Jamie Rodriguez — Owner and Creative/Artistic Director
As the owner and creative/artistic director of Dancer’s Edge Dance Studios for 21 years, I am grateful to be living out my dream as a studio owner. I began my career in Flint, Michigan, performing as a soloist with the Flint Ballet Theater. After earning a BFA in dance from Western Michigan University, I received a scholarship to the Harkness House School of ballet in NYC. Although my vocation is classical ballet, I teach all dance forms we offer at the studio. I am currently studying to become an examiner of the Cecchetti method of teaching classical ballet. I currently hold the teacher’s grade VI Professional Intermediate Certificate, qualifying me as a licentiate member of the Cecchetti Council of America.
Cecchetti focuses on theory and technique allowing us to uphold a standard of excellence.
Isa Villafane — Team Coach, Jazz & Acro Instructor
Miss Isa is our Competition Team Coach as well as our Acro & Jazz dance instructor. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. She began dancing at the age of 7 and has been ever since. Miss Isa has been teaching and choreographing for the past 10 years. She was the Assistant Artistic Director for 3 years at a studio in Tallahassee, has co-directed various productions, and has co-founded 3 successful performance groups. She has performed for recitals, competitions, dance concerts, and has done guest-artist work. She has choreographed for various competitions and productions. She currently teaches workshops and choreographs for multiple studios around Florida. She believes in dance training that is centered around longevity and body health. Miss Isa is excited to continue her dance journey with us at Dancer’s Edge!
Michelle Phillips – Lyrical & Ballet Instructor
Rachel Brown — Flamenco & Ballet Instructor
Miss Rachel is our Flamenco teacher and teaches ballet as well. She studied ballet as a student at the School of Performing Arts in Fern Park, Florida. She went on to Albaquerque, New Mexico to earn her degree in Flamenco Dancing. After dancing and touring in Spain, she returned to Florida to teach for Dancer’s Edge, along with her accompanist, El Papi, Flamenco guitarist.
Rachel Marks — Tap Instructor
Miss Rachel has been dancing since she was 3 years old. Growing up, she studied all genres of dance, but her favorites were always tap, lyrical, and modern. Rachel continued to pursue dance at Rollins College, studying Theatre Arts and Dance. A few years ago, she came to Dancer’s Edge in order to rekindle her love of dance. She now teaches tap, ballet, and modern classes at the studio. When she’s not dancing, Miss Rachel teaches English at the University of Central Florida.
Raquel Hill — Hip-Hop Instructor