Faculty & Staff

A celebrated ballet dancer and educator, Claudia brings fiery elegance to every class. From The Nutcracker to Swan Lake, she’s danced as soloist and corps de ballet, working with top choreographers.

Marcelino Najera here, better known as “Marz” or “Coach M.” I have worked in movies as a dancer “Say a little prayer” been in the competitive world for for about 10 year involving dance cheer and a little of gymnastics. My styles are hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, pom, jazz. I love Jeeps and motorcycles. And I currently work in the medical field and are in school to be a future RN

Sofía Palafox is a folklórico instructor in San Antonio, known for blending rigorous technique with cultural pride. She has led programs like Walzem Ballet Folklórico and is currently affiliated with the Centro Mexicano de la Danza (CMD), expanding opportunities for her students to participate in national and international dance competitions and festivals.

Hello! My name is Sophia Wiley, and I am dancer, teacher, and pink fanatic! One of my biggest goals in life is to share the beautiful gift of dancing, singing, and acting with others! I love Barbie and am currently working on obtaining a degree in business! I hope I get to share this love of mine with your dancers!

Hi! I have been dancing since I was 3 years old and have trained in various styles such as tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary, pom, and gameday! I have many years of experience competing and performing with teams, duets, and as a soloist. I danced in high school with a drill team and was awarded the title of Junior Lieutenant and 1st Senior Lieutenant. I am excited to share my love of dance with the next generation of dancers!

Quetzalcóatl Becerra, a renowned Mexican dancer and choreographer, has captivated audiences with his refined classical and contemporary dance techniques. Now based in San Antonio, Texas, he leads Art & Dance Studio, where he inspires students of all ages through ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop. His dedication to the art form and his engaging teaching style make him a beloved figure in the dance community.

Description

Arianna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from ASU and is a certified dance instructor and choreographer. She has directed and choreographed a wide range of productions, including Dare to Dream Jr., Shrek Jr., Legally Blonde Jr., Elf Jr., and Anything Goes, for community theaters and high schools throughout the San Antonio area. In addition to her theatrical work, Arianna has produced numerous studio showcases, recitals, and workshops, working with and mentoring students of all ages. With a

I am a lover of all dance styles. Classically trained in multiple including Ballet, Jazz, Tap and more. Performing with the American Classical Ballet Academy for 5 years and has been training for 12 years. With hopes to one day become a clinical psychologist. I thrive to share joy with others.

Morgan is a passionate ballet dancer and educator with professional experience and a strong commitment to developing confident, well-rounded dancers.

Acro, Cheer, Kpop

Brielle Tripke trained at A&A Ballet in Chicago under Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik, performing in classical and neoclassical works like Swan Lake and Rhapsody in Blue. She also taught and choreographed for the school’s children's division, serving as assistant director. Brielle continued her professional development as a Trainee with Alonzo King LINES Ballet, where she studied company repertoire such as Rasa and choreographed original works on fellow Trainees.

Taylor Mendoza is a passionate vocalist and lifelong music enthusiast, originally from San Antonio, Texas. From her early days singing along with her dad's rock tunes to joining the choir in second grade, and even getting the chance to audition for America’s Got Talent after winning a local radio contest at age 10, music has always been a central part of her life. These experiences ignited a deep love for music that has guided her journey. After high school, Taylor pursued Vocal Performance at

With over 13 years of experience as a dance teacher and an Associate of Arts in Dance, I am dedicated to helping every student find their rhythm. I've loved Asian culture ever since I was a kid, from Pokemon to Kpop, so I strive to bring that unique spark to every class. Looking forward to helping you on your journey.