Akira Takahashi, from Nagano, Japan, trained in Japan. He joined Ballet San Jose in 2005 and was promoted to Soloist in 2012. He joined Menlowe Ballet in spring of 2016. Akira is married to Amy Marie Briones (also a professional dancer) and together they have three young children. Akira & Amy became the directors of Juline School of Dance in 2024

Amy Marie Briones was trained at Ayako School of ballet in Belmont, CA. She then went to compete at the USA international ballet competition where she placed top 12. She joined ballet San Jose at the age of 16 and continued dancing as a soloist there for 11 years. Amy is now married to Akira Takahashi, the JRYB Director at JSD, and is a proud mother of two young boys and a baby girl. Amy & Akira became the directors of Juline School of Dance in 2024

Addison Bello started dancing at JSD when she was 4 years old and has loved teaching in our elementary department since she was 14. She adores getting to know each and every one of her students uniquely every week. When Addison’s not teaching at JSD she’s a part time photographer and part time preschool teacher.

Nick Bentley teaches Hip Hop at JSD. Nick has been involved with The Dance Program at MJC since 2002. He gathers Inspiration from his friends and family, finds creativity in the world around him, and always pushes himself and his fellow dancers to work harder for the love of dance.

Bailey Christopher has been dancing at Juline School of Dance since she was 4 years old and was a senior member of the Juline Regional Youth Ballet Company. Although she has an aptitude for academic challenges, she is also passionate about sharing her love of dance with young dancers and is thrilled to be their dance instructor.

Francine first began teaching at Juline School of Dance in 1991. She has studied modern, ballet, jazz and African dance locally and at UC Irvine. While raising four girls with her husband, John, Francine continues to teach and dance.

At age five, Julia began her dance training with Juline School of Dance. Under the direction of Gretchen Vogelzang, she danced corps, soloist, and principal roles with Bravo! Repertory Dance Theatre. She earned a teaching credential and a Master's which she uses as an elementary school teacher.

Kristina began dancing at age 4 and continued through her college years. She now takes Adult Tap classes. Before coming to JSD, she worked in education for 19 years as an elementary school teacher, teaching grades K, 2, 3, 4, and 6. She enjoys swimming, gardening, traveling and especially white water rafting. Fun fact: she and her daughter share the same birthday!

Madison Harris has been dancing at JSD ever since she was 3 years old (Creative Dance) and was a part of Juline Regional Youth Ballet (JRYB). Now she absolutely loves teaching in our elementary department! She adores getting to know each and every one of her students and continues to spread her love of dance with her littles! Madison is currently on her last year at Stanislaus State working on becoming a kindergarten teacher!

Bless Marrable-Smith holds a teaching credential and is employed at Garrison Elementary School in Modesto. While obtaining her bachelors degree, Bless studied Modern and Jazz Dance. She currently teaches Modern Dance at JSD.

Rebbecca Meyers is a past employee of JSD and is excited to return. She holds an MA in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado and was the Dance Director of the Ceres High School Dance Program for eight years, 2016 - 2024. Recently, Rebbecca became the part-time Dance Director at Enochs High School as well as adjunct Dance faculty at Modesto Junior College, teaching Modern, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Rebbecca's passion for dance is embedded in her teaching.

Jennifer Shannon has been teaching as JSD since 1994. She has taught all levels of ballet and tap, and has trained with Dance Masters of America. Jennifer has two beautiful children and volunteers and many of their school events. She is also very involved with her family’s church activities.

Janet Walther-Mackey previously owned her own dance studio in Manteca where she still lives. Many alumni from her studio went on to become professional dancers around the world. Janet was a member of the RAD Tappers from San Francisco and trained with some of the best tappers including Gregg Russell and Keith Clifton.