TDA Instructors
Ms. Stacia - Bachelor of Arts in Dance, Texas Tech University
"I was born and raised in San Angelo, TX. I started dancing at the age of three, at my mother's dance studio, Patricia Aylor School of Dance. I studied ballet, tap, jazz & acrobatics. I loved dancing from the moment I started. I always knew that my life would be centered around dance. At the age of twelve, I attended my first Nutcracker performance in San Angelo. It was the Civic Ballet's premier performance. I wanted to be a dancer in the Nutcracker, so I auditioned the following year. For the next six years, I performed in every production of the Nutcracker. I have had a deep love of ballet, ever since.
I became a Tex-Ann, my sophomore year in high school. I was elected Second Lieutenant my Junior Year, and Co. Captain my Senior Year. I was honored to be selected "Who's Who in American Drill Team." I must say, some of my best memories include those made, as a Tex-Ann.
When I wasn't busy with the Civic Ballet or Tex-Anns, I was dancing & teaching at my mother's studio. I knew I wanted to be a dance teacher, so I attended Texas Tech University, and received a Bachelor's of Fine Arts, in Dance. I danced with the Texas Tech Dance Division and also taught dancing in Tahoka, TX. I also received my Secondary Teacher Certification in Dance and Health. After graduating, I came back to San Angelo and taught dancing. During that time, I auditioned for the Dallas Cowboy’s Cheerleaders, and was a two-time Finalist.
I soon moved to Beaumont TX. In Beaumont, I worked as a dance teacher and gymnastics instructor, until I became a mom. I then switched gears, to teaching group fitness classes. Teaching group fitness classes allowed me to be a stay at home mom, but still get my "choreography fix."
In 2007, I returned to San Angelo, with my two beautiful girls. I realized how much I had missed teaching dancing, and decided to open The Dance Academy.
In 2008, with the love and support of my children and family, I did!
In 2011, I met Neal, who I married in 2012. He helps wherever he's needed at TDA. I am blessed to have him, along with my daughters, who also share a great love of dance, and a great staff of dance instructors at TDA.
I volunteer within our community yearly by participating as a Pro dancer in Dancing with the Stars San Angelo, which raises funds for Hospice of San Angelo. I also volunteer my choreography and teaching time to the Symphony Belles and Beaux's for their Father/Daughter, Mother/Son dance, when needed.
I feel blessed to do what I have always loved and dreamed of doing.
I hope that all who attend The Dance Academy have wonderful experiences!"
Ms. Stacia, Owner & Instructor
Ms. Mallie
Mallie is a Senior at Angelo State University and is pursuing a degree in Nursing.
She is the daughter of Ms. Stacia.
As the daughter of a dance studio owner, Mallie has been dancing her whole life. She has studied ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical and modern dance. As she advanced in ballet, her focus switched mainly to ballet. She danced at Ballet San Angelo for 11 years, which included 10 Nutcracker performances and numerous other performances. She danced as a Pre-professional Level ballerina for 4 years. Some of her starring roles included Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop Fairy & Snow Queen. She attended numerous summer ballet intensive programs including Ballet Austin, American Ballet Theatre in New York, Houston Ballet and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. She was also awarded best young female dancer by Youth American Grand Prix.
Mallie is starting her sixth year as an instructor at The Dance Academy. She is also a choreographer and instructor for TDA's Poise Dance Company.
Mallie is also honored to be a "Pro" for Dancing with the San Angelo Stars.
" I am excited to share my knowledge of dance with the children."
Miss Mallie, instructor for The Dance Academy
Ms. Trisha
Trisha Walton was born and raised in San Angelo and is a wife and a mom to three amazing kids. Trisha grew up taking dance lessons and was a three year member of Central High School Tex-Anns where she served as Junior Lieutenant and Co.Captain. She danced as an Angelette for Angelo State University for 4 years and served as Captain of the squad. After graduating from Angelo State with a nursing degree, Trisha started her career as an RN, but was able to keep up with her passion for dance, by teaching at The Dance Academy. Trisha has been teaching classes at the Dance Academy for 11 years. She enjoys being able to get to know the dancers and help them grow as individuals.
Ms. Eina
Eina’s dance experience started when she was three years old in Chicago, Illinois. She studied ballet, tap & jazz. In addition to dance, she was also a gymnast for ten years. In high school, she was a member of the school drill team, the Diamond Dancers, in San Antonio, Texas. Most recently, she danced with the Angelo State University, Angelettes. She holds a degree in Communications from ASU.
Eina teaches Intro to Dance & Acrobatic Dance. She is also skilled in jazz, hip-hop & ballet. She is eager to share her technical dance training with the students!
Ms. Kena
Kena is a recent graduate of Angelo State University, where she earned her degree in Fine Arts specializing in Graphic Design. Kena grew up taking numerous hip hop and jazz classes and eventually joined the cheer team when she was in middle school. After cheering for 3 years, she decided to pursue her passion for dance and tryout for Tex Ann’s. Kena was a Tex Ann for 3 years and served as 1st Lieutenant her senior year. During her time at Angelo State, she was a 5 year member of the Angelettes and served as captain for 3 seasons. Kena currently holds a full time position as a graphic designer at Live Design and is training and auditioning for pro dance teams in hopes of continuing her passion for dance at a professional level.
She enjoys teaching and sharing her love for dance at The Dance Academy.
Ms. Riley
Riley started taking tap classes at the age of four and continued until the age of fourteen. She also took drill team prep when she was fourteen. She was a three year member of Central High School’s drill team, the Tex-Anns. Riley served as a Junior lieutenant, and as Captain her senior year. She has experience in Hip-Hop, kick, pom, lyrical, contemporary and jazz. Riley is currently attending Angelo State University. She is an ASU Angelette, and is excited to keep dancing and continue to learn more about dance. "I enjoy teaching students and hope to spread my love for dance in every class I teach."