Kara Baker is currently in her 8th year of directing the award-winning Friendswood High School Wranglerettes in the Houston area. Before moving to Friendswood, she was the Assistant Director of the Westlake Hyline in Austin, Texas for three years. She is a former Kilgore College Rangerette and Swingster, and a summa cum laude graduate of Southwest Texas State University. She has been a TDEA (Texas Dance Educators' Association) Director of the Year finalist and semi-finalist, and served as President of TDEA in 2007-2008. Her former students have gone on to become members of the collegiate teams at Kilgore College, Sam Houston State University, Blinn College, UT, A&M, Texas State, Texas Tech, the University of Houston and Baylor University, as well as members of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancers, and Houston Rockets Power Dancers.
Mrs. Dana Blair is the director of the Kilgore College Rangerettes. She also served this organization as the assistant director and choreographer and taught dance in the KC Fine Arts Department. As a member of the Rangerettes, Dana was a Lieutenant and a member of the Swingsters specialty dance team. Dana was also a member of the University of Texas "Texas Stars" dance team. Mrs. Blair has taught for NCA Superstar, Starmakers Dance and Performance Camps and is currently a consultant for Encore Creative Productions. Dana is the director of the Rangerette Summer Camp for high school and college students.
Latrina has been dancing for 16 years, and professionally for the past 6 years. At the age of 13, she caught the eye of choreographer/director Debbie Allen, while doing the musical “Pepito’s Story”, in her hometown Dallas, TX. After high school, Latrina was offered a scholarship at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, and was the start of her professional career. Since then, Latrina has been seen in commercials/television shows, such as Target, Coca Cola, Everyone Hates Chris, All of Us, Ellen Degeneres, The Today Show,Good Morning America, etc. She has done numerous stage/live shows and musicals that include Bette Midler “The Showgirl Must Go On”, AARP “Songs of Soul...”, Barry Gordy’s 50th Anniversary, Herbie Hancock, Disney’s “Snow White Enchanting Musical, and countless musicals. Latrina has appeared with several artists and is currently Debbie Allen’s assistant choreographer on numerous projects around the world.
Mandy has had a passion for dance her entire life, and she loves
having the opportunity to share that passion with others. Besides classical styles of dancing, Mandy has also been professionally competing as an American Rhythm Style ballroom dancer. As one of the top dancers nationally, some of her recent accomplishments include:
-Ranked in the top 15 in the United States
-2nd Place United States Rising Star Professional Rhythm Champion
-Wisconsin State Rising Star Rhythm Champion
-Undefeated Fred Astaire National Rising Star Rhythm Champion
-Crystal Ball Open Rhythm Champion
-Many national competitions: Open Rhythm Finalist
Mandy has also been very fortunate to work with some of the top
coaches, not only in the U.S, but also recognized as top coaches in the World. Some of these include: Tony Dovolani, Corky Ballas, Elena Grinenko (all 3 you may know from Dancing With the Stars), world recognized: Shirley Ballas, and many others from around the U.S.
Mandy is certified in over 13 styles of dance, as well as the popular fitness program: ZUMBA! She has been classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, modern, character, and performance styles of dancing.
Mandy hopes that she can continue to ignite the passion for dancing in others as she has had her entire life.
Shannon (Harty) Carlton is a career dance teacher formerly serving in the following roles: Director of the Lake Highlands Highlandette Drill Team of Dallas, Texas; Director of the Westlake Hyline Dance Team of Austin, Texas; and Director of the Star Steppers Junior Varsity Dance Team also of Austin, Texas. Shannon`s dance background includes various studios, participation in high school dance team, and most notably, as the Captain of the Kilgore College Rangerettes. Currently, Shannon continues her involvement in dance through choreography/leadership workshops and contest ajudication. Contact Shannon for helpful feedback in areas of technique, projection, style, and placement both in solos and team routines.
Alice is a high school dance team director in the Dallas area with over 10 years of experience. She graduated with a degree in Dance from the University of North Texas after spending 2 years as a Kilgore College Rangerette and Swingster. Her students have become Rangerettes, Apache Belles, Aggie Dance Team members, Texas Strutters and OSU pom squad members. Alice regularly judges in Texas and Oklahoma and is passionate about helping others with performance and technique.
Angela Falcone graduated from Friendswood High School in 2007 where she held the title of Grand Marshal. After graduating, she became a Kilgore College Rangerette where she held the titles of Freshman Sergeant, Swingster, and Captain her sophomore year. At Kilgore, she recieved her Associates of Fine Arts. She is currently attending the University of Texas at Austin where she is finishing her major in Bachelors of Fine Arts. She has every intention of obtaining her masters of Fine Arts from Texas Women's University after UT. She is also honored to be a staff member of Encore Creative Productions. Angela has a niche for fresh ideas and an eye for detail with any type of choreography. She is also a firm believer in polish, performance quality, and passion.
jon Fisher is from Dallas, Texas where he is a dance educator in an academy for the gifted and talented. He holds a bachelors degree in dance and a masters degree in dance and communications from the University of North Texas. This is his 24th year of teaching dance. He is certified to teach dance, theater, communications, physical education and elementary education.
He is a former dance and drill team director in the Austin area, where his teams and officers gained state titles 8 consecutive years, and competed in the Bahamas, New Orleans, Orlando, Cozumel and Cancun, Mexico. As the cheerleading and dance director at Navarro College, his co-ed cheerleading and dance teams were ranked in the Top 5 at national championships. His teams were honored for their precision, outstanding showmanship and cutting-edge choreography. He has choreographed numerous musicals, bowl games and pageants, and currently judges regional and national championships for all of the major dance and cheerleading contest companies across the nation (NCA, UCA, American Cheer Power, Power Dance, Sprit Celebration, NDA, Contest of Champions, etc.).
Also, jon has judged the Miss Teen Texas Pageant, and is a member of the Operations Staff for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. He co-authors curriculum writing for Dallas I.S.D. and the state of Texas, and he is the former 1st Vice-president for the Texas Dance Educators’ Association, with the primary responsibility being curriculum development for professional development. He has also been the director of the All-State Dance Team for the annual state convention. In 2003-2004 he was the Director of the Year for T.D.E.A.
Along with his passion for creating/judging contest choreography, dance education advocacy and curriculum development is of utmost interest to jon. He has servied many years on the D.I.S.D. secondary standards writing task force, author of the Curriculum Planning Guides for grades 6-8, and currently writing the State Standards for Dance for K-5. He is a motivational speaker and team building mentor for dance teams across the state of Texas.
Many of jon’s dance/drill team and cheerleading students have attained careers as Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas Mavericks Dancers, Dallas Desperado Dancers, Dallas Heat Dancers, Ballet Austin, Las Vegas dancer, and off-Broadway. Additionally, many of his dancers/cheerleaders have been Kilgore College Rangerettes, Baylor University songleaders, Texas State Strutters, Trinity Valley Community College Cardettes, University of North Texas pom squad, Stephen F. Austin State University pom/dance, University of Hawaii cheer/pom, University of Oklahoma cheer/pom, University of Texas pom, Texas A & M Aggie dance team, Oklahoma City University dance, Blinn College dance team, and Texas Woman’s University dance.
My name is Jenna Garland and I am currently the director of the Crowley High School Talonettes. I have danced for 20 years. I have experience in many types of dance and dance styles. I have judged for competitions and auditions for 10 years.
I have received Best in Choreography, Best in Category, and MANY Grand Champion awards for the past three years.
Many things are involved in directing dance teams but my absolute favorite is critiquing and cleaning dances. If you need an eye for technique and cleanliness, use me!
Allison(Smiga) Gutschlag has been an educator for 15 years. She served as Director of the Richardson High School Eaglettes in Dallas, Texas from 1998-2008; Asst. Director of Alief Hastings Golden Eagle Brigade in Houston from 1995-1998. Allison has taught dance and theatre at Richardson from 1998-2010. Allison's dance backgroud includes high school dance team, college dance program at SHSU, and former NFL Houston Oiler Cheerleader and NBA Houston Rocket Dancer. Along with her dance training, Allison works with American Dance/Drill Team as a judge and choreographer. She is also a certified group exercise instructor and personal trainer through Cooper Aerobics Center. Allison continues to be involved in dance and fitness in the Dallas area. She currently resides in Frisco, Texas with her husband John, duaghter Maddie and new baby boy Cash.
Gerald currently resides in Houston, where his passion for the art of dance started. A former cheerleader at Kilgore and Blinn College gave a unique edge for Pom choreography where he continues to push the envelope. Gerald also performed in the annual Rangerette Revels in the mid 90's. From here he moved on to coach Sam Houston State Orange Pride Dance Team While enrolled in the Dance Program at Sam Houston . Gerald has spent the last 12 years consulting and choreographing for High School and College dance teams around the country and has been a staff member for Marching Auxiliaries for the past 15 years.
Carol Hatchet is originally from Chicago and has been working in Los Angeles as a singer, actor and dancer since 1990. Carol has toured with artists such as Bette Midler, Babyface, and Brian McKnight. She has been a feature dancer in “Legally Blonde” and “Legally Blonde 2” as well as “Ali.” Some of Carol’s choreography credits include films such as “My Best Friends Wedding,” “Diva Las Vegas” and “That Thing You Do,” as well as music videos for Master P., Snoop Dogg. She has also choreographed for The Country Music Awards, and concert tours for The Beach Boys, Bette Midler, David Lee Roth and Tina Turner. Carol is currently in Bette Midler’s “The Showgirl Must Go On” at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
Amber is the Director of Ballet and company director at Talent N More in Richardson, TX. Spending nights at the studio and her days with her dance costume company, Costumes Unlimited. She began her dancing career at Kitty Carter’s Dance Factory where she was a member of their competitive company and was given the opportunity to audition for the popular television show Star Search. Amber was also a member of the Lake Highlands High School Highlandettes where she was a part of their select kick and dance team groups. During that time she was a solo finalist at national competitions. She has had the has the honor of teaching around the United States including Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma, Maryland, and New York. Amber is a previous staff member of the Cotton Bowl Classic Halftime Show and Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Since receiving her degree in Dance at the University of North Texas, she has performed in a variety of professional dance companies in Dallas. Her creative mind has earned her a position on the Dallas Dance Company as a member and also as the Artistic Director.
Laura Kendrick is the current director of the Nederland High School Westernaires. Laura graduated from Nederland High School where she was Captain of the Westernaires her senior year. She took dance at Keely Jardell's School of Dance in Nederland, TX. She has received Tremaine Convention Scholarships and Joffrery Ballet Scholarships to train in NYC. After graduating from high school, Laura was a Kilgore College Rangerette and Swingster. Laura went on to be apart of the National Champion Stephen F Austin State University's Pom Squad for 2 years. At SFA, she received a bachelor of science in Kinesiology and a minor in Dance. She has taught at Keely Jardell's for the past 7 years, where she was an instructor and choreographer for the Mid-County Performing Arts Company and KJSD competition team. Laura continues to train at dance conventions, master classes, and studio classes. Laura has choreographed for individuals, groups, and drill teams. She resides in Nederland with her husband Jamie, and 5-year old son Noah.
Ashlee Langas has been dancing professionally for four years. She has choreographed numerous dance programs and productions including the Kilgore College Rangerettes annual show Rangerette Revels as well as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has also choreographed master classes, solos, team routines and officer routines for numerous high schools across the country. Ashlee attended Kilgore College, in East Texas where she was a World Famous Kilgore College Rangerette. In 2007 Ashlee was a Top 20 Finalist on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance. Shortly thereafter Ashlee was selected to be one of Bette Midler's dancers in The Showgirl Must Go On at The Colosseum at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. She has appeared on various television shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Ellen Degeneres Show and has been a featured dancer at several corporate events. Ashlee is currently performing in a new vaudeville inspired show called Divine Cabaret-Rouge in Los Angeles.
Silk Smoove can be seen nationally on television shows such as The MTV Video Music Awards, Nike, Reebok, , Season Two of America’s Next Top Model, The Miss Universe Pageant, choreographed for artist like Sisqo, Cassidy, and Mariah Carrey, as well as numerous stage shows, industrials, commercials and music videos.
Tenacious, driven, focused and determined describes this talented entertainer. With a profound passion and commitment for the performing arts, Mr. Smoove has the genuine desire and dedication to continue raising the bar by bringing that hard hitting and funky New York style to the world.
Holly Lyons is the current director and creator of the Legacies Dance Team and Viper Dance Department at Vandegrift High School. Prior to moving to Austin, Tx, she was the Owner and Creative Director of The Element: New Braunfels Dance Center and, directed the Canyon High School Aristocat Dance Team and Canyon High School Dance Department in Comal County. She has instructed all levels of dance throughout Texas and the Central US since 1989. Holly is a former member of the World Famous Kilgore College Rangerettes and served as a Lieutenant her sophomore year. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dance and Kinesiology. She has instructed for American Dance/Drill Team for 17 years and has served in numerous leadership and executive roles. Throughout her 20+ years of dance training, Holly has performed in the Texas State Fair with Willie Nelson, Cotton Bowl Halftime Performances & Parades, televised Thanksgiving Day Parades, Dallas Cowboys Halftime Performances, Houston Rockets Halftime Performances, Texas Governor George W. Bush’s Inaugural Parade and Gala, World Cup Soccer Opening Ceremonies, EuroDisney in Paris, France, and Carnival in Nice, France. She has assisted with the MMA All Star Dance Team Performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and was featured in an article regarding leadership within dance teams in the November 2003 issue of the nationally circulated Dance Spirit Magazine. Holly is a 10 year member of the Texas Dance Educators’ Association. She has been married to her husband, John, for 9 yrs and they have 3 beautiful children: 6 yr old twins, Abigail & Jackson, and 4 yr old William.
Lara Miller has been involved in the dance and drill team world for most of her life. She danced and performed as a High School Drill Team Officer, as well in her studio's top competition group. She continued to pursue dance at Kilgore College where she was a Rangerette Swingster and Lieutenant. Lara graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Kinesiology, and was a member ot the Texas Pom Squad. She was the Assistant Director of the James Bowie Silver Stars for four years, and Director of the Robert E. Lee Southern Belles for four years. She currently teaches dance levels 1-4 at Robert E. Lee. Lara is studio and convention trained in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and modern. She has choreographed for numerous high school dance teams, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Cotton Bowl, the Miss Texas Scholarship Pageant, and consistently for Rangerette Revels. She taught and judged for Starmakers Dance Camps for 13 years, Encore Creative Productions for four years, and also judged for the New Mexico State Dance Team Competition in 2009.
Lauren is originally from Longview, where she was involved in high school drill team for 3 years, serving as Lieutenant and Captain. Lauren continued her education at Tyler Junior College where she was Freshman Representative and then Head Dance Captain of the Internationally Famous Apache Belles. She completed her education at Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science in Dance and minor in Music. She is currently the Assistant Director for the Marcus High School Marquettes and the Director for the brand new, Silver Stars JV Drill Team. Lauren's strengths include helping dancer's with Jazz, Kick, and Modern technique and style. She also has a passion for helping dancers understand the quality in every movement and how it relates to a dancer's performance. Lauren is happily married to Jeffrey, and they have a dog, Maggie Mae.
Anna’s experience and accomplishments have awarded her the opportunity to perform, teach, and choreograph not only throughout the United States but abroad as well. Anna began her love for dance at the age of 2, and earned her first dance scholarship at the Hoctor Dance Workshop as a Caravan Kid and continued winning countless scholarships and awards on the convention circuit. Anna continued her dance career at Kilgore College as a Kilgore Rangerette and Swingster. In addition to performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ireland, Anna was the only American soloist given the opportunity to perform for the Lord Mayor of Ireland at the Mayor’s Ball. After college she relocated to Dallas and made her debut in the musical theatre industry with a breakout role in Grease, launching her career to new heights. Anna is an active member of Rangerettes Forever and Encore.
Meredith Oden has had the wonderful opportunity to train, compete, and judge in dance and cheerleading. She cheered all four years at The Woodlands High School, both on her school team and on an outside competitive team, and was a captain her senior year. She holds four national titles, was a six time NCA All-American Cheerleader, and a three time UCA All-Star Cheerleader. During that time, she stayed busy in the dance studio studying jazz, ballet, modern, hip hop, and tap. Meredith continued to pursue dance at Kilgore College where she was selected as a swingster. She graduated from Texas Christian University with a BS in Business Administration, and was a member of the TCU Showgirls. During that time, she stayed busy in the cheerleading world as a Head Instructor for American Cheer Power for four years. Meredith is completing her third season as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and has enjoyed entertaining fans all over the world including Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, England, The Netherlands, and Belgium. Meredith is anxious to assist you in any genre of dance or cheer routine!
Ayesha Orange has been dancing professionally for more than ten years. Some of her most recent work includes the 2008 American Music Awards with Ne-Yo, where she was a featured dancer. Ayesha also performed in the 2008 Grammy Awards with Katy Perry, and at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards with Adam Sandler. She has also appeared in various television programs, such as Eli Stone, Ellen, Monk, Oprah and The View. Some of her film credits include Idlewild, Bolden (in theaters in 2010) and all three Austin Powers films. She is currently dancing with Bette Midler in Bette’s new show ‘The Showgirl Must Go On’ which is running at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace, in Las Vegas. Ayesha is originally from San Pedro, CA and now resides in Los Angeles.
Katie started dancing at age 2 and has been trained in ballet, jazz, tap, twirling, gymnastics, drill team technique and, hip hop. She was the former Captain of the Shining Stars Junior Company in Richardson, Junior Lt. and Captain of the Berkner High School Bandoleras, and a former world famous Kilgore College Rangerette, where she was picked as a “Swingster”, their elite 10 member dance group. Katie performed twice in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York, and twice in the Cotton Bowl Classic both at pre-game and half time here in Dallas. She also traveled to Dublin, Ireland to perform for the Ambassador of Ireland at the Lord Mayor’s Millennium Ball and in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Katie has over 10 years of professional teaching including competitive show teams, jazz, hip-hop, tap, ballet, lyrical and technique. She has choreographed numerous Dallas area schools.
Katie is now the owner/director of Talent N More Dance Centre in Richardson, TX. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Early Childhood Development and Family Studies. Katie is a senior staff member of Starmakers Dance and Performance Camps, Inc. and was a member of the Dallas Sidekicks “Sizzle”, a professional dance team, for 3 years and also danced with the Dallas Dance Company in Dallas, TX.
Katie Quinn was a part of high school drill team for 4 years and an officer for 3 years. She then attended Kilgore College for 2 years where she was swingster and then Captain her sophomore year. To finish her education, she attended Texas Woman's University where she majored in dance and minored in education. She is currently the director of the Fossil Ridge HS Sun Dancers. She is also a member of Out on a Limb Dance Company. Out on a Limb is a modern dance company and she is currently in her fourth season. Katie has a passion for dance and sharing her experiences with the community. She believes dance is a true art of expression which ignites her passion to choreograph, share ideas, and work with other artists and drill teams across the state. Katie is married to Clint Quinn and they both reside in Haslet, Tx with their boxer Chloe.
Heather Rios who originates from Dallas, Texas has been dancing and performing since the age of three. She has extensive training in Ballet, Contemporary, Tap and Jazz. Her professional performance venues include many cities throughout the nation and world such as Singapore, New York, Orlando, Florida, Los Angeles, Washington DC and various venues throughout her native state, Texas. She was a Kilgore College Rangerette, a member of the University of Texas Pom Squad and a Principal Dancer in Tapestry Dance Company in Austin, Texas. Currently Heather is a principal company dancer for Dallas Dance Company in Dallas. She has been teaching dance since 1996 when she became a instructor for various summer camps. Working with drill and dance teams, pom squads and soloists helped Heather find her true calling to become a dance instructor and coach for her career. She has served as the Director of the award winning Berkner Bandolera Drill Team in Richardson, Texas for the last eight years. She recently relocated to Los Angeles with her husband and four year old son.
Shelby Skidmore has had a lifelong commitment to dance since the age of 3. Since graduating with a BS in Dance Education in 2008, shelby makes her home in New York City where she is a professional dancer. Her training encompasses jazz, tap, ballet, modern, lyrical, hip hop and all field genres, which she has studied at EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, Steps on Broadway in New York, and Westwood Fine Arts Academy in Austin, TX. Throughout her life, Shelby has performed in and directed several dance companies, including Roustabouts Dance Company in Austin.
When Shelby's not performing with New York based companies, FEAR.less and Atmosphere, she travels the world as a freelance choreographer with companies such as Project Dance and Encore Creative Productions. Her most recent endeavors include teaching in Hong Kong and Toronto, with many exciting adventures to come!
Ashley Stevens attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas and received a Bachelor of Science degree in both Environmental Science and Dance. With many years of studio training she became an active member of the SFA Repertory Dance Company as well as the SFA Pom Squad. Since 1994 Ashley has been working at Crowd Pleasers Dance Camps, Inc. starting as a teaching staff member and then adjudicator. In 2000, she became the Assistant Director of the Deer Park High School Deer Escorts in Deer Park, TX and was involved in all aspects of team planning while choreographing many football, officer, competition, and spring show routines. Mrs. Stevens spent 2003-2007 at Stratford Senior High School in West Houston as the Spartanaire Dance Team Director. Her philosophy of judging is simply truth with tact. Giving encouragement of dancers strengths while constructively and professionally giving criticism is how she chooses to view and judge each routine. While Ashley is no longer directing she still has a love and passion for dance and dance teams in all capacities. She is currently volunteering at her church and with young students in the Houston area, as well as spending time with her family, friends, husband John and their 3 dog children Hannah, Burney and Rylee.
Allie Stevens is currently the director of the Varsity Golden Motion Dance Team as well as the Junior Varsity Belles Dance Team at Birdville High School in North Richland Hills, TX. Ms. Stevens received a BFA in Modern Dance with a minor in Secondary Education from Texas Christian University. After graduation Ms. Stevens taught Modern Dance and Hip Hop for non-majors at TCU. Ms. Stevens worked as a member of Marching Auxiliaries staff teaching and choreographing for drill teams nationwide. She has choreographed for several schools and studios. Ms. Stevens has received numerous choreography awards at competitions including MA, Crowdpleasers, and Bravo.
Shelley Wayne is the Assistant Director and Choreographer for the Kilgore College Rangerettes and has held this position for 17 years. She is co-owner of Encore Creative Productions, a private instruction dance/drill team company based in Texas. Mrs. Wayne is a former Rangerette, Swingster and Officer of the organization and recieved her Associates Degree in Fine Arts from Kilgore College. She has a Bachelors of Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in Dance from Southwest Texas State University and a Masters of Education from the University of Texsas at Tyler.
Mrs. Wayne has an extensive background in choreography, teaching and adjudication. Some of her choreography credits include: Texas Black Tie N' Boots Ball (President Bush and President Obama), Dallas Crystal Charity Ball, Chingay Celebration in Singapore, Carnival in Nice, France, Lord Mayor's Ball in Ireland, numerous parades and Bowl Games which iclude: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for Mike Miller and Associates, Aloha Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and the Indy 500 Parade.
A tough critic, Mrs. Wayne appreciates a polished performance and strong dance technique. Showmanship and energy are a must! If selected to critique your performance, you can count on honest comments, technical advice and suggestions for over-all improvement.
Erin Winter is the director of the Anderson High School Trojan Belles in Austin, TX. She has choreographed and adjudicated for high school and middle school dance teams for the past 10 years. A former Kilgore College Rangerette officer and Swingster, Erin has performed in nationally-televised Dallas Cowboys pregame and halftimes, the Miss Texas Pageant, and the 2001 inauguration of President George W. Bush. In addition to teaching, she continues to train at studios in Austin as well as Los Angeles and New York City. Erin is a current choreographer and instructor for Encore Creative Productions.
Kelli Woodruff is in her eighth year as director of the Colleyville Heritage Premier Panteras Dance Team and in her eleventh year teaching. Under Mrs. Woodruff's direction the Premier Panteras received national titles in Modern, Novelty, Jazz, Pom, Prop and Lyrical along with awards for Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Technique, Best in Class, Winner's Circle and Super Sweepstakes. In 2005 and 2009, the Panteras were awarded the prestigious Marching Auxiliaries Letter Jackets for winning the Super Large Division at the MA Dance Nationals in San Antonio and Fort Worth respectively.
She received her classical training at Houston Ballet Academy and danced with Houston's Memorial High School Drill Team. She holds her B.B.A. and M.Ed. from Texas Christian University and her secondary certification in Dance for the State of Texas. Mrs. Woodruff has performed professionally with Contemporary Dance/Fort Worth, Casa Manana Musicals, and Boulder Ballet. She has served as instructor, choreographer and judge for Marching Auxiliaries and continues to freelance as a choreographer and judge throughout the nation. Mrs. Woodruff has conducted staff development seminars in dance and education for the Plano, Irving and Birdville Independent School Districts.
Originally from Vancouver, Dani started singing and dancing at the age of five. Although she did most of her training in Canada, she also had the opportunity to study dance at The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles and at Broadway Dance center in New York. Her professional career started over 14 years ago when she was asked to perform in a live stage show at Tokyo Disneyland. Not long thereafter, she joined the production cast, as a dancer, on Princess Cruise Lines. Dani decided to settle down in Los Angeles 10 years ago when she became a Radio City Rockette, performing in a Christmas Spectacular at the Universal Amphitheater. Some other career highlights include: featured dancer role for two seasons on the UPN series ”Your Big Break”; performer at the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City; and, numerous commercial and industrial performances for corporations such as Disney, Penske, Wella, Philip Morris, Motorolla, Mazda and Mitsubishi. Dani’s TV credits include the WB sitcom Nikki, Malcolm in the Middle and Mad TV on FOX, The Andy Dick show on MTV, the Country Music Awards on CBS and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC. Through the years she has been fortunate to perform alongside some talented artists including David Cassidy, Jimmy Buffet, Toby Keith, Billy Ray Cyrus, Donnie Osmond, Robert Downey Jr., Paul McCartney, Michael Bolton, and Bette Midler.
