Faculty

Our Teachers, Instructors and Faculty Assistants are our most important asset.
We treasure their knowledge, experience and dedication.

Ana Elisa Martinez De la Pena

Defined by her philosophy of "leadership without ego," Ana Elisa (or Annie as she is known) is deeply committed to the Roanoke Valley. Her dedication to education is a lifelong pursuit, rooted in decades of experience, in both business and backstage. Her experience brings another approach to how performing arts can help the community at large without having to focus on a single name or person but putting collaboration in the center of the equation for the sake of the next generation. Annie has an innate need to learn and create new paths. Her experience with GE, while obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Communication at Universidad Iberoamericana, taught her a great deal about best practices. She later had the opportunity to become the General Manager of a Non-Profit Pre-professional Theatre Company and toured to the New York Musical Festival as well as overseas to the World Fair in Shanghai and the Daegu Musical Festival in South Korea. She collaborated with branding firms and several companies that allowed her to use her skills as a visual communicator for companies of all scales. Annie simultaneously built her own design business and learned the ropes of her family's Real Estate Business in Mexico. Star City School of Ballet brings together her leadership skills, marketing and branding experience with her love for the performing arts.

William Smith

Ballet Program Director

William Smith has returned to his native city to inspire the next generation. With a heart full of passion and a vast knowledge of Ballet, he aims to ignite dreams and transform the lives of his students at Star City.

William began his dance training at William Ruffner Middle School, under the instruction of Teresa Timko Mayer. Mayer introduced Smith to The Post School of Ballet, under the direction of Terri Tess Post. William continued his studies with Mrs. Post until his senior year and then went on to join the Dance Theatre of Harlem, in New York City. Under the direction of Arthur Mitchell he performed in countries such as Innsbruk, Austria, Beijing and Shanghai China, Cape Verde, Africa and various other countries in the United Kingdom and Europe. While performing in London, William was spotted by then artistic director of Scottish Ballet, Ashley Page and
invited to audition for the company. A decade of dancing with the Scottish Ballet gave him the opportunity to work with world renowned choreographers such as Geoffrey Holder, Richard Alston, Patricia Neary, Michael Smuin, Val Caniparoli and many others.

Sandra Smeltzer

Sandra Smeltzer is the previous owner and director of The Dance Centre of Southwest Virginia. She earned a B.A. in Ballet Pedagogy from Virginia Intermont College, graduating summa cum laude, and an M.A. in Dance from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. During her youth and college years she performed with the Bristol Ballet under the direction of the late Constance Hardinge. Bristol Ballet is recognized as of the original honor companies of the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association. Additionally, Ms. Smeltzer danced with the Mary Washington College Dance Company, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Dance Company, Cincinnati Opera, and Virginia Tech Dance Theatre. Throughout her career she has had the opportunity to study with prominent figures in the dance world, including Sonja Dragmanovic, Kathy Harty, Oleg Sabline, James Truitte, Robert Barnett, Robert Joffrey, Frederick Franklin, George Zoritch, Sally Brayley-Bliss, Edward Vilella, and many others. One summer she had the priviledge of studying with Hilda Butsova, a member of Anna Pavlova's company. Mrs. Smeltzer previously served as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Virginia Tech, where she was awarded a Certificate of Teaching Excellence from the College of Arts and Sciences. Her teaching experience includes positions at Virginia Intermont College, Academy of Virginia Beach Ballet, Emory and Henry College, UVA-Wise, and Washington and Lee University. Moreover, Mrs. Smeltzer was the Artistic Director of Virginia Tech Dance Theatre and Washington and Lee Jazz and Tap Ensemble, and she also held the position of Associate Director for Southwest Virginia Ballet.

Caitlin Smith

Caitlin Smith is a dedicated ballet artist and educator with over 12 years of professional performance experience and a continued presence in the Roanoke Valley dance community. A graduate of Butler University with a BFA in Dance (2011), Caitlin performed with respected companies including Roanoke Ballet Theatre (2015–2023), Manassas Ballet Theatre (2013–2015), and Minnesota Ballet Theatre (2011–2013). Her commitment to dance education spans more than a decade, shaping students across all ages—from preschool beginners to pre-professional dancers. Caitlin has taught ballet, pointe, pas de deux, and Pilates at institutions such as Roanoke Ballet Theatre, Little Leapers, and Joy of Dance in Northern Virginia. Her teaching style merges classical technique with a nurturing approach, fostering both artistry and physical confidence. Caitlin’s artistry, teaching, and service reflect a passion for movement, community, and lifelong growth.

Will Smith

Will Smith is a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur whose career bridges classical ballet and arboriculture with distinctive flair. A professional ballet dancer for nearly two decades, he has performed with respected companies including Roanoke Ballet Theatre, Manassas Ballet Theatre, and Ballet Theatre of Maryland, bringing powerful artistry to stages across the East Coast. As a choreographer, Will’s works have earned grants and critical attention, including *Poetry in Motion*—a ballet for Deaf audiences featured in *Dance Magazine*—and numerous collaborations with the Taubman Museum and Roanoke City.

Beyond the stage, Will is a dedicated educator, shaping young dancers for over 15 years through institutions such as Little Leapers, Showcase Dance, and the Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s satellite school. His versatility extends to musical theatre with recurring performances at Roanoke’s Attic Theatre.

In a unique professional pivot, Will became a certified arborist in 2020 and now owns and operates The Dancing Lumberjack, a tree care and removal company that harmonizes his passion for nature with his lifelong artistry.

Will currently serves as Resident Choreographer for the Southern Appalachian Dance Collective, continuing to create original works that captivate audiences and honor the expressive power of dance.

Kayla Dixon

Kayla Dixon is a multifaceted dance artist, educator, and creative strategist based in Roanoke, Virginia. After discovering her love for dance at the age of 10, she quickly understood that the arts were not a temporary pursuit, but a lifelong calling that would shape both her creative voice and professional path. She trained extensively in jazz, tap, clogging, ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and hip hop, developing a versatile movement foundation rooted in both technical discipline and artistic expression. During this time, Kayla also had the opportunity to participate in all-inclusive dance programs, where she found purpose in creating spaces that allow children of all abilities to experience dance as both a joyful and therapeutic art form.

Today, Kayla remains deeply engaged in the dance industry as a teacher, choreographer, and dance adjudicator. In conjunction with her teaching and choreographic work, she offers professional music editing services to dancers across the United States. While her experience choreographing and performing as a background dancer on “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Mandatory World Tour broadened her professional performance career, Kayla’s true passion lies in education and guiding students toward their individual artistic goals. She is a cofounder of Star City Dance Collective, a nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing performance opportunities and scholarships to local youth, further reinforcing her commitment to access, mentorship, and artistic growth within the community.

Kayla’s passion for performance led her into the production world, where she integrates her background in dance with the technical elements of live entertainment. With experience in lighting, video, technical directing, and audio engineering, she has developed an understanding of how the technical elements of live performance enhance and support the creative vision. By blending technical expertise with artistic insight, Kayla bridges the gap between performers and production teams, ensuring that movement, music, and design align seamlessly to create cohesive, impactful, and high quality live experiences.

In addition to her creative and technical work, Kayla has cultivated a strong focus in marketing, social media management, and community engagement. She has managed and grown social media platforms and customer relations for various businesses and arts organizations, with an emphasis on building authentic brand voices, increasing online visibility, and creating content that meaningfully connects organizations to their communities. Kayla approaches marketing as an extension of artistry, viewing it as storytelling, advocacy, and education, using digital platforms to amplify voices and elevate the arts. Her ability to connect people, promote creative work, and strengthen community presence makes her an instrumental asset to Star City and the community it serves.

For marketing leads and inquiries, Kayla can be reached at
kayla@starcityschoolofballet.com

Jenni Vaughn

Jenni Vaughn, a proud native of Roanoke and a devoted mother of three, brings a wealth of experience to Star City. With her extensive background in both office administration and teaching dance she is well-equipped to inspire and guide students in their dance journey.

Jenni's love for the arts began at the age of four, when she started exploring various artistic outlets, including dance, cheerleading, baton twirling, and piano. Her early exposure to these disciplines ignited her passion for performance and creativity. In the late 1990's, while cheering at Roanoke College, Jenni found her way into the world of Ballroom Dancing. This new venture led her to a decade-long career as both an instructor and professional dancer, where she performed and competed at various events. Her dedication and talent in ballroom dancing not only shaped her professional life but also deepened her love for teaching and performing. After taking a brief hiatus to start a family, Jenni returned to the world of dance with renewed vigor. She took on dual roles as an office manager and d anceinstructor, blending her administrative skills with her passion for teaching.

Jenni's ability to connect with both young dreamers and adult learners has made her an invaluable asset to the dance community.

Jacob Myers

Mr. Jacob has been dancing and doing gymnastics since the age of 2.
He went to Christ Chapel Academy and graduated with an advanced diploma, and NVCC for his Associate’s Degree in General Studies, with an emphasis in Business Administration.

From competitive dancer, gymnast, and currently a professional ballet dancer with Roanoke Ballet Theatre.

In 2008, he attended a summer intensive with The Dance Theatre Of Harlem on full scholarship under the direction of Arthur Mitchell and Robert Garland, as well as United Ballet Theatre in July 2023 under direction of Joesph Gatti.

As a competitive dancer, Jacob excelled in contemporary, musical theatre and acro technique. It was not unusual to see him tumbling across the stage, doing acro tricks not seen before in all the various dance genres. He is a well accomplished musical theatre soloist who excels in acro technique. He was a Top 10 scoring soloist and achieved regional and national titles in all age categories with multiple prominent competition venues. In 2016, he won 1st place overall in Senior Solos at the “Turn It Up” National Dance Championship and 2nd runner up in the Senior Men’s Division at the prestigious “World Dance Pageant”. He continued his passion for competitive dance as a Backstage Manager for the Star Dance Alliance, and teaching at various dance studios. Currently he is a judge at Edge Talent Competition!

Mr. Jacob is USAG and CPR/AED certified, with a current background security clearance.
He has trained with the Men’s Bulgarian National Team and served as a FIG Judge in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is a master instructor of aerials, back handsprings, tucks, layout step outs and twists.

He has worked with know artists, choreographers, and teachers like: Teddy Florance, Mia Micheals, Lane Napper, Joseph Gatti, Karina Gonzalez, Runquao Du, Rinat Imaev and more!

Mr. Jacob is looking forward to joining Star City School of Ballet: teaching and helping the students learn and grow being a part of their journey!

Always remember: “Stay Hungry Stay Humble!”

Mitzi Keeley

Mitzi Keeley, born in the Star City, started dancing performing when she was only two years old. She continued to tap and later represented the Roanoke Valley in the Miss Virginia Pageant twice with dance as her talent. Mitzi has continued to perform on stage including Mill Mountain Theater’s 42nd Street, and Southwest Virginia Ballet's Nutcracker.

In addition to teaching Creative Dance here at Star City, Mitzi holds a full time job and loves working with amazing college students as the Dance Coordinator at Roanoke College.

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Isabel Meyers

Isabel Meyers is a talented modern dance artist and choreographer with a passion for teaching and guiding the next generation of dancers.

Isabel grew up as a student of the Academy of Dance in Warner Robins, Georgia and went on to earn her degree in Dance from Hollins University in the spring of 2021. For three years, she served as the co-director of the Hollins Repertory Dance Company, where she organized and choreographed company performances and taught dance classes in her community.

Isabel is an alumni of American Dance Festival and Bates Dance Festival, and she is certified with the National Dance Institute Art of Teaching.

Justine Thomas

Justine Thomas is a dedicated educator with a passion for inspiring young dancers and aspiring writers. With a strong foundation in dance, she is pursuing further education at Hollins University to achieve her dream of becoming a dance teacher and author.

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Juno

Our dedicated greeter dog, Juno, plays a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for dancers of all ages. As soon as students walk through the door, Juno greets them with a wagging tail and a big, friendly smile. Her presence helps to ease any nerves and brings a sense of joy to everyone she meets. Whether she's offering a paw for a high five or simply basking in the attention and belly rubs, Juno's unconditional love and playful energy set the tone for a positive and inclusive dance experience for all who enter our studio. Come on in and say hi, she loves when you rub at the back of her coat behind her service vest.

Faculty Assistants

We are proud to have our senior students help our faculty in class. This not only allows our teachers to concentrate and achieve better results, but also gives our students on hand experience and leadership skills.