Our Faculty

Ms. Kelsea-Janenne Bucher

Kelsea Kaplan Our owner and Director, Kelsea Bucher, has over 20 years experience as a dance educator. She has been on the faculty of Broadway Dance Center and PeriDance in NYC, as well as Impulstanz in Austria. She served as Artistic Director and lead instructor for New Hopewell School of the Arts and STARS Theatre and Dance Academy. Most recently she owned and operated her own successful studio in New Jersey.

A native Texan, she began her training at her Mother’s dance studio. When the family relocated to New York, she went on to train and perform with the School of American Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, and NYU/CAP 21 Musical Theater Program. She is a well-rounded performer, versed in many styles of dance. She has been a member of a National Titled Clogging Team and a Musical Theatre Touring Performance Troupe. She has appeared professionally in the US and abroad with several ballet and contemporary dance companies. She has performed, choreographed and directed Off-Broadway and for regional musical theater performances, on TV and in film. Her dance company, New York Performers Project was featured in the International Dance Festival-NYC and the World Dance Congress in Cyprus.

An established choreographer, adjudicator and educator, Ms. Bucher, along with her professional faculty, is dedicated to ensuring your child receives the highest quality of dance education in a nurturing environment.

Recently, Ms. Bucher received her certification for Acrobatic Arts and will be teaching Advanced Beginner and Intermediate Acrobatic Arts.

 

 

 

 

 


Ms. Peyton Nichols

Peyton has been dancing for 14 years and has choreographed multiple award-winning routines. She has received awards such as, “Most Entertaining Routine” and “Best Choreography” along with many high point awards and 1st overall placements. She has taught all ages in a variety of styles such as, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Acro/Tumbling, Leaps and Turns, and Technique classes. She also has a soft spot for Musical Theater! She has worked with multiple NEISD and CISD Dance/Drill team members and teams and her choreography has been recognized at numerous competitions. She choreographed a Hip-Hop routine for the Pieper Middle School Charmer Dance Team which took home both judges and first place awards and she is now working with the award-winning Reagan High School marching band as an assistant director for Band Dance competitions. Teaching is her passion, and it brings her so much joy watching her students grow in their abilities in both studio and dance team settings.

 

 


 

Ms. Molly Cortez

Molly grew up as a competitive dancer in San Antonio, TX. She danced at various studios (Barbara & Tammy’s, TJ’s Dance Factory, and Earl Cobbe) from age 4-13 and was trained in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Clogging, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Jazz. She continued training throughout high school, being named Technique Officer her junior year and taking convention classes with renowned choreographers across the country including Brian Friedman, Mia Michaels, Lori Reynolds, and others. She attended Texas State University, where she danced for the NBA G-League team the Austin Spurs and simultaneously earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition & Psychology. She continued on to become a professional dancer for the Rampage Hockey team and WNBA Stars post graduating. She wrapped up her years with Spurs Sports & Entertainment by dancing for the NBA San Antonio Spurs as a Silver Dancer 2012-2013. Molly founded Moonlight Dance Entertainment in 2019 with a vision to provide professional training to adult dancers & give them opportunities to get paid for their art. She also continues to professionally dance in other local entertainment companies and hopes to bring her experiences and knowledge to young dancers, helping them find their unique “spark” and utilize it to achieve their dance goals.

 


 

Ms. Emily Elizalde

Emily Elizalde was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and has been dancing since she was 13. She was a member of Stone Oak Dance Academy’s competition team for two years as well as an assistant. Emily began teaching at Stone Oak Dance Academy in September of 2018. She has trained in all styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, pom, hip hop, and acro. She has attended numerous conventions and traveled from New York to California training under top choreographers such as Travis Wall, Mark Meismer, and Brian Friedman. Emily is currently a sophomore at The University of Texas at Arlington working towards her Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree and is a member of the school’s dance team.

 

 

 


 

Ms. Jewle Rohkopf

Jewel Rehkopf is a San Antonio native who graduated summa cum laude from the North East School of the Arts in 2018. While there, she performed in dance revues and musicals including Chicago, Mary Poppins, and Phantom of the Opera. She attended Oklahoma City University to study dance and perform with the American Spirit Dance Company before transferring to the University of Central Florida to pursue a degree in biology. Jewel has rediscovered her love for movement through teaching and has taught both dance and yoga at numerous studios in San Antonio and Orlando. She is excited to be returning to central Texas to pursue a master’s degree in aquatic resources at Texas State University and is looking forward to nurturing the next generation’s love of dance at SODA.

 

 

 


 

Ms. Michaela Stallings

Michaela is a professional dancer who is ready to share her passion of dance with her students and on the stage. She has devoted the past 6 years to Professional Cheerleading/Dance Teams for many world class organizations. She was a former AFL/ MLS/MLB/ NBA Professional Cheerleader/Dancer.  During her two years dancing for the MLB she was a dancer for the World Series Championship Team, The Houston Astros. Her last year dancing for the Houston Astros she was given the title Co-Captain for her dedication and leadership skills. In addition to her dance accomplishments, she was awarded Employee of the Month August 2017 for her dedication to the Houston Astros Marketing Team. She ventured back to San Antonio her hometown and since has danced professionally for the World Class team, the NBA San Antonio Spurs. During her time with the Spurs she was given the role Co-Captain for her experience in the industry and for her leadership skills. She also was a part of the game day production team and learned the behind the scenes that goes into the game day experience for all the franchises under the San Antonio Spurs. When Michaela is not on stage, court side, or performing for gigs you can find her teaching. She loves sharing her passion and knowledge of performing and can’t wait to see what’s in store for her career and her students. 

 


Ms. Lizabeth Pomales

Lizbeth has been dancing since she was three years old and has continued with her dance education for over 16 years. With a primary focus in Ballet, Lizbeth trained at Skies Unlimited Dance Academy for 9 years, before moving to San Antonio and joining Stone Oak Dance Academy. She was a studio member for four years and later became a member of the Stone Oak Dance Academy’s competition team for three years, her last year becoming an assistant. Lizbeth has trained in various styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop. She also attended numerous conventions and competitions, winning special awards for her solos from the judges, such as a Dancing from the Heart award. Lizbeth first started teaching at Stone Oak Dance Academy in the summer of 2022 and has continued to teach at all age levels in different styles. She is currently a junior at the University of Texas at Austin working towards her Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and continuing her dance education through her membership in two dance clubs.

 


 

Ms. Madelene Hall

 Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, Madelene has trained in classical ballet for over 20 years along with other variety forms of dance. At the age of 15 she became a senior company member at The San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet. She has danced many featured and ensemble roles to include works by Philip Broomhead, Molly Buchmann and Harrison McEldowney to name a few. She then continued her training at the Quenedit Ballet School along with studying dance at The North East School of the Arts High School. Madelene has performed in 6 Regional Dance America/Southwest Festivals and was awarded the Irina Pal Dancer full Scholarship to attend the 2014 National Choreography Intensive in Provo, Utah. In 2014 she was selected as San Antonio’s “Top 20 Under 20” an honor given to those that are working to make a better future for themselves and their community. Shortly thereafter she competed and won 1st place in the City’s Talent competition receiving a scholarship. After graduating, Madelene continued to study dance at the University of California, Irvine as well as the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Los Angeles, performing in various productions. She has attended intensives including Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Hubbard Street in Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company and Ballet West. She now continues her passion performing in San Antonio along with teaching inspiring young artists.

 


Ms. Chloe Quinn

Chloe has been dancing for 15 years trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, and Lyrical. She competed at many local and national competitions as well as dance conventions. Chloe has been dancing at Stone Oak Dance Academy for 5 years and became an assistant teacher in 2020 and a teacher in 2022. Chloe is an Acrobatic Arts Certified Assistant and Teacher.

 

Miss Chloe is certified as an Acrobatic Arts instructor and will be teaching Basic and Beginner Acrobatic Arts.

 


 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Mauro Villanueva

Mauro Villanueva began his dance training with Shawn Knife and later studied at the University of Incarnate Word Ballet School and the Nutmeg Conservatory. Mr. Villanueva joined the Joffrey Ballet and danced ballets by world renowned choreographers, was a union representative for the artists, and was one of two dancers chosen to participate in the search for a new artistic director. Mauro has also worked for Barak Ballet, Ballet San Antonio, The Jacksonville Symphony and others. He has taught at the Colburn School, Edge Performing Arts Center, Regional Dance America, The New Orleans Ballet Association, The New Jersey Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts, and The Ballet Alliance. Mr. Villanueva is a 2022-2023 School of American Ballet National Visiting Fellow and is dedicated to creating inclusive dance spaces through his work as co-director of The Joffrey Workshop.

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

Ms. Anna Vazquez

Anna’s journey in the dance world is a testament to her passion and dedication. Beginning with intensive training with the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, she honed her skills in Ballet Technique, Pointe work, Contemporary, Jazz, Modern and Choreography. This foundation laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

As Anna transitioned into professional roles with Texas Ballet Theatre and Zion Dance Project, she embraced the art of dance instruction, specializing in Ballet, Modern,Contemporary and Jazz. These experiences also introduced her to the complexities of Competition Management, where she seamlessly orchestrated events that celebrated the mastery of movement and teamwork.

Her choreography quickly garnered attention, earning awards for its innovative storytelling and emotional depth. These accolades underscored Anna’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries and resonating with audiences on a profound level.

Throughout the years, Anna has embraced both performance and teaching, culminating in a well-rounded dance journey. Her dedication to the craft has earned recognition, including awards from the Dance Theater of Harlem Summer Intensives, underscoring her commitment to continuous improvement.

As she continues to explore the enchanting realm of dance, Anna looks forward to discovering new rhythms, expanding her creative horizons, and sharing the transformative power of dance with the world.

 


 

 

Ms. Arianna Gonzalez

Arianna has a B.A. in Theatre from ASU. She is a certified dance instructor, and choreographer. She has co-produce Musical Theatre showcases and choreographed for theatrical productions such as and Elf Jr. The Musical for Fredericksburg Theatre Co. and Anything Goes for Alamo Heights HS. She is excited for the opportunity to express her love of dance with the students at SODA. “We don’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.” This quote helps guide her devotion to teaching dance and the wonderful impact it has on children and adults.

 


 

 

 

Ms. Ellen Sisley – Guest Faculty

Ellen is thrilled to be back teaching at Stone Oak Dance Academy! A San Antonio native, Ellen graduated from NESA and was a member of RPM Youth Tap Ensemble under the direction of Barbara Phillips. She attended Oklahoma City University, where she graduated with a bachelor of science in Dance and Arts Management. Ellen began teaching at SODA in 2017 while also performing at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. She took a hiatus from teaching to perform around the world at Cedar Point, Hersheypark, Busch Gardens, and on Holland America cruise line.

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