Our instructors

DeeAnn Valine

DeeAnn Valine is a seasoned dancer and the owner and director of the renowned Academy of Danse. With over 40 years of experience, DeeAnn's love for dance began in her childhood, mastering tap, ballet, jazz, and pointe. After attending Solano Jr. College and training under Sherri Stockdale, an accomplished choreographer, DeeAnn discovered her passion for musical theatre.

In 1994, DeeAnn's dream came true as she established The Academy of Danse. For the first three years, she taught up to 25 classes per week while managing the studio. In 1995, she formed the Academy of Danse Competition Company, which has excelled in various styles, including musical theatre, at prestigious Bay Area competitions.

DeeAnn takes immense pride in the welcoming and challenging atmosphere at the Academy of Danse. Students of all levels are encouraged to grow and improve, and many consider the studio their second home. DeeAnn's high expectations and dedication to her students have fostered a strong sense of family within the studio.

With a supportive staff, DeeAnn continues to nurture talent and create a community where dancers thrive. Her unwavering commitment to her students' progress and her love for dance drive her to help others fulfill their dreams. The Academy of Danse stands is a testament to her vision and passion, providing a space where dancers of all backgrounds can discover their potential and experience the joy of dance.

Alex Walder

Alex, born in Wisconsin and raised in Napa, discovered her passion for dance at three years old. Joining the Academy of Danse at seven, she embraced tap, ballet, hip-hop, jazz, pointe, contemporary, and musical theater. As a member and team captain of the Academy's Competition Company, Alex treasured the close-knit community and lasting friendships. Graduating from Vintage High School in 2019, she contributed to the dance program as a performer and choreographer. Currently studying Medicinal Biochemistry at Napa Valley College, Alex also works in administration and medical research. As a dedicated dance teacher for hip-hop, jazz, and ballet, Alex relishes nurturing her students' progress and looks forward to another inspiring year at the studio.

Beth Rowles

Beth's dance journey began with an interest in ballet, sparking a passion that led her to Academy of Danse at age 7. From ballet to jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop, she embraced various dance styles. Beth's love for musical theater allowed her to blend character portrayal with diverse dance techniques. Performing since the age of 3, she treasures the stage, participating in school plays, voice/piano recitals, and dance recitals, missing only one due to injury. Beth's six years on the Competition Company enriched her teaching with dedication and hard work. Being raised in a large family, she values patience and cherishes teaching Tiny Tots and Musical Theater for the past three and four years, respectively. Excited for the year ahead!

Bianca Rodriguez

Bianca Rodriguez has been with the Academy of Danse since age 3, inspired by her god‑sister Skye. She trained in tap, jazz, ballet, musical theatre, contemporary, hip‑hop, and performed in DeeAnn’s Disney Princess Pointé. At five she joined the Napa Valley College Ballet Folklórico for seven years, then entered the Academy’s competition team as its youngest member, forging lasting friendships.

She studied at Napa Valley College and later earned a degree in Early Childhood Development, working at an in‑home preschool since 2017.

Now in her ninth year teaching at the Academy, Bianca blends her alumna experience with a passion for inspiring young dancers to love movement and build confidence.

Caitlin Henry

Caitlin was born and raised in Napa Valley, where she discovered her love of dance at just four years old in a Tiny Tots class at the Academy of Danse. From that very first class, she was hooked. Over the years, she trained in a wide variety of styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, hip-hop, musical theater, modern, and contemporary dance.

After high school, Caitlin continued her dance journey through college while earning her B.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University. She is now pursuing her teaching credential and master’s degree at Alliant International University. Her passion for working with children shines through in all she does—whether teaching PE at West Park and Phillips Elementary Schools, serving as Program Director for the California Experience Camps girls’ program, or sharing her joy for dance with her students.

Caitlin has been part of the Academy of Dance family for the past 13 years and is thrilled to continue teaching and inspiring dancers of all ages this year!

Jaycie Valine

Jaycie has dedicated 23 years to dancing and has coached the competition company for a decade. Her choreographed routines have received numerous awards, including the highest-scoring overall routine and multiple choreographers' awards. Jaycie graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in biology and aspires to teach science at the secondary level. Balancing her studies with a busy schedule, she taught, coached, and choreographed for the Academy of Danse, taking classes in various dance styles. Jaycie, who dances with her sisters and learned from her mother, DeeAnn, values community and a safe dance environment. She aims to continue fostering a dance family at the Academy of Danse where students can freely express themselves and grow as dancers and individuals.

Jessica Valine

Jessica has been dancing at Academy of Danse since 2006, starting in Tiny Tots. Her passion for dance never wavers, as she constantly practices on her own or with her teacher sisters, Julia and Jaycie Valine. From the Pre-competition Company in 2014 to the highest-level competition pieces, Jessica thrives in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pointe, and Technique classes. Having grown up immersed in the dance world, she continues to learn and eagerly passes down her knowledge to her students, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment. Jessica's joy stems from her shared love for dance and creating an inclusive dance family alongside her mom and sisters.

Mackenzie Cole

Mackenzie Cole, born and raised in Napa, has been dancing since she can remember. Starting at age two, she fell in love with ballet and eventually joined Academy of Danse at 7, embracing her dance family. Joining the Junior Competition Company at 11, Mackenzie flourished in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, and pointe. After graduating from New Technology High School in 2019, she completed a program at Portland Bible College and is currently studying at Napa Valley College. With a passion for working with children, Mackenzie teaches ballet and coaches the junior lyrical dancers. Excited to help her students grow and strengthen their skills, she looks forward to their dance journey.