Master Teaching Artist, 2015

Gina has been a Teaching Artist since 2015 and became a member of the Board of Directors in 2024. A full-time certified professional dance instructor and Certified Life and Heath Coach, Gina brings a wealth of knowledge and wonderful energy to the program.

“Beyond dance steps and technique, we practice teamwork, elegance, respect and the experience of inclusion, connection and joy. Dancing Classrooms facilitates social ability, a sense of connection, and improved self-esteem, while providing the opportunity to fulfill potential and to experience the stuff dreams are made of.” —Gina

Master Teaching Artist, 2016

Suzy served FWISD for 30 years as a 7th grade English/History teacher for 7 years, and as a guidance counselor for 23 years.

After retiring from education in 2014, Suzy became a Teaching Artist with Dancing Classrooms of North Texas in 2016. Suzy also serves on the Board of Directors for Metro Dance Club, DFW.

“I love being a teaching artist because it is very rewarding to see the transformation of the students as the program progresses and they truly begin to enjoy dancing” - Suzy

Senior Teaching Artist, 2018

Tim has been a Teaching Artist since 2018 and brings joy and excitement to the classroom.

“After a 30-year career, singing and conducting music, I wanted to learn to dance. So, 15 years ago I started my dance journey, and it has become my passion. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to share my love of dance with young people. My hope is that dance will touch their lives, fill them with joy and set them on a path to success.” - Tim

Teaching Artist, 2023

Linh has been a Teaching Artist since 2023 and is a professional dance instructor. Linh loves the music and dance of the 1940s. Her love of dance and the connectivity it brings to people are translated directly to her students. Linh’s favorite dance quote is, “dance like no one is watching!”

Teaching Artist, 2023

Briana has been a Teaching Artist since 2023 and is a professional dance instructor and full-time mom. Her love of teaching respect, courtesy, and instilling discipline through dance is an extension of raising children of her own. She believes that children need connection and joy in their lives and dance is one method to achieve this.

Teaching Artist, 2023

With a lifelong love of dance, Virginia became a Teaching Artist in 2023. “Dancing is dreaming with my feet, the hidden language of my soul, my heart speaking out joy through the movement. I desire to give others the joy of creative, free artistic expression when they dance.” - Virginia

Program Manager/Liaison, Master Teaching Artist, 2011

Owner, DanceMakers of Texas

Amanda has been a Teaching Artist since 2011 and is the current Program Manager/Liaison. As a full-time certified professional dance instructor, dance studio owner and Program Manager, Amanda shares her years of experience, love of dance, and passion to teach to the Teaching Artists and students participating in the in-school residency.

Amanda especially enjoys Latin-Style dances and started ballroom dancing in 2008. Amanda has been trained by master coaches from all over the world and is certified by the Texas Association of Salsa Instructors.

Executive Director, Master Teaching Artist, 2011

Julie has been a Teaching Artist since 2011 and is the current Executive Director. Julie “retired” from being a full-time professional dance instructor and dance studio owner and quickly learned you never “retire” from dancing. As the Executive Director, Julie leads the Dancing Classrooms North Texas team of Teaching Arist and works closely with client schools, teachers and principals. When needed, Julie will get into the classrooms to teach. Julie has a passion for giving north Texas youth the tools they need to be successful.

Senior Teaching Artist, 2018

Chair, Dancing Classrooms Board of Directors

As a former US Air Force Security Policeman and Drill Sergeant at a Juvenile Corrections Boot Camp, Scott brings a unique perspective to being a Teaching Artist. Scott works primarily as a Dance Buddy instead of in the classroom

Having worked with “good kids that made bad choices,” Scott witnessed first-hand what happens when kids lack respect, self-control, courtesy, civility, and connection with their community and each other. He even used the film, Take the Lead, as part of his curriculum at the boot camp, teaching kids that past mistakes did not define their future.

“We aren’t teaching kids how to dance. We are teaching them how to be respectful, courteous, civil, and gracious through ballroom dance. Dance is the method, being a good person is the goal.” -Scott