INSTRUCTORS
At Tampa City Dance Center, our instructors are highly experienced professionals dedicated to inspiring and guiding dancers of all levels. With backgrounds in ballet, contemporary, acro, and more, they bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and artistry to every class.
Our team is committed to providing expert training, personalized attention, and a supportive learning environment to help each dancer reach their full potential.
Shelby Russ
CONTEMPORARY
Shelby Russ was born and raised in Tampa, FL where she danced from age 3 in a local studio. At 15, she attended the performing arts school Howard W. Blake High, where she trained in ballet, modern, choreography and had the opportunity to work with Jennifer Archibald, Jon Ole Olstad, Duncan Cooper, and Bliss Kohlmyer.
Luana Hidalgo
POINTE FOR BEGINNERS
Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Luana Hidalgo started studying dance at the Institute of Art at an early age and graduated from Madame Irene Levandoski's Ballet School. She became a soloist with Ballet of Maracaibo before she became a principal dancer for Ballet Nuevo Mundo de Caracas.
Maddison Pineda Bender
OPEN CONTEMPORARY
Madison Pineda began her early dance training in Sacramento, CA, and Keller, TX. At age 16, she moved to New York City to attend The Joffrey Ballet School Jazz and Contemporary Program. She is looking forward to creating and performing with Tampa City Ballet this season.
Yoni Delgado
BEGINNER CONTEMPORARY
Jhony Delgado trained at the youth children's company Paso a Paso in Cuba. In 2023, Delgado joined Tampa City Ballet as a dancer and as an instructor of Contemporary technique. He also had the opportunity to work as an Assistant Choreographer in the University of South Florida‘s Spring Performance 2024.
Marta Ortega
KIDS BALLET
Marta began her ballet studies at the Elementary Ballet School "Alejo Carpentier" and later at the National Ballet School. In 2005 she made a change of profile towards the specialty of Modern, Contemporary and Folk Dance, graduating in 2008.
Maria Fernanda Papa
FLAMENCO
Maria Fernanda Papa started her ballet training at the age of seven at Vladimir Issaev School of Classical Ballet in Miami where she received training from Vladimir Issaev, Lisa Maltzeva, Luana Hidalgo, and Giselle Deya.
Isabel Rodriguez
ACRO
Carissa Smith
MOMMY AND ME
Carissa Smith began her training in 2009 at Americas' Ballet School. She grew up with an established education of classical ballet and eventually was also taught in contemporary and modern dance at ABS. Carissa became a full time dancer with Tampa City Ballet.
Danielle Blanco
HIP HOP | ACRO BABIES
