The Ultimate Dance Leadership Instructors Are Waiting For You At MA Dance
Our staff choreographers and instructors include:
- Lifetime Achievement Winners for Drill/Dance Team Directors of America.
- Choreographers for the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants.
- Performers with the Janet Jackson “Velvet Tour”.
- Dance Choreographers for the Florida Capital One Bowl.
- Talent coordinators & performers for Disney
- Choreographers & dancers for numerous professional sports teams.
Over 100 dancers teach for M.A. The following is a cross-section of biographies which should present a good profile about the technical expertise we require to be an instructor.
Interested In Becoming An Instructor?
MIKE MASTANDREA - Executive Staff
Founder and Executive Director Marching Auxiliaries of America and MA Dance 1976-Present, 1999 Winner TDEA Hall of Fame Award, 1999 Winner TDEA Lifetime Achievement Award, Charter Member National Council Dance/Drill Team Camps 2000-Present, Adjudicator of Many State and National Dance/Drill Team Competitions, Co-Director Half-time Pageantry for the Bluebonnet Bowl, Holiday Bowl, Outback Bowl, Citrus Bowl, and 2006 Nokia Sugar Bowl, TDEA Convention Presenter, Voice of 1997 TDEA Documentary Video, Interview Board for TDEA Scholarship Program, Published Author DTDA Insights Magazine, Creator of the MA Dance Choreography, Technique, and Winner’s Circle Awards, 2005 Winner DTDA Lifetime Achievement Award. “All American” Cheerleader and Captain National Champion University of Florida Cheerleading Squad 1974, MBA /top Graduate University of Florida 1974, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Omicron Delta Kappa National Service Honorary, Florida Blue Key Service Honorary.
DONNA HAAS - Executive Staff
Founder and Executive Director Marching Auxiliaries of America and MA Dance, 1976-Present, Creator, Director and Choreographer Texas Christian University "Showgirls", 1976-1998, Current Member of Conseil International De La Danse CID, Hall of Fame Award Texas Dance Educators Association 2002, Lifetime Achievement Winner National Drill Dance Team Directors of America, 1991-1992, Lifetime Achievement Award Texas Dance Educators Association, 1992-1993, Charter Member National Council Drill Team Camps, 1983-Present, Director TDEA "All-State Drill Team”, 1990, Director Houston Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies, 1986, Director Houston Rodeo Opening Ceremonies, 1986, Pageant Choreographer Bluebonnet Bowl-Houston, TX, Holiday Bowl-San Diego, CA, Hall of Fame Bowl-Tampa, FL, Citrus Bowl-Orlando, FL, Maui Classic Basketball Tournament, Maui, HI, Director Opening Ceremonies 1988 World's Fair Brisbane, Australia, Director Opening Ceremonies 1992 Expo Seville, Spain, Presenter TDDTEA State Conventions, DTDA National Conventions, Illinois State Convention, DTDA Midwest Conventions, Published Author of numerous articles Insights Magazine, Former Director Brewer HS Drill Team.
DIANE MARTIN - Executive Staff
MA Dance and Auxiliaries Director of Logistics, Former Inaugural Director and of the Award-Winning Rockwall High School Dance Team for 27 years, State and National Adjudicator for MA Dance, BA in Dance Specialization from the University of North Texas, Former Member and Officer of Drill Team Directors Association.
MAURICE LONG - Executive Staff
MA Director of Marketing and Sales, Former Director “Dangerous “ WGI HS Winter Guard, Former Member 1981-86 “Alliance Of Miami” and 1986 WGI Silver Medalist, Instructed 1991 WGI Bronze Medalist “Alliance of Miami.”
MICHAEL LONG - Executive Staff
MA Dance & Auxiliaries Vice President, MA Office Manager, Instructor for 1990 Scholastic A Class Silver Medalist Miramar HS Color Guard, Instructor for 1991 World Class Bronze Medalist “Alliance of Miami” Color Guard, MA Dance & Auxiliaries Staff Member 1986-Present, Citrus Bowl Color Guard Choreographer Orlando, Florida, and Aloha Bowl Color Guard Choreographer, Honolulu, Hawaii.
ASHLEY REDDING - Clinic Director
Director of MA Dance Officer Camp, Degree in Dance Education and Secondary Mathematics from Texas State University, Former 3 Year Member of the Texas State University Strutters, Hip-Hop company, and Tap company, Currently a Drill Team Director at Brandeis High School in San Antonio, TX., BHS Educator of the Year 2023-2024.
BETSY HEATHCOCK - Clinic Director
MA Dance Director of Officer Camp Logistics, Texas Dance Educators’ “Hall of Fame” in 2005, “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2000 and “Dance Team Director of the Year” in 1995, Former Dance Director of Dulles High School, Memorial High School, and Austin Fort Bend High School, Choreographer for the 2005, 2009 & 2013 Tournament of Roses “Music for All Honor Dance Team”, Director of the Dance Team Directors of Americas 1994 “All Star Dance Team”, Assistant Dance Director/Choreographer in 1986 United States Olympic Festival, Former President Texas Dance Educators’ Association, TDEA Executive board in Six Different Board Positions, Director for D.E.A.L -“Dance Educators’ Assessment of Learning”, an Assessment of Dance that is being implemented across Texas, and Dance Educator Since 1980.
JESUS ACOSTA - Clinic Director
Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, Danced at Sam Houston State University and Professionally with METdance Company for 4 Seasons, Hope Stone Dance Company for 4 Seasons, Founding Member and Dancer for 9 Seasons with NobleMotion, Currently a Founding Member & Dancer for Houston Contemporary Dance Company, MA Dance and Auxiliaries Teacher, Choreographer, and Judge for 16 Years, Choreographed for The Houston Texans Cheerleaders, Featured in Dance Teacher Magazine, Instructor for Dance Studios and Dance Teams in Houston, TX.
ROXANNE GAGE - Clinic Director
Bachelor of Arts in Dance from University of Texas at Austin, Former Kilgore College Lieutenant and Swingster, Faculty Member for the Austin Community College Dance Department, Director of the Austin Dance Festival Youth Edition, Performer with Blue Lapis Light Site Specific Dance Company (Aerial Dance), Former Dancer and Current Dance Rehearsal Director for Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company, Assistant Choreographer for “Miss Congeniality” with Sandra Bullock, Former Dance Team Director Austin HS Red Jackets, Former Dancer for Sharir Dance Company Touring Extensively in the US, France, and Mexico.
RHODESSA BELL - Clinic Director
Assistant Artistic Director / Rehearsal Director for both Rhythm Express and National Champion Rhythm Elite at Dance Dimensions, BFA in Dance at Stephen F. Austin, Former Dancer of the SFA Pom Squad and the SFA Repertory Dance Company, Trained Under the Direction of Richard Hebscher, Jhon Stronks, and Dina Veil, Performed Professionally with Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Psophonia, Wyld Style, and Planet Funk, Year Residency in Amsterdam Netherlands Teaching for Amsterdam Dance Centre, Body Action, and Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts, and Choreographed an Evening Length Work called “Laughter” for UniverSoul Performance Company.
CAITLIN HYDE - Head Instructor
BFA in Dance from The University of Texas at Austin, Former President of the Student Run Organization, Dance Action, Presented Choreography in Austria for Young! Tanzsommer Tour, Former Dance Staff for the All-American Halftime Show, Orlando, Florida, Assistant Artistic Director of Dance Works (Missouri City, TX), Co-Director of the National Award Winning Majestics Dance Team, and Choreographed Halftime Performances for the Houston Texans Cheerleaders.
CLAYTON CROSS - Head Instructor
Double B.F.A. in Ballet and Modern Dance from Texas Christian University, Nationwide Choreographer, Performer, Adjudicator, and Master Teacher, Choreographer in Residence with Music Theater Works of Chicago and Performer in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat “Benjamin”, Hunchback of Notre Dame, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Into The Woods, Anything Goes “Ensemble”, Pirates of Penzance “Ensemble”, Peter Pan “Nana/Croc”, Gypsy “Tulsa”, Mame “Ensemble”, Candide, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Die Fladermaus, The Fantastiks “Mute” and Damn Yankees “Eddie”, and most recently in A Chorus Line as “Greg” with Porchlight Music Theatre. Clayton also performed at Marriott Theatre in La Cage as “Mercedes”, Consultant and Choreography Contributed for the Capital One Bowl’s All American Halftime Show, Worked with Robert Battle, Fernando Bujones, Sherry Zunker, Paul Taylor & Anne Reinking, Television Credits Include “Every Dancer Has a Story,” a PBS special on the River North Chicago Dance Company, Company member for 10 seasons and toured nationally, and internationally with River North.
DANIELLE GARZA - Head Instructor
B.F.A in Dance from Houston State University. Danced Professionally for 10 Years in Houston, TX with METdance, NobleMotion Dance, Frame Dance, Aimed Dance, The Sandra Organ Dance Company, and Was Hired by the Los Angeles based Company Kreate In to Perform at Events Such as Super Bowl LI and SXSW, and Instructs Dance in Charlottesville, VA.
GABBY AZIOS - Head Instructor
Former Kilgore College Rangerette Lieutenant and Swingster, Former Member of Industry Dance Company, Former Captain of the Texas Christian University Showgirls, Bachelor Degree in Communication Studies with a Minor in Education, and Assistant Director of the Vandegrift High School Legacies.
HEIDI RUVALCABA - Head Instructor
Owns and Operates a Dance Training Center to Instruct Dance to Kids with Special Needs and Personal Dance Training for Aspiring Professional Dancers, Trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Belly Dance, Folkloric, Flamenco, Contemporary, and Lyrical, Received the Dance Teacher’s Certification from Dance Educators of America, Studied at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Completed the International Dance Academy Certificate Program in Hollywood, CA and Studied at Millennium, The Edge, Movement Lifestyle, and Debbie Reynolds Studios. Former Game Entertainment and Dance Director for a First Division Professional Indoor Soccer Team (RGV Barracudas FC) of the Major Arena Soccer League.
KALI BOYD - Head Instructor
University of Texas Dance Team Head Coach and the Company Director for The Dance Works Artistic Company, Former Kilgore College Rangerette and Swingster, Performed in Washington D.C. for the Inaugural Celebration for President George W. Bush and for Carnival Cruise Lines, Studied Dance at Texas Woman's University, National Adjudicator for MA Dance and Stage One Dance Competitions, Head Choreographer for the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Game in Orlando, Florida, Worked with Grammy Nominated Country Singers Dierks Bentley, Hunter Hayes and Cole Swindell, Former Head Choreographer for the AT&T Cotton Bowl Pre-game performances, NHL Dallas Stars Ice girls, Frisco Texas Legends Dancers and AHL Texas Stars Ice Girls, 7 year Staff Member for Spirit of America Dancers Who Perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Currently a choreographer for the Coast 2 Coast Productions Performance Team for the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago.
KARLY WILKINS - Head Instructor
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance from Texas Christian University, Training from the Houston Ballet, Julliard Professors, and Dance Studios in Houston, Texas, Yoga Certified and Barre Class Instructor at DEFINE Mind and Body, Currently Choreographing and Teaching Dance at the Woodlands Dance Center and Surrounding High Schools in the Houston Area.
KATIE NORSWORTHY - Head Instructor
Head of MA Social Media,
BFA in Dance Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, Head Director at Grapevine High School, Former Assistant Director at Birdville High School, Hip-Hop Choreographer around Country, National Champion Team 2025 and 2026.
,
MAGALY GUERRA - Head Instructor
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Focus in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas at Brownsville, Currently, Teaching Dance and Ballroom at Besteiro Middle School, Former Member of the Award-Winning Lopez HS.
SARAH STARKWEATHER - Head Instructor
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UT San Antonio, Performed Professionally for the Last 10 years in New York City, Los Angeles, Texas and the Midwest, Worked with Choreographers Jennifer Archibald, Liz Imperio, Amanda Selwyn, Matt Luck, Jennifer Medina, and Ashlé Dawson Among Other Contemporary, Commercial, and Theatrical Engagements, PMA Pilates Mat Certified Instructor and Recognized by Equinox for Being a Top 50 Group Fitness Instructor Worldwide, and Held Mentorships with Artists from The Royal Ballet and The Cuban National Ballet.
JAMIE MATHIEU
Jamie began working with MA in 2019. She has a BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah and attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Jamie was formerly a Varsity Drill Team Director for 4.5 years and currently teaches Middle School Dance and Health in Garland ISD.
AMANDA WHEELAND
Former Kilgore College Rangerette, Associates in Dance from Kilgore College and a BA in Dance from Sam Houston State University, Former Director of Houston’s Planet Funk Studio, Hip Hop Judges panel of USASF The Dance Worlds, Dance Judge for DX Dance Extreme USA, Former Performer with Sheryl Murakami’s T(H)RASH in NYC, Provides Workshops and Choreography with Studios and Schools Throughout the Nation, Professional dancer for Lady Gaga on MTV, Beyoncé’s “Ego” video, Laura Ann Gibson on BET’s 106 and Park, Chris Willis, Kaci Battaglia, Maybelline cosmetics commercial, and Hip Hop Choreography for Rangerette Revels.
BRIANNA MENDOZA
Dance Science Major at Texas A&M University, Studied Ballet and Modern, Featured in Hopelife Dance Films Produced by Texas A&M Dance Program, Instructor at JDF Studio in Houston, Texas.
CLARA NEUFELD
Ballet Dance Training in El Paso, TX, Former Member of the Award-Winning Eastwood Trooperettes, Currently Pursuing a BFA in Ballet and her Pilates Teaching Certification at Texas Christian University.
DAVID AREVALO
Dance Director for the Martin Luther King Jr. Fine Arts Academy in Dallas, Texas, Master of Fine Arts Degree from Dance Sam Houston State University, Awarded scholarships to Study in Paris, France and Lucca, Italy, Performed Works by Bliss Kohlmyer, Dione Sparkman-Noble, Kyle Craig Bogard, and Robert Battle, Performed as a Guest with NobleMotion Dance Company, Former Instructor Laredo All American Dance Studio’s Infinity & Electra All-Stars, Former Adjunct Professor at Laredo Community College, Former Performer with the Houston Met.
ERIN ELLIS
Former Kilgore College Rangerette and Swingster, Former Member of Kilgore College's Modern Performance Company Industry. Attending Texas State University to Pursue B.F.A in Dance Education, Member of the Dance Performance Company Merge, and Entering Next Year as a Graduate Student at Sam Houston State University.
JADYN OWENS
Former Member and Lieutenant of the Midlothian Pantherettes, First Year MA Staff Member, BA Dance Minor
at Texas Tech University, Pursuing a Professional Dance Career After Receiving Her Degree.
JENNIFER FORST
BA in Dance from Sam Houston State University, Owner (with Her Husband Eddie) of the National Award Winning JDF Elite Dance Company at JDF Elite Dance Academy in Friendswood, TX, Former High School Dance Team Director for 7 years, Choreographer, Competitive Adjudicator, & Master Class Instructor for Studios, and High Schools in TX.
KAYLA ROSE
Graduate from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrative Studies with a Concentration in Education and Dance, Director and Creator of the Ponder High School Legacies Drill Team, 13 Year MA Dance Instructor.
LEXI HANNA
Director Central College Dance Team in Pella, IA, Won Numerous ISDTA State Competition Titles and Top Ten at NDA Nationals competition in Daytona Beach, FL in 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, Iowa Energy and Iowa Wolves Dancer for 4 Seasons for the G- League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball Team.
LUCY WHITE
Former World Famous Kilgore College Rangerette on the 78th line, Former Lake Highlands Highlandette Lieutenant. Performed Throughout the United States as Well as the Basel, Switzerland Tattoo, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Several Cities in Italy, Currently, a Senior at Texas State Pursuing a B.F.A in Performance and Choreography.
MADELINE NEUFELD
Classical Ballet Training in El Paso, Texas, Former Captain of the Eastwood Trooperettes Dance Team, Currently Pursuing a BFA in Ballet, a BS in Economics, and a Pilates Teaching Certificate at Texas Christian University.
MONTRELL RELEFORD
Bachelors of Science in Dance Performance and Choreography from Stephen F. Austin State University, Former Member of the Stephen F. Austin Dance Team, Alumni of the SFA Repertory Dance Company, Currently Teaching and Performing with Area Houston Groups.
MYAH BROWN
Bachelor's degree from Texas A&M Dance Department, Former Kilgore College Rangerettes 77th Line, Performed at Numerous Events, Such as the 90th New York Thanksgiving Day Parade, 75th annual Pearl Harbor in Honolulu Hawaii, a Houston Texans Games, and Many More, Company Member for the Industry Dance Company, and Choreographer and Instructor at Dance Connections in Magnolia, TX.
RAMSEY SHOBE
Degree in Dance Education from Texas Woman’s University, Former Member of the Highly Competitive Energy Dance Company, Former Captain of the Award-Winning HHS Silver Dancers, Former Member and Swingster of the World Famous Kilgore College Rangerettes, Former Member of the Kilgore College Dance Department’s 9-person Dance Company, Industry, and Studio Instructor at Footlights Dance Studio in Flower Mound, Texas.
ROXANNE GUERRA
Former Member National Champion Blinn College Treasures Dance Team, BA in Sociology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Former Captain for the Islanders Dance Team, Teacher at Dishman Elementary, MA Dance Instructor for 9 Years.
SEJA ADERSON
Former Colonel of the Award Winning W.B. Ray Tex-Ann’s Dance Team, Pursuing a Dance Education Degree, Former Member of the National Champion Stephen F. Austin Dance Team, Instructor at the Corpus Christi Dance Collective, Dancer for the New Kids on the Block for their MixTape Tour.
SARA KERCHO
Creator of Mentally Here Counseling, Former Co-Captain of the TCU Showgirls, Former Director at Colleyville Middle School, Trinity High School Dance Team, Southern Methodist University Pom Squad, Judson High School Drill Team and South Hills High School Dance Team, Member of Texas Dance Educators Association, National Dance Educators Organization, and an Adjudicator for Dance Educators Assessment of Learning.
VIANNI CONTRERAS
Owner and Director of Elite Institute of Dance, Director for the Texas A&M International University Spirit Dance Team, BFA in Dance with a Business Education Minor from Sam Houston State University, and MA Dance Instructor for 7 Years.
MELANIE CAVENDISH
B.A. in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Focus in Event Planning from Sam Houston State University, Trained with Dance FX Dance Studio, Former Member Rockwall Heath High Stepper Dance Team, Former Member of the Stephen F. Austin Collegiate Dance Team, Former Member of the SHSU Orange Pride Dance Team Which Won 3 National Championships.
Interested In Becoming An Instructor?
If you are interested in working on MA staff for the Summer of 2025 please apply online no later than February 15.