DANCE
INSTRUCTORS
MEET THE TEACHERS
Our dance teachers play a pivotal role in our dancers’ education by imparting knowledge, skills, and artistic expression to the students. We are educators, mentors, and choreographers experienced in teaching all ages and levels in various dance styles.
As dance teachers, we recognize the unique strengths and challenges of each student and provide individualized feedback and corrections on technique, posture, and artistic expression, helping students grow as performers.
Our goal is not only help instill discipline by enforcing proper technique, punctuality, and respect for the art form, but to also foster a passion for dance in your child, encouraging him or her to express their creativity through dance.
Mariya Kret, Studio Owner
Ms. Mariya started her dance education at the age of 5 at Kathy Marfin’s Dance School in San Antonio, TX where she studied ballet, pointe, and jazz. She danced with the KMDS Competition Team for five years and won multiple first place awards for pointe solos, pointe duets, pointe trios, and ballet group dances. While a competitive dancer, she attended numerous dance conventions with Tremaine, DEA, and showstopper and took classes from Mia Michaels.
Ms. Mariya attended the Ballet Austin Summer Intensive and took classes from Ballet Master Li-Chou Cheng. She also studied classical ballet at Mayra Worthen Ballet School and Connally’s Dance Workshop. She was a company member and soloist with the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet and performed at the Regional Dance America Southwest in Arkansas. During high school, she was also a member of the Brahmadora Dance Team for three years and was an officer her senior year. Ms. Mariya has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah and is a licensed professional engineer.
Ms. Mariya is passionate about continuing education and has attended the Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas for the past two summers. While at the conference, she took master classes from industry experts such as Julie Kay Stallcup, Tashan Muir, Liz Imperio, and Denise Wall. Ms. Mariya has completed the Level 1 coursework for the Dance Teacher University and has been PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) certified since 2020.
Camille Tokar Pavliska
Camille Tokar Pavliska is from Floresville, TX. She began her dance training at Ballet San Antonio Academy and later the Dance Center of San Antonio and Premiere Ballet Academy. She competed with both Ballet San Antonio Academy and the Dance Center of San Antonio’s competition teams where she won multiple awards for solos and group pieces. From 8th grade
to Senior Year, she danced with the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet under the direction of Susan Beil Connally and Karin Connally Heiden where she had the honor of performing Soloist and Principal roles.
While with San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet she attended and performed in multiple Regional Dance America festivals where her choreography was accepted in 2019 and 2020. She has attended summer programs with Houston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, BODYTRAFFIC, BalletX, and the National Choreography Intensive on scholarship where she was the recipient of the Spark Award. She was accepted into the Emerging Choreographers Forum SF in 2021. Her choreography was performed at the Ancient Lakes Dance Festival in 2021. Her performing and choreographic work on the dance film Telephone has been screened at film festivals and featured in multiple publications including the New York Times.
She is a graduate of the Alonzo King LINES Ballet Training Program in San Francisco, CA under the direction of Karah Abiog. While at LINES she performed in works by Sidra Bell, Gregory Dawson, Alonzo King, Chuck Wilt, and Keelan Whitmore, among others. She choreographed three pieces while at LINES. She danced professionally with Dawson Dance SF under the direction of Gregory Dawson.
Kaylee Hannig
Kaylee Hannig started dancing at a young age and has been passionate about it ever since. She has trained in various styles of dance including, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and modern. Kaylee trained at The Dance Zone in Henderson, Nevada through her childhood and high school years, and became a teacher at the studio after graduating.
In 2019 Kaylee graduated from the College of Southern Nevada with her Certificate of Achievement in Dance and Associate of Arts degree. Kaylee has performed in several dance festivals including Las Vegas Dance in the Desert Festival, Arizona Dance Festival, and Red Rock Dance Festival. In 2021 her choreography “Impermanence of a Moment” was selected as a finalist in the Red Rock Dance Festival.
Kaylee has had the pleasure of dancing for Kelly Roth and Dancers, Kremer Dance Collective, Frit and Frat Fuller with Kin Dance Company, Meraki Dance Theatre, Danny Mendoza Project, and Candy Jimenez. Kaylee looks forward to continuing her journey as a choreographer and growing as a dance artist.
Cassandra “Kassye”
Capener
I am Miss Kassye, a seasoned professional with a passion for dance and the performing arts. With 26 years of dedicated experience, I have been immersed in the world of dance since the tender age of two, honing my skills in a diverse array of genres.
My journey as a dance instructor began at the age of 13 when I assumed the role of an assistant teacher, and by the time I turned 14, I was already conducting my own classes. Over the years, I have been privileged to receive training from renowned choreographers and performers, including the esteemed Cindy Newkirk, Barry Kyle, Roger Lee, Michael Mays, Jana Edle, Comfort Fedoke, Damarkus “Nxt Level” Waldon, Keith Lee, Chelsea Wells, and Susan Taylor, among others.
My talents extend to being a professionally trained singer and songwriter, and proficient in playing seven musical instruments. Beyond the stage, I possess skills in theatrical makeup artistry, complemented by a substantial acting portfolio. My unwavering dedication to the arts and my continuous pursuit of excellence drive me to deliver exceptional performances and instill a love for dance and creativity in my students.
Erin Jones
With an illustrious career spanning over 30 years, Erin Jones is a beloved figure in Wilson County. From the tender age of three, she discovered her passion for dance and honed her skills under the tutelage of Dorothy Keck Dancers in San Antonio, TX. Coming from a family deeply rooted in dance, Erin’s mother Bobbie Ray also shared her knowledge as a dance teacher for 27 years.
Continuing her quest for excellence, Erin actively participates in master classes, workshops, dance camps, and conventions, staying at the forefront of her craft. Her profound love for both dance and children shines through in her teaching technique. Filled with boundless patience, she ensures age-appropriate instruction, creating a fun and interactive environment for each student.
Above all, Erin is dedicated to nurturing her students’ knowledge of the art of dance, inspiring their artistic growth and creativity.
Adrianna Escalona
Adrianna Escalona began dancing at the age of 5 and has received training in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. Throughout her dance career, she performed and competed as a member of the CoMotion Dance Company, San Antonio Youth Ballet, and San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet. During this time, Adrianna was awarded numerous scholarships to attend conventions and summer intensives to aid in the furthering of her dance education.
Opportunity led her to cities such as Dallas, Houston, New York, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles to participate in workshops such as West Coast Dance Explosion, New York City Dance Alliance, Texas Association of Teachers Dancing, Tremaine Dance, and the Youth American Grand Prix. As Adrianna explored her passion for tap, she participated as a member of the RPM Youth Tap Ensemble which made guest appearances at spring concerts and festivals held across the country.
Adrianna received exemplary instruction through her attendance at renowned festivals such as Third Coast Rhythm Project, Soul to Sole, and the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. Adrianna is privileged to have received instruction from artists such as Mia Michaels, Stephen Boss, Michelle Dorrance, and Savion Glover.
Bekah Maynard
With a dance journey that commenced at the age of 3, I’ve immersed myself in an array of dance styles, mastering jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, clogging, tap, ballet, and modern. My training reads like a who’s who of the dance world, with influential mentors including Twitch (Stephen Boss), Jose Soto, Seth Zibalese, Matt Tseng, Sabrina Phillips, Joe Tremain, Don Mirault, Jojo Gomez, and more shaping my artistic path.
Originally from Austin, I embarked on my dance journey at Cedar Park Dance Company at the tender age of 3. As the years unfolded, I transitioned into competitive dancing at 5, participating in solo competitions and joining a competitive team at 8. Harnessing my passion, I delved into teaching and choreography at the young age of 14, crafting intricate solos and choreographing for esteemed groups such as The La Vernia Honey Bears. My journey is not just a personal exploration of dance but a commitment to imparting my knowledge and artistry to aspiring dancers.