Directors

Sisters Yvette Iannelli and Yvonne Guajardo opened the doors of their dance studio in the spring of 2004 with fifteen eager students. Today, Dancentre of Edinburg boasts nearly 200 students (and growing). The daughters of Raul and Irma Cardenas began their dance studies as young children in their hometown of Edinburg, TX. Gretha Sullivan was their first teacher.

Their next dance teacher, Cynthia Coker, served as a mentor to the Cardenas sisters and provided them with many opportunities to study with several legendary dancers and teachers. She inspired them to continue dancing regardless which careers they pursued. Some of their former and current teachers include:

Prima ballerina Soili Arvola and her partner Leo Ahonen

the late Leon Danielian, former ABT principal dancer and director of the ABT school

Dr. Kathleen Tenniswood, officer of the Cecchetti Council of America

Willy Shives, ballet master of the Joffrey Ballet,

Carmen Correa, Compania Nacional de Danza, Mexico City

David Howard,

Tanju Tuzer, and Susana Benavides.

In addition to a solid foundation in ballet, Iannelli and Guajardo received extensive training in other dance forms, including classic tap and the Luigi Method of jazz.

Yvette earned a BS degree from Pan American University, where she was a member of the Pan American Jazz Dancers and active in the Pan American Summer Stock Theater. Yvonne earned a BBA from The University of Texas, where she was a member of the UT Competitive DanceTeam. Ms. Iannelli and Ms. Guajardo believe that one must never stop learning, thus they continue their dance studies to this day, attending various continuing education workshops in ballet, tap, jazz, and Irish & Mexican folk dance.

The Cardenas girls didn’t know those dance classes would be so fateful. “I learned a lot from my early dance lessons,” says Yvonne. “In addition to the dance skills I acquired, I made life-long friendships and I learned the value of teamwork. My parents also used the dance lessons to teach me about commitment, time-management, and hard work. Those were valuable lessons that helped me in college and that I use now as I manage my family, work and business.”

Dancentre offers a wide range of courses, including classical ballet, tap, jazz, folklorico, tumbling, ballroom, yoga, and conditioning classes. Each summer we conduct an intensive workshop in which we invite guest teachers from throughout the U.S. to share their knowledge with our students.

Yvette and Yvonne are seasoned public school teachers, and both are certified by the State Board for Educator Certification in Dance Education. Their team of experienced dance instructors are experts in their respective fields.

 Yvette, Yvonne, and their staff take pride in creating a positive and nurturing environment for the children who study at Dancentre of Edinburg.

We offer classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Folklorico, Ballroom, Yoga, and Tumbling. Advanced classes also include Pointe & Variation, Leaps & Turns, and Strength & Flexibility Conditioning.

Pre-Ballet/Tap – emphasizes basic rhythm and motor skill development which provide an excellent foundation for further training. Basic technique and terminology are introduced, as well as basic tap skills and fundamental combinations.

Ballet - emphasizes proper technique, terminology, correct body alignment, poise and presentation. The Cecchetti syllabus program is incorporated to ensure that all of our students progress to the best of their ability. Pointe classes are available to intermediate and advanced students with director’s recommendation.

Tap - Emphasizes proper tap technique, terminology, rhythm, timing, and improvisation focusing on clarity of sound and tonal variations.

Jazz - high energy classes include isolations, progressions, turns, combinations and fun dance routines.

Folklorico - students learn traditional dances from various regions of Mexico.

Ballroom - Swing, Cha Cha, Salsa, Tango, Merengue, Rumba, Fox Trot, and Waltz.

Tumbling - emphasizes strength building, flexibility, and control while teaching tumbling skills in progression.

Registration is accepted on a first-come first-served basis until classes are filled. Students who register after a class has been filled will be placed on a waiting list.

Dancers are expected to attend class regularly. However, if your child misses a class, you may schedule a make-up class. All classes must be made up within two weeks. Conservatory and team members are required to attend all rehearsals.

A dress code is enforced in all classes. Dancewear may be purchased at the Dancentre Shop. Please refer to the Class Schedule & Guidelines for detailed information.

Tuition is based on a 10 month, 36-week season. Your monthly tuition will remain the same throughout the season. We do not pro-rate for missed or cancelled classes or for months with more or less than 4 weeks in them. Please note that tuition is due on the first class of each month. A $15 late fee will be added after the 10th of the month. Dancentre offers family rates