About Us
Kirkwood Dance Studio begins its 42nd year under the direction of Melisa Harris. The studio is a training center for students who are serious about the art of dance as well as for students who wish to dance for enjoyment while exercising and training the body. Kirkwood Dance Studio has a reputation for developing fine dancers, beautiful choreography and a happy atmosphere for learning. Kirkwood alumi include a former Miss & Mr. Dance of Texas, a former Teen Mr. Dance of Texas and a former Jr. Miss & Mr. Dance of Texas.
Melisa Harris: Owner, Director, dance educator and choreographer. Melisa has been a teacher for 39 years. She has studied extensively in the art of dance and has choreographed for high school musicals, concerts and club performances. She started her career at Kirkwood and has studied under Glen Hunsucker for 4 years and danced in his company. Other studies include Dyche-Yezer School of Ballet, Houston Ballet Academy, Houston Dance Center, Space Center Dance Theatre, Delia Stewart and Patsy Swayze. She has extensive training in all phases of dance with professionals of national prominence. Member Dance Masters of America.
Lola Beaty: Co-Director of Collective Sound Cloggers (Kirkwoods resident exhibition team) and dance educator. Lola has been dancing and teaching for the past 31 years. She is choreographer and dance educator for all clogging and Irish classes. Lola has extensive training in Irish Dance and has made Irish Dance a great part of Kirkwood Dance Studio. Lola is prominent in the clogging community and teaches at numerous workshops and conventions across Texas. This is Lola’s 18th year at Kirkwood Dance Studio.
Erin Riley: In her 21st year at Kirkwood Dance Studio and her 10th year as a dance educator, Erin has proven herself to be a wonderful teacher and choreographer. She has choreographed dance pieces for the Southbelt Area Dance Arts Company (which she has been a member of for 13 years) and has also won numerous awards at many dance competitions in the Houston area.
Amanda Coronado: Amanda is in her 21st year at Kirkwood, her 12th year as a member of the Southbelt Area Dance Arts Company and her 7th year here as a dance educator. She has taught Hip Hop for two Christian drill teams, the Sagemont Cowgirl Drill Team and middle school dance camps. She has also taught Pom classes. Amanda has just completed dance training at “The Pulse” in Los Angeles.
Jennifer Roberts: In her 12th year at Kirkwood Dance Studio and her 7th year as Co-Director and choreographer of the Collective Sound Cloggers, Jennie has proven herself to be a wonderful choreographer and dance educator. She has been teaching and choreographing clogging routines for state workshops for 14 years. Jennie has been dancing for 27 years and her studies have included tap, jazz, ballet, clogging, Irish, country western, and ballroom dance.
Office Personell - Jessica Silverio and Mendy Young are always ready to help you in any way they can!
