Meet our teachers!
Darby Downs
Darby Downs has been sharing her passion for dance for over 30 years, inspiring generations of students with her dedication, creativity, and love for the art form. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Darby has always had a heart for working with children and finds immense joy in watching them grow both as dancers and as individuals. She is deeply grateful for all that dance has given her throughout her life and feels honored to pass that gift on to the youth in our community. Through her teaching, Darby strives to instill not only strong technique but also confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
Elizabeth Berg
Elizabeth Berg began her dance training at age five in the suburbs of Chicago. Later she studied at the Stone-Camryn School of Ballet and the Lou Conte Dance Studio in Chicago. She attended Indiana University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the School of Music with majors in Ballet and French. She lived in New York City, where she studied at the David Howard Dance Center and at Broadway Dance Center. Ms. Berg has performed with Jory Hancock, Melissa Lowe, Helen Starr, Patricia McBride, and Merrill Ashley, among others. She began teaching dance over 40 years ago, has taught in IL, IN, KY, & AZ, and truly enjoys working with dancers of all ages. She was a rehearsal assistant at the Jordan Academy of Dance at Butler University (Indianapolis), and for many years she was a rehearsal mistress for Arizona Dance Theater (Tucson). Elizabeth is a member of the National Dance Education Organization. She is in her fifth season as Rehearsal Assistant Director with Ballet Continental, has taught dance to company members for 30 years, and is excited to be on staff of the new dance school.
Jillian Almaraz
Jillian Almaraz has been dancing since she was five and has been teaching for six years. She is currently studying Physiology at the University of Arizona and is passionate about sharing her love for movement. Jillian can’t wait to fill every class with energy, smiles, and plenty of fun!
Sophia Boerner
Sophia Boerner, 21, has been dancing since the age of 3 and has taught at Ballet Continental for four years. A Neuroscience major and senior at the University of Arizona, she has expanded her practice through collegiate-level dance, focusing on adaptive movement, artistry, and exploration of technique. As a teacher, Sophia blends her experiences into an open style, bringing focused yet playful energy to her students, and hopes to continue training while connecting her academic and artistic passions.
Kayla Brown
Kayla Brown is a passionate hip hop instructor with 7 years of teaching experience. She has performed and competed on multiple TV shows and is a 3-time state champion. Kayla brings energy, style, and a love for self-expression to every class.
Jaci Corbit
Jaci Corbit has been dancing since the age of six and enjoys all styles of dance. She has been dancing with Ballet Continental for seven years and teaches tap, hip hop, and recently pointe. She was a member of the PAC Dance Team for three years. Jaci is currently attending the University of Arizona to study Creative Writing. She is very excited to teach new and returning students this year!
Jada Crofts
Bio under construction
Grayson Downs
Grayson has been dancing since he was 3 and is now 15. A student at Sahuarita High School, this is his 2nd year teaching. He loves sharing his love of dance and is excited to see you in class!
Machala Gilliland
Machala Gilliland, 25, has been dancing most of her life and considers it one of her greatest passions. As a teacher, Miss Machala brings energy, encouragement, and structure to her students. She has taught with Ballet Continental for 10 years and also worked in the Vail School District with children ages 2 through 5th grade. Her love of teaching continues at Ballet Continental as she pursues a new passion in nursing.
Grace Matthews
Grace is a freshman in college and has been teaching dance for four years. Her passion for teaching grows with every new season, and she loves watching her students progress. Grace has been dancing since the age of three and trains in a variety of styles. Her favorite is Tap. She is excited to share her love of dance with her students in class.
Liana Moreno
Liana Moreno has been dancing since the age of three. She joined Ballet Continental at the age of ten, and in her senior year of high school, she became a member of the PAC Dance Team at Walden Grove. Liana will be attending the University of Arizona this fall, majoring in Nursing and is so excited to continue teaching this year.
Danielle Perkins
Bio under construction
Marcela Salcedo
Marcela is a 17-year-old junior at Rio Rico High School. She is highly dedicated to both dance and academics, earning straight A’s across all subjects. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has received recognition for completing the most service hours. Marcela has been dancing since the age of two and enjoys all styles of dance. In addition to Ballet Continental, she is part of the Rio Rico Dance Program and frequently performs at school homecoming games. She is very excited to be your teacher and can’t wait to see you all in class!
Bethany Weech
Bethany Weech has been dancing for 15 years and teaching for about 5 years. She is so excited to continue teaching this year. She loves seeing growth and improvement in her students. Outside of dance, Bethany works part time as a hostess and has a passion for drawing, her favorite medium is charcoal and she enjoys drawing portraits of animals. She is currently pursuing her passion by selling her artwork.
Meet our teachers-in-training!
Olivia Frazier
Bio under construction
Elena Hester
Elena Hester is a 17-year-old dancer. She is a senior at Rio Rico High School and has been dancing for 10 years. Elena has studied countless styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, acro, modern, and contemporary. She has taught dance classes to multiple age groups over the last three years, and she can't wait to see you in class.
Sophie vanHoorbeke
Bio under construction