MEET THE FACULTY

KELSEY TANNER

Owner & Director

A native of Louisiana, Kelsey Tanner started dancing at the age of 2 at her Mother's studio. "I literally grew up in a studio. I remember watching my mom for hours every day. I dreamed one day that I could be just like her!"

Kelsey is a former scholarship recipient from New York City Dance Alliance, Pulse, Nuvo, West Coast Dance Explosion, Tremaine, and Showbiz National Talent, Kelsey worked in the Summer Counselor Program at Broadway Dance Center in New York City, assisting for numerous professional teachers and choreographers including Mia Michaels and Brian Friedman. She has received Choreography Awards at West Coast Dance Explosion, Onstage New York, Showbiz National Talent, Dance Educators of America, and Primetime Talent.

Kelsey Tanner began her professional career at the age of 17. She was chosen, out of over 1000 dancers and choreographers, for Royal Caribbean's luxury fleets as Head Dance Captain and Choreographer.

After completing two contracts with Royal Caribbean, Kelsey moved to Los Angeles, California to further her career as a dancer, singer, and actress. It was there that Kelsey was chosen to be a part of Team Bruno on the hit ABC show, Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann. Team Bruno was announced the winning team after eight amazing episodes, rewarding them a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

From there Kelsey's career began to take off which landed her dancing for major artists which include Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Jessie J, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hugh Jackman, Kristen Chenoweth, Adam Shankman, Jamie Lee-Curtis and many more. She has worked on two major films, which include: "Entourage," "Shrek the 4th" and "Family Wedding" with Academy Award winner, Forrest Whitaker.

Kelsey was chosen personally by Mattel to perform as "Barbie" in Washington D.C., which premiered the 50th Anniversary Doll and Dress to the President of the United States. While in Los Angeles she made many appearances on Dancing With The Stars and toured for 3 seasons with the show. Her professional expertise gives the students at JK Dance Center the opportunity to obtain dance knowledge unlike any other in our community.

"I am passionate about my work and my students! I love to see them grow into these amazing dancers. Let them praise His name with DANCING!"

ABBI CASTILLO

Instructor & Choreographer

Abbi Castillo is 16 and is currently a junior at Midland High school. Abbi has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She joined The JK Dance family at the end of last year and instantly felt right at home!

Abbi was happy to get to be a part of the studio's summer camps where she could share her love and passion for dance with the kids. She is excited to be on the first JK Dance Team and is looking forward to see what God has planned for her!

EMONI NIETO

Instructor & Choreographer

Emoni is originally from El Paso, Texas. She has lived in Midland for the past 10 years. Emoni has loved dancing and singing her whole life. Two years ago she found her saving grace at JK Dance Center to express all of her life battles through her dancing. JK has become her safe place where she continues to learn and grow her love of dance. Emoni is JK Dance Center's Sue Crew Scholarship recipient for 2021. She is excited to now be a part of the JK Staff family!

LILLY KATE JOHNSON

Assistant

Lilly Kate has been dancing for over 10 years. Lilly currently attends Midland Classical Academy, studies dance, and attends classes every day of the week She started off as a student at JK Dance Center and quickly worked her way to becoming our main Teacher’s Assistant. Lilly Kate has performed in shows such as, The Nutcracker, Le Rêve, Mystique, Wonderland, and many more. Her experience in all styles of dance makes her a wonderful assistant teacher.

ANGIE IBARRA

Office Manager

Born in Arlington, raised in Midland, Angie is the newest member of the JK staff family. Angie began her working career at Centers for Children and Families, thus developing a passion for working with children. She worked with Centers for 4 years before moving to Citizens Federal Credit Union where she worked for 2 years as the Lead Teller. With her experience with finance and with children, her contribution will be invaluable to JK Dance Center. We feel so blessed to have her as our new Office Manager!

LUCIA ESTRADA

Office Assistant

An extremely smart and gifted young lady, Lucia is currently a Junior at Early College High School. Lucia joined JK Dance Center in 2021 and quickly became one of our JK & CO members. No matter how large or small of a task she is given, Lucia is dedicated to always doing her best and giving 100 percent. We are excited to welcome Lucia as our new office assistant

BELLA LEDBETTER

Social Media Manager

Bella was raised in Midland and is currently a Senior at Midland High School. Bella loves to use her creativity and share, with the Social Media World, what the Dance World is really like. She enjoys capturing all the special moments within the Studio that are perfect to share with everyone on all of our Social Media Outlets.

ZORA THOMAS

Teacher/Assistant

A Light on and off the stage, Zora Thomas is a 14 year old young lady who appreciates a variety of dance styles and techniques. Practicing since the age of three, Zora particularly loves dancing in Ballet. Zora is a member of our JK&CO Pulse team. Being at JK Dance has allowed her confidence and her skill set to improve. Zora's goal is to attend Julliard to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Misty Copeland. We love having Zora as a part of our JK Staff!

BRANDY ISRAEL

Dance/Gymnastics Instructor

Born and raised in Texas, Brandy started dancing and tumbling at a young age, plus she has a Black Belt in Taekwondo. Brandy has been married for 22 years to her husband Brian and has one daughter, Madison, that is a part of our JK&CO Pulse team. Brandy has been a wonderful asset to the JK Staff and has thoroughly enjoyed watching the students grow in their skills.

ARIANNA LAUCHO

Dance/Gymnastics Instructor

Arianna is a 14 year old girl whose passion from a very young age has been Dance. By the time she was 4, she knew her favorite style would always be Hip-Hop. When she first came to JK Dance, she began experimenting with other styles that she also loves. She TRULY SHINES when she is on stage! "At JK I have found a family and a team of amazing people and dancers." Arianna is responsible, extremely dedicated, and passionate young lady with many goals for the future. She hopes to share her love and joy of dance with many others.

CYMBREE ROGERS

Cymbree Rogers is currently a Sophomore in High School. This is her fourth year of dancing. When she came to JK, she got to experience what a real dance family was like and made so many new friends. She is excited to share what she has learned and continues to learn herself. Cymbree is wonderful with children and always has such a calm, loving spirit with the children.

MAKAYLA KOEKEMOER

Makayla Koekemoer is originally from New Jersey and has been dancing for 12 years. She found JK Dance Center once she moved and quickly fell in love with the studio! Dance has always been such an important part of her life , especially the family that comes out of it. Makayla has loved being able to be apart of younger dancers journeys, getting to learn and perform at JK, and can’t wait to see what Midland has in store for her!

PAISLEY TANNER

Assistant

Paisley is a 10 year old young lady whose passion has always been children, so much so that she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. She has been dancing since she was 16 months old and is a current member of our JK&CO Vibes Team. Paisley has also competed in National Cheer and Dance Competitions, where her team placed 1st Overall and received a bid to go to Nationals in Orlando, FL. She loves helping with all the cute little ones that we teach at JK and the kiddos absolutely love her. Of course this runs through her veins as she is the daughter of the Owner, Kelsey Tanner. "As her Mom, it truly melts my heart to see her with all of our JK kiddos. She is such a big help and loves everyone! She never meets a stranger. I am so proud of her!"

SAM PALIASHCHUK and NELLY MUSTAFAYEVA

Dance Instructors

Sam Paliashchuk is a professional ballroom dancer, whose journey started at the age of 7. By the time he was 16, he held the title of Belarusian National Champion. His dedication and skill led him to become finalist of numerous European competitions.

At the age of 20 he moved to New York where his dance journey continued. Through hard work and passion he became a finalist in most prestigious competitions across the US.

As a dance teacher, Sam began sharing his expertise at just 16, assisting in training junior champions and guiding newcomers to the world of dance. He believes in making couple dancing easy and enjoyable, noting that leading a partner is more intricate than handling a truck. Today, he holds firm to the belief that anyone can dance, they simply need to find the right starting point.

Nelly Mustafayeva grew up studying music and dancing. Her journey began at the age of 6, where she had trainings in ballroom and ballet. She is a national champion of Azerbaijan and 10-dance World Vice Champion. Throughout Europe, she showcased her skill, achieving remarkable triumphs in numerous competitions. Her journey to the US was equally fulfilling, where she competed in numerous competitions leaving a trail of impressive results in her wake.

But Nelly's contributions to dance go beyond winning competitions. As a teacher and choreographer, she's dedicated to sharing her passion and knowledge with others. Whether she's teaching kids or adults, couples or singles, Nelly's commitment to her craft and her ability to inspire make her an invaluable asset to the dance community. Nelly's belief is simple: "Find joy in the process, dancing is about expressing yourself and having fun."

Sam and Nelly offer a variety of styles such as Latin, Ballroom, Country Western, Social and Wedding Dance choreography.