Faculty
Mary Lee Kennedy – Director
With over five decades of experience in education and a lifelong passion for dance, Mary Lee Kennedy brings a remarkable blend of creativity, leadership, and expertise to the world of performing arts.
Her dance journey began at the age of four and continued through college, where she earned a dance scholarship. Mary Lee holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Education from Louisiana State University, a perfect blend of her love for performance and dedication to teaching.
Mary Lee has spent the last 50 years as the owner and director of a thriving performing arts studio. Her professional background also includes two years teaching in public schools and six years as a physical education director at a private school. Her dynamic teaching style and specialization in movement education have positively impacted students of all ages.
Beyond the classroom, Mary Lee has appeared in Richard Simmons’ fitness videos and is the creator of Jump Jammin' Kids, a children’s fitness program taught in private and parochial schools. She has served as both choreographer and mistress of ceremonies for Peter Lowe’s International Motivation Seminars and holds certifications in business and children’s etiquette consulting through The Etiquette Institute of St. Louis.
Today, Mary Lee continues to lead with vision and purpose. She trains and certifies educators in early childhood movement education and directs several impactful programs. These include the Manners Pro Etiquette Program, which provides etiquette training for executives, professionals, and students, and Dance Tree, a program that sends certified instructors to private and parochial schools throughout Greater Houston—offering the same exceptional teaching and performance opportunities as her Kennedy Dance Theatre studio.
With over five decades of experience in education and a lifelong passion for dance, Mary Lee Kennedy brings a remarkable blend of creativity, leadership, and expertise to the world of performing arts.
Her dance journey began at the age of four and continued through college, where she earned a dance scholarship. Mary Lee holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Education from Louisiana State University, a perfect blend of her love for performance and dedication to teaching.
Mary Lee has spent the last 50 years as the owner and director of a thriving performing arts studio. Her professional background also includes two years teaching in public schools and six years as a physical education director at a private school. Her dynamic teaching style and specialization in movement education have positively impacted students of all ages.
Beyond the classroom, Mary Lee has appeared in Richard Simmons’ fitness videos and is the creator of Jump Jammin' Kids, a children’s fitness program taught in private and parochial schools. She has served as both choreographer and mistress of ceremonies for Peter Lowe’s International Motivation Seminars and holds certifications in business and children’s etiquette consulting through The Etiquette Institute of St. Louis.
Today, Mary Lee continues to lead with vision and purpose. She trains and certifies educators in early childhood movement education and directs several impactful programs. These include the Manners Pro Etiquette Program, which provides etiquette training for executives, professionals, and students, and Dance Tree, a program that sends certified instructors to private and parochial schools throughout Greater Houston—offering the same exceptional teaching and performance opportunities as her Kennedy Dance Theatre studio.
Yuka Omori - Ballet Mistress
Yuka Omori, Kennedy Dance Theatre’s esteemed Ballet Mistress, brings extensive teaching, training, and performance experience to our studio. Originally from Japan, she has lived and worked in the United States since 2001, following advanced classical training and a successful international performing career.
Yuka completed the Professional Dance Classic Division at the Ecole Supérieure de Danse de Cannes Rosella Hightower in Cannes, France. She has danced principal roles with companies such as Oakland Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre, New Jersey Ballet, and was selected to perform in two film projects for The George Balanchine Foundation and the French Ministry of Culture.
Her early accolades include the Silver Medal at the Itabashi Ballet Competition (1997) and the Saitama Prefecture Dance Association Prize (1998). She has performed across Europe, Asia, and the United States and worked with numerous professional ballet companies and choreographers throughout her career.
Yuka is a certified ballet teacher through American Ballet Theatre, the Vaganova method, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), and Pilates Mat. She integrates PBT’s pre-pointe strengthening exercises into her classes to help students build proper technique, prevent injuries, and prepare for pointe work. In March 2024, she completed Ballet Pro’s specialized pointe shoe fitting course in Birmingham, England, further enriching her expertise in dancer health and development.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Yuka works with dancers of all ages and levels—from young children to pre-professionals. She has served as an Assistant Ballet Program Director and has coached many students who have gone on to become YAGP finalists. She has also taught master classes and workshops in both the U.S. and Japan, including at the Joffrey Ballet School, University of Iowa, and United Ballet Association.
At Kennedy Dance Theatre, Ms. Yuka teaches all graded ballet and Pilates classes. She also directs The Nutcracker, Ballet Jeté, and coordinates student participation in YAGP.
Yuka Omori, Kennedy Dance Theatre’s esteemed Ballet Mistress, brings extensive teaching, training, and performance experience to our studio. Originally from Japan, she has lived and worked in the United States since 2001, following advanced classical training and a successful international performing career.
Yuka completed the Professional Dance Classic Division at the Ecole Supérieure de Danse de Cannes Rosella Hightower in Cannes, France. She has danced principal roles with companies such as Oakland Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre, New Jersey Ballet, and was selected to perform in two film projects for The George Balanchine Foundation and the French Ministry of Culture.
Her early accolades include the Silver Medal at the Itabashi Ballet Competition (1997) and the Saitama Prefecture Dance Association Prize (1998). She has performed across Europe, Asia, and the United States and worked with numerous professional ballet companies and choreographers throughout her career.
Yuka is a certified ballet teacher through American Ballet Theatre, the Vaganova method, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), and Pilates Mat. She integrates PBT’s pre-pointe strengthening exercises into her classes to help students build proper technique, prevent injuries, and prepare for pointe work. In March 2024, she completed Ballet Pro’s specialized pointe shoe fitting course in Birmingham, England, further enriching her expertise in dancer health and development.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Yuka works with dancers of all ages and levels—from young children to pre-professionals. She has served as an Assistant Ballet Program Director and has coached many students who have gone on to become YAGP finalists. She has also taught master classes and workshops in both the U.S. and Japan, including at the Joffrey Ballet School, University of Iowa, and United Ballet Association.
At Kennedy Dance Theatre, Ms. Yuka teaches all graded ballet and Pilates classes. She also directs The Nutcracker, Ballet Jeté, and coordinates student participation in YAGP.
Jennifer Holbert - Dance Instructor, Jazz Company Director
Jennifer Holbert brings over 45 years of dance experience across multiple genres. A former member of the Clear Lake Falcon Flairs Drill Team, she has 25 years of teaching experience—22 of those at Kennedy Dance Theatre. Throughout her tenure, Jennifer has taught students from pre-dance through the graded division, impacting dancers at every stage of their development.
She is the co-founder and director of the Jazz Company Competition Team, which, under her leadership, has earned numerous high-point overall placements and specialty awards over the past decade. Jennifer also co-directs the Diva performing groups, taking students to perform at high-profile events including halftime shows for the Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamo, and Rice University.
In addition to teaching, Jennifer is a certified adjudicator for a national dance competition circuit, judging both regional and national events across the United States for the past five years. She remains committed to her own professional growth, attending yearly workshops to stay current with the latest trends in the dance industry.
One of Jennifer’s most meaningful accomplishments at KDT has been creating and developing a dance class for dancers of all abilities. This program—KDT’s beloved Shining Stars—has been featured on Good Morning Houston and a nationally broadcast dance network show. Jennifer’s greatest joy is teaching these dancers and sharing her passion for the belief that dance is for everyone, with no limits on what they can achieve.
Outside the studio, Jennifer has been married to her husband, Gary, for 30 years. She is a proud “girl mom” to four daughters and a joyful “Lolli” to three grandchildren. Grateful for the life her Heavenly Father has blessed her with, she embraces each season as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and walk in faith.
Jennifer Holbert brings over 45 years of dance experience across multiple genres. A former member of the Clear Lake Falcon Flairs Drill Team, she has 25 years of teaching experience—22 of those at Kennedy Dance Theatre. Throughout her tenure, Jennifer has taught students from pre-dance through the graded division, impacting dancers at every stage of their development.
She is the co-founder and director of the Jazz Company Competition Team, which, under her leadership, has earned numerous high-point overall placements and specialty awards over the past decade. Jennifer also co-directs the Diva performing groups, taking students to perform at high-profile events including halftime shows for the Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamo, and Rice University.
In addition to teaching, Jennifer is a certified adjudicator for a national dance competition circuit, judging both regional and national events across the United States for the past five years. She remains committed to her own professional growth, attending yearly workshops to stay current with the latest trends in the dance industry.
One of Jennifer’s most meaningful accomplishments at KDT has been creating and developing a dance class for dancers of all abilities. This program—KDT’s beloved Shining Stars—has been featured on Good Morning Houston and a nationally broadcast dance network show. Jennifer’s greatest joy is teaching these dancers and sharing her passion for the belief that dance is for everyone, with no limits on what they can achieve.
Outside the studio, Jennifer has been married to her husband, Gary, for 30 years. She is a proud “girl mom” to four daughters and a joyful “Lolli” to three grandchildren. Grateful for the life her Heavenly Father has blessed her with, she embraces each season as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and walk in faith.
Kyra Davis - Artistic Director, Dance Instructor, Spirit in Motion Director and Front Office Assistant
Kyra has over 30 years of dance training, performance and teaching experience. Kyra started dancing at KDT when she was 2 years old with Miss Mary Lee and developed her first love of ballet from Ballet Mistress, Caryn Stoll. She began assisting in the graded ballet classes at age 14, additionally winning Student of the Year in 2003. She also danced for two years as a soloist with Houston International Ballet Company under Arkaidy Orohovsky and Kathleen Waltz where her favorite role was Snow Queen. After graduating from high school, Kyra continued her dance training at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi on a dance scholarship and graduated with a BFA in performance in modern and ballet. She studied ballet, pointe, modern, and jazz technique, choreography, kinesiology and much more under various instructors including Stephen Wynne, Ravenna Tucker, Caleb Mitchell, Betsy McMillan, and Britta Wynne. She also danced one season with TALK Dance Company prior to a devastating ankle injury. Kyra's passion is choreography and sharing the love of our God through dance. She has choreographed several pieces that have placed as regional champions at multiple competitions along with winning overall high point, choreography, technical and specialty awards. Kyra started officially working on staff at KDT in 2010 and currently works in the office in addition to teaching in the graded jazz and contemporary program. She established the Spirit in Motion Dance Ensemble in 2015. She enjoys sharing her passion for movement with children and teaching them the love of dance in a safe and structured environment. Kyra is also certified through Youth Protection Advocates in Dance. She resides in Pearland with her husband and two children. She loves devoting most of her time outside of the studio to them and their many activities along with serving others through volunteering with local non-profit community organizations, her church and her children's schools.
Kyra has over 30 years of dance training, performance and teaching experience. Kyra started dancing at KDT when she was 2 years old with Miss Mary Lee and developed her first love of ballet from Ballet Mistress, Caryn Stoll. She began assisting in the graded ballet classes at age 14, additionally winning Student of the Year in 2003. She also danced for two years as a soloist with Houston International Ballet Company under Arkaidy Orohovsky and Kathleen Waltz where her favorite role was Snow Queen. After graduating from high school, Kyra continued her dance training at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi on a dance scholarship and graduated with a BFA in performance in modern and ballet. She studied ballet, pointe, modern, and jazz technique, choreography, kinesiology and much more under various instructors including Stephen Wynne, Ravenna Tucker, Caleb Mitchell, Betsy McMillan, and Britta Wynne. She also danced one season with TALK Dance Company prior to a devastating ankle injury. Kyra's passion is choreography and sharing the love of our God through dance. She has choreographed several pieces that have placed as regional champions at multiple competitions along with winning overall high point, choreography, technical and specialty awards. Kyra started officially working on staff at KDT in 2010 and currently works in the office in addition to teaching in the graded jazz and contemporary program. She established the Spirit in Motion Dance Ensemble in 2015. She enjoys sharing her passion for movement with children and teaching them the love of dance in a safe and structured environment. Kyra is also certified through Youth Protection Advocates in Dance. She resides in Pearland with her husband and two children. She loves devoting most of her time outside of the studio to them and their many activities along with serving others through volunteering with local non-profit community organizations, her church and her children's schools.
Kelsey Mueller has over 20 years of dance experience in tap, ballet, jazz, pointe, hip hop, musical theater, lyrical and contemporary. She started dance at Kennedy Dance Theatre when she was only 2 years old and has been here ever since. Kelsey has participated in many dance competitions and conventions receiving awards for group routines and solos. In 2005 Kelsey was voted as KDT’s Student of the Year and was awarded a summer dance scholarship. She currently teaches Pre Dance, Creative Dance classes, Musical Theater and Hippity Hop classes at the studio. She also directs the Divas performing groups as well as the Jazz Company Competition team.
Along with being a part of the KDT staff, she has an Associates Degree in General Studies and has recently graduated from the University of Houston Clear Lake with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Kelsey continues to further her dance education by attending dance workshops and taking classes taught by special guest choreographers.
Along with being a part of the KDT staff, she has an Associates Degree in General Studies and has recently graduated from the University of Houston Clear Lake with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Kelsey continues to further her dance education by attending dance workshops and taking classes taught by special guest choreographers.
Erica Carmona – Dance Instructor & Petite Jeté Director
Erica Carmona is a passionate and dedicated dance artist with over 25 years of experience, specializing in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. Her early training included membership in a pre-professional company under the direction of Milena Leben, where she developed both strong technique and artistic depth.
Throughout her career, Erica has performed in a variety of styles and settings, including a professional tap showcase alongside acclaimed artists Maud Arnold, Chloe Arnold, and Jason Samuels Smith—an experience that reflects her versatility and commitment to her craft.
Erica currently serves as the director of Petite Jeté, Kennedy Dance Theatre’s junior company. In this role, she mentors and inspires the next generation of dancers, fostering both their technical growth and love for the art form. Her teaching is marked by precision, creativity, and a sincere passion for helping students discover their unique voice through movement.
With a heart for education and a lifelong connection to dance, Erica brings both artistry and excellence to the KDT community.
Erica Carmona is a passionate and dedicated dance artist with over 25 years of experience, specializing in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. Her early training included membership in a pre-professional company under the direction of Milena Leben, where she developed both strong technique and artistic depth.
Throughout her career, Erica has performed in a variety of styles and settings, including a professional tap showcase alongside acclaimed artists Maud Arnold, Chloe Arnold, and Jason Samuels Smith—an experience that reflects her versatility and commitment to her craft.
Erica currently serves as the director of Petite Jeté, Kennedy Dance Theatre’s junior company. In this role, she mentors and inspires the next generation of dancers, fostering both their technical growth and love for the art form. Her teaching is marked by precision, creativity, and a sincere passion for helping students discover their unique voice through movement.
With a heart for education and a lifelong connection to dance, Erica brings both artistry and excellence to the KDT community.
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Heather Reyna - Dance Instructor & Apprentice Director
Heather has had a passion for dancing since the age of 6, when her school was visited and taught by Dance Tree. Heather is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and modern. She spent 4 years as a member of the Tex-Ann Drill Team at Sam Rayburn High School where she was appointed Lieutenant for her junior year and Captain her senior year. She has been teaching 8 years at KDT and Dance Tree, and has been teaching dance for 14 years overall. Heather has had 5 years of previous competition team experience, leading and choreographing for small groups, large groups, solos and duets for dancers between the ages of 5 and 12. Many of those routines received overall awards and various judges awards. Heather's favorite dance styles to choreograph are jazz and musical theatre! She is currently the director of Kennedy and Company’s Apprentices competition team. Her biggest joy in life comes from her two beautiful children who are dancers themselves at KDT. She also enjoys painting and spending time at the beach with her family. |
Jeremy Carmona - Dance Instructor & Rhythm and Moves Director
Jeremy Carmona has been dancing for over 21 years and has spent the last 6 years sharing his passion as a dedicated teacher. A former member of the Ballet Jete pre-professional company under the direction of Milena Leben, Jeremy trained and performed with the company for 6 years, honing his technique and stage presence. His versatility as a dancer has led him to share the stage with world-renowned tap artists including Jason Samuels Smith, Chloe and Maud Arnold, and Derek Grant in a celebrated tap showcase.
Jeremy has starred as the lead in numerous Tap and Ballet productions such as Grease, The Nutcracker, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins, among others. He continues to perform in tap productions with KDT, along with doing some outside performances with Friendswood Contemporary Ballet, keeping his passion for both Tap and Ballet alive.
Currently, Jeremy serves as one of the directors of KDT’s competition team, Rhythm and Moves. He brings a wealth of experience, energy, and enthusiasm to every class, and is excited to pass on the knowledge he’s gained throughout his dance journey to the next generation of performers.
Jeremy Carmona has been dancing for over 21 years and has spent the last 6 years sharing his passion as a dedicated teacher. A former member of the Ballet Jete pre-professional company under the direction of Milena Leben, Jeremy trained and performed with the company for 6 years, honing his technique and stage presence. His versatility as a dancer has led him to share the stage with world-renowned tap artists including Jason Samuels Smith, Chloe and Maud Arnold, and Derek Grant in a celebrated tap showcase.
Jeremy has starred as the lead in numerous Tap and Ballet productions such as Grease, The Nutcracker, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins, among others. He continues to perform in tap productions with KDT, along with doing some outside performances with Friendswood Contemporary Ballet, keeping his passion for both Tap and Ballet alive.
Currently, Jeremy serves as one of the directors of KDT’s competition team, Rhythm and Moves. He brings a wealth of experience, energy, and enthusiasm to every class, and is excited to pass on the knowledge he’s gained throughout his dance journey to the next generation of performers.
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Cadence Blount - Dance Instructor & Rhythm and Moves Director
Cadence has over 21 years of dance training and experience, beginning at the age of 2 at Kennedy Dance Theatre. She is currently Co-Director of Kennedy and Company’s Rhythm and Moves competitive team. She is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, modern, lyrical, contemporary, cheer, and pointe. She spent more than seven years studying ballet under former prima ballerina and ballet mistress Milena Leben. Cadence competed on several award-winning competition teams, most notably as a multi-year officer for KDT’s Jazz Company. She also has over a decade of competition experience and has earned numerous group and solo awards. Some of her favorite roles include leading parts in five KDT tap productions, such as Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, and Grease. Her passion for tap led her to attend intensives such as Space City Tap Fest, where she trained with world-renowned artists like Chloe Arnold, Maud Arnold, and Jason Samuels Smith. In 2016, Cadence was honored with KDT’s Student of the Year Award and a summer scholarship. Cadence has always had a love for choreography, even from a young age. Since returning to teach at KDT and Dance Tree, she has choreographed solos, duets, group routines, and drill team pieces that have earned high point placements and special awards. Though she loves all styles of dance, she holds a special place in her heart for contemporary/lyrical and tap. She is excited to continue sharing her love of dance, creativity, and passion for learning with her students! |
Katie Allin Walther - Dance Instructor
Miss Katie began her dance training in California under Christine Fossemalle, a former Paris Opera Ballet member who also studied with Bob Fosse and Nora Kiss. As a proud alumna of the Santa Ynez Valley Performing Arts Company, she still returns every few years to perform. After relocating to Houston in her late teens, Miss Katie trained with Kennedy Dance Theater and Houston International Ballet Academy, performing soloist and principal roles with League City Ballet in productions like The Nutcracker and Giselle.
She went on to launch a dance program at her church and taught multiple styles and levels at KDT for several years before becoming a full-time educator in CCISD in 2012. Throughout her teaching career, she has coached high school dance and cheer in both Texas and Nevada. Since returning to Houston in 2020 with her husband, Ben, Miss Katie has served as a regular substitute and guest teacher at KDT, always saying that she leaves “with a bigger smile than when I walked in.”
She is beyond thrilled to return to her roots and be teaching regularly at KDT once again.
Miss Katie began her dance training in California under Christine Fossemalle, a former Paris Opera Ballet member who also studied with Bob Fosse and Nora Kiss. As a proud alumna of the Santa Ynez Valley Performing Arts Company, she still returns every few years to perform. After relocating to Houston in her late teens, Miss Katie trained with Kennedy Dance Theater and Houston International Ballet Academy, performing soloist and principal roles with League City Ballet in productions like The Nutcracker and Giselle.
She went on to launch a dance program at her church and taught multiple styles and levels at KDT for several years before becoming a full-time educator in CCISD in 2012. Throughout her teaching career, she has coached high school dance and cheer in both Texas and Nevada. Since returning to Houston in 2020 with her husband, Ben, Miss Katie has served as a regular substitute and guest teacher at KDT, always saying that she leaves “with a bigger smile than when I walked in.”
She is beyond thrilled to return to her roots and be teaching regularly at KDT once again.
Katie Trevino Lammers - Dance Instructor
Katie Trevino Lammers received an Associate of Arts Degree in Dance at San Jacinto College South in 2008. She was a part of the San Jacinto College Dance Performing Arts Company for two years and participated in the American College Dance Festival. She received a scholarship to the Bill Evans Workshop in Brockport, NY, the Joanna Friesen scholarship from the University of Houston Dance Faculty, and a scholarship to the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC. She was a part of the UH Dance ENSEMBLE Company for two years and the Young Audience Touring Company. She earned her B.A. Degree in Dance in 2012 from the University of Houston. She has continued her dance education by taking dance classes in the Houston area and various summer and winter dance intensives.
Katie has guest performed in two of FrentiCore’s shows; there is no answer as to why me: A Dance Tribute to David Rakoff in 2013 and Quench in 2014. Recently, she has performed for Opera in the Heights, ReFine Arts production of WITCH and Frenzied Phony, and Rebecca French's Bodies of Light at the Glass Crescent. She has danced with Uptown Dance Company for six seasons.
Katie has been teaching at various dance studios in southeast Texas since 2006. She teaches all levels of ballet, pointe, variations, PBT,(Progressive Ballet Technique) conditioning, modern, partnering, and improv. She is the Artistic Director of the Pre-Professional Dance Company, artistic edGe. They have performed Katie's choreography at the Houston Fringe Festival, Houston Fringe Festival’s: Anything Goes, Project Dance, Comedy Dance Festival, Merging Forces, An Evening of Praise and Thanksgiving, Mind the Gap 11.0, and Artists for Hope and the Latino Dance Festival.
This will be her nineteenth year teaching and first year teaching at Kennedy Dance Theater.
Katie Trevino Lammers received an Associate of Arts Degree in Dance at San Jacinto College South in 2008. She was a part of the San Jacinto College Dance Performing Arts Company for two years and participated in the American College Dance Festival. She received a scholarship to the Bill Evans Workshop in Brockport, NY, the Joanna Friesen scholarship from the University of Houston Dance Faculty, and a scholarship to the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC. She was a part of the UH Dance ENSEMBLE Company for two years and the Young Audience Touring Company. She earned her B.A. Degree in Dance in 2012 from the University of Houston. She has continued her dance education by taking dance classes in the Houston area and various summer and winter dance intensives.
Katie has guest performed in two of FrentiCore’s shows; there is no answer as to why me: A Dance Tribute to David Rakoff in 2013 and Quench in 2014. Recently, she has performed for Opera in the Heights, ReFine Arts production of WITCH and Frenzied Phony, and Rebecca French's Bodies of Light at the Glass Crescent. She has danced with Uptown Dance Company for six seasons.
Katie has been teaching at various dance studios in southeast Texas since 2006. She teaches all levels of ballet, pointe, variations, PBT,(Progressive Ballet Technique) conditioning, modern, partnering, and improv. She is the Artistic Director of the Pre-Professional Dance Company, artistic edGe. They have performed Katie's choreography at the Houston Fringe Festival, Houston Fringe Festival’s: Anything Goes, Project Dance, Comedy Dance Festival, Merging Forces, An Evening of Praise and Thanksgiving, Mind the Gap 11.0, and Artists for Hope and the Latino Dance Festival.
This will be her nineteenth year teaching and first year teaching at Kennedy Dance Theater.
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Emma Beasley - Aerial Silks Instructor
Emma Beasley started her dance experience when she was 5 years old with Bay Area Christian Performing Arts Center in Houston, Texas. Later, she began taking classes with Charisse Craft-Barry and Rebecca Ramm at Bay Area Dance Moves. She wrapped up her youth experience at Amy Blake’s Academy of Dance in 2016. While earning an associate’s degree at San Jac, Emma had the opportunity to perform with the dance department’s professional class both as a student and later as a guest dancer. During this time, she attended the American College Dance Association’s regional conference two times, taking master classes with professors and artists from all over the country as well as performing. In 2018, she began teaching ballet, tap, jazz, tumble, musical theatre, and aerial arts for Harbour Dance School in Kemah, TX. By 2020, Emma was responsible for half of the classes conducted at the studio, including all of the aerial and Aerial Performance Company and parts of the Dance Company; the more she taught, the more she truly fell in love with dance. Emma completed her college education at the University of St. Thomas – Houston in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and a Minor in Dance. Despite the many teachers and experiences she has had so far, Emma credits her biggest inspiration to Jamie Williams, the dance department director at San Jac. It was through her guidance that Emma found her passion not only for the art of dance but for sharing that passion with others. |
Stephanie Reyes - Kennedy Dance Theatre, Dance Tree & MannersPro Office Manager
With a deep love for the arts and a passion for people, Stephanie Reyes brings organization, warmth, and professionalism to the front desk of Kennedy Dance Theatre. As Office Manager, Stephanie is often the first friendly face families see and the guiding hand behind the day-to-day operations of the studio.
Stephanie has years of experience in administrative support, customer service, and event coordination, which she combines with a heart for children and the performing arts. Whether helping new families navigate class placement, supporting faculty with scheduling, or managing recital logistics, she ensures the studio runs smoothly and efficiently.
In addition to her role at Kennedy Dance Theatre, Stephanie also serves as the Business Manager of Dance Tree, a mobile dance program that sends qualified dance teachers to private and parochial schools and daycares throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. She also manages the Manners Pro program, helping oversee operations for this specialized etiquette training initiative.
Known for her attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to juggle a million tasks with a smile, Stephanie plays an essential role in maintaining the welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere KDT is known for. She is proud to be part of a team that helps dancers grow in both confidence and creativity—and she’s always happy to help with whatever you need!
With a deep love for the arts and a passion for people, Stephanie Reyes brings organization, warmth, and professionalism to the front desk of Kennedy Dance Theatre. As Office Manager, Stephanie is often the first friendly face families see and the guiding hand behind the day-to-day operations of the studio.
Stephanie has years of experience in administrative support, customer service, and event coordination, which she combines with a heart for children and the performing arts. Whether helping new families navigate class placement, supporting faculty with scheduling, or managing recital logistics, she ensures the studio runs smoothly and efficiently.
In addition to her role at Kennedy Dance Theatre, Stephanie also serves as the Business Manager of Dance Tree, a mobile dance program that sends qualified dance teachers to private and parochial schools and daycares throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. She also manages the Manners Pro program, helping oversee operations for this specialized etiquette training initiative.
Known for her attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to juggle a million tasks with a smile, Stephanie plays an essential role in maintaining the welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere KDT is known for. She is proud to be part of a team that helps dancers grow in both confidence and creativity—and she’s always happy to help with whatever you need!
Cindi Fisher - Front Office Administration
Cindi has been a beloved part of the Kennedy Dance Theatre and Dance Tree families since 1999—serving as a parent, employee, grandparent, or sometimes all three! Originally from South Charleston, West Virginia, Cindi moved to the Clear Lake area in 1973 and has been deeply involved in the local community ever since.
At KDT, Cindi works in the front office, where she supports day-to-day operations with care and efficiency. She also plays a key role in managing KDT and Dance Tree’s social media presence and can always be found lending a helpful hand during performances and recitals at the Sparkle Boutique. Her organization skills also shine during Nutcracker season, when she coordinates vendor participation for KDT’s beloved Clara’s Closet.
Outside the studio, Cindi has built a long-standing career in the environmental industry and currently works as an in-house Industrial Hygienist. She has worked in various roles within the field since 1987.
In her free time, Cindi enjoys making memories with family and friends—and capturing them with her love of photography. Her warmth, dedication, and behind-the-scenes support help make the KDT and Dance Tree experience special for students and families alike.
Cindi has been a beloved part of the Kennedy Dance Theatre and Dance Tree families since 1999—serving as a parent, employee, grandparent, or sometimes all three! Originally from South Charleston, West Virginia, Cindi moved to the Clear Lake area in 1973 and has been deeply involved in the local community ever since.
At KDT, Cindi works in the front office, where she supports day-to-day operations with care and efficiency. She also plays a key role in managing KDT and Dance Tree’s social media presence and can always be found lending a helpful hand during performances and recitals at the Sparkle Boutique. Her organization skills also shine during Nutcracker season, when she coordinates vendor participation for KDT’s beloved Clara’s Closet.
Outside the studio, Cindi has built a long-standing career in the environmental industry and currently works as an in-house Industrial Hygienist. She has worked in various roles within the field since 1987.
In her free time, Cindi enjoys making memories with family and friends—and capturing them with her love of photography. Her warmth, dedication, and behind-the-scenes support help make the KDT and Dance Tree experience special for students and families alike.
Deborah Carmona - Front Office Administration
Deborah has been a valued member of the Kennedy Dance Theatre family since 2003, originally joining as a dedicated dance mom to her three children — Erica, Steven, and Jeremy. In 2010, she transitioned into an official role within the studio, bringing her passion for the arts, strong organizational skills, and warm personality to the front office.
With over a decade of experience supporting students, parents, and staff, Deborah plays a vital role in keeping daily operations running smoothly. Her commitment to excellent service and her deep connection to the KDT community make her a familiar and trusted face to everyone who walks through the door.
Deborah has been a valued member of the Kennedy Dance Theatre family since 2003, originally joining as a dedicated dance mom to her three children — Erica, Steven, and Jeremy. In 2010, she transitioned into an official role within the studio, bringing her passion for the arts, strong organizational skills, and warm personality to the front office.
With over a decade of experience supporting students, parents, and staff, Deborah plays a vital role in keeping daily operations running smoothly. Her commitment to excellent service and her deep connection to the KDT community make her a familiar and trusted face to everyone who walks through the door.
Camille Myers – Parent/Staff Liaison
Camille Myers brings over 30 years of dance experience to Kennedy Dance Theatre and has been a valued instructor here for more than 15 years. Growing up in the dance world—her mother was a dance teacher and owner of Dance Express in Pleasanton, TX—Camille began dancing at a very young age. By 14, she was teaching her own classes and competing in prestigious events such as Showtime and National Half-Time, earning multiple awards.
In high school, Camille served as head officer of Pleasanton High School’s Pacesetters dance team. At 16, she was selected for the All-Star National Dance Team and performed at the European Indoor Soccer Championship in Vienna, Austria. While attending the University of Texas at San Antonio, she continued her training and founded her own studio, Camille’s Christian Dance Academy.
In her current role as Staff Liaison at KDT, Camille facilitates communication between staff and parents, helps resolve conflicts, and ensures a positive and collaborative environment for both our team and our dance families.
Camille Myers brings over 30 years of dance experience to Kennedy Dance Theatre and has been a valued instructor here for more than 15 years. Growing up in the dance world—her mother was a dance teacher and owner of Dance Express in Pleasanton, TX—Camille began dancing at a very young age. By 14, she was teaching her own classes and competing in prestigious events such as Showtime and National Half-Time, earning multiple awards.
In high school, Camille served as head officer of Pleasanton High School’s Pacesetters dance team. At 16, she was selected for the All-Star National Dance Team and performed at the European Indoor Soccer Championship in Vienna, Austria. While attending the University of Texas at San Antonio, she continued her training and founded her own studio, Camille’s Christian Dance Academy.
In her current role as Staff Liaison at KDT, Camille facilitates communication between staff and parents, helps resolve conflicts, and ensures a positive and collaborative environment for both our team and our dance families.
Brandi Shallenberger – Media & Stage Manager
Brandi Shallenberger began her dance journey at the age of three, developing a deep love for movement and artistic expression through classical training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip hop. Her early training at Connolly Dance Arts laid a strong technical foundation and led to numerous awards at regional and national competitions. Notable accolades include Miss Dance Masters of America 2008 – 2nd Runner-Up, High Interview Score, and High Tap Score Winner; High Interview Score and High Tap Score Winner in 2005 and 2007; and Dance Masters of America Tap Scholarship Winner in 2004, 2006, and 2008.
Brandi’s performance credits are equally diverse, ranging from dancing as a prelude for STOMP with the West Briar Dance Company, to performing at the San Antonio Spurs halftime show with Inertia Dance Company, to appearing at Dance Houston with WyldStyl Dance Company, along with many other memorable opportunities.
In addition to her artistic career, Brandi holds a BFA in Photography, has a short but impressive history in competitive skydiving, and embraces a love for all things unconventional. She believes life is not only meant to be lived to the fullest—but danced all the way through.
At Kennedy Dance Theatre, Brandi manages social media and media marketing and serves as stage manager for all KDT productions.
Brandi Shallenberger began her dance journey at the age of three, developing a deep love for movement and artistic expression through classical training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip hop. Her early training at Connolly Dance Arts laid a strong technical foundation and led to numerous awards at regional and national competitions. Notable accolades include Miss Dance Masters of America 2008 – 2nd Runner-Up, High Interview Score, and High Tap Score Winner; High Interview Score and High Tap Score Winner in 2005 and 2007; and Dance Masters of America Tap Scholarship Winner in 2004, 2006, and 2008.
Brandi’s performance credits are equally diverse, ranging from dancing as a prelude for STOMP with the West Briar Dance Company, to performing at the San Antonio Spurs halftime show with Inertia Dance Company, to appearing at Dance Houston with WyldStyl Dance Company, along with many other memorable opportunities.
In addition to her artistic career, Brandi holds a BFA in Photography, has a short but impressive history in competitive skydiving, and embraces a love for all things unconventional. She believes life is not only meant to be lived to the fullest—but danced all the way through.
At Kennedy Dance Theatre, Brandi manages social media and media marketing and serves as stage manager for all KDT productions.