Debbie Devine
Studio Owner & Director
Marquis 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, with the STL Rhythm Collaborative, 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!)
Studio Assistant Director
DAC Artistic Director
Dazzler Choreographer
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 an adjunct professor of dance at Missouri Baptist University and is a resident artist with Ballet 314 where she has portrayed many roles including Clara in "The Nutcracker and the World's Fair" and Leah in "Ragtime the American Experience." She also serves as a rehearsal assistant for Ballet 314's community cast and has formerly danced professionally with both Leverage Dance Theater and Common Thread Contemporary Ballet. 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 seventh season with Devine Performing Arts, 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
Dazzler Choreographer
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
Dazzler Choreographer
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.
Emma Brandwein
Dance Instructor
Emma Brandwein is a graduate of Missouri Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Dance. While she studied at MBU Emma was Captain of the Dance Team and participated as Dance Captain for MBU Theater’s productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Newsies. Emma has performed with local dance companies such as Missouri Ballet Theatre, STL Rhythm Collaborative, and Ballet 314. She has choreographed for Missouri Baptist University’s Dancing in the Light Concert, Resilience Dance Company’s Seen: STL event, and Ballet 5:8’s Summer Intensive. Emma has taught at local dance studios for the past 3 years and is excited to join the team at DPA.
Maura Caldwell-Thompson
Dance Instructor
DAC Assistant Artistic Director
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
Marquis Assistant Director
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!
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.
Azura Tiggs
Dance Instructor
Azura Tiggs, a 2024 graduate of Parkway South High School, has been dancing for 10 years. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a Minor in Exercise Science at Lindenwood University. Azura's Hip Hop expertise primarily stems from her years competing with her studio’s Hip Hop crew. During high school, she was an active member of the Patriettes Dance Team and served as the chair of student recognition on the student council. The current Coaches of the Patriettes Dance Team provided Azura with numerous opportunities, including choreographing two routines for the team, and also referred her to Devine Performing Arts, where Azura hopes to use her passion for dance to inspire her students.
Alyssa Wolf
​Dazzler Choreographer
Alyssa returns to Devine Performing Arts for her 4th year and couldn't be more excited! Alyssa grew up in St. Louis and began dancing when she was 3 years old. She spent 8 summers performing in the Mainstage musicals at the Muny! 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 began performing and choreographing professionally around St. Louis. Alyssa also coaches the Center Stage Showchoir at Marquette high school, her alma mater where she originally met Miss Debbie! Before Covid, Alyssa taught music and play based classes to kids from 6 months - 5 years old where she learned specific teaching skills for little ones. Fun fact: Alyssa will be an official member of the Devine family in the summer of 2025!
Sarah Jane
Front Desk Manager
MEET OUR INCREDIBLE
FRONT DESK STAFF!
Sarah Jane
Wednesday Nights
Janice Eisleben
Tuesday/Thursday Nights
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