Meet Some of Our Amazing Instructors
Ilen'a Appling - Owner & Artistic Director
Originally from Detroit, Michigan - Ilen'a started dancing at the age of three at the Dearborn Dance Academy, where she trained under Artistic teaching ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary! - Pamela Damian. There, she would perfect her craft in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and gymnastics. Ilena would go on to attend the popular Detroit High School For the Fine and Performing Arts (DSA), the number one school for performing arts in the entire state of Michigan. She excelled in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, and African dance under the tutelage of Director, Lisa Reynolds. ILena has attended a variety of dance workshops including training at the world renown, Julliard - in New York. Her extensive skill set and passion for dance landed her a full scholarship for dance at Bowling Green University in Ohio. She opened up her first dance studio at the age of 20 in Oak Park Michigan, “Leona's Totally Gospel Dance Studio" And after relocating to Houston decided to keep the spirit of dance within her alive by opening “Toes & Tunes Fine Art Studio" which operated grandly from 2012 to until COVID 19 forced the doors closed. But in Fall of 2021 with the God's blessing and assistance from her daughters Lian'a and Nyla opened a private dance school, Art of Dance Academy in Katy, Texas is grateful and enamored by the year over year growth!
Bree BurkeIs- Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary
Classically trained and has been dancing for thirteen years. Bree earned impressively high ratings on the Royal Ballet Exams after 5 years of vigorous training. After joining the Seven Lakes Sapphires Drill team her Freshman year, her love for dance expanded to new lengths when she was introduced to a variety of new styles such as jazz, pom, lyrical,and modern. During her 4 years on the team Ms. Burke has exemplified her natural leadership capabilities by taking on a multitude of roles including Historian, New Member Educator, and 2 year President of the dance team. This is her first year with us at Art of Dance Academy and instructed Jazz and Ballet to all ages. Bree is very passionate about spreading her knowledge of dance to others and we are excited to have her on the team!
Michelle Hamilton - Jazz, Hip-hop, Contemporary
Is from Houston ,Texas and has been part of the performing arts community for over 20 years. Throughout her tenure, Michelle has worked with several organizations in the Houston area as a movement consultant and choreographer. Michelle studied dance at Sam Houston State University and has since performed and taught all over the country. She has instructed various dance styles at several studios in the Houston area as well as being a movement technician in the HISD/FBISD District Michelle is a stickler for technique, passion, and overall fun. She instructs Jazz and Hip Hop with us here at Art of Dance Academy and we love the energy she brings and gives to the girls!