Tap/Jazz/Ballet/HipHop/ComboKids/Liturgical  FLAVA/TDP/Manor

Melanie Smith has been dancing since the age of three.  She began her dance training at River City Twirl & Dance and later Joyce Willett School of Dance, both in Austin, Texas.  While at Joyce Willett Melanie joined Body Talk Dance Company.  She soon began choreographing for special shows and mentoring and encouraging other dancers.  She has been a performer, choreographer and instructor in Austin and throughout Central Texas for over 13 years.

While in high school Melanie danced with the Reagan RR's and the Lanier Vikettes as well as Austin Independent School District's All City Dance Team.  While in college Melanie served as captian of the Temple College Dance Team 2000-2001. She also danced with the Blinn College Treasures, 2001-2003.

 Melanie is a gifted choreographer and is trained and competent in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Liturgical, Contemporary and Drill Team.  She loves everything about dance and especially enjoys training young dancers helping them realize thier potential.  Melanie practices the "ABCD" philosophy; Any Body Can Dance.  She enjoys helping the under dog transform into a beautiful swan . 

She has won numerous awards, scholarships and other titles and has traveled throughout the state of Texas training and improving her skills.  Her first national scholarship was won at the tender age of 6 while attending an LADF dance convention.  Melanie has many national commercials and two movies to her credit.  She has had the opportunity to train with Savion Glover, the late Gregory Hines, Acia Gray, Keith Clifton, Mia Michaels, Wade Robinson, Benji Schwimmer and many others.  Her favorite style of dance is tap. 

In August 2006 Melanie fulfilled her dream of establishing Dancin' Jazzi Dance Studio.  She is the founder and artistic director of Lil' FLAVA, FLAVA and T.D.P. Dance Companies.  She is also the co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Out tha Box Productions.

Combo Kids/Ballet /Jazz

Renese Johnson's love for dance and performing was evident at a very early age. At 7 years old she began taking Ballet, Tap & Jazz classes. She has also danced with several community dance groups performing in parades and other community events.

While in high school, Renese was a member of the Johnston Cadettes Drill Team, Reagan RR Dance Team and Austin Independent School district's All City Dance Team.

Renese continued training in Ballet and Lyrical Jazz while in college. Though her favorite style of dance is Lyrical Jazz she also enjoys Ballet. Renese has also choreographed for several dance and step shows for her sorority Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. winnig several first place honors.

enese incorporates her love of children, dance and music in all aspects of her life. Both charismatic and energetic, she infuses her classes with creative energy and positivity. She is passionate about working with children and empowering them through dance to realize their own confidence and abilities to both reach their goals and embrace their potential on the dance floor and throughout life.

Renese's family Carlos, Vivian and Stephon graciously share her with the Dancin' Jazzi family.

 Ballet/Technique/Jazz   Manor

Cristina Blanco-Adams has 20 years of dance experience including eight years of choreography and teaching.  She is trained and competent in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, modern and theatre.  Cristina grew up dancing and was a member of Body Talk Dance Company for ten years.  During that time she attended numerous master classes, conventions and competed and won on both regional and national levels.  Understanding that ballet training was imperative to all genres, Cristina trained in ballet at Ballet Austin and the Austin Ballet Academy.

During high school Cristina was an officer in the Reagan Double R Dance /Drill Team.  She also danced on the  AISD All City dance team and was captain of Reagan's cheerleading squad.  Cristina was active in many other organizations at Reagan and graduated as Valedictorian.

After high school, Cristina attended the University of Texas at Austin and continued her dance training in ballet and modern.  She also danced with the UT Dance Team serving as an officer and assistant choreographer.  She graduated with honors from UT with a BS degree in Advertising.

Although Cristina worked full-time at a local advertising acency  and was a wife and new mother, she remained passianate about dance and theatre.  She returned to her high school alma mater as the Director/Choreographer of the Drill team.  She worked in this capacity from 2001-2003.  She has also served on judging panels for drill team and officer tryouts for the Austin, Round Rock and Belton school districts.

Cristina's family Kevin, Alex and Ava graciously share her with the Dancin' Jazzi family.

Photo 

           Coming

                    Soon!

Studio Director  Austin/Manor

Ms. Leola, as she is affectionally called is the mother to Melanie.  She has worked for a lifetime with Melanie as her chauffer, costumer, stage mom, business partner and now studio director.  

Crystal Herndon has always had a love for dance and it is evident in every move she makes!  Her apparent love for dance transcends all dance styles.  About four years ago, her diverse interests led her to Latin dance.  Presented with the opportunity to become certified in Zumba she enthusiastically went for it!  Her passion and electric teaching style invite everyone to join in, let loose and have fun.  It is her hope that everyone, regardless of background or skill level will become inspired by Zumba.