Debra Montalvo Swaim (Owner/Director)

Debra Montalvo Swaim is a native of Port Arthur, TX.  She attended Lamar University on scholarship and graduated with a B.S. in Dance.  Upon graduation she was awarded "Most Outstanding Dance Major" from the National Dance Association (1993).  After college, Swaim relocated to Houston and started performing with companies such as Joan Karff New Dance Group and Shawn Wellings DF7 Dance Troupe.  She has also performed in various industrials like "Neville Brothers Concert", and the foreign film "Prithvi" (India).  While performing she also instructed classes at various Houston dance programs such as Jewish Community Center and choreographed for Houston's "Choreographers X6", "The Dance Initiative", and "The Black Dance Festival".  In 1998 Debra moved to the Dallas area where she founded the dance company "5 Degreez of Danze".  5 Degreez works have debuted in events like "Dance For the Planet", "Plano Balloon Festival", "Barefoot Brigade Festival", and "Frisco's Premiere Arts Gala".  Along with her professional dance company, she also owns and operates "Frisco Dance Force".  Swaim continues to teach and choreograph and is a member of "The Dallas Dance Council", a founding board member of the "Barefoot Brigade Coalition", and "Frisco's Association For the Arts".

 

Jessica Jackson

Jessica Jackson received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Performance and Choreography from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has performed professionally for Walt Disney World and Holland America Cruise Line. Jessica has also instructed for Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex, The International Ballet Competition (Jackson Mississippi), and was formerly the Academy Director for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Ms. Jackson, along with her vibrant energy and positive outlook, brings over 14 years of dance experience, training and disciplined instruction to students ranging from two years to adults.

 

Kandie Biggers (Zumba)