Debbie Devine
Owner & Director
Debbie Devine has many years of dance experience beginning as a student, demonstrator, competitive dancer, choreographer, performer, teacher and her favorite role of Owner/Director of Devine Performing Arts. Dancing since the age of three, she knew by the age of five that dance was her life’s dream—performing and eventually owning a dance studio to share all that she has learned (and continues to learn). A 2006 graduate of Oklahoma City University with a bachelor’s degree in Dance Performance, Debbie has not only been a performer and competitor in the dance world, but has always made time to teach and pass on to others her love for dance. While in college she performed as a member of OCU’s premier dance company, American Spirit Dance Company, under the direction of Jo Rowan. She studied tap under the late Robert Reed, musical theatre with Lara Teeter, and has taken many classes with different instructors from all around the country! However, some of her best teachers have been her students. She has performed in a variety of productions throughout the country including right here at Stages St Louis, Dino’s Christmas Show in Branson, Missouri; The Smoky Mountain Opry in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Show Choir Camps of America; and at Walt Disney World. In addition to performing, Debbie has also been a choreographer for the National American Miss Pageant system, Marquette High School’s show choir, Center Stage, and was even a full time gymnast in her youth before switching her entire focus to dance. At DPA she teaches all ages and levels of dance, voice, drama, and tumbling and also founded Marquis Productions, DPA's musical theater company. She continues to study and learn all she can by performing locally as well as attending conferences and workshops. Debbie has been married to her high school sweetheart for almost 16 years, and they have two beautiful daughters (who also both love to dance at DPA!)
Assistant Director
Ashley Stettes
Ashley Stettes is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Minor in Fine Arts Entrepreneurship. Aside from her work at DPA, Ashley is working as a professional dancer with Ballet 314 and has formerly danced professionally with both Leverage Dance Theater and Common Thread Contemporary Ballet. She is an Adjunct Professor of Dance at Missouri Baptist University, leads company ballet class for Leverage Dance Theater, serves as a rehearsal assistant for Ballet 314’s community cast for The Nutcracker, and is a fitness instructor for Vitality in Motion bringing chair based dance classes to seniors throughout the St. Louis region. During her time at SEMO, Ashley had the opportunity to study and perform a variety of styles including ballet, modern, jazz, pointe, contemporary, tap, and aerial. She also had the opportunity to be cast by and work with several guest choreographers including Brenna Monroe-Cook from the Limon Company, Cesar Salinas from Giordano Dance Chicago, Jeremy Plummer and Taylor Mitchell. Aside from being a performer, Ashley has had her choreography presented in both main stage and second stage shows at SEMO. She was hand selected by the faculty to set a piece on a group of incoming freshmen her junior year and set a piece on some students at the university's first ever summer dance intensive. Most recently Ashley has been hired to present work with Dayspring Arts and Education choreographing selections from Paquita for their summer program (2022), creating a brand new ballet work Tempȇte de Neige for their winter show (winter 2023), and choreographing Coppelia for their summer program (2023). Here at DPA you can see her work showcased by the Danse Arts Company, Dazzlers, and many of our recital students. Over the years, Ashley has attended several summer intensives, conferences, and master classes to help further her training. Ashley is a proud member of NDEO and graduated with dance honors through the National Honor Society of Dance Arts. Beyond that, she was a member of the Stephens Honors College and two other honor societies on campus: Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Eta Sigma, in addition to being named Outstanding Dance Senior of her class! Ashley was also an active member of University Dancers United where she served as Community Outreach Chair, Vice President, and President. Ashley is excited to be in her sixth season at DPA, serving as the Assistant Director of the studio, Artistic Director of the Danse Arts Company, and Choreographer/Rehearsal Director for the Dazzlers!
Rachel Bodi
Dance Instructor
Rachel Bodi is so excited to begin her tenth year as a teacher with Devine Performing Arts (formerly Wildwood Dance and Arts). Originally from Pittsburgh, Rachel trained at Pittsburgh Youth Ballet and the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh before moving to Nashville to continue her training and begin her professional career with Nashville Ballet 2. While there, Rachel performed in many Nashville Ballet productions, as well as a multitude of outreach performances. After Nashville, Rachel moved to St. Louis where she danced with Missouri Ballet Theater for seven seasons and then Common Thread Contemporary Ballet. Rachel is currently the Co-Artistic Director in addition to company dancer of Ballet 314. She enjoys teaching at DPA in addition to spending time with her husband Nick and little dancer Harper!
Traci Borrego
Head Dazzler Coach
Traci Borrego is a graduate from Missouri Baptist University with a degree in Math & Chemistry. As a former NFL cheerleader she worked as an ambassador for the St.Louis Rams organization doing numerous community relations and charity events, as well as entertaining audiences in front of sold-out crowds. She also fostered her talents by judging regional and national dance & cheer competitions. Traci has been a dance instructor in ballet, jazz, pom and hip hop over the last twenty years. Her unique flare for precision, form, and technique have transferred into her teaching and choreography. Traci's passion for this art allows her to compose dances designed to suggest story, interpret emotion, and enliven shows.
Maura Caldwell-Thompson
Dance Instructor
Maura Caldwell-Thompson is an adjunct professor in the Department of Dance at Webster University. In addition to teaching classes in somatics, Maura serves as a mental health liaison meeting with students in the department for individual and group counseling sessions. She graduated from Webster University with a double major in dance and psychology. Maura has taught dance locally for over 20 years to all levels and ages in the disciplines of modern, ballet, jazz, and tap. Her dance training includes study locally as well as in New York with Balanchine instructor Barbara Elias and summer intensives across the country. Maura also has professional dance experience with MADCO. In addition to her dance career, Maura holds a master’s degree in clinical counseling and is the owner of Balance Within, LLC, a private therapy practice in St. Louis where she specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. Maura is a certified yoga instructor and also holds certifications in Pilates and sports nutrition. Maura believes in the importance of finding balance within ourselves and in dance as an outlet for emotional expression.
Erin Norlie
Drama/Voice Instructor
Erin Norlie has been a dancer since she was 3 years old, attending various studios in the St Louis area and developing a true passion for performing. In 2012, she earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Illinois University. Upon graduating, she traveled all over the country (as well as Spain, Germany, and India) as a Teaching Artist with Missoula Children’s Theatre. During that time, Erin truly fell in love with teaching. She took a break from tour life to live in Chicago and then Los Angeles, where she learned invaluable auditioning skills and industry experience. Her path has led back to St Louis, where she grew up, and is excited to be teaching once again. Erin currently also teaches various musical theatre and acting classes at Stages, St Louis, and has recently started a coaching business with her family in Chesterfield. She is honored and grateful to have been welcomed into the DPA family so warmly, and is so excited to share her love of musical theatre and dance with all of you!
Maria Schou
Competition Choreographer
Maria Schou is 26 years old and has been dancing for over to 18 years. She attended Lindenwood University where she majored in middle school math education and was a member and captain of the 9-time National Champion Lion Line Dance Team. During the day, she works as a 6th grade math teacher at Selvidge Middle School. She has been a part of the Ashleyliane Dance Junior Company as well as taken part in the Rockettes Summer Intensive, been a Dance Olympus VIP dancer, and participated in local events such as Dancing in the Streets and the Fox Performing Arts Teen Talent Showcase. She enjoys dancing all styles and teaching has always been a passion of hers. Creating lasting relationships with her students has always been her favorite part of the job. She grew up in this studio so having the opportunity to call this place home again has been a dream!
Megan Thompson
Dance Instructor & Family Experience Coordinator
Megan Thompson is a Lafayette High School graduate currently attending the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She is a middle school math education major and is thrilled to be back teaching at the studio where she grew up! Megan was a member of both the competition team, Dazzlers, and the performance team, DAC. She loves all styles including jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip-hop, and musical theater. She has competed in both Regional and National competitions and has performed in Ballet 314’s 2019 Nutcracker and South East Missouri States Choreography Showcase. While attending Missouri State University, Megan was a member of the Diamond Girls and was selected as a choreographer for Homecoming and Greek Week in her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi. Megan is excited to share her passion for dance with her students and do what she loves at the studio she calls home.
Josie Wieher
Dance Instructor & Digital Marketing Manager
Josie Wieher is a passionate dancer and accomplished choreographer who has dedicated her life to her craft. Since the age of three, Josie has immersed herself in various dance styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-hop, Modern, and Heels. At just thirteen years old, Josie began showcasing her creativity and artistry as a choreographer. Her first self-choreographed duet competed at Cathy Roe's Ultimate Dance Competition, earning her first place, judge's choice, and the coveted student choreography award. She went on to win the student choreography award three years in a row, solidifying her exceptional talent. By the time Josie graduated high school, she had created over ten compelling choreographed pieces, each a testament to her innate artistry and vision. Her work graced the stages of numerous dance competitions, including the prestigious "Kansas City Choreographers Festival" and "Paradox Version 1" event. Josie's versatility and ability to bring stories to life through dance and acting were showcased in the captivating short film, "RIND," where she collaborated with director Jordan Kaya. Her performance seamlessly blended emotion, movement, and storytelling on the screen. While Josie's career flourishes, she remains committed to sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation. She imparts her wisdom and techniques at her home studio, inspiring and nurturing young talents. Simultaneously, Josie collaborates with local artists, pushing her own creative boundaries and showcasing her choreography on professional platforms.
Alyssa Wolf
Dance Instructor
Alyssa returns to Devine Performing Arts for her 2nd year and couldn't be more excited!
Alyssa grew up in St. Louis and began dancing when she was 3 years old. She performed at the Muny for 8 summers in the Mainstage shows. She toured with the MunyKids and MunyTeens during this time as well. Alyssa received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre from Southeast Missouri State University in 2017. After graduation, she started performing and choreographing professionally around St. Louis. Alyssa coaches the Center Stage Showchoir at Marquette high school, her alma mater.
