TDA Instructors

"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 and personal training. 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 San Angelo Stars, 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. Maggie has been part of The Dance Academy family since 2014. She began dancing at the age of three and danced throughout college at ASU. Maggie has taught various styles over the years, including Intro to Dance, ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and drill team prep. Maggie graduated from Angelo State University in 2015 and, outside of dance, she works as the Employee & Brand Development Specialist for a local accounting firm. She also dedicates her time to volunteering with the Junior League of San Angelo. 

Maggie and her husband, Zach, married in 2016 and have two wonderful children, Jackson and Kennedy, along with their beloved cat, Zooey.  

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 starting her third year as an instructor with TDA.

"I enjoy teaching students and hope to spread my love for dance in every class I teach."