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.
About
Jade Greenough Powell - Owner, Director of VDC
Jade Greenough is a dynamic leader and educator with over two decades of experience in dance and choreography, as well as a growing presence in the world of public speaking. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Jade began her dance training at the age of four with the Shirley McPhail School of Dance, where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, contemporary, and hip hop. She went on to perform with the Terpsichore Dance Company and earned numerous scholarships and awards from renowned organizations such as the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing (TATD), Urban Jam, LA Dance Force, and Star Makers. As a high school student, Jade was a member of the award-winning James Bowie High School Silver Stars, serving as an officer her senior year.
Jade began choreographing at just 15 years old for the Rhythm Force Dance Company and launched her teaching career in 1997. She spent 20 years on staff at D'Ette & Co. Dancers and has also taught at various studios in the Phoenix metro area while attending Arizona State University. During her time at ASU, she studied dance education and served as an assistant instructor for both beginning and intermediate tap classes.
A dedicated member of the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing (TATD) since 1999, Jade has successfully completed Examiners Exams in both Tap (2008) and Jazz (2019). She currently serves as the organization’s Past President and Examinations Chairman. Jade’s professional background is reinforced by a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Texas State University, where she now teaches as a lecturer in the Dance Department.
In addition to her teaching, Jade has choreographed for high schools and middle schools in Texas and has served on the faculty of Tap It Up and TATD. Known for her passion, energy, and enthusiasm, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and motivational leadership to every class and speaking engagement. As she ventures into public speaking, Jade aims to share her insights on team building, leadership, and creating a positive culture within organizations, drawing from her extensive experience in dance education and team collaboration. Jade's personal philosophy, "Lead with purpose, and you will always find your way.” reflects her commitment to inspiring others to pursue their passions with dedication and purpose.
Britt Herzfeld - Director of PADlock, Office Manager, Instructor
Britt began her formal dance training at the age of 3 with The Dance Center in Austin, Texas under the direction of Judy Thompson-Price. She graduated from James Bowie High School in 2002 where she was a member of the award winning Silver Stars for three years. Upon graduation, Britt attended Texas State University obtaining a Bachelor ofScience in Criminal Justice where she also participated in several dance courses to include creative movement for children, “emphasizing rhythmical and creative movement as both an art form and a teaching tool”.
She then continued her education obtaining a Graduate degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. Along the way, dance has always been a part of her busy schedule bringing her to D’Ette & Co. Dancers first as a student in 2008 and then as an instructor and office manager in 2014. She was an assistant choreographer of D’Ette & Co. Dancers Rhythm Force Dance Company from 2014 until 2017. She is proud to say her love of dance has filtered down to her daughters, both of whom actively dance at Pivotal. In 2015 Britt was accepted as a member of TATD (Texas Association Teachers of Dancing), with an exam in Jazz and has served on the Board of Directors since January 2020. Later in 2020 she became certified as a Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor, continuing her education to pass along to students. Britt is also a Dance Pro with Flash Mob of America for the Texas region, helping to spread joy through dance to the unexpected.
Her passion for dance is what has brought her to us and is both inspiring and motivational for the young students she teaches.
Paige Chun - Assistant Director of VDC, Instructor
Paige was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and began dancing at the age of five with D'Ette & Co Dancers where she studied under Jade Greenough, Paula Samson, Karen Elliott, and D’Ette Ray Rice. Paige was a dedicated member of the Rhythm Force Dance Troupe for 8 years and studied many genres of dance including, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. She performed at festivals and recitals, as well as competitions earning scholarships and awards for her performances. Paige also attended dance conventions where she learned from master choreographers such as Jay Fagan, Rhonda Miller, and Thayne Jasperson.
In high school Paige was a member of the award-winning James Bowie High School Silver Stars and served on the officer line as a junior lieutenant during her junior year and as the captain during her senior year. After high school, Paige received her B.S. in Public Relations in May 2016 from The University of Texas at Austin. After a couple of years working in this industry, she realized that dance education was her true passion.
Paige has been a dance instructor and choreographer for 10 years, spending the last 5 years at her "second home" Pivotal Academy of Dance in Buda, Texas. She specializes in tap, jazz, and contemporary as well as combo classes. Paige is also a choreographer and instructor for PAD's competition team Vitality Dance Company. Outside of the studio, Paige choreographs for Hays CISD and Austin ISD drill teams and judges for Ascension Dance during the competition season.
In 2019, she became a member of Texas Association Teachers of Dancing after passing her exam in Tap. In 2022 and 2023, Paige passed the Module 1 and 2 Certification for the Alixa Flexibility program to help our dancers improve their flexibility in a safe and effective way. There is nothing Paige loves more than helping students grow through the art of dance.
Micah Sandusky - Assistant Director of PADlock, Instructor
Micah began formal dance training at the age of 8 in Reading, Pennsylvania. She graduated from The Dance Gallery where she trained, competed, and assisted classes. She has fond memories of dancing in Disney World and training in NYC with jazz isolationist Luigi. Micah attended and graduated from MCC with her Associates in Waco. While in school she also performed and trained in musical theater, modern and ballet under Joseph Taylor. She also spent 5 years working for Joys School of Dance and worked with their Junior Company. In 2019 Micah was accepted as a member of TATD [Texas Association Teachers of Dancing]. She spends her free time with her fiancé and all of their different animals. She is so excited to be teaching for Pivotal Academy of Dance!
About
Hailey Chambers - Front Desk, Instructor
Hailey’s dance experience began in high school on a dance/drill team, and she was sure that that was the only dance experience she’d ever have. During Hailey’s first year of college as a marine biology major, there wasn’t a day that went by that dance did not cross her mind. After that year, Hailey transferred to Texas State University and knew that dance needed to be a part of her life. At Texas State, Hailey completed a degree in Dance Education with a second teaching field in life sciences. Hailey completed her internship at both Canyon Lake and Smithson Valley high schools. While at Texas State University Hailey participated in CIMTEYA, performed with Orchesis Dance Company and Transient Dance Collective, trained and performed in traditional Balinese dance and theatre, and performed in a variety of faculty and student projects. Hailey has been certified in Acrobatic Arts since 2023.
Amy Young - Assistant Office Manager
Amy Young was born and raised in Payson, Utah. Although Amy was always drawn to dance, she didn’t get her start until she was an adult. As a young adult Amy learned several styles of dance through Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Salt Lake City. One of those styles was swing dancing, which would help Amy to become a swing dance instructor during the swing craze of the 1990’s. Amy met her husband Jim through swing dancing and they were married in 2000. Amy has over a decade of experience as a dance mom supporting her daughter Sadah who took classes and was on the competition team at both Pivotal Academy of Dance and at D’Ette and Company Dancers. Amy joined the adult tap dance class at D’Ette & Company Dancers in 2013 and later followed Ms. Jade to Pivotal Academy of dance where she added jazz and hip hop to her repertoire. Amy has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Utah Valley University and has spent many years helping students with disabilities foster a love of reading. Amy has long thought of Pivotal Academy of Dance as family and is so excited to now be a part of the PAD team!
Lindsey Gerson - Instructor
Lindsey Gerson was born in Germany and grew up in El Paso, Texas. She started her dancing career in classical ballet at 13 and continued for 6 years under the direction of David Alejandro Duran. After graduating high school, she traveled abroad for 7 months in Germany and China during a Discipleship Training School where she also experienced native dance forms. After returning, she moved to Austin and began choreography and improv classes with Darla Johnson and learned American Sign Language at Austin Community College. During this time, she began sewing and costume making.
After gaining her Certificate in American Sign Language Studies, she transferred to Texas State. She was a member of Merge Dance Company for the 2016-2017 season and traveled with them to preform in Trinidad for the Contemporary Choreographers’ Collective Dance Festival. She joined Transient Dance Collective in 2016 and was the President from 2017-2018. Her dance films, Refine and Imprisoned, have both been selected for various film festivals. She graduated in May with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with an emphasis in Performance and Choreography. She continues her self- taught work as an amateur seamstress and also teaches dance in the surrounding Austin area. She will be preforming with the aerial dance company, Blue Lapis Light, this fall. Lindsey’s darling black cat, Coco, enjoys assisting with all sewing projects. Lindsey is very excited to be teaching at Pivotal Academy of Dance this year!
Kelley Smith - Instructor
Kelley began dancing in Odessa, Texas. As a member of the Dance Elite performing group, she had the opportunity to travel and compete at several conventions including LADF, Co. Dance and Dance Magic. Her training was also enriched during the summers by attending classes at The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. Kelley was a member of the Odessa High School Showgirls drill team and was Captain her senior year. With the Showgirls she had the opportunity of performing in the 2001 Rose Bowl Parade. She attended Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management on scholarship. While there she performed with the American Spirit Dance Company, Liturgical Dance Company and the OCU Pep Dancers. She graduated Cum Laude with Bachelor of Science in Dance Management and has a well-rounded understanding of dance performance, technical theatre, non-profit organizations and the entertainment industry.
Kelley is also a member of the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing Inc., and earned her teaching certification in Jazz in 2006. Kelley has been teaching & training in Austin since 2009 & has found her true passion working with young dancers. Creating a foundation for a love of dance & learning. Kelley is proud mama to Nolan and Nash, loves spending time with hubby Riley & cat Kitty and is so excited to be joining the PAD family.
Prince Imo - Instructor
Prince started dancing freshman year of high school. Financially, he wasn’t able to go train at any studio’s, so he created the opportunity for himself by learning choreography online. In 2017 Prince started a dance team at Texas State University and began taking classes in Austin and San Antonio. Since graduating, he’s been on the SA Spurs Hype Squad entertainment team and has taken every opportunity he can to dance, teach, and learn from his favorite choreographers. Just recently, he’s come back from Todrick Hall's Femuline World Tour, backup dancing for the opening act, Josey Greenwall.
Valeria Peña - Front Desk, Instructor
Valeria was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She began dancing at the age of 5 at D’ette & Co. Dancers and was a part of Rhythm Force for 6 years. She trained in ballet, contemporary, tap, and jazz. Upon reaching the age of 14, Valeria transitioned to the next chapter at Pivotal Academy of Dance. The next four years she spent as a dedicated member of Vitality Dance Company, marking a phase of her life enriched with artistic growth and exploration. Valeria's commitment to dance extended to her high school experience, as she joined the Akins Diamond Dazzlers Dance Team. She held the position of Line Sergeant during her sophomore year, and she was chosen to be the Captain for both her junior and senior years. Graduating in May of 2023, her love for dance remained strong, prompting her decision to pursue this passion at Texas State University. She can’t wait to embark on this new adventure and is more than excited to be working at Pivotal Academy of Dance!
Madison Hunt - Instructor
Madison Hunt began her dance training at age eight in Fort Worth, Texas, beginning with jazz and pom before joining a competitive team at age ten, where she continued additional training in contemporary, hip hop, tap, musical theater, and ballet. Throughout her competitive career, Madison had the opportunity to attend conventions across Texas and learn from master teachers such as Mia Michaels, Lacey Schwimmer, and Lane Napper. Her first experience with choreography came outside of competitive dance, where she had the opportunity to choreograph her high school’s musicals from 2019-2022. From there she began choreographing her own solos, receiving numerous overall and title awards at competitions such as Kids Artistic Revue, Revolution Talent Competition, and Legacy Dance Championships. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography at Texas State University, where she has enjoyed continuing choreographing and further advancing her dance training. She has continued to teach at her hometown studio in Fort Worth during breaks in school, specializing in contemporary, ballet, and jazz technique, as well as choreographing several award winning numbers for soloists. Madison is so excited to join the PAD Posse, and can’t wait to work with all of the talented dancers!
Erin Ellis - Instructor
Erin Ellis is a professional dance artist and educator based in Austin, TX. A Kilgore College alumna, Erin was a member of The Kilgore College Rangerettes and a member of the department's modern company, Industry, under the guidance of Angela Aulds. In 2017, Erin joined Marching Auxiliaries Dance Camps and Competitions, where she discovered a love for teaching, choreographing, judging dance contests, and directing summer clinics nationwide. She holds a Bachelor's in Dance Education from Texas State University, where she was a member of the Dance Division's modern company, Merge, led by Ana Bear and Christa Oliver. During her time at Texas State, Erin collaborated with Kaysie Seitz Brown on research focused on teaching social-emotional skills through creative movement to at-risk students. She furthered her education by earning a master of fine arts in dance from Sam Houston State University, where she further explored pedagogy, dance research, choreography, and performance. Erin's dedication extends beyond the studio, as she has worked with organizations such as The Salvation Army and MINDPOP, contributing to curriculum design and implementation and dedicated to her own continued learning. She has showcased her talent in performances, including works by notable choreographers like Brian Brooks, Chelsea Ainsworth, Jessica Smith of Duel Rivet, Andy and Dionne Noble of Noblemotion, and others. Erin has toured with Francisco Graciano's solo "The Spinner" at renowned festivals such as Austin Dance Festival and Westfest Dance in New York City. Now happily back in her hometown of Austin, TX, Erin continues to embrace her passion for dance through classes, performances, and ongoing education.
