About Us
Arise Dance Academy is the premiere performing arts academy in Taylor, TX.
We take beginner dancers to expert-level performers with our dance education curriculum!
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Coach J is the Founder and Director of Education at Arise Dance Academy. She’s an educator, advocate, and multi-passionate entrepreneur with a love for Jesus, health, and wellness.
For 18 years she has created programs for kids where everyone feels included, valued, and can grow their skillset in a safe environment.
She is a graduate of Sam Houston State, where she earned National Collegiate Dance Champion. She has helped thousands of dancers grow from beginners to elite performing artists. Her specialty is in the world of competitive dance.
She previously was a Principal of a Private STEM school, and cares deeply about the advocacy for children and families in Texas.
She is dedicated to allowing dance education to develop responsible, determined, and creative problem solvers in society.
Mercy is a hard working, organized, and efficient leader at Arise! She is committed to helping our studio dancers feel supported and prepared for all upcoming performances and competitions.
She is deeply inspired by the mission of Arise Dance Academy—creating a space where dance and creative learning meet, and where every dancer is encouraged to grow in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.
She has served our dance community for 1 year and will be pursuing a Finance Degree in Ohio starting in the fall!
Vanessa Mendez is born and raised in Taylor, Texas. She is a Texas State University Alumni, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education and a Dance Teacher Certification. She was an active member of the pre-professional dance company “CIM TEYA”, and K-pop dance group “NAVIA” at Texas State.
She has performed in The Opening Door Dance Theatre, TAPHERD convention, TDEA convention, Student Dance Concert, Choreographers Showcase, and STREAM in Motion 8.0 and 9.0. During high school, she was a Taylor Hi-Stepper for 4 years, holding many leadership positions, most notably Captain, her senior year in 2018.
After graduating college in December 2024, she has had many wonderful opportunities to teach dance in school districts and choreograph team routines, class routines, and solos. She is so grateful to teach the art of dance to her hometown community, and share all of the knowledge and experiences she has learned so far in her career. She is excited to be a new addition to the Arise dance staff and be a part of their students’ dance education!
Lexie is a creative assistant choreographer at Arise! She is committed to supporting our dancers by reinforcing choreography, technique, and performance quality while helping them feel confident and prepared for performances and competitions.
She is deeply inspired by the mission of Arise Dance Academy—creating a space where dance and creative learning meet, and where every dancer is encouraged to grow in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.
She has served our dance community for 1 year and is excited to continue growing as an artist and mentor while supporting the next generation of Arise dancers.
Contact us
Interested in joining our programs? We want to hear from you!