At North Texas Dance Arts, our commitment to providing a vibrant and enriching dance experience is embodied by our dedicated and passionate faculty. In this blog post, we invite you to dive into the NTDA experience by getting to know the incredible individuals who form the backbone of our dance community.

Rachel Wade, was the Director of Arlington Heights High School Dance Department for seven years, is an integral part of NTDA. A proud alumna of Texas Christian University's School for Classical and Contemporary Dance, Mrs. Wade's professional journey includes roles as Co-Assistant Director of Denton City Contemporary Ballet and performances with various dance companies. Her dedication to advocating for dance in the Metroplex is evident through her involvement as a founding member of Further Dance Fort Worth.

Mrs. Wade's accomplishments include the Bates Dance Festival Teacher Fellowship Scholarship, the Dance Council of North Texas' Glenda Brown Choreography Scholarship, and the 2015 Fort Worth ISD Chair for Teaching Excellence in Dance. Currently serving as an Adjunct Professor of Dance at Tarrant County College's Northwest Campus, Mrs. Wade continues to contribute to the growth of the local dance community.

Emily Hunter, a co-founder and instructor at NTDA. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Iowa and a Master of Arts in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado, Mrs. Hunter brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our studio. Her professional journey includes dancing with renowned companies like Charlotte Adams and Dancers, Contemporary Dance/Fort Worth, and Duarte Dance Works. Notably, she was a founding member of Bruce Wood Dance Project and Texas Dance Theatre, showcasing her versatility in both classical and contemporary dance.

Mrs. Hunter's accolades extend beyond the stage, with features in Pointe Magazine and recognition through the Francoise Martinet Ballet Scholarship, UI Dance Department Scholarship, and the UNC Graduate Dean’s Scholarship. Her choreography has graced stages across Texas, earning her the Dance Council of North Texas Glenda Brown Choreography Project Scholarship. With a teaching career spanning since 2006, Mrs. Hunter has left an indelible mark on the DFW metroplex, including her role on the Dance Faculty at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

Patricia Manalo Bochnak, with an M.A. in Dance Education from Columbia University, is a distinguished instructor at NTDA. Her rich background includes performances with esteemed companies such as Audra Carabetta Company and Boston Liturgical Dance Ensemble. Patricia has shared her passion for dance through teaching roles at various institutions in the Boston area and collaboration with prestigious dance companies in New York City.

As a certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) teacher and Yoga RYT-200 teacher, Patricia seamlessly integrates dance conditioning and yoga training into her movement classes. Her commitment to dance education shines through her work with Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, Top Hat Dance Centre, and beyond.

At North Texas Dance Studio, our faculty isn't just a group of instructors; they are a source of inspiration, guidance, and passion for the art of dance. Join us at NTDA and become a part of a community where each step is a celebration of creativity, dedication, and the joy of movement.

Madison Elder is currently attending Nursing School at Texas Women’s University. She has been technically trained for 15 years and danced competitively for 9 years in various styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Pointe, and Hip Hop. She has been blessed to share her love for the art of dance and for the Glory of God through various ministry performances; Disney, Carnival Cruise Line, Cozumel church outreaches, and DFW community outreaches. She has also been honored to participate in the production of The Nutcracker including roles as Mouse King and Lead Spanish dancer.

Ms. Maddie has a passion for dance and has been instructing young dancers for 5 years. Her focus is to allow a space for creative expression while practicing the technical foundations of movement. She is very proud to be a part of the North Texas Dance Arts team!

Welcome to the vibrant world of North Texas Dance Arts, where passion meets precision on the dance floor!

Immerse yourself in the rhythm of our captivating dance journey as we share exclusive insights, expert tips, and inspiring stories. Explore the artistry of dance with us, and don't forget to check out our blogs for an abundance of valuable dance tips that will elevate your experience to new heights!