Darci Bray
My name is Darci Bray and I began dancing at the age of 3 and have been on the move ever since! I grew up dancing in Kansas City where I had the opportunity to compete locally, regionally and nationally with my home studio. I danced for 4 years on the Varsity Dance Team in High School and was a member of UDA’s teaching staff…
Megan Jones
My name is Megan Jones. Born and raised in Omaha, NE, I started dancing at the age of 3. In 2001, at the age of 5, I moved to TDA for their opening year to further my dance education. I eventually joined the TDA Competition Team in the 2008-2009 season…
Shelly Strong
I’ve been with TDA since the beginning, first as dance mom, then the competition team costume lady and now the Competition Team Coordinator with many many jobs in-between. I grew up in Millard, I’m married to Bill and together we have 2 great kids; Samantha who danced at TDA for 16 years…
Jason Shimerdla
I am Jason and I have been working at TDA since the beginning. My sister opened the studio and asked me to be a teacher and those 20+ years have been a blessing. I am a stay at home dad to my 2 kids, 2 cats, and a dog. I grew up in Omaha, most of the time living in Millard. I started out in college in the early childhood education field…
Emily Vlach
Hi, my name is Emily Vlach and I have been at TDA for the past 9 years! I have spent almost my whole life dancing and started helping teach at the age of 12! Outside of TDA I am a resource teacher in Springfield Nebraska…
Marlando Sparks
Hi everyone! My name is Marlando Sparks. I am originally from Washington State, but moved to Nebraska in 2016 for college. While there, I was on the Dance Team, where I won 2 National Championships…
Caitlin Hebrew
My name is Caitlin Hebrew, and my family has been with The Dance Authority for 10 years. I grew up as a highly competitive gymnast in the Kansas City area, competing at the local, regional and national level…
Kelsey Urban
Hello! My name is Kelsey Urban and this is my first year being part of the TDA staff. Prior to that I was an involved parent helping out with props, being a stage mom, and cheering on my kiddo. I…
Jillian Belcastro
My name is Jillian Belcastro and this is my fifth year with TDA. I was proud to be a part of the Company Competition Team throughout my Junior and Senior year. Since then, I have been continuing my passion for dance by teaching. I am a demonstrator…
Maddie Evans
My name is Maddie Evans. I am so excited to begin my first season with TDA! My love for dance began when I took my first class at 3 years old. I continued dancing competitively for a local studio and even took some ballet courses in college…
Cassie Jarmin
My name is Cassie Jarmin and this is my fourth year teaching at TDA and my tenth (I think!) year teaching dance! I was born and raised in Omaha and have been part of the dance community since I could walk! During the week I am a Kindergarten teacher…
Lisa Healy
I started at TDA in 2022 and has zero dance background, but I love being a dance mom to my daughter Chloe. My professional day job is as a Senior Brand Strategist at Daake, a branding and design agency. With my expertise…
Jen McCarthy
Hi, my name is Jen McCarthy and I am originally from Grand Island Nebraska, but I’ve been calling Omaha my home for over 20 years. My husband, Cameron, and I have three children Thomas (18), Natalya (15) and Jacoby (10). We also run…
Caitlin Gardner
My name is Caitlin and I am from Overland Park, Kansas. Although this is my first year at TDA, I’ve been teaching for about 4 years. Outside of TDA, I am a Junior Nursing student at Midland University and on the dance team. I’ve been dancing for 17 years…
Trista Gaebel
I am a nurse and work as an Operations Director currently. I have a senior at TDA who has been here for 10 years. I also have a husband and 11 year old son. TDA is our second family!
Becca Odom
Bio coming soon!