among other young artists.
Ms. Haley is also the Director of the award-winning UGK Hip Hop Crew!
Hannah Strieber grew up in Austin, Tx where she began dancing at Balance Dance Studios in high school. She was a part of multiple companies including Ignite Dance Company and Elevate Performance Company. Along with this, she took many different classes covering a variety of styles. Because she discovered her love for dance in her teens, she understands the hard work and dedication it takes to develop skills, technique, and self-discipline. In 2019 she moved to Chicago to pursue her BFA in Film and Television with a concentration in Production Design. Alongside her work in film, televisions, and photoshoots, she was a gymnastics coach for ages 3-12 for multiple years in Chicago while also continuing her dance education. Hannah is extremely excited to be back home in Texas where she can use her creative skills to help the next generation develop a passion for the arts.
Paradise Taylor‘s love of fitness and movement brought her to her yoga mat over 15 years ago. Her practice began in the Ashtanga lineage under the guidance of Sharon Moon. It didn’t take long for her to discover that the practice was not only good for lengthening and strengthening the muscular system but also provided a sense of balance and calm throughout her life. After years of reaping the benefits of yoga Paradise felt the desire to give back and to share yoga with others through teaching. Now a registered 500-hour Yoga Alliance instructor, Paradise combines energetic forms of yoga such as Flow and Vinyasa with quieter practices of Yin and Restorative, for a well-rounded class. In whatever style she is teaching she brings a warm, welcoming aura that empowers her students to grow in the practice by fostering a challenging and nurturing environment. She encourages playfulness, honesty, and enjoyment as each student explores and creates their individual practice and experience. Paradise believes passionately in yoga’s ability to unite oneself and those around you in a positive environment of personal growth.
Jenny Kim Thiem is a German-American “quadtriple threat”: Acrobat, singer, dancer, and actress! She trained in classical ballet from the tender age of 4 at the Dance Academy and boarding school “Mid Pacific Institute and School of the Arts.” She also studied at Education as a Musical Theater performer at the state-approved “Academy of Stage Arts” in Oberursel, DE. Jenny also has more than 10 years of experience, professionally and full-time, on international stages, both as a singer and dancer, and as a circus artist for aerial acrobatics. She also specializes in partner acrobatics, as “Duo Gravity” and a Contortionist. Jenny is also trained in fusion acts that combine live vocals and aerial acrobatics, with several of her own original numbers.
Amanda Thompson started dancing at 2 years old and tumbling at 4 years old. She has danced competitively for 27 years, yes even as an adult, and has attended numerous intensives and workshops throughout the US to continue enhancing her dance skills and technique. She was on her high school dance team all 4 years. She also served as the Historian her junior year and 1st Lieutenant senior year. Entering college to study Psychology and Special Education, she also joined her college dance team and began attending the Rockettes Summer Intensive. She continued attending RSI each year from 2014 to 2019. She then went back to school to get her master’s in social work at the University of Southern California.
Starting as an assistant teacher helped inspire Amanda’s future career. Her goal is to become a dance therapist and allow children and adults with disabilities to express themselves through the art of dance. Amanda loves working with children and teaching them dance and tumbling. Her belief is that dancing has made her a better and stronger person and dances/tumbles every chance she gets.
Van Tracy Elevate is thrilled to have Van Tracy joining us as one of our Elevate Directors. With a BFA in Musical Theater from the prestigious University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Van has enjoyed a prolific career in the performing arts. For over a decade, he graced the stage in countless Equity productions across the eastern United States and New York. Among his favorite roles were the enigmatic Phantom, the iconic Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and the charismatic Pharaoh in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
After a successful run in the theater world, Van took a brief hiatus to pursue a J.D. from Fordham Law School in New York City. He then practiced law for another ten years before returning to his true passion—the performing arts. Now in his eighth year as a music teacher and theater director at St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School in Austin, TX, Van directs both the annual musical and drama productions and teaches Intro to Drama for lower school students. His creative talents extend beyond the school, having written and directed multiple other productions in the Austin area.
In addition to his directing and teaching roles, Van is also an accomplished audiobook narrator, having lent his voice to over 50 audiobooks. His love for special effects makeup recently led him to serve as the SFX makeup director for a horror/suspense film shot in Austin.
Van has called Austin home since 2008, where he lives with his wife, Julia, and their children, Zander (18) and Lydia (15). Their lively household also includes two dogs, a cat, two horses, and two mini-donkeys, adding to the vibrant and creative atmosphere Van fosters both at home and in his professional life!
Quincy Tresemer Quincy’s dance story started in Norman, Oklahoma, when she was just 2 years old, and she hasn’t stopped moving since. With nearly three decades of experience in ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, modern, and pom, her love for dance has only grown stronger over the years.
She was a member of the Norman North Pom squad for 4 years and later danced her way onto the OU Pom squad. After earning her entrepreneurship degree from the University of Oklahoma, Quincy combined her business savvy with her passion for dance to help launch and manage a dance company for six successful years.
As a teacher, Quincy has choreographed competition pieces all around Oklahoma and crafted shows for Sooner Theatre. She’s taught at various studios across the OKC metro area and founded Momentum Dance, offering an array of one off open classes for all ages and skill levels to participate, as well as private lessons for students not limited to technique and first dances for couples on their wedding day.
Recently, Quincy packed up her talents and made the move to Austin, TX, where she’s excited to continue growing as a teacher and choreographer. Her dance journey is all about sharing her love for the art form and inspiring others to find joy in movement.
Jonas Vezia A native of northern California but a child of the south. Jonas has built a home in Austin over the last two decades.
Although Jonas has been blessed to work with Brian Friedman, MTV, Old Navy, Alaina Castillo, Activision and roller skating around as an extra for a Beyonce video, home is where his heart is. Sharing the gifts he’s been given. He has given back by teaching various dance teams and schools in the greater Austin area. He has danced professionally across the states. Nothing brings him more fulfillment than seeing people become better versions of themselves and being willing to share it passionately.
Here’s what students & peers have to say about him: “Jonas is not only one of the best people and most kind hearted individual you’ll ever meet, but also one of the most passionate and authentic souls I’ve ever had the honor of learning from. In his class, I always feel safe. Empowered. Energized. He has a gift for nurturing individual artistry within his students whilst providing them with skills that many dancers/teachers would typically disregard or leave out. He encourages growth, embraces mistakes, and leaves you feeling fuller than you were the moment you entered the studio.”
“You taught me how to listen to music. How to really hear it, dissect it, pull from it, manipulate it with my movement, BECOME IT. You taught what it meant to perform. What separates you is your innate ability to create an energetic, positive, authentic, judgement free atmosphere, all while keeping the ENTIRE room engaged and inspired.”
Stacey West Bio Coming Soon!
Alex Wood Alex Wood is a dancer and artist, originally from Michigan. He studied dance at Marymount Manhattan College, with a concentration in choreography. Since college, he has worked with several dance companies & performance art groups, including Ann Liv Young Dance Company, as well as creating independent works.
Noah Wood graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre-Dance Emphasis at Roosevelt University. Before studying theatre he trained at Flava Dance Company and The Dance Spot for 3 years doing competition dance in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, and Ballet. He recently made his Chicago theatrical debut as a Swing in Anything Goes at the Porchlight Theatre. Then came back to Austin to be the Male Swing and Assistant Choreographer of Zach Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. He Choreographed and starred in the original musical ‘Someone To Watch Over Me’ at Bandwagon Arts. He’s spent several summers with Impact Arts’ Summer Stock Austin in various productions including “Mad Hatter” in the regional premiere of Alice’s Wonderland, “Benny” in In The Heights, “Scarecrow” and Assistant Choreographer in The Wizard of Oz, and “Nathan”/Co-Choreographer in Guys and Dolls. Noah has also starred in two original movie musicals with the same company- How To Musical Theatre and Scout. Noah is thrilled to be joining the Balance Faculty and can’t wait to dance and laugh with everyone!