Our Staff

 

Kristy O'Connell

In the early 1990's Kristy performed in several music videos as well as in several NFL halftime shows.  For two years in a row Kristy performed at the Dallas Cowboys Charity Benefit in the mid 1990's.  Every year since 1991, she has taken classes with professional dancers such as Patsy Swayze, Debbie Allen, Keith Clifton, Jay Fagan, Mandy Moore, and David Howard of the New York City Ballet.  Kristy has also taken master classes from the famous Hollywood choreographer to the stars, Al Gilbert, up until his passing in 2003.  Kristy has had performing and teaching experience in the arts her whole life.  Besides her dancing background, she was also a member of the Texas Music Teachers Association having participated in Piano Guilds, Music Competitions, and Annual State Conventions.  She also performed with the UTEP orchestra for several years and taught music theory classes as well as private instruction.

Katherine Panos

At a very young age Katherine began her Ballet training with Ingeborg Heuser and Andree Harper.  She continues to train with the top Ballet masters in the industry, such as Juan Sanchez, Adam Parson, and Nicole Harlan of the EDGE Performing Arts Center in Hollywood California. 

Sylvia Calderon

Sylvia has also appeared in several musicals including UTEP's Music Man and has served as Dance Director/Choreographer for Christmas Spectacular for the past five years.

Summer Jasso

At the age of 10, Summer began assisting and by the age of 16 she began instructing at a studio in San Antonio.  Summer has also taken classes with professionals such as Keith Clifton, Rhonda Miller, Greg Russell, Jay Fagan, and Joe Tremaine.  She has danced and choreographed professionally for several years including Little Miss Texas pageant winners, Showstoppers, Star Bound, L.A. Dance Magic and Stage One national and regional competitions.  Summer is a trained instructor for all dance classes.

Erica Barraza

Erica began dancing at British Ballet at a very young age and is currently in her 18th year.  She has performed at the Disney Magic Music Days, the Alamo Bowl and the Sugar Bowl for  2 years.  She is currently attending UTEP.

Taryn Swopes

Taryn has been attending British Ballet Academy for 17 years.  She has also performed at Disney Magic Music Days, the Alamo Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl for 2 years.  Taryn is currently attending UTEP where she is studying engineering.

Melanie Johns

Melanie has been attending British Ballet Academy for 18 years.  She has also performed at Disney Magic Music Days.  Melanie is currently attending UTEP working hard towards a Degree in Education.

Chelsea Shugert

Chelsea has been attending British Ballet Academy since the age of 3 and has performed at Disney Magic Music Days, Alamo Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl for 2 years.  She is currently attending EPCC and UTEP where she is majoring in Dance.

Cynthia Garcia

Cynthia has been with British Ballet Academy since age 3.  She has performed at Disney Magic Music Days, Alamo Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl for 2 years.  She is also a performer for the UTEP Dinner Theater.  Cynthia is currently attending El Paso Community College.

Vanessa McBain

        Ballet and Tap Combination Assistant

Vanessa was a Burges High School Cheerleader and has extensive cheer and dance experience.  Vanessa is in her second year assisting at British Ballet Academy.

Hallie Anglade

    Assistant

Hallie is our newest assistant here at British Ballet.  She has been dancing at British Ballet Academy since the age of 3 and is currently a Sophomore at Montwood High School where she is an Emerald Dancer.

*British Ballet Academy is proud to be accredited with the Texas Association Teachers of Dance (T.A.T.D.), the National Dance Association (N.D.A.) and the International Tap Association (I.T.A.)*