Mary Louise Billings is a Tap specialist who has studied with many of the top Master Tap instructors and performers of our time. Of course her primary influence was that of her Father-in-law, Richard Billings. Having studied Rhythm Tap and Irish Step dancing as a youngster, Mary Louise fell in love with the choreography-rich style of Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor. Through this medium, Mary Louise loves the diversity of choreography inspired by a wide range of music possible in this genre. In her comprehensive Tap curriculum, young tappers can move through the program experiencing a wide range of steps and combinations whether in waltz clog, soft shoe, Irish, rhythm, buck and wing or theatrical style.

 

 

 

Michelle Billings started out as Mark Billings’ dance partner at age 7. Little did we know they would someday get married! Michelle grew up in the Billings program and trained extensively in all forms of dance including Ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz and Gymnastics. She has gone on to study Hip Hop and Jazz with many of the top choreographers in the country! Michelle’s artistic choreography and high-energy classes are always in demand. As an accomplished gymnast herself, Michelle loves to add the excitement of Gymnastics to her choreography. Michelle heads up our Jazz and Hip Hop Departments and she is a great technician who loves to help students perfect their technique.

 

 

 

Mr. Casey Davenport is a wonderful dancer who has made Ballet his life’s work. His foundation training, discipline and dedication came from Caroline Kaiser, founding Director of High Desert Dance Arts. He has also studied with John Gardner of Pacific Festival Ballet and James Canfield of Oregon Ballet Theatre. Casey has also worked with many other Master teachers in assorted Master programs. His study of music theory, anatomy and dance medicine took place at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Casey will be teaching all Ballet classes above the Ballet II level. He is excited to be working with the Billings students and we are sure his model of excellence will be a great example for our dancers.

 

 

 

Pat Heath-Silva is an amazing choreographer with a tremendous knowledge of Musical Theatre. Having performed or choreographed almost every classic American Musical Theatre show over her career, she is a master instructor and heads up our Musical Theatre, Pro-Kids (performance company) and Swing Kids (kid’s ballroom dance group) programs. Pat also is our Acting coach and does the choreography for our Holiday, “Breakfast with Santa” Production. Besides all of her skills as an instructor, Pat has the unique ability to inspire students. She is able to light a fire and takes a student beyond where they thought they could go!

 

 

 

Michelle (Billings) Price studied all forms of dance starting at age 4. She grew up helping her Mom, Mary Louise, in Tap classes and knows her complete curriculum. Michelle used her dance skills throughout high school as Aloha High School’s dance team captain and later on the U of O dance team. Michelle has studied at L.A. studios, like The Edge, working with top teachers and choreographers. Besides teaching Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop for us here at the studio, Michelle also has a Masters degree in Education and teaches Special Education for the Hillsboro school district. Michelle is a natural teacher with patience that never ends.

 

 

 

Krystle Hass has many years of teaching experience under the direction of Casey Davenport. She is a beautiful young dancer, with experience in Ballet, Jazz and Tap. Krystle is studying education at college and we are very excited to have her on our staff.

 

 

 

Tony Loupe teaches rhythm tap and Hip Hop. Rhythm Tap, sometimes referred to as “Classical Tap”, is what most of you would think of as good old “Hoofing”. Tony has a remarkable background, having studied with many of the Master Tap teachers in the country. Tony started out in the Jefferson Dance Program and went on from there to have an exciting performance career. Tony will be offering Beginning and Intermediate/Advanced Rhythm Tap classes and an Intermediate/Advanced Teen Hip Hop class.

 

 

 

Jayne Calmer, our Gymnastic coach, has an amazing background in the sport of Gymnastics. Jayne was on her way to the Olympics when knee injuries unfortunately put her on the sidelines. She went on to have a very impressive college career and has done an excellent job of motivating and instructing our dancers to be the best gymnasts they can be. Jayne is very conscientious and all of her students respect her.

 

 

 

Claudia Stevens is another alumni of the Billings program. Claudia is a beautiful dancer who clearly loves to dance. After years of study, Claudia spent her late teens and early 20’s touring with several dance groups that performed in professional touring companies from Japan to Nevada. While raising her three children, Claudia has been able to keep dance in her life by teaching Jazz, and Hip Hop for us.

 

 

 

Julie Jacobsen started dancing at 4 years old here at Billings and went on to study all forms of dance. She was the original “Dr. Pepper” girl, dancing with Ray Bolger in the commercial, did several music videos, including Paula Adbul’s “Cold Hearted Snake”, and traveled extensively doing trade shows before settling down to have her 3 children. Julie teaches Tap and Jazz.

 

 

 

 

 

Still another alumni of Billings, Jen Church, teaches Beginning Teen/Adult Jazz. Jen is in great shape and loves to start new dancers out on a path toward flexibility and strength. Jen’s students are always so impressed with her perfect stretch they want to know her secrets. It would be hard to find a nicer and more conscientious teacher than Jen.

 

 

 

Hun Kim teaches our Boys’ Hip Hop and Break dancing class. He is a young man with a great deal of talent, and has honed his Breaking skills as a member of the Aloha High School break dance club.

 

 

 

Carrie Billings is our Business Manager and does a great job of organizing all of the bookkeeping, web site design and the day-to-day operations of Billings Dance Center. Carrie is the friendly face that greets you in the office and answers all of your questions regarding tuition and registration. Carrie also helps to keep you informed by way of newsletters and special packets.

 

 

 

Dick Billings works closely with Carrie, managing the business and schmoozing with all of you in the lobby! Dick knows all of the students and they all seem to think he is their “Grandpa”. We all love to tease Dick about his exact “job description”, but he has been around this crazy Dance Business all of his life and his instincts are always right on. You may notice that he disappears for several months each year. Dick is a Licensed Tax Consultant and is very busy January through April.