MISTI SMITH

Owner
Instructor-Ballet

Ms. Misti began dancing at the age of two in Odessa and continued her training for 18 years. She took classes in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz under various instructors throughout the years; including Mary Phillips, Cindy Solant and Margaret Edmonds.
Ms. Misti has worked in Education for the past 22 years as a teacher and Educational Diagnostician. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in History and a Master's Degree in Special Education.
Ms. Misti purchased Center Stage Dance Studio in April 2020 and is looking forward to continuing high quality, age appropriate dance instruction for dancers in the Permian Basin. She is married to Boe Smith and they are the proud parent of two children, Presli and Gunner.

LADONA RUIZ

Instructor-Ballet-Tap-Hip Hop-Jazz-Lyrical

Ms. LaDona began dancing at the age of two under the direction of Barbra Branson at About Dance Studio. By the time LaDona was six, she was assisting in ballet and tap classes for the younger dancers. When About Dance Studio closed she enrolled at Dance Connection where she was instructed by Margaret Edmonds, Barbra Craig and Cindy Solant. Ms. LaDona's adult life has been spent teaching at various Mother's Day out programs and Christian Schools throughout Odessa. Her teaching experience includes toddlers through pre-kindergarten. Ms. LaDona is the proud Mommy of three girls - Kamryn,Brooklyn and Brisyn and twin boys Axel and Maverick. She is married to Adam.

MARISSA TORRES

Instructor-Tap-Jazz-Team Lyrical

Ms. Marissa began dancing at the age of three in Odessa and continued her training for 11 years locally. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop under various instructors throughout the years.

At the Globe Theatre, she performed as a dancer and actress in the Southwest Shakespeare Festival for two years under the direction of Laura Metzger-Bond, and in the musical Happy Birthday USA for 5 years under the direction of Kathryn Graybill and Anthony Ridley. She holds an Associate in Arts in Psychology and Sociology.

Having studied at several dance studios, she understands how a teacher can best elevate her students to their highest potential and prepare them for their futures.