Dance Expressions Studio
THE TEAM
Who We Are
Our mission is to inspire and empower dancers of all ages and skill levels by providing high-quality dance education in a supportive and joyful environment.
We aim to nurture creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance in every student.
HI! I am Jensyn Echternach, director of Dance Expressions Studio.
I started dancing when I was just 3 years old! I absolutely LOVED it. When I was 6, I joined Acrobatic Gymnastics and competed for 15 years. I have studied all styles of dance throughout my years, but my favorite style is lyrical. I love the freedom of expression and emotion you get while dancing that style. But as I got older, I realized I wanted to share the love of dance with others. So I became a teacher at just 14 years old, but that wasn't enough for me... so I decided to start my very own studio! And I couldn't have made a better decision!
Watching my students grow and achieve the smallest of things makes my heart happy.
I love sharing my passion with other students and other teachers.
A little about me outside of the dance world... I have a dog and two cats. I LOVE Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings (and most other fantasy books/movies). My favorite color is aquamarine (my birthstone). I love throwing a good themed party. I was a nanny to 3 amazing boys,
and I LOVE my family. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. They are so supportive of me and my studio. Being a dance teacher was what I was meant to be. I always tell my students, it isn't about being the best, it is about being YOUR best- and that is what I bring into my studio.
Ms. Jensyn
Ms. Ava
Hi, I’m Ava March. I currently teach acrobatic gymnastics and tumbling
at Dance Expressions Studio.
I have been doing dance and gymnastics since I was 3 years old and I have been teaching at DES since it first opened! My favorite genre of dance is lyrical because I love the way it allows me to express myself through movement.
Some fun facts about me: I am 22 years old, I have a cat and a dog, I love reading (especially fantasy), and I am currently in nursing school at Columbia college.
I’m so excited to see what this next year at DES brings!
Ms. Madeleine
Hey everyone! My name is Madeleine Cerneka
and I am going into my 2nd year teaching at Dance Expressions.
I’ve been dancing for 15 years and teaching for 4 years. Growing up I loved all different types of dance, but I especially loved jazz and tap. I am about to start my sophomore year at the University of Missouri studying Music Education.
Some of my favorite things include singing, band, theater, photography, and crafting.
I’m looking forward to an exciting year!
Hi! I’m Emilia Curran, or Emme for short!
I have 7 years of dance experience in Ballet, Lyrical, and Jazz. My experience includes
competitions and conventions such as Dupree, Hollywood Connection, and Tremaine Dance.
I am always looking to expand my dance education and consider myself a life-long learner.
You can catch me in the adult classes at D.E.S!
I believe everyone can experience the benefits of dance, whether that is increased flexibility and
strength, balance, or even self-confidence and better posture. I work hard to foster a welcoming
and supportive environment for all of my students. There is nothing better than cheering on my
students while they learn new skills!
My favorite class is Lyrical. I love to tell a story through dance, and I enjoy the technical aspects
of Lyrical and Ballet. I am beyond excited to begin teaching my own Lyrical class!
Fun Facts About Me: I have 3 animals, all named different animals! My two cats are Rat & Mouse, and my dog is named Bear. I grew up in Fulton, MO. My main job is in finance. I’m a numbers whiz. I’m 22, turning 23 in October!
Ms. Emilia
Ms. Heather
Hi everybody, my name is Heather Duque!
I started dancing when I was four or five, I am now 18 years of age. I was trained in modern ballet, but more specifically as well as classical ballet. I also have experience in modern, tap, jazz, as well as lyrical. I adored dance with a passion, but I also really enjoy other things outside of studio dance… like line dancing, and ballroom dancing! I have two cats and three dogs! I love dinosaurs, they’re so cool. All in all back to dance!!
I love giving students and young dancers the inspiration that I’ve had throughout my lifetime. Dancing is something to be enjoyed and have fun with movement. It’s a really good outlet, exercise and experience that can take you very far in life. :)
Dance Your True Expression
