Meet Our Team
At the heart of our dance studio is a passionate, talented, and dedicated team of instructors and staff. Each member brings a unique blend of experience, artistry, and care to create a supportive and inspiring environment for every dancer. From professional performers and certified teachers to welcoming front desk staff, our team is committed to nurturing students of all ages and levels—encouraging confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance.
Our Inspiring Dance Faculty
Maria Sorensen
Studio Owner and Executive Director
With over 30 years of experience in dance and drill team, Maria brings passion, leadership, and excellence to every aspect of her work. A former Colonel of her high school dance team and trained flamenco dancer, she went on to spend 13 years with American Drill Team School as an instructor, choreographer, adjudicator, and camp director—working with hundreds of school teams across Texas and beyond.
Maria earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas, graduating Cum Laude and being named Student Teacher of the Year in 1991. She was a member of the UNT Pom Squad, a Dallas Mavericks Dancer, and performed with the Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico in Dallas.
Her teaching career includes positions at Coppell Middle School West and Westwood High School. In 1998, she founded Star Dancers, a private junior dance team that has since grown into The Dance Academy—an award-winning studio known for excellence in all genres of dance. Maria’s programs reflect her belief that dance is a higher calling and should always be pursued with purpose, integrity, and heart.
She remains deeply grateful to Joyce Pennington, CEO of American Drill Team, for inspiring her journey as an educator and mentor.
Lauren Haggerty
Director of North Austin Ballet Theatre and the Academy Ballet Program
Lauren Haggerty is a Texas native who began dancing at age three. She trained at Fort Bend Academy of Dance and graduated with honors from Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA). She continued her training on scholarship at the University of Oklahoma, and attended elite summer programs including Joffrey San Antonio, Joffrey Midwest, and the Craft of Choreography Conference.
Lauren was Principal Dancer and Rehearsal Director for BalletForte, performing lead roles in Giselle, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and more. With over 18 years of teaching experience, she blends strong classical technique with a nurturing approach, helping students grow as dancers and artists.
She holds a degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and has worked as a project manager. Outside the studio, Lauren enjoys time with her husband and two daughters and she continues to fuel her love of dance by competing in International Latin ballroom.
Megan Dolan
Assistant Director tDA Petite Company and Acro, Jazz, Tap, Technique Instructor
Megan has been dancing for 37 years. During this time she has studied extensively in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, tap, pointe,and acro/tumbling. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. While at SFASU, Megan was part of the college’s Repertory Dance Company as well as two traveling modern dance companies, Motor Dance and Real Women Dancing. While living in East Texas, Megan was given an opportunity to teach dance to all ages, levels and styles of dance. This opportunity sparked a passion for teaching dance. Having taught for the past 14 years in Austin, she continues to live her dream, teaching dance. Specializing in Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet and Tap, she also loves teaching dance acro. After over 20 years of teaching competitive dance her choreography has won numerous national and regional titles in production, group, trio, duets and solos. You will see her all the time at the studio as she lives to teach dance, she also spends her free time teaching Pure Barre classes in Cedar Park, Texas.
Cellise Brown
Jazz and Contemporary Instructor
Houston native Cellise Brown began her training at Top Flight Dance Company and Allegro West Academy of Dance, later attending elite summer programs with Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She studied Dance, Education, and Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 2022.
Since then, Cellise has directed high school dance teams and taught at studios and schools across the Austin area. She continues her professional development through advanced programs like Sidra Bell’s MODULE, GagaLab in New York, and the Jacob Jonas Company Intensive in Italy.
Currently performing with artists including Allysen Hooks, Ty Graynor, and Dorothy O’Shea Overbey, Cellise brings her passion and performance experience into every class. She creates an inclusive, supportive environment where students are encouraged to express themselves and grow with confidence.
Natalie Steck
Academy Ballet Instructor
Natalie Steck began her dance training at age 4 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Alwin School of the Dance. Over the years, she trained extensively with the Performer’s Ballet and Jazz Company and earned certifications in Checchetti levels I–VI. She also attended summer intensives with Ballet West and the Cecchetti Council of America.
Natalie was awarded a dance scholarship to Utah Valley University, where she initially pursued a BFA in Dance. After an injury shifted her path, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health in 2009 and later earned her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Utah.
Despite stepping away from performing, Natalie found her way back to dance through teaching. She began teaching ballet in 2009 and in 2013 became certified in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, Pre-Primary through Level 3. Drawing from her own disciplined training background, Natalie emphasizes strong technique and structure while fostering a love for movement in her students. She believes in the healing power of music and dance and is passionate about helping young dancers discover their place in the dance world.
Natalie lives in Georgetown with her husband Greg and their four daughters.
Kelly Lee
Academy Ballet Instructor
Kelly began her formal dance training at Fort Bend Academy of Dance in Richmond, TX, under the direction of Michael Banigan and Dianne Jarrell. She spent her summers training at prestigious programs including Joffrey Ballet, Harid Conservatory, Houston Ballet, and Atlanta Ballet.
Kelly graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts, where she focused on ballet and performance, training closely with Frank Smith, Kee-Juan Han, Fanchon Cordell, and Melissa Hayden. She continued her studies in the Graduate Program at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, working with renowned instructors such as Dennis Marshall, Marjorie Grundvig, Pollyana Ribeiro, Janet Popeleski, and Alan Obuzor. From there, she was invited to join the company as an apprentice under the direction of Terrence Orr.
After two seasons with PBT, Kelly joined Ballet Tucson, where she danced for five seasons, performed several soloist roles, and had the privilege of working with Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner.
Now, Kelly is excited to share her knowledge and experience with the talented students at The Dance Academy—and she can’t wait to see y’all in class!
Orlando Canova
Academy Ballet Instructor, Partner Work
Orlando Julius Canova began his ballet training with Lawrence and Sarma Rosenberg at the Anaheim Ballet School. At age 16 he moved to New York City to train at the School of American Ballet. There, he received a full tuition merit scholarship and was sponsored by Debbie Allen. Orlando furthered his ballet training with Miami City Ballet School. In 2001, Orlando became an Arpino Apprentice with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and in 2003 he joined as a full company member. While at Joffrey, Orlando played the part of apprentice in Robert Altman's movie, The Company. Orlando joined Ballet Austin in 2005. He has worked with such choreographers as Stephen Mills, Twyla Tharp, KT Nelson, Dominic Walsh, Nicolo Fonte, Sonya Delwaide, Toni Bravo, Michelle Thompson, Reginald Harris, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Orlando retired from Ballet Austin in 2020. Orlando began his ballet teaching career at Ballet Chicago, in 2004. When Orlando moved to Austin, he began teaching at the Ballet Austin Academy in 2010. At the Ballet Austin Academy he started the mens program and taught the upper levels. Orlando Has also taught at Gem City Ballet, West Austin Dance Academy, Dance Elements, Metamorphosis Ballet Academy, Austin City Ballet, The Dance Academy, Dance Elements, and also teaches privately.
Havilah Blum
Academy Ballet Instructor
Havilah is grateful to be back in Texas after calling many places home. She danced professionally with Texas Ballet Theater under Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., from 2007–2013, performing in full-length ballets such as Dracula, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Coppélia, and The Nutcracker (as “Clara”), as well as End of Time and Balanchine’s Serenade and Theme and Variations.
Since retiring, she has spent nearly a decade teaching ballet on both coasts, focusing on strong classical technique, musicality, and artistry. She is also a piano accompanist for ballet classes, inspired by her mentor Peter Kim and other pianists who made music that truly moved dancers.
Outside of dance, Havilah enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening, and traveling with her husband. A devoted mom of two boys and one daughter, she also values building meaningful connections within her church and community.
Angelina Barba
Hip Hop Instructor
Angelina Barba began her dance journey in Los Angeles at age 8, training in hip hop before moving to Austin, Texas. She spent five years competing with 2 Hype Hip Hop Company under Leslie Garcia and later joined the Rouse Royals drill team, serving as a line officer her senior year. That same year, she also danced with eSTREET Hip Hop Company under Justin Streeter.
Throughout her competitive career, Angelina earned Grand National titles, scholarships, and performance opportunities with industry mentors. Her passion for teaching has led her to instruct at studios and schools across the Austin area.
Angelina has directed pre-professional hip hop companies including eSTREET and recently served as the director and choreographer for REALM Hip Hop Company at The Dance Academy in Leander. Dedicated to growth as both an artist and educator, she continues to train, choreograph, and share her love of dance.
Leslie Garcia
Hip Hop Instructor
A former master instructor for the American Ballet Theatre Intensive Program, Leslie has spent the last 15 years working with school districts across Texas and teaching nationally at studios, camps, and competitions. She is also a music producer for competitive teams and a longtime local DJ in Austin.
Leslie continues to lead and inspire through Urban Dance Empire and The Empire Dance Company, training the next generation of dancers with passion and excellence.
Her extreme passion for music and dance, comedic teaching style, and dance knowledge makes her one of the most sought out dance instructors and choreographers in the U.S. Leslie was nicknamed the “First Lady of Hip Hop” in Austin, TX where she resides. We are blessed and honored to have her pouring into the students at tDA.
Lyrica Valcarcel
Preschool and Tutus for Tots Teacher
Sumangala Varun
Indian Classical Dance
Sumangala began her Bharatanatyam training in Kerala and continued under esteemed gurus in Udupi and Bangalore, completing her Senior Diploma and Visharad graduation. She holds a Master’s degree in Bharatanatyam from Jain University and is a graded dancer with Doordarshan.
She has performed widely across India, the U.S., France, and Switzerland, and has served as both performer and judge in classical dance circles. A Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), Sumangala has also taught at Benaka Natya Mandir, Bangalore.
Alongside dance, she holds degrees in Commerce and Journalism, and has worked as a writer, editor, and instructional designer. Her articles have appeared in Narthaki.com, Deccan Herald, and Gokulam.
She is honored to join the Dance Academy faculty and looks forward to working with a team dedicated to artistic excellence.
Guest Instructors &
Choreographers
Lennoris Arnold
Contemporary Instructor, Choreographer
Memphis born and Houston raised, Lennoris "Lenny" Arnold made a name for himself as one of the most sought after Choreographers and Instructors in the Dance Scene. Introduced to dance at the age of 10, his undeniable passion for movement led him to Masters Upper Level, a dance school formerly known as Masters of Dance in Stafford, Texas. Thruogh hiis training from grades 8-12 He naturally began teaching in various genres including Tap, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. His unique lyrical style of movement garnered attention from both drill teams and dance studios. In addition, he judges promising young talent with Move Dance Productions. Lenorris’ choreography has won numerous top awards at competitions such as Adrenaline Dance Convention, Legacy Dance Competition, Primetime Dance Productions, Hall of Fame Dance Competition, Artists Simply Human Dance Workshop, Move Dance Productions, New York City Dance Alliance, StarSystems Talent Competition, and Showstopper Competitions. Lenorris teaches at several local studios and constantly continues his dance education through seminars, conventions and travel to NYC and LA. His greatest inspiration is the progress of the dancers themselves.
Jordan Harris
Industry Hip Hop/Commercial
Jordan Harris is a professional dancer/choreographer, originally from New Jersey now living and working between the south and Los Angeles, Jordan is currently wrapping up his second year touring as a professional assistant with dance convention Hollywood Vibe, He has worked with artists such as Kali Uchis, Kanye West, Camila Cabello, Prince Royce to name a few. Jordan danced at the 2022 Latin American Music Awards with 4 different artists under the direction of Liz Imperio & was apart of the Billie Eillish x Oculus commercial choreographed by Matty Peacock. More recently he danced with Rihanna at the 2023 Superbowl Half Time show and is now on tour with Charli XCX, performed with Doja Cat at Coachella 2024, and is a regular on the major stages.
Morgan Stillman
Member of Ballet Austin and Regular Guest Teacher
Morgan Stillman began his ballet training with Project Ballet in Fort Wayne, IN and attended Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In 2014 he joined Nevada Ballet Theatre and performed principal and soloist roles in works by James Canfield and George Balanchine. At Ballet Austin Morgan has danced principal roles in Mills’ Romeo & Juliet, The Nutcracker, The Firebird, and Giselle, and has been featured in works by Justin Peck and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.
Kori Moore
Jazz and Tap Instructor, Choreographer
Kori Moore began her dance journey at age four in the Dallas area and launched her professional career at eighteen performing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, where she danced in production shows and taught guest classes.
After her time at sea, Kori moved to Austin to attend Texas State University while teaching multiple dance styles at local studios. Over the years, she has served as an instructor, choreographer, company director, and master class teacher, working with studios and drill teams across Texas.
Today, Kori continues to share her passion as a member of the Austin Rhythm Tap Collective, an award-winning choreographer, touring convention instructor, and respected national adjudicator.
The Dance Academy is grateful for our 20+ year relationship with Kori. She has poured into our program and helped shape its heart and foundation.
Shanna Fragen
Contemporary Instructor, Choreographer
Shanna Fragen is an Austin based dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She is originally from Chicago, IL and earned a BFA in Dance from Columbia College Chicago. Shanna has taught, choreographed, and directed at many studios in the Austin area, and has trained several students who have gone on to dance for acclaimed college dance programs and companies. Shanna’s choreography has been recognized and awarded in both competitive and professional communities. She has performed with local company, BLiPSWiTCH, and has been involved in many festivals and performances as both a dancer and a choreographer. She has attended a myriad of intensives and training programs, including two summers in Tel Aviv, Israel, at the Gaga/Dancers summer course with Batsheva Dance Company. Shanna is honored and excited for the opportunity to share her passion for dance with the students at The Dance Academy.
Michael Burfield
Nashville Ballet Member and Guest Teacher
Michael, originally from Lubbock, TX, trained at Ballet Lubbock and Lone Star Ballet before earning full scholarships to summer programs at Kansas City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Carolina Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. After high school, he joined Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division, then Ballet Austin, where he spent three seasons performing works by Stephen Mills, including international tours of Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project.
He later danced with Sarasota Ballet for four years as a Coryphée, performing a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire by Balanchine, Ashton, MacMillan, Wheeldon, and others. Highlights include The Secret Garden, Jewels, Company B, and performances at Jacob’s Pillow and in NYC.
Since 2018, Michael has danced with Nashville Ballet, performing standout roles in Swan Lake, Lucy Negro Redux, Duo Concertante, Romeo and Juliet, and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Jessie Ferguson
Modern Choreographer and Guest Teacher
Jessie Ferguson, a Houston native, holds a BFA in Dance from George Mason University. She began her training at Move Dance and Fitness and is a graduate of Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Jessie has performed works by renowned choreographers such as Martha Graham, Sidra Bell, and Amy Miller.
A passionate choreographer, Jessie has created and presented work through the Aimed Dance Emerging Choreographer Fellowship, Barnstorm Dance Fest, and Rice Dance Theatre. She is also the founder of BOOT Dance Project, a non-profit supporting Texas-based dance artists and audiences.
As an educator, Jessie is committed to developing young dancers both technically and artistically. She has been teaching and choreographing in the Houston area since 2019.
