Meet the Team

The Hiland Theater Faculty & Staff

NDI New Mexico at The Hiland Theater has a diverse and accomplished faculty. Our teachers have performed, choreographed and directed worldwide with such companies and artists as: Twyla Tharp Dance Company, New York City Ballet, Bill Evans Rhythm Tap Ensemble, Vaganova State Ballet Company (Russia), The Disney Channel, and others.

Our dedicated faculty works to provide individual attention to each of our students. Teachers work in a warm, nurturing manner that is inclusive and welcoming of all students.

Hiland Theater Staff

Layla Amis

Hiland Artistic Director

(505) 340-0202

Layla Amis received her dance education from World College of The Arts in Miami, and in Chicago...

Tom Porras

Advanced Training Director

(505) 340-0210

Tom started his dance training and performing early, competing on “Star Search,” and being...

Elana Anderson

Hiland Assistant Artistic Director

Elana Denise Anderson, PhD is an artist, educator, life-long student, and scholar. She holds a...

Vaughn Irving

Hiland Program Producer

(505) 340-0200

Shane Montoya

Albuquerque Artistic Associate and Hiland Instructor

Shane, a native New Mexican, has been dancing for 22 years and teaching for 15 years. Originally a...

Alyx Sanchez

Senior Outreach Artistic Associate and Hiland Instructor

(609) 670-5801

Alyx “Allie” is a graduate of New Mexico State University’s Dance Program under the direction of...

Francois Achan

Hiland Instructor

Feli Blea

Albuquerque Outreach/Hiland Instructor

Feli Blea started their dance career at the age of 8 as part of New Child Players Production...

Veronica Estrada

Hiland Instructor

Veronica Estrada is a Hispanic student, dancer, choreographer, and teacher attending college at...

Melody Gallagher

Hiland Instructor

Melody Gallagher is a professional musician, stage director, and opera singer from Denver,...

Jocelyn Montoya

Hiland Instructor

Jocelyn Montoya is a long time advocate of NDI New Mexico’s mission and knowledge that the arts...

Simone di Pietro Reche

Hiland Instructor

Born in Campinas, Brazil, Simone di Pietro began dancing at age of 10. She studied in Brazil, the...

Antionette Segura

Albuquerque Outreach and Hiland Instructor

Antionette, a native of Albuquerque, began her dance training at age three in ballet, jazz, tap,...

Cyann Sena

Albuquerque Outreach Instructor and Hiland Instructor

Cyann grew up dancing in Carlsbad, New Mexico starting at the age of 5. She danced competitively...

Sage Simpson

Albuquerque Outreach Apprentice

Kimberly White

Hiland Instructor

Kimberly White was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She began her early dance training...