2026 Recital photos  now available!  

Our Instructors

Experienced, passionate educators — many of them Academy alumni — dedicated to every dancer's growth.

Instructor Directory

Portrait of DeeAnn Valine

DeeAnn Valine

Owner, Director, & Competition Coach

DeeAnn Valine is the owner and director of Academy of Danse. A Napa Valley native, she has danced for over 40 years — starting with tap at age four before falling in love with ballet, jazz, pointe, and musical theatre. While attending Solano Community College, she trained five days a week under Sherri Stockdale, a multiple Shellie Award–winning choreographer celebrated throughout the Bay Area.

DeeAnn became the studio’s owner on January 1, 1994, and launched its first competition company in 1995, coaching and directing its teams to strong Bay Area results ever since. She holds her students to high expectations and is proud of the atmosphere she and her staff have built — one that challenges dancers of all levels while making them feel like family.

Tap Ballet Jazz Pointe Musical Theatre
Portrait of Jaycie Valine

Jaycie Valine

Instructor & Competition Coach

With 23 years of dance experience and a decade as competition coach, Jaycie is an award-winning choreographer. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Arizona State University.

Choreography All Styles
Portrait of Jessica Valine

Jessica Valine

Instructor & Competition Coach

Dancing since 2006, Jessica advanced from Pre-Competition to the highest level of competitive dance. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive environment.

Jazz Tap Ballet Contemporary Hip Hop Pointe Technique
Portrait of Julia Valine

Julia Valine

Instructor & Competition Coach

Dancing since age 3 with over 12 years on the competitive team and serving as team captain, Julia holds a B.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University (in progress).

Hip Hop Theatre Competitive Dance
Portrait of Bianca Rodriguez

Bianca Rodriguez

Instructor

An Academy alumna since age 3, Bianca performed in Disney Princess Pointé and holds a degree in Early Childhood Development. Now in her ninth year teaching at the Academy.

Tap Jazz Ballet Musical Theatre Contemporary Hip Hop
Portrait of Caitlin Henry

Caitlin Henry

Instructor

Discovered dance at age 4 in Tiny Tots and has been with the Academy for 13 years. Holds a B.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University and is pursuing a teaching credential and master's degree at Alliant International University.

Tap Jazz Ballet Pointe Hip Hop Musical Theatre Modern Contemporary
Portrait of Beth Rowles

Beth Rowles

Instructor & Competition Coach

A performing artist since age 3 with six years on the Competition Company, Beth specializes in teaching Tiny Tots and Musical Theater for ages 3–4.

Ballet Jazz Contemporary Hip Hop Musical Theatre
Portrait of Alex Walder

Alex Walder

Instructor & Competition Coach

Joined the Academy at age 7 and served as Competition Company team captain. A Vintage High School graduate (2019) currently studying Medicinal Biochemistry at Napa Valley College.

Hip Hop Jazz Ballet
Portrait of Mackenzie Cole

Mackenzie Cole

Instructor & Competition Coach

Dancing since age 2, Mackenzie joined the Junior Competition Company at 11. She completed a program at Portland Bible College and is currently studying at Napa Valley College, focusing on ballet instruction and junior lyrical coaching.

Ballet Jazz Contemporary Lyrical Musical Theatre Pointe
Portrait of Lucy Stricklin

Lucy Stricklin

Instructor

Dancing since age 3, Lucy joined Pre-Competition Company in 2015 and Competition Company in 2017, becoming an assistant teacher in 2018. She fosters a safe, supportive learning environment.

Ballet Hip Hop
Portrait of Ashlyn Parlett

Ashlyn Parlett

Instructor

A former Level 10 gymnast with over 12 years of competitive experience, Ashlyn was a Division I athlete on the University of Oregon Acrobatics & Tumbling team, earning NCATA All-American honors. She loves helping dancers of all ages and levels build strength, confidence, and strong tumbling fundamentals in a positive, encouraging environment.

Acro / Tumbling
Portrait of Madison Thompson

Madison Thompson

Instructor

Madison has been dancing practically since she could walk. Her passion truly took hold when she joined the Pre-Competition Company at age nine, and by eleven she had earned a place on the Competition Company. Now serving as team captain, Madison loves nurturing that same spark in others — creating an encouraging environment where every dancer feels supported and inspired.

Competitive Dance
Portrait of Addie Stabile

Addie Stabile

Instructor

With eight years of dance experience, including performing on a competitive dance team, Addie brings her passion for ballet to every class. She is dedicated to helping dancers build strong technique, confidence, and a lasting love for dance.

Ballet

Learn from the Best

Our instructors are excited to welcome your dancer into the Academy family.

Join Now