Jenny Ford
Dancing has been a part of Jenny’s life since the early age of two. She has been trained in all styles of dance including: Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Modern. Jenny has attended various workshops throughout her career, and has trained with legendary chorographers in Las Vegas and instructors from Pacific Northwest Ballet. She also has a strong background in competitive dance too. Additionally, she continued dancing and choreographing with her college dance company at Central Washington University. It is there where she received her teaching degree in 2000.  Jenny has taught elementary school for the past 12 years in local public school districts. Throughout college and her professional years, she continued teaching dance at local studios, teaching all styles. Jenny lives in Sumner with her husband, Ryan, and 3 small children, Gabe, Jacob, and Mackenzie.  Jenny is happy to return for her 5th year with The Dance Academy!  “Dancing is a passion of mine.  It’s a way to express emotions and tell a story. To dance, is to breathe!”

Anna Haggen

I have been dancing in one form or another for over 20 years.  I grew up dancing and competing in studio's throughout Pierce County and was a member of my high school and college dance teams.  I was active as a dancer and choreographer in the dance and theater productions at Pacific Lutheran University and received my degree in 2007 with majors in political science and global studies, and minors in French and vocal music.  I joined the staff at The Dance Academy in 2008 and enjoy sharing my passion for dance as an instructor.

Jessilyn Roberts

Jessilyn Roberts is a 21 year old working college student.  She has supporting parents and the youngest of 5 children. Jessilyn started dancing when she was almost 8 years old at Charisma School of Dance in Lakewood, then moved to Auburn Dance Academy at age 14 until she graduated high school. She danced competitively for about 8 years, marking her first competition when she was 10 years old. In 2008, one of Jessilyn's lyrical groups made it into finals at Starpower National Dance Competition in California, missing 1st place by a tenth of a point! She said her whole group was in tears of joy.  Another great dance memory Jessilyn has was dancing with her older sister, who was born with Spina Bifida and permanently is unable to walk.  They competed for about 2 years, winning some money prizes and top scores. Jessilyn has danced for Victorian Country Christmas and loves every second of it. A few goals Jess mentioned were to experience dancing on cruise ships, audition for Sea Gals, and possibly go to AMDA Los Angeles. She strives to get the best from her students, and loves seeing the outcome!

Nate Castro

First off allow me to introduce myself, my name is Nathanial Castro, Nate for short. I am 27 years of age and discovered this wonderful world of dance at the tender age of 13 where I learned the basic principles of break dancing which consists of popping, locking, acrobatics and footwork.  I now spread my knowledge of the art known as hip-hop to all those who enjoy learning plain and simple. By leading with example I hope I those I dance with aspire to inspire.

1999-2002
Ÿ Auditioned for High school step/dance team “Crimson Haze” and made it my Sophomore.
Ÿ Learned how to break dances down and teach them in eight-counts.
Ÿ Began learning choreographed  dancing and choreographing my own dances.
Ÿ Promoted to Assistant Captain where I helped to come up with dances, take team roll, assist in warm-ups, critiquing dances and doing formations.
Ÿ Led group in 2001 to “Stomp fest” in Seattle, WA where my group took 1st place overall in statewide competition.
Ÿ Took over as head Captain my Sr. year and defended our title in 2002 as the best step/dance group in WA state at “Stomp Fest”.
Ÿ As captain responsible for: scheduling performances, meet & greet w/ public, creating and teaching dances, public speaking,  running daily practice and group uniforms.

2002-2004
Ÿ 1st year of taking formal classes in dance studio at Charisma School of dance where I took beginning classes in Lyrical, Jazz and Tap.
Ÿ Head choreographer of local dance groups like: The Heat, Pure Intensity and Quadians. Also Lead Artistic director for  performance groups like Reality Check and Akir.
Ÿ In 2004 began making commute to Seattle where I took classes at Westlake Dance studio. Studied under direction of Brian Tanaka, Daniel Cruz, Rex Kinney and Cameron Lee.
Ÿ Auditioned and made Reputable dance teams- Seattle Breed dance troupe, Sonics half-time dance team and Culture shock Atlanta/San Diego.

2004-2006
Ÿ Traveled to Atlanta, Oregon, Canada, Hawaii, California and Las Vegas for competitions and conventions where we received  many different awards: Best group, Best Overall, Honorable Mention and Best Choreography.
Ÿ Took classes in California at esteemed Millennium and The Edge dance studios with multiple choreographers: Dante, Wade Robson, Marty Kudelka, Tyce Diorio and Shaun Evaristo.
Ÿ Began community college to obtain basic Associates degree (currently working on).

2007-2008
Ÿ Hired at Action Dance Academy in Tacoma, WA as Hip-hop instructor.
Ÿ Under my direction took Junior Company to nationals in Las Vegas where they received Platinum medals and Best in group.
Taught Hip­-hop masters class at many studios: Action Dance, Issaquah Dance theatre,  Sammamish dance studio, Charisma and The YMCA where I was responsible for working
Ÿ with the young and upcoming talent.
Ÿ Auditioned for Television show “So you think you can dance?” Season 4  in Los Angeles, CA where I made it to the final cut.

2009-present
Ÿ Started as sub hip-hop instructor at The Dance Academy where I quickly became the main hip-hop instructor. Still working at the establishment currently.
Ÿ Currently working in Tacoma at dance studio seeking the talent in urban area with at risk youth.

Ÿ Auditioned for upcoming NeW BoYz tour and was cut in the final round.

Cheyenne Robinson

Dancing has been a part of my life since the age of four, I was trained in all styles of dance including; ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and tap. I was also a part of my studio's competition team where we went on to win awards at various nationals. While there I danced under Greg Baja, who has been on "America's Best Dance Crew". I am currently training in dance at Green River Community College as well as working on a bussiness degree. This is my second year at The Dance Academy instructing the level 5/6's and Team. I love dancing and always look forward to coming to teach the kids and watch them progress!