Event Organizers and Leadership

Sarah Rose is a local bellydance performer and instructor. She takes her experience in multiple substyles, as well as her experience as a registered nurse to teach students a solid foundation in bellydance that is safe for your body.

Derrell Underwood is a seasoned performer, choreographer, and teacher, with an impressive career spanning from hip hop to ballet. As a captain of the Elite Dance Team and a featured dancer on BET, Derrell has showcased his skills across various platforms, including music videos, TV series, and live performances. He has worked alongside renowned artists such as DJ C. Tone, Celeste Kellogg, and even appeared on Tyler Perry's House of Payne. In addition to his stage and screen appearances, Derrell has made his mark as a hip-hop instructor at numerous dance schools, including Alabama Youth Ballet and Huntsville Ballet. With over 700,000 followers on TikTok, he continues to inspire through his innovative dance content.

Triana is a dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and dance educator with a passion for storytelling through movement. Drawing from a diverse background that includes contemporary, jazz, tap, heels, and a variety of other dance styles, she brings a versatile and expressive approach to both performance and teaching. A longtime contributor to Huntsville's dance community, Triana has performed and choreographed throughout the region and is recognized for introducing and growing heels dance opportunities in the area. In addition to creating dance films and collaborative performance projects, she teaches Sensation Heels and Foxxy Jazz, where she encourages dancers to build confidence, refine their technique, and develop their unique artistic voice. Through her classes, performances, and creative work, Triana strives to inspire dancers of all experience levels to continue learning, growing, and pursuing their passion for dance. She believes dance should be accessible, empowering, and available to adults at every stage of their journey.

An embodiment of the divine feminine energy, Lila Celeste is a passionate flow artist based out of Huntsville, Alabama. Her love of flow started with the hula hoop back in 2019, and has grown immensely over the years picking up several other props along the way. Being a part of several local events and festival performances, Lila is known for her mesmerizing and sensual dragon staff and palm torch movements; Her movement speaks a sacred language only the eyes can understand. She blends fluid movement combined with technicality, creating a captivating audience performance. In 2024 she saw a need for a flow arts community and founded Huntsville Flow&Grow, a free third space where local communities can come together to share skills, practice with others, and create art. Through community engagement, other forms of artists and communities have gathered under HSV Flow&Grow such as the Juggling, Unicyclers, Dancers, Acroyogis, and Sound Artists. As a community leader, she has been able to use her experience to teach newcomers in finding flow and establishing safe practices within the fire circle. Aside from flow arts, she is a passionate being who enjoys many forms of creativity and being with nature. Working on the Plant Science Team at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, she has become quite passionate for South Eastern native plant species and trail maintenance. Blending hard work with creativity, she is also in charge of all floral designs for HBG events. In her free time, she creates sustainable costume designs and various forms of art.

Sam has been pole dancing for over 8 years. She competes and performs at the professional level and has trained with top talent from all over the world and also was an instructor herself in NYC. She has performed and competed all over the United States including in NYC, Seattle and Chicago. Her style is a pretty even combo of art and sport.

Gerhard started dancing tango in 1999 in Los Angeles and Kristin started dancing tango in 2010 in Albuquerque. Their paths first crossed at the Denver Tango festival in 2011 where they became friends over their shared interest in learning and enjoying tango as an urban social dance. Gerhard has studied with Tête Rusconi, Moti Buchboot, Homer Ladas, and Edmundo Thomas. Kristin is particularly indebted to Brigitta Winkler, Alicia Pons, and Marika Landry. Kristin has performed as a dancer with the QTANGO orchestra in New Mexico and as a flautist with the LOFT Community Tango Orchestra in San Francisco and with the DC Tango Orchestra. They have taught tango in Birmingham and Huntsville since moving to Alabama a few years ago.

Meera is someone who is passionate about Bollywood dance, bringing vibrant energy and expressive story-telling to the stage. Her performance blends traditional and contemporary Bollywood styles, showcasing the richness of Indian culture through dynamic choreography. With a shared love for dance and cinematic expression, she aims to captivate audiences with a lively and engaging performance that transcends language and cultural boundaries.

Fox Fire Fusion Bellydance is an eclectic Huntsville-based group of dancers and musicians who focus on providing a welcoming and inclusive environment in which to move. They embrace different kinds of dance and enjoy showcasing each performer’s individual style and personality within the group. Above all, they are here to have a blast!

Hannah has been dancing lindy hop and blues since 2018, and started teaching blues in Huntsville, AL in 2024. In 2026, Hannah started teaching regularly for the Huntsville Blues Dance organization. Hannah's love of Jukin' blues styles, cozy close embrace, solo movement, and funky footwork is apparent both on the dancefloor and in the classroom.

James Seals is a Huntsville-based dance instructor who has been dancing Blues for nearly eight years and teaching for the past five. His teaching experience extends across Huntsville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta, where he's worked to cultivate a deep appreciation for Blues dance in each community. Known for his passion and dedication, James strives to share the beauty of Blues with dancers of all levels, fostering a love for the dance and its rich history wherever he teaches.

Lysa Trixx has been performing burlesque for almost three years. She got her start in the burlesque scene in Georgia, where she fell in love with this amazing art form. She recently moved to the Huntsville area and has performed in several local shows. She is excited to become more ingrained in the local burlesque community. Burlesque has given her so much more than a place to perform! It has helped her find confidence, joy, and a sense of empowerment she never expected. She loves creating acts that tell a story, make people laugh, and leave audiences with a smile. Every time she step on stage, she's reminded why she fell in love with burlesque in the first place. Lysa Trixx is excited to keep sharing that passion wherever she performs or teaches!

Courteney Diaz, originally from Orlando, FL, began her journey in dance at age 3 at The Dancer’s Pointe. She began her freshman year at Dr. Phillips High School after being accepted into their Dance Magnet Program. She had a change of heart the following years and decided to explore the acting scene, graduating from their Theatre Magnet program which has aided in her ability to connect with her audience on a deep and genuine level. She continued her love of dance at her local studio where she trained in various technical styles and was a member of their competition team, Pointe Of Impact. She went on to receive her Associate’s in Dance Performance at Valencia College. Courteney’s professional background includes dancing for local Orlando company’s such as Nao Dance Collective and Emotion’s Dance Company, performing at Orlando Fringe Festival and various community performances where she grew her love for Contemporary dance. From there she danced 4 seasons with the Orlando Solar Bears at center ice at The Amway Center. Her training continued with the competitive hip hop team, Nomads, training under director Clarissa Turner and other local professionals expanding her knowledge in various street styles. She has proudly competed as a Nomad at Monsters Dance, Prelude South, and World of Dance as a national champion. As a versatile dancer, she was also signed with Bella Talent Agency as a professional go-go dancer and Spirit of Samba, spreading the joy of Brazilian culture.

Haylee Benson is a professional dancer/choreographer with 33 years of dance experience and 13 years of working as a professional in the dance industry. Haylee has been fortunate enough to dance for country artists such as Little Big Town, Florida Georgia Line, Kip Moore and Jake Owen as well as Gospel Billboard winners Tye Tribbet and James Fortune on tour of their album releases. She’s also made appearances in hit TV shows such as Nashville and Sun Records as well as the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks the Road Chip. She has choreographed many local musical theatre productions such as American Idiot, Matilda, 13, Edges, The Music Man, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Tuck Everlasting and Alice by Heart. She has been teaching at The Dance Company Inc. for 13 years where she is also the director of their Performance Competition Team. She’s so excited to join Huntsville’s Free Day of Dance and can’t wait to share her love of the performing arts with the community.

Betty is a DanceKinesis and Tangokinesis certified instructor specializing in turning the body’s innate movement into dance. She began as a ballroom social dancer in 2006, but after seeing an Argentine Tango performance, she became an enthusiast and began looking for someone to teach her this beautiful art! Her first Tango lesson was in 2013 and her first performance was in 2014. Later, on a tango cruise she was introduced to DanceKinesis and Tangokinesis training which she now uses to accelerate growth as a dancer and teacher and for her students. She has performed and competed in Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, Columbus OH, and Huntsville, AL. To quote her friend and teacher, “The difference between a master and a beginner is that the beginner cannot wait to become a master, but the master is always a beginner.” -Percell St Thomass

Lunar Moth Bellydance is an adult Bellydance Studio that focuses on Traditional and Fusion styles of Bellydance. . .

Mrs. Villalobos hails from Los Angeles, CA, and has trained in various dance disciplines. As a professional dancer, Mrs. Villalobos has performed in music videos, gala performances and events, and benefits. She has graced the stage with Nevada Ballet Theater, and as a principal dancer with the Dallas Opera, Ballet Oklahoma, Ballet Theater of Maryland, Kentucky Ballet Theater, the Montgomery Ballet and Ballet San Antonio, along with guest appearances with other pre-professional dance companies. Mrs. Villalobos also has experience at the international level, having been invited to represent the United States at the 4th International Ballet and Modern Competition in Nagoya, Japan, as well as representing the Montgomery Ballet at the DAP Festival in Pietrasanta, Italy. Teaching is a passion for Mrs. Villalobos; she is privileged to have been able to touch so many students' lives. Students have gone on to dance professionally in companies and productions, as well earn scholarships to universities with renowned dance programs. Many have received scholarships for summer studies to prestigious programs such as the Kirov Academy, Houston Ballet, the Harid Conservatory and American Ballet Theatre. Still, others have received top honors at competitions, even appearing on the covers of trade publications. Her dance experience has allowed for the development of a strong and versatile multi-disciplinary dance curriculum, implemented by company-affiliated and pre-professional dance organizations. Mrs. Villalobos is proud to have shared her passion for dance with students of all ages and abilities, from the tiniest dancer to those at the university level and beyond.

Catie's lifelong love of ballet began when she saw The Nutcracker at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. She began ballet classes at age 6 and has gone on to perform with several pre-professional ballet companies (Northeast Atlanta Ballet Ensemble, The Madison Studio in Macon, GA, Festival Ballet in Atlanta), professional companies (Arizona Opera and Huntsville Ballet) as well as musical theatre productions in Alabama, Georgia and Arizona. She continues to refine her ballet technique and artistry with Broche Ballet, an online ballet school for adults. She attended the International Adult Ballet Festival in 2024 and 2025, winning 1st place in her solo division and "Belle of the Ballet" award for best costume, and plans to attend in 2026. This is Catie's second year at AYBT / RCB, and she currently teaches Ballet, Pre/Beginning Pointe, Beginning Teen Ballet, and Adult Ballet for Absolute Beginners.

Lauren Blue is a Huntsville, Alabama native and trained at North Alabama Dance Center for 10 years in ballet/pointe, tap, jazz, and modern dance. She is a graduate of the University of North Alabama, where she earned a Master of Business Administration degree. While attending UNA, Lauren discovered her love for pageantry, where she competed for nine years. During that time, she continued dancing by performing tap and lyrical solos in the talent portion of competition. Lauren has been honored to hold numerous local and state titles, including Miss Black Alabama USA 2020. Toward the end of her pageant career, she danced for the North Alabama War Dawgs as a member of the Diva Dawgs Professional Dance Team. Following her time in pageantry, she was given the opportunity to become a dance instructor. Lauren has been teaching for the past four years at multiple dance studios throughout North Alabama, specializing in tap. Although she is now a dance educator, she continues to train whenever possible, learning new techniques and choreography to bring back to her students. She has trained for several years at events across multiple states, including Hollywood Tap Fest. She has also participated in numerous online tap technique seminars and workshops. Lauren is an entrepreneur and multi-business owner. She operates Blue's Custom Designs, a custom apparel business, and Bodied by Blue, a dance, fitness, pageantry, and lifestyle brand. She currently serves as a committee member for the Miss Black Rocket City Scholarship Pageant and judges local pageants in her spare time. Lauren considers being a dance instructor the most rewarding role of her life. It has taught her a deeper level of patience, gratitude, discipline, and confidence. She believes this calling was chosen for her by God, allowing her to give back and pour into the next generation of dancers. Her goal is to help build their self-confidence and remind them that success is not about being the best dancer in the room, but about demonstrating hard work, dedication, and determination.

Heart & Soul spreads love and support throughout the Rocket City. Our group promotes body positivity and encourages individuals of all ages to set themselves free through line dancing. We engage in events that support the community and give everyone willing to participate; a chance to move, relax, unwind and most of all have fun.

The SJDS performance team does traditional Jazz from the 1920s-40s. Lindy hop, Charleston, Balboa and more. They dance socially at Saturn Jive Dance Space at lowe Mill ARTS. . . . .

Since being introduced to salsa and bachata and becoming active in it in 2010, Danielle has enjoyed social dancing, teaching/instructing and being a part of several footwork, styling and partner dance teams. As part of these teams, she has trained and performed with professional and world champion dancers such as Fernando Sosa & Tatiana Bonaguro of Tropical Gem and Maria Catalan of Cadance Dance Company. She has also participated in World Dance Projects and trained with multi time world champions such as Denisse Cambria of Iroko Dance Company. After teaching for several years with a local dance company as well as independently, Danielle decided to start SonRisa Dance Co, her own Latin dance company, in January of 2024. With SonRisa, her mission is to spread rhythm and joy through equipping people with dance knowledge, technique and skill in a variety of Latin dances that will leave them confident and ready for the social dance floor all while keeping a smile on their face! Along with dancing, Danielle loves to travel, laugh, care for & encourage others and spend time with her husband Timo, friends & family!

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V Dance Academy is a dance studio in Huntsville Alabama supporting the Non Profit Organization and Dance Company Dance Elan. Named for the founder Joey Villalobos, V Dance Academy brings world class dance instruction to North Alabama.

Rocket City Ballet is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts organization based in Huntsville, Alabama, with deep roots in the Bailey Cove community for more than two decades. Originally founded in 2006 as Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre by Wendy Graham, David Herriott, and Keren Gibb Hilliard, the organization was created with a clear purpose: to provide a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment for dancers of all ages, genders, and abilities. From the beginning, the organization has believed that excellence in dance training and accessibility in the arts should exist hand in hand. The heart of the organization has always centered on increasing accessibility to dance education and performance opportunities, including dedicated boys’ programs, adult classes, outreach initiatives, and welcoming pathways for dancers of diverse backgrounds and experience levels. As of July 1, 2026, Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre officially became Rocket City Ballet—a name chosen to better reflect the organization’s evolving mission, artistic identity, and vision for the future. While the name has changed, the foundation remains the same: exceptional training, meaningful performances, strong community values, and a deep commitment to artistic excellence.

In The Stars Aerial is an aerial silks and lyra studio that teaches adults how to fly! Starting from the ground, up, literally! Learn to dance in the air while growing in strength, confidence, and artistry.

Hazz Belly Dance Studio is a professional Middle Eastern dance troupe in Huntsville, Alabama, whose lively choreography and ornate costumes captivate audiences. Their program includes a diverse mix of regional dance traditions, reflecting the richness of the art.

Hibah has lived in Huntsville since 1994. She has been teaching in various studios and independently for many years. Dancing is her love language. . .

The Cha Chas Dance Krewe is an adult parade dance krewe, but most of all, they are friends. They have all been members of parade dance krewes in Huntsville and decided that making friends while dancing is the most important part of building their small community. They wear leopard print accented with their favorite color choices, and they bring the party wherever they go. They intentionally keep their krewe small (less than 20) to ensure that they are building a supportive community friendship. Performing in parades is fun, but their love for each other is everything.

CTRL ALT DANCE is a dynamic adult dance company based in Huntsville, Alabama, that focuses on a passionate community for dancers ages 18 and older. Core Styles and Mission The group specializes in high-energy, creative movement across 3 primary styles: 1. Hip-Hop 2. Jazz Funk 3. Contemporary Our mission is to provide adult dancers of various skill levels—typically intermediate to advanced—a space to grow, train, and perform. We aim to bridge the gap between recreational classes and professional-level performance opportunities. Dance Style: Jazz-Funk, Hip-Hop and Contemporary

Chris is a dedicated Latin dance artist who has trained and performed for the past 12 years, specializing in styles such as salsa and bachata. After first discovering a passion for these styles, Chris immersed himself in formal training under experienced instructors, refining technique, musicality, partner connection, and stage presence through many hours of practice, workshops, and intensive classes from professionals across the world. Currently, Chris regularly teaches with Gabriela with Baila Huntsville, helping newer students discover the wonder of the Latin dance style and assisting with training students who wish to perform. -- Baila Huntsville is a Salsa & Bachata Latin Dance school based in Huntsville and Madison. They offer different levels of Salsa On1 classes (Salsa LA Style) for all levels. Whether you are a Beginner, Advanced Beginner, or a more experienced dancer, they have Salsa classes for you. Their Salsa and Bachata group classes are taught not only with the counting of numbers, but they go deeper into the Salsa music to give you a better understanding of how to feel the rhythm and interpret it into your steps & partnerwork. They also specialize in private lessons and Salsa socials.

Rocket City Tango invites you into the evocative world of Argentine tango, an art form and culture defined by silent dialogue and spontaneous connection. Our social dance community explores the soul of the traditional Buenos Aires milonga through improvisation and the intimate, non-verbal language shared between partners.

The Rocket City Novas are a space-themed dance krewe that celebrates the joy of movement, the power of creativity, and the spirit of community. . .

Swing & Sway is a Huntsville‑based dance company dedicated to making partner dance accessible, welcoming, and joy‑filled for dancers of all levels. Founded and operated by Alexandra Hopper, the studio blends strong technical instruction with a supportive, student‑centered approach that empowers dancers to grow with confidence. Specializing in West Coast Swing, ballroom foundations, and social dance technique, Swing & Sway offers private lessons, group classes, wedding choreography, and event coaching. The company is known for clear communication, musicality‑driven teaching, and creating an environment where every dancer feels seen, encouraged, and capable.