Pivotal Academy of Dance

Meet our Extraordinary Instructors

What sets our teachers apart? It's the perfect blend of professional expertise and genuine care for each student's journey. Your child isn't just another dancer in the studio; they're a unique individual with their own potential waiting to be discovered. Our handpicked team of instructors doesn't just teach dance—they inspire, nurture, and transform young dancers into confident performers who shine both on and off the stage.

Jade Greenough Powell - Owner, Director of Vitality Dance Company

Ms. Jade's "Why"

"This year I celebrate 29 years of teaching and 10 years as the owner of Pivotal Academy of Dance. From the start, my why has been clear, dance changes lives. PAD was built to be more than a dance studio, it’s a home where dancers grow in courage, confidence, and purpose.

Chapter 10 is our celebration of our past, our present, and our purpose. My why is, and always will be, to use dance as the spark that helps people grow into leaders, teammates, and humans who know their worth."

About Ms. Jade

Over 28 years of experience teaching, choreographing, and leading in the dance world
Began training at age 4 in Austin, TX and went on to earn multiple scholarships and awards from TATD, Urban Jam, LA Dance Force, and Star Makers
Former James Bowie High School Silver Star officer
Lectures in the Dance Department at Texas State University
Longtime member of Texas Association Teachers of Dancing (since 1999), serving as Past President & Examinations Chairman with certifications in Tap and Jazz
Choreographer for schools across Texas and faculty member for Tap It Up and TATD
Founder of Talks With Jade, where she helps studio owners, teachers, and dancers unlock their full potential through leadership and motivation
Known for her passion, energy, and heart for people, always leading with her philosophy: “Lead with purpose, and you will always find your way.”

Britt Herzfeld - Director of PADlock Dance Crew, Office Manager, Instructor

Ms Britt's "Why"

“I teach dance because it brings joy to my own heart and body, but even more because of the light I see in each dancer as they grow. Dance is more than steps — it’s a way of discovering yourself, expressing emotions, and telling your story without words. Watching a dancer step into their own confidence, creativity, and artistry is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. My ‘why’ is to nurture not just strong dancers, but strong individuals who feel seen, valued, and inspired every time they move.”

About Ms. Britt

Began formal dance training at age 3 at The Dance Center in Austin, TX under Judy Thompson-Price
Graduate of James Bowie High School (2002) and member of the award-winning Silver Stars for three years
Earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University, where she also studied creative movement for children
Earned a Graduate Degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University
Joined D’Ette & Co. Dancers in 2008 as a student; became an instructor and office manager in 2014
Served as assistant choreographer for Rhythm Force Dance Company (2014–2017)
Proud dance mom—all three of her daughters have danced at Pivotal Academy of Dance
Member of Texas Association Teachers of Dancing (TATD) since 2015 with a Jazz exam; Currently serves on the board as Treasuer
Certified Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor since 2020

Paige Chun - Assistant Director of VDC, Instructor

Ms. Paige's "Why"

"Dance has always been a guiding force in my life, shaping me into the person I am today. As a teacher, I see my role as so much more than teaching steps—I’m here to help shape, support, and encourage each dancer on their journey. I want every student to feel seen, heard, valued, respected, and inspired when they step into my class. My goal is to create a safe space where they can experience the joy of dance, the friendships it builds, and the freedom of creative expression, while growing into the best version of themselves."

About Ms. Paige

Began dancing at age 5 with D’Ette & Co. Dancers, training under Jade Greenough, Paula Samson, Karen Elliott, and D’Ette Ray Rice
Dedicated member of Rhythm Force Dance Troupe for 8 years, studying ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop
Member of the award-winning James Bowie High School Silver Stars, serving as Junior Lieutenant (junior year) and Captain (senior year)
Earned a B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Austin (2016)
13 years of teaching and choreographing experience, including the past 8 years at Pivotal Academy of Dance
Choreographer for Hays CISD and Austin ISD dance teams
Became a member of Texas Association Teachers of Dancing (2019) after passing her Tap exam
Served as an adjudicator for Ascension Dance during the 2021-2022 and 2022–2023 competition seasons
Served on the teaching faculty for Rejuvenate Convention (TATD) and Motion Composer Intensives, sharing expertise with dancers and instructors
Certified in Alixa Flexibility Modules 1 & 2 (2022 & 2023)

Micah Sandusky - Assistant Director of PADlock, Instructor

Ms. Micah's "Why"

"I teach dance to pass on a deep love of learning and refining technique, while inspiring a lasting passion for the performing arts. My goal is to guide students not only in developing their technical abilities, but also in understanding the expressive power of movement. I strive to cultivate a supportive, inclusive environment where creativity can flourish and every individual feels seen, valued, and empowered. Through dance, I hope to encourage curiosity, confidence, and connection—helping students grow not just as artists, but as whole, expressive human beings."

About Ms. Micah

Began formal dance training at age 8 in Reading, Pennsylvania
Graduated from The Dance Gallery, where she trained, competed, and assisted classes
Performed at Disney World and trained in NYC with jazz isolationist Luigi
Attended MCC in Waco, earning an Associate’s degree
Studied and performed in musical theater, modern, and ballet under Joseph Taylor
Spent 5 years at Joys School of Dance, working with their Junior Company
Accepted as a member of Texas Association Teachers of Dancing (TATD) in 2019
Teaching at Pivotal Academy of Dance since 2023

About

Hailey Chambers - Front Desk, Instructor

Ms. Hailey's "Why"

"My love of teaching dance stems from a passion for the art form that has provided me so much opportunity for personal growth, and allowed me an outlet for self-expression that is unlike any other. I love getting to shape students’ dance journeys, and watch how that classroom culture and experience shapes them in turn. Dance encompasses more than what is done in the classroom, and getting to watch dancers grow into confident, compassionate, and conscientious humans brings me so much joy!"

About Ms. Hailey

Began dance experience in high school on a dance/drill team
Initially pursued marine biology in college, but realized dance remained a central passion
Transferred to Texas State University to fully pursue dance
Earned a degree in Dance Education with a second teaching field in Life Sciences
Completed teaching internships at Canyon Lake and Smithson Valley High Schools
Participated in CIMTEYA while at Texas State University
Performed with Orchesis Dance Company and Transient Dance Collective
Trained and performed in traditional Balinese dance and theatre
Participated in a variety of faculty and student projects
Certified in Acrobatic Arts (2023)

Amy Young - Assistant Office Manager

Ms. Amy's "Why"

"Dance has always played an important role in my life. It’s been a form of escape, expression, movement, and creativity. It has brought me my best friends, including my husband who I met Swing dancing. Dance provided me a way to connect to my daughter who has a very different personality than mine, but who loves dance even more than I do! I love being part of the dance world and I love being a part of a dance studio that cultivates that love of dance for everyone who walks through our doors! I do this job not because I have to, but because I get to!"

About Ms. Amy

Born and raised in Payson, Utah
Began dancing as an adult, learning multiple styles at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Salt Lake City
Became a swing dance instructor during the 1990s swing craze
Met her husband, Jim, through swing dancing; married in 2000
Over a decade of experience as a dance mom, supporting her daughter Sadah at Pivotal Academy of Dance and D’Ette & Co. Dancers
Joined adult tap dance classes at D’Ette & Co. Dancers in 2013; later expanded to jazz and hip hop at Pivotal Academy of Dance
Holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Utah Valley University

Lindsey Gerson - Instructor

Ms. Lindsey's "Why"

"Teaching is a passion of mine, getting to help my students grow and experience dance in a healthy way is such a privilege. I love learning how to be a better teacher and share my love for movement with the next generation."

About Ms. Lindsey

Born in Germany and raised in El Paso, Texas
Began classical ballet training at age 13, studying for 6 years under David Alejandro Duran
Traveled abroad for 7 months in Germany and China during a Discipleship Training School, experiencing native dance forms
Moved to Austin to study choreography and improv with Darla Johnson and learned American Sign Language at Austin Community College
Began sewing and costume making during this time
Earned Certificate in American Sign Language Studies and transferred to Texas State University
Member of Merge Dance Company (2016–2017), traveling to Trinidad for the Contemporary Choreographers’ Collective Dance Festival
Joined Transient Dance Collective in 2016 and served as President (2017–2018)
Created dance films Refine and Imprisoned, both selected for various film festivals
Graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, emphasis in Performance and Choreography
Continues self-taught sewing/costume work and teaches dance in the Austin area
Performed with the aerial dance company Blue Lapis Light
Teaching at Pivotal Academy of Dance since 2018

Prince Imo - Instructor

Mr. Prince's "Why"

"I teach to remind others of their greatness, even on the days they don’t see it themselves."

About Mr. Prince

Started dancing in freshman year of high school
Couldn’t afford studio training, so learned choreography online and created his own opportunities
In 2017, started a dance team at Texas State University and took classes in Austin and San Antonio
After graduating, joined the SA Spurs Hype Squad entertainment team
Continues to dance, teach, and learn from favorite choreographers
Recently performed on Todrick Hall's Femuline World Tour as a backup dancer for opening act Josey Greenwall

Valeria Peña - Front Desk, Instructor

Ms. Valeria's "Why"

"I chose to become a dance teacher because dance has always been a huge part of my life. Dance has being my constant passion and allows me to connect with my true self. I’m so grateful that I now get to share that same passion with other dancers and help them discover their own love for dance. When signing up to be a dance teacher I didn’t realize that I’d be doing more than just teaching steps in a studio. As a teacher, I get to help build an environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow. I get to watch them gain confidence, build friendships, and express themselves through dance. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to help my students both on and off the dance floor, and I love watching them grow within a community that truly feels like a second home."

About Ms. Valeria

Born and raised in Austin, Texas
Began dancing at age 5 at D’Ette & Co. Dancers; trained in ballet, contemporary, tap, and jazz
Member of Rhythm Force for 6 years
Transitioned to Pivotal Academy of Dance at age 14, spending four years in Vitality Dance Company
Joined Akins Diamond Dazzlers Dance Team in high school
- Served as Line Sergeant in sophomore year
- Captain during junior and senior years
Graduated in May 2023
Pursuing dance at Texas State University

Madison Hunt - Instructor

Ms. Maddie's "Why"

"My 'why' is watching a dancer’s face light up when they achieve something in my class that they’ve never done before, and do the hard things they weren’t sure they could. I love watching dancers support their friends in doing those things as well, and the energy in a room when every dancer is present and cheering each other on!"

About Ms. Maddie

Began dance training at age 8 in Fort Worth, Texas, starting with jazz and pom
Joined a competitive dance team at age 10, training in contemporary, hip hop, tap, musical theater, and ballet
Attended conventions across Texas, learning from master teachers such as Mia Michaels, Lacey Schwimmer, and Lane Napper
First choreography experience was high school musicals (2019–2022)
Choreographed her own solos, earning numerous overall and title awards at competitions including Kids Artistic Revue, Revolution Talent Competition, and Legacy Dance Championships
Pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography at Texas State University
Continues to choreograph and advance dance training while in college

Mary Jane Gomersall - Instructor

Ms. Mary Jane's "Why"

“I teach because of my passion for dance. It has always been my outlet of true expression. To pass that appreciation on and/or encourage that kindle in someone else is amazing! Dance isn’t just steps and technique, it also teaches one discipline, self motivation, confidence, tenacity, among many more life traits. It gives you a community and shows how your actions can affect others. I try to inspire my students, as they always inspire me!”

About Ms. Mary Jane

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas
Studied dance at Kitty Carter’s Dance Factory during childhood and adolescence
Graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.A. in Dance
Performed as a soloist and with multiple companies in classical, contemporary, and jazz ballets, operas, and musicals, including:
- Royal Caribbean Productions
- Fort Worth Opera (La Traviata & Carmen)
- Willis Ballet in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Classic Ballet Theatre of Marina Medvetskaya
- Eclipse Entertainment, Company Mayes, FTA Productions, Commedia Ballet Theatre, Votum Dance Company
Appeared in an episode of Prison Break and a JC Penney industrial video
Completed six Teacher’s Congresses in the Teaching Method of Classical Ballet (Vaganova)
Over 25 years of teaching experience, instructing ballet, lyrical, modern, contemporary, and jazz to students of all ages in the U.S. and U.K.

Zoe Snyder - Front Desk

Ms. Zoe's "Why"

"I dance because it is how I communicate what words can’t. Dance has shaped the person I am today and taught me what it means to truly let go of perfection and just let the movement speak how it wants to. I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to dance and give back what I have learned along the way. I want my dancers to feel as safe as I do when I dance. I want to create a space where they can feel free to express themselves and whatever they are feeling. The goal is never perfection, but rather growth. It’s the best feeling to see the confidence in my dancers grow when they finally let themselves be free."

About Ms. Zoe

Born in Cumby, Texas
Began dancing at the age of 8 in McKinney Texas
Trained in contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, pointe,musical theatre, and modern
Competed for 10 years
Founding company member of Integrity Dance Arts—est. 2020
Student teacher at IDA for 4 years
Graduated from McKinney North High School in 2025
Studying for BFA in dance studies at Texas State University— Class of 2029