ONE Academy Faculty
Meredith Dunham
Artistic and Program Director, Cecchetti Ballet Teacher, Choreographer, YAGP Coaching
Meredith Dunham has been teaching, choreographing and directing dancers since 1992. She began her own training at the age of 4 under the direction of Suzanne Semans in Houston, Texas as well as training for seven years in gymnastics with Houston Gymnastics Academy. Meredith has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, and hip-hop. In 2008, Meredith returned to study ballet pedagogy under the mentorship of Renata Sanford. Meredith is a certified Cecchetti Ballet teacher and an active member of the Cecchetti Council of America and Southwest Cecchetti Council. In 2015 she was awarded the Jane Caryl Miller teacher's scholarship to the Cecchetti Council of America's International Teachers' Conference. In 2017 and 2023 she was also awarded a full scholarship by the Southwest Chapter of the CCA to the International Teachers' Conference and the Charter Board Scholarship in 2018. Meredith has had the honor of studying with Diane Van Schoor of Royal Ballet (England) as well as many other talented teachers of the Cecchetti Council of America: Lee Ann King, Karla Harris, Dr. Kathleen Tenniswood-Powell, Laura McCarthy as well as others. Meredith holds her professional "Intermediate" certificate in teaching and the level of LCCA with the Cecchetti Council of America and is certified to train teachers as well as students. Meredith has also trained with Lynne Charles of the world renowned 4Pointe method who continues to be her mentor in training dancers for the rigors of pointe work with an emphasis on safety and longevity. She also works along side of local physical therapists to find ways to help dancers train safely and reach their goals. Meredith has also worked for two Texas Governors and two US Presidents. She graduated from Texas A&M with a double emphasis degree in Political Science and Spanish, but returned to her first love, dancing and teaching.
ONE Academy of Dance has been training dancers for 12 years now. We are so amazed at how God has blessed our school and advanced our program over the years. Dancers trained at ONE Academy of Dance have been invited to prestigious summer programs such as The Royal Ballet (England), American Ballet Theater (NYC), Houston Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Ballet West (SLC), Kansas City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theater, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Nashville Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Harid Consevatory, Cary Ballet Conservatory, Alvin Ailey, Hubbard Street (Chicago), Arch Contemporary Ballet (NYC), and Peridance (NYC).
Meredith's oldest daughter was awarded a full scholarship to the CCA's International Student's Summer School where she was also awarded the Advanced Scholarship, the Carolyn Trythall Scholarship in 2017. Morgan competed in Youth American Grand Prix as ONE Academy's first student to compete in this international competition and placed in the top 12 in the Contemporary category. She was also invited to year round programs at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater (2016, 2017), Oregon Ballet Theater (2018) and Kansas City Ballet (2018). Morgan went on to be a trainee with Nevada Ballet Theater and then Oklahoma City Ballet and OKCBII. She is currently a professional member of Uptown Dance Company in Houston and a sought after choreographer and teacher as well. Meredith's youngest daughter, Madison, received the a full scholarship to the CCA's International Summer School in 2019 as well as a scholarship based on her artistry. She has attended summer programs with Colorado Ballet, Ballet West, and Philadelphia Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet and Sarasota Ballet.
ONE Academy Students and Awards & Scholarships have become too numerous to list. We are blessed by a dedicated faculty that desires to partner with families to see their dancers grow and achieve their dreams. Our students have gone on to multiple University and professional company programs over the years and we are proud of all they continue to do in the world of dance and other fields where they are becoming our leaders of the next generation!
Meredith believes that high standards of excellence combined with an environment where each students is valued as important and uniquely gifted, creates the recipe for students to succeed and even exceed their own expectations.
Artistic and Program Director, Cecchetti Ballet Teacher, Choreographer, YAGP Coaching
Meredith Dunham has been teaching, choreographing and directing dancers since 1992. She began her own training at the age of 4 under the direction of Suzanne Semans in Houston, Texas as well as training for seven years in gymnastics with Houston Gymnastics Academy. Meredith has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, and hip-hop. In 2008, Meredith returned to study ballet pedagogy under the mentorship of Renata Sanford. Meredith is a certified Cecchetti Ballet teacher and an active member of the Cecchetti Council of America and Southwest Cecchetti Council. In 2015 she was awarded the Jane Caryl Miller teacher's scholarship to the Cecchetti Council of America's International Teachers' Conference. In 2017 and 2023 she was also awarded a full scholarship by the Southwest Chapter of the CCA to the International Teachers' Conference and the Charter Board Scholarship in 2018. Meredith has had the honor of studying with Diane Van Schoor of Royal Ballet (England) as well as many other talented teachers of the Cecchetti Council of America: Lee Ann King, Karla Harris, Dr. Kathleen Tenniswood-Powell, Laura McCarthy as well as others. Meredith holds her professional "Intermediate" certificate in teaching and the level of LCCA with the Cecchetti Council of America and is certified to train teachers as well as students. Meredith has also trained with Lynne Charles of the world renowned 4Pointe method who continues to be her mentor in training dancers for the rigors of pointe work with an emphasis on safety and longevity. She also works along side of local physical therapists to find ways to help dancers train safely and reach their goals. Meredith has also worked for two Texas Governors and two US Presidents. She graduated from Texas A&M with a double emphasis degree in Political Science and Spanish, but returned to her first love, dancing and teaching.
ONE Academy of Dance has been training dancers for 12 years now. We are so amazed at how God has blessed our school and advanced our program over the years. Dancers trained at ONE Academy of Dance have been invited to prestigious summer programs such as The Royal Ballet (England), American Ballet Theater (NYC), Houston Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Ballet West (SLC), Kansas City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theater, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Nashville Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Harid Consevatory, Cary Ballet Conservatory, Alvin Ailey, Hubbard Street (Chicago), Arch Contemporary Ballet (NYC), and Peridance (NYC).
Meredith's oldest daughter was awarded a full scholarship to the CCA's International Student's Summer School where she was also awarded the Advanced Scholarship, the Carolyn Trythall Scholarship in 2017. Morgan competed in Youth American Grand Prix as ONE Academy's first student to compete in this international competition and placed in the top 12 in the Contemporary category. She was also invited to year round programs at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater (2016, 2017), Oregon Ballet Theater (2018) and Kansas City Ballet (2018). Morgan went on to be a trainee with Nevada Ballet Theater and then Oklahoma City Ballet and OKCBII. She is currently a professional member of Uptown Dance Company in Houston and a sought after choreographer and teacher as well. Meredith's youngest daughter, Madison, received the a full scholarship to the CCA's International Summer School in 2019 as well as a scholarship based on her artistry. She has attended summer programs with Colorado Ballet, Ballet West, and Philadelphia Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet and Sarasota Ballet.
ONE Academy Students and Awards & Scholarships have become too numerous to list. We are blessed by a dedicated faculty that desires to partner with families to see their dancers grow and achieve their dreams. Our students have gone on to multiple University and professional company programs over the years and we are proud of all they continue to do in the world of dance and other fields where they are becoming our leaders of the next generation!
Meredith believes that high standards of excellence combined with an environment where each students is valued as important and uniquely gifted, creates the recipe for students to succeed and even exceed their own expectations.
"We have a very special environment at ONE Academy. We want each student that comes through our doors to feel valued and cared for and be challenged and pushed to do their best. It is my relationship with Christ that gifted me with the vision of ONE Academy. It has been by His hand that we have grown and advanced. My students see my real life journey seeking to know Him better and follow what His word teaches. There are ups and downs, successes and flops, victories and struggles. But His love is unconditional, never-ending, forgiving, healing and is the inspiration I use to do my best to lead ONE Academy. "
- Ms. Meredith
- Ms. Meredith
Madison Dunham
Cecchetti Ballet, Conditioning, Pre-Pointe, Choreography
Madison Dunham began dancing at the age of 2. She loved anything pink especially tutus. By the time she was in grade school she began to study the primary work of the Cecchetti Syllabus under her mother, Meredith Dunham. Madison grew up at ONE Academy of dance, assisting classes, organizing costumes, helping with schedules, teaching choreography and even assisting preparing students for Cecchetti Ballet exams. She completed her professional student Cecchetti “Intermediate” (Grade 6) exam receiving the highest marks. She has also completed her teacher’s Grade 1 certification also receiving the highest marks.
In addition to training at ONE Academy of Dance, Madison has received scholarships to the Cecchetti Summer School on two occasions as well as an award for Artistry from the Southwest Committee. Madison has also trained with Colorado Ballet (on partial scholarship), Ballet West, Philadelphia Ballet, including learning Don Quixote from Angel Corella, Oklahoma City Ballet, Sarasota Ballet and Kansas City Ballet. Madison was chosen to represent the Cecchetti Council of America in the Cecchetti International Classical Ballet Competition where she also had the opportunity to train with Diane vanSchoor and Matthew Farmer.
Madison has performed many roles in many ballets including Clara, Snow Queen, Arabian, Dew Drop and Sugarplum in The Nutcracker. She has also dance the roles of lead Summer Fairy as well as a Stepsister in Cinderella, the Queen of Hearts in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Giselle and Marta in Giselle as well as Swanhilda in Coppelia. In addition to that she has danced variations from La Bayadere, Paquita, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Le Corsaire, Giselle, Coppelia, and Raymonda.
In addition to dancing Madison has created classical and contemporary works for students at ONE Academy since 2016.
Madison is excited to continue teaching students in a positive, fun atmosphere where they learn the value of hard work and determination and that they can accomplish big things. Along with developing their dance training she wants them to learn that they are valuable individuals and help them grow in confidence.
Madison Dunham
Cecchetti Ballet, Conditioning, Pre-Pointe, Choreography
Madison Dunham began dancing at the age of 2. She loved anything pink especially tutus. By the time she was in grade school she began to study the primary work of the Cecchetti Syllabus under her mother, Meredith Dunham. Madison grew up at ONE Academy of dance, assisting classes, organizing costumes, helping with schedules, teaching choreography and even assisting preparing students for Cecchetti Ballet exams. She completed her professional student Cecchetti “Intermediate” (Grade 6) exam receiving the highest marks. She has also completed her teacher’s Grade 1 certification also receiving the highest marks.
In addition to training at ONE Academy of Dance, Madison has received scholarships to the Cecchetti Summer School on two occasions as well as an award for Artistry from the Southwest Committee. Madison has also trained with Colorado Ballet (on partial scholarship), Ballet West, Philadelphia Ballet, including learning Don Quixote from Angel Corella, Oklahoma City Ballet, Sarasota Ballet and Kansas City Ballet. Madison was chosen to represent the Cecchetti Council of America in the Cecchetti International Classical Ballet Competition where she also had the opportunity to train with Diane vanSchoor and Matthew Farmer.
Madison has performed many roles in many ballets including Clara, Snow Queen, Arabian, Dew Drop and Sugarplum in The Nutcracker. She has also dance the roles of lead Summer Fairy as well as a Stepsister in Cinderella, the Queen of Hearts in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Giselle and Marta in Giselle as well as Swanhilda in Coppelia. In addition to that she has danced variations from La Bayadere, Paquita, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Le Corsaire, Giselle, Coppelia, and Raymonda.
In addition to dancing Madison has created classical and contemporary works for students at ONE Academy since 2016.
Madison is excited to continue teaching students in a positive, fun atmosphere where they learn the value of hard work and determination and that they can accomplish big things. Along with developing their dance training she wants them to learn that they are valuable individuals and help them grow in confidence.
Morgan Dunham
Cecchetti Ballet, Pointe, Pre-Pointe, Conditioning, Choreography
Morgan Dunham is originally from Austin, TX. “I don’t remember a point in my life where I wasn’t dancing. My mother needed something for me to do while she was teaching and put me in a class across the hall, and I just never left.”
Morgan initially focused on competitive jazz and contemporary, but began focusing on ballet in order to pursue a professional career. She began her training under Meredith Dunham at ONE Academy of Dance, and has studied the Cecchetti Method from many knowledgeable teachers including Diane Van Schoor, Renata Sanford, Deidre Russell, Dr. Kathleen Tenniswood-Powell, Ann Parsley, June Smith, Karla Harris, and Lee Ann King.
She progressed through the syllabus and is a Cecchetti Certified Intermediate Graduate, as well as Certified Primary and Grade 1 and 2 teacher. She has also been fortunate to train at summer programs at Houston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Oklahoma City Ballet, and the Cecchetti Council of America Summer School. She spent a year training at Kansas City Ballet School in 2018 before joining Nevada Ballet Theatre as a Trainee in the fall of 2019. She then joined Oklahoma City Ballet as a Trainee in 2020, and was promoted to Second Company in 2022. She danced with Uptown Dance Company for the 23/24 season.
Morgan has been honored to perform alongside Cirque du Soleil and in ballets choreographed by George Balanchine, Marius Petipa, Ben Stevenson, Devon Carney, Maria Konrad, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Rachel Nye, Robert Mills, Benjamin Tucker and James Canfield.
Additionally, Morgan has enjoyed creating works for dancers in the Studio Company and School of Oklahoma City Ballet, including solos for the Youth America Grand Prix. She has also choreographed solos and pieces for several productions at ONE Academy of Dance as well as several other schools. She has performed as a guest artist in The Nutcracker, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Coppelia.
Morgan began assisting teaching and assisting with preparing student for Cecchetti Exams at a young age. At Oklahoma City Ballet she taught the primary levels as well as being a sub for their Evening and Day Programs.
Cecchetti Ballet, Pointe, Pre-Pointe, Conditioning, Choreography
Morgan Dunham is originally from Austin, TX. “I don’t remember a point in my life where I wasn’t dancing. My mother needed something for me to do while she was teaching and put me in a class across the hall, and I just never left.”
Morgan initially focused on competitive jazz and contemporary, but began focusing on ballet in order to pursue a professional career. She began her training under Meredith Dunham at ONE Academy of Dance, and has studied the Cecchetti Method from many knowledgeable teachers including Diane Van Schoor, Renata Sanford, Deidre Russell, Dr. Kathleen Tenniswood-Powell, Ann Parsley, June Smith, Karla Harris, and Lee Ann King.
She progressed through the syllabus and is a Cecchetti Certified Intermediate Graduate, as well as Certified Primary and Grade 1 and 2 teacher. She has also been fortunate to train at summer programs at Houston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Oklahoma City Ballet, and the Cecchetti Council of America Summer School. She spent a year training at Kansas City Ballet School in 2018 before joining Nevada Ballet Theatre as a Trainee in the fall of 2019. She then joined Oklahoma City Ballet as a Trainee in 2020, and was promoted to Second Company in 2022. She danced with Uptown Dance Company for the 23/24 season.
Morgan has been honored to perform alongside Cirque du Soleil and in ballets choreographed by George Balanchine, Marius Petipa, Ben Stevenson, Devon Carney, Maria Konrad, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Rachel Nye, Robert Mills, Benjamin Tucker and James Canfield.
Additionally, Morgan has enjoyed creating works for dancers in the Studio Company and School of Oklahoma City Ballet, including solos for the Youth America Grand Prix. She has also choreographed solos and pieces for several productions at ONE Academy of Dance as well as several other schools. She has performed as a guest artist in The Nutcracker, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Coppelia.
Morgan began assisting teaching and assisting with preparing student for Cecchetti Exams at a young age. At Oklahoma City Ballet she taught the primary levels as well as being a sub for their Evening and Day Programs.
Rachel Aucoin
Neo-classical Ballet, Repertory & Variations, Private Coaching, Choreography and Adult Ballet
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Rachel began her adventures in dance with Mary Vizien in the world of tap and theatrical dancing. Her interest in ballet came about after seeing a documentary about Suzanne Farrell at the age of seven and from that inspiration she began her training to become a dancer. Rachel has studied with with Gregory Schramel and Marjorie Hardwick Schramel at Schramel Conservatory of Dance, the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Kaatsbaan Cultural Center and privately with Wilhelm Burmann and Nikolaz Makhateli. As a student Rachel competed in Youth America Grand Prix at the regional level (Top Twelve for Classical Ballet and Contemporary, as well as bringing the Outstanding School award home to Schramel Conservatory of Dance as their only student at the competition). Additionally, Rachel was honored to attend the New York YAGP finals. Ms. Aucoin’s professional career was comprised of dancing with New Orleans Ballet Theatre and American Ballet Theatre. She was fortunate to dance many roles in the great classical and neoclassical works that are ballet. Works by Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Kenneth MacMillan, Sir Frederick Ashton, Anthony Tudor, Jerome Robbins, Jiri Kylián, Hans van Manen, and Willam Forsythe. Rachel is currently training for her Pilates certification from Romana Pilates International here in Austin with Benjamin Martinez at Animo Pilates.
She is delighted to be joining the faculty of One Academy of Dance to share her love of ballet and its history with students every age who has a desire to learn this unique and beautiful art form. It was her good fortune to be able to work with former dancers and teachers that have helped shape the artistry and technique that is looked for in today’s professionals. To share an ounce of their inspiration and see that spread to students is her greatest wish in this new adventure.
Neo-classical Ballet, Repertory & Variations, Private Coaching, Choreography and Adult Ballet
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Rachel began her adventures in dance with Mary Vizien in the world of tap and theatrical dancing. Her interest in ballet came about after seeing a documentary about Suzanne Farrell at the age of seven and from that inspiration she began her training to become a dancer. Rachel has studied with with Gregory Schramel and Marjorie Hardwick Schramel at Schramel Conservatory of Dance, the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Kaatsbaan Cultural Center and privately with Wilhelm Burmann and Nikolaz Makhateli. As a student Rachel competed in Youth America Grand Prix at the regional level (Top Twelve for Classical Ballet and Contemporary, as well as bringing the Outstanding School award home to Schramel Conservatory of Dance as their only student at the competition). Additionally, Rachel was honored to attend the New York YAGP finals. Ms. Aucoin’s professional career was comprised of dancing with New Orleans Ballet Theatre and American Ballet Theatre. She was fortunate to dance many roles in the great classical and neoclassical works that are ballet. Works by Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Kenneth MacMillan, Sir Frederick Ashton, Anthony Tudor, Jerome Robbins, Jiri Kylián, Hans van Manen, and Willam Forsythe. Rachel is currently training for her Pilates certification from Romana Pilates International here in Austin with Benjamin Martinez at Animo Pilates.
She is delighted to be joining the faculty of One Academy of Dance to share her love of ballet and its history with students every age who has a desire to learn this unique and beautiful art form. It was her good fortune to be able to work with former dancers and teachers that have helped shape the artistry and technique that is looked for in today’s professionals. To share an ounce of their inspiration and see that spread to students is her greatest wish in this new adventure.
Inna Grudtcina
Jazz, Modern, Improvisation, Composition, Ballet, Choreographer, YAGP Contemporary Coach
Inna Grudtcina, born and raised in Vladivostok, Russia, began dancing and performing at the age of 14. Inna's desire to dance lead her across the world to perform and study with companies in South Korea, China, Spain and Israel. She performed as a principal dancer in shows in South Korea (“Cinderella”), China, Spain (a tribute to Michael Flatley’s “Lord of thedance”) and Israel (“White noise” Vertigo Dance Company repertoire). Her ballet training was with M.Fyodorov and A.Strokin – nationally recognized ballet teachers in Russia. Her contemporary dance training in was with the contemporary dance company “Kauri” (Russia) and at Vertigo International Dance Training Program (Israel). In Russia, Inna was a successful teacher and choreographer. Her works won awards at regional and national dance festivals and competitions. Since Inna found her passion in dance she has continued to develop her dancing and teaching skills at numerous workshops in Russia and around the world. She moved to Austin, TX in 2013. The desire to share her knowledge, encourage, and inspire young dancers brought her to United States. Inna teaches Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Improvisation, Barre Pilates and is currently a member of Lotus Contemporary Dance Company and is working with "The Bridge" Dance Project.
Jazz, Modern, Improvisation, Composition, Ballet, Choreographer, YAGP Contemporary Coach
Inna Grudtcina, born and raised in Vladivostok, Russia, began dancing and performing at the age of 14. Inna's desire to dance lead her across the world to perform and study with companies in South Korea, China, Spain and Israel. She performed as a principal dancer in shows in South Korea (“Cinderella”), China, Spain (a tribute to Michael Flatley’s “Lord of thedance”) and Israel (“White noise” Vertigo Dance Company repertoire). Her ballet training was with M.Fyodorov and A.Strokin – nationally recognized ballet teachers in Russia. Her contemporary dance training in was with the contemporary dance company “Kauri” (Russia) and at Vertigo International Dance Training Program (Israel). In Russia, Inna was a successful teacher and choreographer. Her works won awards at regional and national dance festivals and competitions. Since Inna found her passion in dance she has continued to develop her dancing and teaching skills at numerous workshops in Russia and around the world. She moved to Austin, TX in 2013. The desire to share her knowledge, encourage, and inspire young dancers brought her to United States. Inna teaches Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Improvisation, Barre Pilates and is currently a member of Lotus Contemporary Dance Company and is working with "The Bridge" Dance Project.
Rebecca Johnson
Ballet, Pointe, Choreography, YAGP Coaching
Becky Johnson is originally from Ann Arbor, MI where she received her early training from Marjorie Randazzo, and later from Anthony Randazzo. From there she attended Virginia School of the Arts where she studied under Petrus Bosman, David Keener, Martha Faesi, and many incredible guest teachers such as Franco De Vita, Lorraine Graves, and Joy Ludlow. Becky also attended summer programs at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Charleston Ballet Theater, and Ballet Austin, as well as the CCA Summer Intensive.
Becky spent one season as an apprentice with Charleston Ballet Theater before joining Ballet Austin in 2003 as a trainee and then becoming a member of Ballet Austin II in 2004, and finally joining the main company in 2006 where she danced until retiring in 2017. During her professional career Becky had the opportunity to perform in many classical and contemporary works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Stephen Mills, Septime Webber, Amy Seiwert, among others. She especially enjoyed dancing as Gertrude in Hamlet, Bluebird in Sleeping Beauty, Snow Queen and Sugarplum in The Nutcracker, Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Myrtha in Giselle. In 2014 Becky received an Austin Critic’s Table Award for Outstanding Dancer for her work as Myrtha and Hippolyta. Becky also graduated with a bachelor’s degree from St Edward’s University in 2011 and enjoys spending time with her husband and two small children.
Ballet, Pointe, Choreography, YAGP Coaching
Becky Johnson is originally from Ann Arbor, MI where she received her early training from Marjorie Randazzo, and later from Anthony Randazzo. From there she attended Virginia School of the Arts where she studied under Petrus Bosman, David Keener, Martha Faesi, and many incredible guest teachers such as Franco De Vita, Lorraine Graves, and Joy Ludlow. Becky also attended summer programs at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Charleston Ballet Theater, and Ballet Austin, as well as the CCA Summer Intensive.
Becky spent one season as an apprentice with Charleston Ballet Theater before joining Ballet Austin in 2003 as a trainee and then becoming a member of Ballet Austin II in 2004, and finally joining the main company in 2006 where she danced until retiring in 2017. During her professional career Becky had the opportunity to perform in many classical and contemporary works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Stephen Mills, Septime Webber, Amy Seiwert, among others. She especially enjoyed dancing as Gertrude in Hamlet, Bluebird in Sleeping Beauty, Snow Queen and Sugarplum in The Nutcracker, Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Myrtha in Giselle. In 2014 Becky received an Austin Critic’s Table Award for Outstanding Dancer for her work as Myrtha and Hippolyta. Becky also graduated with a bachelor’s degree from St Edward’s University in 2011 and enjoys spending time with her husband and two small children.
Deidre Russell Robinson
Pointe, Cecchetti Ballet, Character & Variations Instructor, YAGP Coaching
Deidre began her studies in Houston, TX with Margo Marshall, Madame Seminova, James Clouser and Patsy Swayze. She also studied jazz and musical theater with greats Frank Hatchet, Gus Giordano and Alvin Ailey. A graduate of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Ms. Robinson’s career has included many dance forms, movies, commercials, touring shows and eight different countries. She performed and toured extensively with the Houston Jazz Ballet Company under the direction of Patsy Swayze, dancing in numerous ballets including Spartacus, Kismet, Spring Waters and Raymonda Variations. Joining the Houston Ballet under the direction of James Clouser, then Ben Stevenson, Deidre’s roles included the Peasant Pas de Deux from Giselle, as well as performances of Caliban and Carmina Burana.
Summers had her touring with Theater Under the Stars productions of Music Man, Gi Gi, My Fair Lady and Carousel, under the direction of Roger Rabe (Director of Broadway’s Best Little Whorehouse) and Bruce Lumpkin (Director of Nine on Broadway). She was featured in a national commercial for Astroworld and appeared with John Travolta in the movie Urban Cowboy. A move to Los Angeles landed her in the touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar and subsequently with a principal role in Bally’s Las Vegas production of Hollywood Jubilee. She also performed and toured with the Jean Carlos Flamenco Ballet Company of Caracas, Venezuela. She returned to the United States in 1987. In Austin, she was invited to join the Austin Contemporary Ballet while she directed its junior company, Texas Youth Ballet.
Additionally, Ms. Russell Robinson has choreographed several musicals for the Capital City Playhouse and Kid’s Acting such as Fiddler On the Roof and Westside Story. Deidre shared her wealth of knowledge and love of dance through her own studio, Austin Dance Arts, 2003-2008. She is proud to be a member of the International Dance Council, Classical Dance Alliance, Texas Association of Teachers of Dance and the Cecchetti Council of America.
Pointe, Cecchetti Ballet, Character & Variations Instructor, YAGP Coaching
Deidre began her studies in Houston, TX with Margo Marshall, Madame Seminova, James Clouser and Patsy Swayze. She also studied jazz and musical theater with greats Frank Hatchet, Gus Giordano and Alvin Ailey. A graduate of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Ms. Robinson’s career has included many dance forms, movies, commercials, touring shows and eight different countries. She performed and toured extensively with the Houston Jazz Ballet Company under the direction of Patsy Swayze, dancing in numerous ballets including Spartacus, Kismet, Spring Waters and Raymonda Variations. Joining the Houston Ballet under the direction of James Clouser, then Ben Stevenson, Deidre’s roles included the Peasant Pas de Deux from Giselle, as well as performances of Caliban and Carmina Burana.
Summers had her touring with Theater Under the Stars productions of Music Man, Gi Gi, My Fair Lady and Carousel, under the direction of Roger Rabe (Director of Broadway’s Best Little Whorehouse) and Bruce Lumpkin (Director of Nine on Broadway). She was featured in a national commercial for Astroworld and appeared with John Travolta in the movie Urban Cowboy. A move to Los Angeles landed her in the touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar and subsequently with a principal role in Bally’s Las Vegas production of Hollywood Jubilee. She also performed and toured with the Jean Carlos Flamenco Ballet Company of Caracas, Venezuela. She returned to the United States in 1987. In Austin, she was invited to join the Austin Contemporary Ballet while she directed its junior company, Texas Youth Ballet.
Additionally, Ms. Russell Robinson has choreographed several musicals for the Capital City Playhouse and Kid’s Acting such as Fiddler On the Roof and Westside Story. Deidre shared her wealth of knowledge and love of dance through her own studio, Austin Dance Arts, 2003-2008. She is proud to be a member of the International Dance Council, Classical Dance Alliance, Texas Association of Teachers of Dance and the Cecchetti Council of America.
Rachel Saathoff
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Intro to Dance, Creative Movement
Rachel Saathoff began dancing at the age of four in Plano, Texas at the Art of Dance with Margie Lootens who introduced her to a variety of dance styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip hop. There she studied the Cecchetti ballet technique under the direction of Cyndi Shailer and Tammy Thiessen. In 2004 she moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Theater and Dance and a Bachelors of Science in Public Relations. She performed with the UT Dance Repertory Theatre and traveled abroad in 2008 to participate in the Young! Tanzommer Dance Festival tour in Austria and the European Dance Art Salzburg Ballet Workshop in Cyprus under the direction of Lyn C. Wiltshire and Andrea Beckham. She continued her dance career at Movin’ Easy Dancewear as an expert fitter specializing in pointe and ballroom fittings under the guidance of her mentor and store owner, Timothy Hurst.
Rachel danced with Vitality Exhale Dance Company in 2014 under the direction of Atticus Rodriguez and produced several shows as the Executive Artistic Director while also performing in new, original works. She joined Ballet East Dance Company in 2015 under the direction of Rodolfo “Rudy” Méndez and accredits Rudy for giving her the opportunity to work with numerous talented, local choreographers including Amberlee Cantrell, Andrea Ariel of Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre, Lindsey Taylor of Little Stolen Moments, Meghan Bowman of Tru Dance Project, Aurelio Planes Rodriguez and Inna Grudtcina of Chamacos Dance Company. Since 2019 she’s volunteered with Ballet East under the direction of Melissa Villarreal and Juan Pablo Flores. Other projects include performing as a guest artist in Aztlan Dance Company’s Loteria Landia under the direction of Dr. Roén Salinas and with Ballet Afrique for the Bailando International Dance Festival in Corpus Christi under the direction of China Smith in 2017.
Rachel is excited to be teaching Contemporary, Jazz, Intro to Dance, Ballet, and Creative Movement at One Academy of Dance and actively working on her Cecchetti teacher’s certification under the guidance of Meredith Dunham.
Dancing with a variety of contemporary and modern based companies focused on serving the minority and underrepresented communities of Austin has greatly shaped and influenced her teaching style. In the classroom, she believes in perseverance and the power of positive reinforcement. She views dance as an all inclusive performing art form that is open to anyone wanting to learn!
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Intro to Dance, Creative Movement
Rachel Saathoff began dancing at the age of four in Plano, Texas at the Art of Dance with Margie Lootens who introduced her to a variety of dance styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip hop. There she studied the Cecchetti ballet technique under the direction of Cyndi Shailer and Tammy Thiessen. In 2004 she moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Theater and Dance and a Bachelors of Science in Public Relations. She performed with the UT Dance Repertory Theatre and traveled abroad in 2008 to participate in the Young! Tanzommer Dance Festival tour in Austria and the European Dance Art Salzburg Ballet Workshop in Cyprus under the direction of Lyn C. Wiltshire and Andrea Beckham. She continued her dance career at Movin’ Easy Dancewear as an expert fitter specializing in pointe and ballroom fittings under the guidance of her mentor and store owner, Timothy Hurst.
Rachel danced with Vitality Exhale Dance Company in 2014 under the direction of Atticus Rodriguez and produced several shows as the Executive Artistic Director while also performing in new, original works. She joined Ballet East Dance Company in 2015 under the direction of Rodolfo “Rudy” Méndez and accredits Rudy for giving her the opportunity to work with numerous talented, local choreographers including Amberlee Cantrell, Andrea Ariel of Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre, Lindsey Taylor of Little Stolen Moments, Meghan Bowman of Tru Dance Project, Aurelio Planes Rodriguez and Inna Grudtcina of Chamacos Dance Company. Since 2019 she’s volunteered with Ballet East under the direction of Melissa Villarreal and Juan Pablo Flores. Other projects include performing as a guest artist in Aztlan Dance Company’s Loteria Landia under the direction of Dr. Roén Salinas and with Ballet Afrique for the Bailando International Dance Festival in Corpus Christi under the direction of China Smith in 2017.
Rachel is excited to be teaching Contemporary, Jazz, Intro to Dance, Ballet, and Creative Movement at One Academy of Dance and actively working on her Cecchetti teacher’s certification under the guidance of Meredith Dunham.
Dancing with a variety of contemporary and modern based companies focused on serving the minority and underrepresented communities of Austin has greatly shaped and influenced her teaching style. In the classroom, she believes in perseverance and the power of positive reinforcement. She views dance as an all inclusive performing art form that is open to anyone wanting to learn!
Tikiri Shapiro
Modern, Contemporary, Improvisation, Conditioning, Adult Classes
Tikiri Shapiro is from Knoxville, TN and began her career with the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association performing classical works such as "Peter and The Wolf" and "Cinderella". She then trained at George Mason University where she performed works by Martha Graham, Stephen Petronio, Bill T Jones, Lar Lubovitch, and Ohad Naharin and received a BFA in Dance. After graduating, she pursued her love for teaching as she opened Lighthouse Dance & Yoga, a studio in Selbyville, DE with a focus on ballet, contemporary, and choreography. As choreography took flight, she moved to NYC with her performance company, Sea Legs Dance, that started with students and progressed to a professional level presenting shows in Delaware, NYC, and internationally to Sri Lanka. Tikiri continues to choreograph with Sea Legs Dance in Austin, TX. Her mission as a teacher is to motivate students to set and accomplish goals and gain confidence in their learning environment.
Modern, Contemporary, Improvisation, Conditioning, Adult Classes
Tikiri Shapiro is from Knoxville, TN and began her career with the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association performing classical works such as "Peter and The Wolf" and "Cinderella". She then trained at George Mason University where she performed works by Martha Graham, Stephen Petronio, Bill T Jones, Lar Lubovitch, and Ohad Naharin and received a BFA in Dance. After graduating, she pursued her love for teaching as she opened Lighthouse Dance & Yoga, a studio in Selbyville, DE with a focus on ballet, contemporary, and choreography. As choreography took flight, she moved to NYC with her performance company, Sea Legs Dance, that started with students and progressed to a professional level presenting shows in Delaware, NYC, and internationally to Sri Lanka. Tikiri continues to choreograph with Sea Legs Dance in Austin, TX. Her mission as a teacher is to motivate students to set and accomplish goals and gain confidence in their learning environment.