Studio Co-Owner & Director of The Dance Vault

Ballet/Pre-pointe/Pointe/Technique Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Jerrica Mark is the co-owner of The Dance Vault and a passionate educator with over 16 years of teaching experience in the Houston dance community. In 2014, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Houston, where she specialized in choreography development, theater management, and kinesiology. Jerrica’s early training began at Dance of Asian America under Mitsi Shen, where she focused on Chinese cultural dance, and at the Houston Ballet Academy under Priscilla Nathan Murphy, where she studied classical ballet. In high school, she continued to train across a variety of styles at American Academy of Dance and as a member of the Klein Oak High School dance program. After college, Jerrica danced professionally with Karen Stokes Dance and performed in Houston Grand Opera’s Nixon in China. Her training includes Vaganova and Cecchetti ballet methods, as well as jazz, contemporary, and modern dance. Today, Jerrica is dedicated to helping dancers build strong, sustainable technique and guiding them toward future professional and collegiate opportunities. As both a leader and educator, Jerrica is committed to shaping the next generation of dancers with integrity, artistry, and vision.

Studio Co-Owner  

Dr. Estefanie Jaime-Aufegger is a highly accomplished educational leader with a passion for fostering academic excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Science, with minors in Life-Earth Science and Math, and earned her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and Education Administration. Dr. Jaime-Aufegger further pursued her education, obtaining a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. Recognized by Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Estefanie is proud to have earned all of her degrees in her hometown. With 25 years of experience in education, she has held a variety of impactful roles, including: Classroom Teacher, Campus Instructional Specialist, District Coach for Multilingual Services, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Currently, she serves as the College Access Administrator at Aldine ISD. In addition to her professional work, Dr. Jaime-Aufegger is actively involved in her community, serving with Junior League of The Woodlands - Holiday Market, Communications, and Fund Development. 

Ballet/Jazz/Pre-Pointe/Pointe/Technique Dance Instructor

Alejandra Garcia-Moreno was born in Harlingen, Texas, and began dancing at the age of three. She received extensive training in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, belly dance, flamenco, and folklorico, and was a member of the Brownsville Dance Center’s company, competing in top-tier events such as West Coast Dance Explosion, JUMP, Showstopper, NUVO, and Tremaine. She also participated in the American Academy of Ballet’s Performance Awards, earning a scholarship to attend their prestigious Summer School of Excellence in New York. In high school, Alejandra served as captain of her dance team, leading them in competitions across Texas. Her teaching journey began during this time, and she has continued to share her passion for dance ever since. Alejandra holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is a certified dance teacher through Dance Educators of America. She is thrilled to join The Dance Vault faculty and looks forward to sharing her knowledge, experience, and love of dance with the next generation of performers.

Coach Bria Browner – All Star Dance Instructor

Bria Browner is excited to begin her season as an All Star dance coach at The Dance Vault. A proud alumna of Sam Houston State University, Bria was a standout member of the university’s Orange Pride Dance Team, earning an impressive five NDA National Championship titles during her time there. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Clinical Exercise Science, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree while also serving as a staff member with the National Dance Alliance (NDA). Bria brings a wealth of experience, energy, and championship-level discipline to the team. She’s passionate about mentoring young dancers and is proud to be part of the DVAS family!

Coach Brittany – Tap, Jazz & Hip Hop Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Brittany is a versatile choreographer specializing in tap, jazz, and hip hop, currently based in The Woodlands, TX. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, she trained as a competitive dancer under Jamie Cordon at Jamie’s Dance Force. Her extensive performance background includes Miracle on Easy Street, productions at the Lisbon Playhouse, the Break the Floor Off-Broadway New Year’s Eve Performance in NYC (produced by Gil Stroming and Christopher Erk), and Danscape with Arts in Motion at the Hobby Center. Brittany spent six years building the award-winning Beatmasterz competitive hip hop program at In-Step Dance Center, where her teams earned numerous accolades. She has also served as a dance competition judge, including for Legacy Dance Championships in Orlando (2016) and Elevate Dance Competition (since 2022). Certified to teach dance in grades 6–12 in Texas public schools, Brittany has expanded her impact by choreographing for school dance teams and drill team soloists. She is currently the Dance Director at Pine Valley Middle School (NCISD) and also teaches and choreographs at MECKKA Dance Project in Porter, TX, and The Dance Vault in The Woodlands. Brittany has been a guest tap instructor for the HTX Connect Summer Intensive for the past two years and is entering her third year teaching tap and jazz for Relevé Dance Convention. A lifelong learner, she continues to attend dance conventions, master classes, and collaborates with inspiring choreographers to grow as an artist. Her mantra, “Never stop growing,” reflects her dedication to evolving both as an educator and performer—and she encourages her dancers to do the same.

Coach Ceirra Bonds – Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Ceirra Bonds is entering her 6th season as a dance coach, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to every team she leads. After high school, she began her collegiate journey at Blinn College in Brenham, TX, where she served as captain of the Treasures Dance Team and earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. She continued her education at Sam Houston State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Banking. While at SHSU, Ceirra was a dedicated member and two-year captain of the renowned Orange Pride Dance Team, helping lead the team to six NDA National Championship titles. Now in her 8th summer with the National Dance Alliance, Ceirra serves as a Head Instructor, mentoring dancers and coaches across the country. She is also the Head Cheer and Dance Coach at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX, where she continues to shape collegiate athletes into leaders on and off the floor. This season marks an exciting new chapter as Ceirra begins her first year as a professional choreographer with Bre Choreography Management. She is thrilled to continue inspiring the next generation of dancers through her coaching, choreography, and leadership.

Coach Chelsea Horn – Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Chelsea Horn brings over 11 years of coaching experience and a deep passion for developing elite dancers. A graduate of Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development, Chelsea served as captain of the university’s 19-time National Champion dance team, establishing herself early on as both a leader and a competitor. Her professional dance career includes appearances in TV and national commercials for major brands such as Apple, Sour Patch Kids, MTV, Sprint, and Disney Channel. She continues to merge her competitive spirit and creative talent through coaching and choreography at the highest levels. Chelsea’s All Star teams have amassed an impressive list of accolades:

• 28 NDA National titles

• 37 Jamfest Super National titles

• 13x Summit Champions

• 5x Dance Worlds medalists (bronze and silver)

• 2022 Dance Worlds Champions

In addition to directing The Dance Vault All Stars, Chelsea is a professional choreographer with Bre Choreography Management. She is thrilled to continue sharing her love for dance as she coaches at DVAS and KC Collective, helping the next generation of dancers achieve their full potential.

Coach Donatha Mantanona – All Star Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Donatha Mantanona brings over four years of coaching and assisting experience to The Dance Vault, backed by a lifelong dedication to the art of dance. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at Sam Houston State University, where she is also a proud member of the Orange Pride Dance Team. With 14 years of dance experience, Donatha has achieved an impressive competitive record, including:

• 7x Summit Champion

• 4x Worlds Bronze Medalist

• 7x Worlds Silver Medalist

• 2x World Champion

• 2024 NDA Collegiate National Champion

She is entering her third summer as a staffer with the National Dance Alliance, where she helps train and inspire dancers nationwide. As an All Star coach, Donatha has led teams to multiple NDA National titles and Dance Summit championships, reflecting her strong commitment to excellence and growth. Donatha is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of dancers, and she is proud to continue that mission at The Dance Vault.

Coach Kelsie Cain – Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Kelsie Cain is thrilled to be entering her 14th year as a dance coach, continuing her commitment to excellence, creativity, and athlete development. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Kelsie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance while competing as a member of the nationally ranked Orange Pride Dance Team. Her extensive coaching and choreography career spans the high school, collegiate, and All Star dance worlds, with an impressive record of achievements, including:

• National Championship title with Killeen High School Kangarettes

• Multiple NDA and Jamfest Super National titles

• 11x Summit Championship titles

• Dance Worlds Silver and Bronze medalist

• 2022 Junior Dance World Champion

• 2024 DTU College Pom National Champion

• 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 NDA College Pom National Champion

Kelsie currently serves as the Assistant Coach of the Tomball High School Cougar Charms, a highly decorated Texas dance team. She also choreographs professionally for Tribe 99, working with top dance teams across the country to craft award-winning routines. Kelsie is proud to be part of the DV All-Star family and looks forward to another phenomenal year with KC Collective!

Coach Kelsey Little – Dance Instructor

Kelsey Little is entering her 7th year as a dance coach and is thrilled to be a part of the DV All Stars. After graduating high school, Kelsey attended Kilgore College, where she was a world-renowned Rangerette from 2017–2019. She served as a Lieutenant her sophomore year and was a member of both the Rangerette Swingsters and the Industry Dance Company. As a Rangerette, Kelsey had the honor of performing internationally in Switzerland and Italy, as well as in New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She continued her academic journey at Texas Christian University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education. Now in her 7th summer with Encore Creative Productions, Kelsey is also a proud member of the Spirit of America Staff, where she travels annually to NYC to assist high school dancers from across the country in preparing for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kelsey currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Klein Oak Strutters and is passionate about sharing her knowledge, energy, and love of dance with The Dance Vault dancers. She is excited for another inspiring season of growth, performance, and connection.

Paola Luzunaris – Ballet/Pointe Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Paola Luzunaris brings over 26 years of professional experience in ballet instruction, choreography, and arts education. Her distinguished career began at the Ballet Academy of Coyoacán in Mexico City under the world-renowned Ana Castillo. She later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance from the prestigious Escuela Superior de Música y Danza de Monterrey, a part of the National Institute of Fine Arts of Mexico. After graduating in 1990, Paola joined the newly established Ballet de Monterrey, becoming one of its original company members. By 1996, she was promoted to Soloist, and in 1998, she also took on the role of Regisseur for the company. Her professional stage experience spans classical and contemporary works, collaborating with some of the most celebrated figures in dance, including Fernando Bujones, Cynthia Gregory, Loipa Araujo, Fernando Alonso, Kirk Peterson, and Ann Marie DeAngelo. In 2002, Paola founded Fábulas y Cuentos (Fables and Stories), a dance group dedicated to introducing children to ballet through storytelling. The group performed for 10 years across cultural festivals and community events. In 2010, she launched Aprender con Danza (Learn Through Dance), a large-scale community program designed to integrate dance into the educational experience of over 4,000 students in 27 economically challenged schools and 7 community centers. This initiative focused on enhancing self-confidence, coordination, teamwork, and academic performance through dance. Paola holds ABT® (American Ballet Theatre) Certification in Primary through Level 5, earned in New York City (2010–2011), and continues to train dancers of all levels. She has studied and taught in Mexico, Cuba, and the United States, and in 2015, she received a second Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Ballet Instruction from the National Institute of Fine Arts in Mexico City. Paola is passionate about preserving classical ballet while making it accessible and meaningful to new generations. She is married to Israel Luzunaris Jr. and is the proud mother of three daughters: Lorna, Tamara, and Marla.

Coach Scott – Tumbling Specialist

Tre Scott's tumbling journey is a testament to perseverance and passion. Starting at the age of 17 with no formal training, he taught himself the fundamentals of tumbling—an experience he now uses to motivate and inspire his students. His story proves that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Despite being new to the sport, Scott tried out for the cheer team at Sam Houston State University and not only made the team but also helped lead them to a College Nationals Championship in 2015. During this time, he discovered a new passion: coaching. Scott went on to coach at Flips Gymnastics in Spring, TX, where he worked with several Level 4 State Champions. He also spent 12 years teaching tumbling at Dancin’ Bluebonnets, contributing to numerous National and World titles. Today, Scott brings his energy, experience, and love for the sport to The Dance Vault, where he’s proud and grateful to be part of a team dedicated to excellence.