Teresa Novak & Christina Hedding - Co-Owners/Directors
Sisters Teresa Novak and Christina Hedding bring a combined six decades of professional dance instruction, choreography, and performance experience to Footlights Dance Studio. As co-owners and directors, they share a unified vision to uphold the highest standards of dance education while fostering a supportive, inspiring environment for students of all ages. Drawing on extensive training, industry credentials, and a record of artistic excellence, Teresa and Christina are dedicated to preserving and passing on the artistry, discipline, and joy of dance to future generations. Both serve as active faculty members, and their full professional biographies can be found in the Faculty Listing.
INSTRUCTOR of: Studio Owners/Directors
Christina Hedding - Co-Owner, Director, Instructor
Christina brings over 35 years of experience as a performer, choreographer, and educator, with a lifelong dedication to the art of dance. She studied at Brookhaven College and The University of Texas at Austin, honing her skills under respected instructors. Her choreography has been featured at events in San Antonio, Dallas, and New York, showcasing her creative vision on a variety of stages. Deeply committed to giving back, Christina volunteers regularly at local schools and in her church community, sharing her talents and fostering a love for the arts. She is grateful for the unwavering support of her husband, Matt, their daughters, Alyssa and Lynley, and her new son-in-law, Coleton. The Hedding family lives in Flower Mound with their two cats and two dogs, and they enjoy traveling and spending time at the lake together.
INSTRUCTOR of: Jazz, Musical Theatre
Teresa Novak - Co-Owner, Director, Instructor
Teresa brings over 25 years of teaching and choreography experience, combining passion, professionalism, and artistry in every class. A proud graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, she was a member of the UT Dance Team and trained under esteemed instructors in multiple styles. After college, she built a successful career in network television marketing while remaining active in the dance community. Her professional credits include performing with the Texas Tap Ensemble, serving as Co-Director and Choreographer for Metrocrest Community Theater, and working as Assistant Director for The Passion Play at St. Ann Catholic Church. Teresa returned to teaching at Footlights in 2012 and is experienced across all dance styles, with tap as her specialty. She completed a Tap Instructor Intensive at Broadway Dance Center in 2021 and earned her iTap Instructor Certifications in 2022 and 2023. Her extensive training and industry experience allow her to deliver both technical mastery and creative excellence to her students. Teresa lives in Coppell with her husband, Jim, and they are proud parents to their son, Holden, who lives in Dallas.
INSTRUCTOR of: Tap, Ballet, Jazz
Marissa Boyd - Instructor
Marissa has been a valued instructor at Footlights for 21 years, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her students. Her dance journey began at the age of three at San Antonio Dance Academy, where she performed at notable events including the State Fair of Texas, the San Antonio River Walk, and the TI-IN Educational Network. After relocating, she became a member of the Footlights Performing Arts Company, earning top awards for both group dances and solo performances. In high school, Marissa was a four-year member of the Lewisville Farmerettes, serving as Captain during her senior year. She has continued to share her love of performance through local theater, including choreographing and performing in Annie for Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church and choreographing Oklahoma! for Greater Lewisville Civic Theater. As Company Director at Footlights, Marissa led groups to perform in New York City and Walt Disney World. Her choreography consistently earns top honors, including Entertainment Awards, Choreography Recognitions, and First Overall placements at competitions. Marissa lives in Celina with her husband, Jeff, and their two children, Madelynn and Aidan. She continues to inspire her students with her artistry, leadership, and passion for excellence.
INSTRUCTOR of: Tap, Ballet, Jazz
Kayla Brummett - Instructor
Kayla has been teaching dance for nearly two decades, with the last thirteen years dedicated to inspiring students at Footlights. She is a graduate of the Dental Hygiene program in La Crosse, WI, and currently works at Highland Village Dental. In the studio, Kayla has taught a wide range of classes including Combo, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and her signature favorite—Boot Camp. Kayla grew up training at Misty’s Dance Unlimited in Wisconsin, where she was a member of the competitive team and performed at prestigious events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Walt Disney World, and numerous regional and national competitions throughout the Midwest. Her teaching style combines her extensive technical training with high-energy motivation, encouraging dancers to push past their limits while having fun. Outside of the studio, Kayla and her husband, Tyler, enjoy life with their three children—Alek, Beau, and Adley. Together, they love traveling, seeking new adventures, and checking exciting experiences off their family bucket list.
INSTRUCTOR of: Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary
Alyssa Evans - Instructor
Alyssa has been part of the Footlights family since the age of three, growing from a young combo student to competitive dancer, student teacher, and now accomplished instructor and choreographer. Her formative training at Footlights included Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pointe, Contemporary, and Modern, along with years of competition and performance experience. Alyssa is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Dance. During her studies, she trained under professors with professional credits spanning highly regarded regional theatres, cruise lines, and Broadway national tours, gaining a deep understanding of both stage performance and technical precision. Now back in the DFW area, Alyssa brings her professional training and performance experience to her students at Footlights, where she continues to pour into the community she has called home for decades. She is proud to teach alongside her mom, sister, and aunt, and enjoys life in Fort Worth with her husband, Coleton, and their dog, Nova.
INSTRUCTOR of: Combo, Jazz, Muscal Theatre. Tap
Erin Hanrahan - Client Communications & Services, Instructor
Erin began her dance journey at Footlights at an early age, building a strong foundation in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary. As a dedicated member of the Footlights Performing Arts Company, she trained extensively and performed in numerous productions until her high school graduation. Following graduation, Erin expanded her horizons internationally by attending a six-month Bible college program in England, deepening her spiritual foundation and global perspective. Upon returning to Texas, she pursued studies in Business Entrepreneurship at the University of North Texas while rejoining the Footlights community. Erin has continued her specialized training in Tap, refining her technique through workshops and ongoing mentorship. She brings both her technical expertise and her lifelong love of the art form into the classroom, inspiring students to embrace rhythm, musicality, and joy in their dancing.
INSTRUCTOR of: Tap
Libby Hanrahan - Instructor
Libby is both a veteran dancer and accomplished instructor at Footlights Dance Studio, where her dance journey began over a decade ago. A lifelong member of the Footlights Performing Arts Company, she trained extensively in Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Lyrical, performing and competing at regional and national levels. She has studied under industry-leading choreographers and attended master classes and conventions that further refined her artistry and performance quality. Known for her fierce precision, sharp musicality, and signature sassy style, Libby challenges her Hip Hop students to develop technical strength, stage presence, and individuality. Her passion for excellence and deep roots in the Footlights community make her a powerful mentor and role model for the next generation of dancers.
INSTRUCTOR of: Combo, Hip Hop, Jazz
Heather Kuplen - Intructor
Heather, a native of Austin, TX, began her formal dance training at a young age, studying Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Choreography. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet and Modern Dance from Texas Christian University in 2023, where she trained under acclaimed faculty and performed works by distinguished choreographers. Alongside her degree, Heather completed a minor in Child Development, giving her specialized knowledge in movement education, learning styles, and age-appropriate dance pedagogy. She is a current company member with Zion Dance Project, a professional faith-based dance company in Dallas, where she performs original works and continues advanced training in multiple techniques. Her combined performance experience, academic credentials, and passion for teaching allow her to offer Footlights students a rich, well-rounded dance education rooted in technical excellence and artistic expression.
INSTRUCTOR of: Combo, Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, Jazz
Rebekah Lapio - Instructor
Rebekah is completing her fourth season of teaching acro-tumbling at Footlights, bringing with her two decades of coaching experience training pre-team through Level 10 gymnasts across the DFW metroplex. A graduate of The University of North Texas, she studied Kinesiology, Theatre, and Child Development, equipping her with a deep understanding of movement mechanics, performance, and youth development. Rebekah’s passion for athletic artistry and technical excellence is evident in her approach, blending her gymnastics expertise with a supportive, encouraging teaching style. She currently resides in Flower Mound with her husband, Chris, and their three children—Brinley, Elodie, and Everett. Her two daughters are competitive dancers at Footlights, and she loves passing on her passion for gymnastics and acro skills to the next generation of performers.
INSTRUCTOR of: Acro/Tumble
Emerson Manzo - Instructor
Emerson grew up dancing in Shelby Township, Michigan, and recently relocated to Denton, Texas, to help launch a local church and college ministry. She is a 2025 graduate of Michigan State University, where she was a four-year member of the nationally recognized MSU Dance Team. During her collegiate career, she performed at home football, basketball, and volleyball games, represented the university at community events, and competed at UDA Nationals in the Division 1A Pom and Jazz categories. Before college, Emerson trained and competed at Linsey’s Cheer and Dance Center and with Eisenhower High School, where her team earned three UDA National Championships. She brings to Footlights a wealth of performance experience, competitive excellence, and a passion for mentoring dancers. Emerson is dedicated to pushing her students to reach their full potential, building confidence, and inspiring them both inside and outside the studio.
INSTRUCTOR of: Combo Classes, Hip Hop, Jazz
Sydney Mooty - Instructor
Sydney Mooty’s dance journey began at Footlights Dance Studio, where she trained in multiple styles and was a dedicated member of the Performing Arts Company and competitive teams. In high school, she joined the Lewisville High School varsity drill team as a freshman, later serving as Junior Lieutenant and ultimately Captain her senior year.
Following graduation, Sydney attended Kilgore College, earning her Associate of Arts in Dance Education while performing with the world-renowned Kilgore College Rangerettes. Her career as a performer has taken her to prestigious stages and events, including NFL games, Disney World’s World of Champions contest, the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and numerous theaters and stadiums across the country.
She continued her education at the University of North Texas, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education while performing with the North Texas Dancers. Today, Sydney serves as Assistant Drill Team Director and dance teacher at Liberty High School, where she also choreographs for a variety of programs. She is an active member of the Danceline staff, judging, teaching, leading camps, and choreographing for high school teams across the region. Her creative work extends to musical theater, with choreography credits at Studio B, Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church, and Liberty High School.
In addition to her dance credentials, Sydney is Pilates certified in both mat and reformer methods, teaching at multiple studios. She has been part of the Footlights faculty for over eight years, coaching and choreographing for competitive teams and inspiring dancers of all ages. Sydney is passionate about fostering a positive environment where students build confidence, develop technical excellence, and cultivate a lifelong love for dance.
INSTRUCTOR of: Jazz, Contemporary, Drill Team
Jenny Long - Instructor
Jenny is a seasoned dance educator with 20 years of teaching experience, 14 of which have been dedicated to inspiring students at Footlights. Her dance journey began at the age of five with Berkshire Ballet Theater in Crystal Lake, IL, where she trained extensively in Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, Contemporary, and Modern. As a performer with BBT, she appeared in numerous leading roles, including Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Spring Fairy in Cinderella, and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, among many others. A proud graduate of Illinois State University, Jenny earned her degree in Dance Performance while performing with the Illinois State Dance Theatre. She showcased her artistry across the Midwest and at the American College Dance Festival annually, working under distinguished faculty and guest choreographers. Jenny brings a wealth of performance experience, technical expertise, and pedagogical skill to the classroom, fostering both excellence and a lifelong love of dance in her students. Outside the studio, Jenny lives in Flower Mound with her husband, Rolando, and their children, Kenzie and Kason.
INSTRUCTOR of: Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern
Avery Taylor - Instructor
Avery began dancing at the age of three in her hometown of Houston, TX, laying the foundation for a versatile and accomplished career. After moving to Fort Worth in 2013, she immersed herself in intensive training across Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Pointe, and Modern, earning numerous competition accolades. In high school, she expanded her artistry into education and choreography, working with her studio’s performing company to create award-winning routines. Upon graduation, Avery was accepted into the prestigious Zion Dance Project Residency Program, where she trained over 20 hours per week in Contemporary, Horton technique, Ballet, and Jazz under renowned faculty. She also pursued biblical studies at the Upperroom School of Ministry, integrating her spiritual foundation with her creative calling. Avery’s professional credits include performing with Zion’s Training Company and her upcoming season as a Second Company Apprentice. At Footlights, she combines technical mastery, choreographic innovation, and a deep passion for glorifying God through dance.
INSTRUCTOR of: Combo classes, Ballet, Contemporary
Seth York - Instructor
Seth York was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, where he began dancing at the age of seven. He received the majority of his formal training at Dramatic Truth School of the Arts, studying Ballet, Graham technique, Jazz, Contemporary, and other styles under accomplished instructors. Seth is currently in his seventh season as a company member with Bruce Wood Dance in Dallas, performing works by world-renowned choreographers including Bruce Wood, Twyla Tharp, Jiří Kylián, Lar Lubovitch, and Joy Bollinger. Before joining Bruce Wood Dance, Seth trained and performed with Ad Deum Dance Company and collaborated with organizations such as Open Sky Arts Collective, Ballet Brazos, and Störling Dance Theatre. With over a decade of teaching experience across multiple styles, he has also choreographed and set original works for the Dallas dance community. Seth brings to Footlights a wealth of professional performance experience, technical knowledge, and a deep commitment to shaping well-rounded, expressive dancers.
INSTRUCTOR of: Ballet, Contemporary, Modern