Meet Our Staff
At Premiere Dance Center, our instructors are not only highly qualified and experienced but also deeply passionate about dance and tumbling. They bring a perfect blend of technical expertise and joy to students of all ages and abilities.
We go beyond teaching just technique, poise, rhythm, and grace. Our curriculum also emphasizes the values of dedication, cooperation, teamwork, and discipline. With over 250 years of combined teaching experience, our goal is to create an environment where dancers can excel in both dance and life.
We are proud to share that all PDC instructors are CPR and First Aid certified, and our facility is equipped with an infant/adult automated external defibrillator to ensure the safety of our dancers.
Mrs. Brianna Leake
Mrs. Cinnamon Balkman
Mrs. Jamie Gregoire
Mrs. Jamie's dance odyssey commenced at Ballet Austin, where she was privileged to be mentored by luminaries such as Lambros Lambrou, Stephen Mills, and Michelle Martin. Her time at Ballet Austin was highlighted by annual performances in revered classics like The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, and original works. Notably, she even earned the prestigious opportunity to dance with The Royal Ballet of London during their US tour. Jamie's teaching journey ignited during her tenure at Ballet Austin when she began assisting in children's classes, sowing the seeds of her lifelong commitment to education.
Expanding beyond ballet, Jamie ventured into competitive dancing during her high school years, securing a spot in an elite dance group. Within this realm, she not only showcased her talents but also clinched accolades for duet and group performances at diverse competitions. This period also marked the inception of her teaching career. Continuing her dance studies through college, Jamie's artistic exploration persisted, and upon returning to Austin, she seamlessly resumed her role as an educator. Now, with over two decades of teaching under her belt, Jamie's passion for dance remains as vibrant as ever, as she imparts her wisdom and fervor to students of all ages, fostering a lasting love for the art.
Ms. Cinda McCullars
Cinda's lifelong love for dance was ignited as she observed her mother teaching at Joel's House of Dance in Little Rock, Arkansas. This early exposure led her to start dancing at the age of 3, embarking on a journey that would span 16 years and encompass various styles including ballet, jazz, pointe, modern, and her personal favorite, tap. Under the guidance of mentor Joel Ruminer, Cinda's dedication to dance was undeniable, and her commitment was recognized during her senior year of high school when she received the esteemed Outstanding Senior Dancer Award. Following her graduation, she had the privilege of joining Joel Ruminer's Dance Camps as a Dance Camp Kid, allowing her to train under the tutelage of renowned masters like Al Gilbert, Jimmy Peters, Mary Lou Barnes, and Marcus Alford. Her teaching journey commenced in high school and extended through college, where she shared her passion at various studios across Arkansas. In 2002, she made Austin her home and, after a brief hiatus to embrace her role as a "dance mom," Cinda's itch to teach dance rekindled. Presently, she is delighted to join the Premiere Dance Center family, a journey she embarked upon alongside her daughter Chloe, marking a beautiful fusion of heritage and passion.
Mrs. Eva Gonzales
Originally hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, Eva Gonzalez is a multifaceted artist with a diverse background in dance and a deep dedication to teaching and inspiring others. Her extensive training in various dance styles set the foundation for her pursuit of a BFA in dance at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). She has further expanded her expertise by completing her Pilates Instructor certification. This pursuit has not only enriched her understanding of movement but also enhanced her dance instruction techniques. Eva's commitment to community outreach led her to hold positions as Vice President and Social Chair of Chi Tau Epsilon, the dance honor society at SHSU. Eva's performance portfolio includes appearances in notable productions like Mind the Gap and Barnstorm at The MATCH Theatre in Houston, as well as the ACDA Southern Conference. Her stage presence has also graced Danscape at the Hobby Center in Houston multiple times. With countless years of experience as a dance teacher and choreographer, Eva has garnered recognition for her choreographic endeavors, earning judges' awards, teacher awards, and high-point awards in dance competitions such as Dance Showcase USA, Star Systems, Stage One, Legacy, VIP, Kids Artistic Revenue (KAR), and 8 Talent. With an infectious passion for dance, Eva takes joy in sharing her expertise and aspires to inspire and challenge her students, helping them realize their dance aspirations and personal growth.
Mrs. Caitlin Kinney Foley
Caitlin Kinney Foley got her start through acrobatic dance training at C & C dance studio in Maryland, then began to seriously study ballet at Baltimore School for the Arts and The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory. Caitlin joined the Charlotte Ballet upon graduation and performed many notable ballets including La Bayadere, Paquita, Balanchine’s Rubies, Walpurgisnacht, and Stravinsky Violin Concerto, as well as contemporary works by Alvin Ailey, Twyla Tharp, and Dwight Rhoden.
She jump-started her film career as the featured ballerina in Step Up and became a top 12 finalist on season five of So You Think You Can Dance. Caitlin’s film and television credits include America’s Got Talent, The Academy Awards, Hit the Floor, No One Lives, Day 665, Zola Jumped In, Stash House, The Fresh Beat Band, and Parental Guidance. Caitlin has starred in commercials for Diet Coke, Progressive, Heineken, LaFuma, and Semir. She has danced and choreographed for many artists such as Paula Abdul, Kanye West, Calvin Harris, Death Cab for Cutie, Kinney and David Archuletta. She is currently on faculty with Hollywood Vibe Dance Convention as their ballet instructor and is a Co founder of the global online dance education platform, CLI Studios.
Her passion is teaching, “Every brain and body is different, it is our job as teachers to give students the tools to most efficiently use their individual instruments.”.
Mrs. Jennifer Hagen
After completing two unforgettable years at Kilgore, Jennifer attended and graduated Cum Laude from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance Education. It was at this time that her love for teaching flourished as she taught at several dance studios in the New Braunfels and Kyle area. She was also a part of Tri Costal Ballet Theater and was a guest instructor for their summer intensive in 2009.
After college Jennifer taught at South Garland High School for two years, where she was Director of the Dixie Darlings. She then became the Director of the John Paul II High School Cardinal Belles. During her three years in the Dallas area she was chosen to choreograph and judge for many different schools, as well as being selected as a performer for the XLV Super Bowl Half Time show. Jennifer then returned to Austin to serve as the Assistant Director to the James Bowie High School Silver Stars.
Having been a Drill team director for 7 years, Jennifer then transitioned to studio teaching and was overjoyed to begin teaching at Premiere Dance Center, while also getting her yoga teaching certification. She took a few years off to have two beautiful baby girls, but now she is ecstatic to be back at Premiere doing what she loves!
Ms. Taylor Almanza
Mrs. Kelly Devlin
Kelly Devlin began dancing when she was 2 ½ years old in Virginia. Growing up she trained in a variety of styles at various studios in the Washington DC Metro Area. During Summer breaks she would attend Intensives including Boston Ballet, Ballet Met, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and the Master Class series at The Kennedy Center.
Kelly is a graduate of George Mason University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance. While in college she also performed professionally with Alexandra Ballet and Angela Knight’s Opera productions.
Upon graduation Kelly danced with Next Reflex Dance Collective and Moveius Contemporary Ballet in Washington, DC. After a move to Arizona in 2014 She had the pleasure of joining Center Dance Ensemble – the resident modern dance company at the Herberger Theater in Downtown Phoenix. She also enjoyed doing freelance work with other companies. Kelly continues to perform professionally as a freelance artist in Austin after her move here in 2022.
Kelly started assistant teaching dance class when she was in middle school. She has had the pleasure of continuing to teach for over 20 years and loves sharing her passion with the next generations of dancers.
Ms. Marissa Ramirez
Marissa Ramirez was born and raised in Laredo, Texas and has maintained multidisciplinary training in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, modern, hip hop, jazz, and musical theatre. Her 12 years of experience in the competitive dance arena have fostered a deep understanding of the art form, honing her skills and shaping her perspective as an instructor. She discovered her passion for choreography when she was unable to afford to hire a solo choreographer one year; so, she took matters into her own hands and earned her first choreography award at 16. This inspired her to pursue a career in dance which started as an assistant for her home studio where she then developed her skills into a full time instructor. She has been a dance instructor ever since!
Marissa is a recent graduate from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em!) where she deepened her understanding of dance fundamentals and developed her pedagogical practice. She was able to work within the dance program to perform works by Sidra Bell, Peter Chu, Rennie Harris, and many others. After graduating, Marissa took her dance teacher skills into the classroom–focusing on special education; by her second year, Marissa had the honor of earning an EANESpiration Educational Impact award and is proudly one of the only certified Autism Movement Therapy instructors in the central Texas area. From choreographing full length musicals to preschool creative movement, Marissa takes pride in giving youth and teens of ALL abilities the chance to lead, learn, thrive, and grow through the magic of performing arts. Her passion for dance shows in the studio where she encourages her dancers to be both confident and creative. Now, Marissa splits her time teaching at Premiere Dance Center, as well as pursuing a performance career as a freelance artist.
Mr. Christopher Broughton
Hailing from Los Angeles, Christopher Broughton's journey in dance began at the age of 11. His dance education flourished under the guidance of Paul and Arlene Kennedy at Universal Dance Design. Notably, he became an integral member of the Kennedy Tap Company, an experience that was complemented by the honor of receiving the national NAACP ACTSO Award on two occasions. A current member of the highly regarded New York-based tap dance company, Dorrance Dance, Christopher's path has led him to work under the direction of the esteemed Michelle Dorrance, a recipient of the MacArthur Genius Grant award. His performance roster includes prestigious events such as Capezio's 130th Anniversary, New York City Center's Cotton Club Parade, and the Kennedy Center's Juba! Master's of Tap and Percussive Dance. His footprint in the realm of Broadway is also noteworthy, having contributed his talent to the Tony and Astaire Award-winning production After Midnight and Jelly's Last Jam. Christopher eagerly looks forward to sharing his profound passion for tap dance with the students of Premiere Dance Center, igniting their own love for this dynamic art form.
Mrs. Jodi Ford
Ms. Jodi began dancing at the age of 2 and quickly discovered a lifelong passion for dance and performing. Throughout her childhood, she danced competitively and had the opportunity to perform at special events and theme parks across Southern California.
Trained in a variety of styles including ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary, Jodi's well-rounded background has shaped her into a versatile and passionate instructor. She began teaching dance in high school after assisting many inspiring instructors—most notably, Ms. Brianna!
Ms. Jodi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. Outside the studio, she serves as the Director of Client Operations for a digital marketing company.
Since moving to Dripping Springs in 2022, Jodi has loved being part of the Premiere Dance Center family and is excited to share her love of dance with the next generation of performers.
Ms. Reagan Shugart
Ms. Reagan grew up in Denton, Texas and found her love for dance at a young age. She trained in a wide range of styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, acro, modern, pointe, and drill team. She performed as a principal dancer with Denton City Contemporary Ballet and had the opportunity to take the stage at events across Texas. In high school, she served as a two-year captain of her drill team and was selected for the TDEA All-State Elite Team and DanceLine USA Team.
Reagan began assisting in dance classes at just 12 years old and quickly discovered how much she loved teaching. She believes in creating a classroom where dancers feel encouraged, welcomed, and confident, no matter their level or experience.
She is currently pursuing her BFA in Dance Education at Texas State University, where she’s also on the Dean’s List. Reagan plans to stay in the Austin area after graduation and dreams of leading a high school drill team that prioritizes movement therapy and equal opportunites for all dancers.
Reagan is so excited to bring her energy, experience, and love of dance to the Premiere Dance Center family!
Mr. Randy West
Randy’s journey into gymnastics began in high school, where he quickly discovered a passion for the sport and the discipline it instills. He went on to coach both boys and girls competitive teams while earning his degree in Journalism and Communication. After college, Randy turned his love for gymnastics into a full-time profession—coaching, directing youth camps, and even operating his own gymnastics facility right here in Dripping Springs.
In 2006, Randy stepped into the world of education, where he now supports adult learners in Dripping Springs ISD through a specialized Adult Transition Program. In addition to his work in education and athletics, Randy has served as a bi-vocational pastor and is currently working toward certification in Biblical Counseling.
When he’s not teaching, coaching, or counseling, you’ll likely find him in his workshop or on two wheels—Randy enjoys woodworking, tackling home projects, and riding motorcycles.
