Our Team
Ovations Dance Academy of Tampa is led by experienced artists and educators who are passionate about guiding dancers with care, discipline, and purpose, both in and out of the studio.
Orlando Peña
- Owner
Mr. Orlando Peña is the former Artistic Director/ Choreographer of Ovations Dance Academy, Inc. of Bohemia, NY from 1997-2020, and was an Artist in Residence at East Woods School in Oyster Bay, NY for seven years. Additionally, he founded Ovations Dance Repertory Company, a non-profit organization, in 1997. A member...
Catherine Barnhill
- Music Director
Music Director Catherine Barnhill graduated from BYU with a Bachelor’s of Music in French Horn Performance with a minor in Public Relations. Prior to transferring to BYU, she was the youngest Field Commander in Vanderbilt Marching Band history. She has played in pit orchestras for numerous musicals and oratorios, as...
Nicole Assaad
- Instructor
Nicole Assaad started dancing ballet at age 8 at the Patel Conservatory under Julio Montano andSandra Robinson’s training. After a year, she moved to All American Classical Ballet School inTampa, Florida where she followed Julio Montano and Gisell Durand for 6 years of rigorousclassical ballet training. She won many awards...
Brian Gonzales
- Instructor
Brian Gonzales began classical training in 2003 at the Elementary Ballet School “Alejo Carpentier” and continued his studies at the National School of Ballet “Fernando Alonso”. In 2013, he joined the National Ballet of Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso. As a member of the company’s artistic cast, he...
Guest Artists & Visiting Professionals
Throughout the season, Ovations welcomes accomplished guest artists who offer dancers valuable exposure to diverse styles, perspectives, and professional insight. These visits enrich training while inspiring students to explore what’s possible beyond the studio.
Kelly King
- Guest
After completing her time with the Alvin Ailey Dance Center, Kelly King became a Radio City Rockette for 12 years and performed extensively on television, stage, and film. She toured nationally with the Broadway show Fosse. Her other credits include Dancing With the Stars, The Tonight Show, the MTV Music...
Madison Pineda Bender
- Guest
Madison Pineda Bender began her early dance training in Sacramento, CA, and Keller, TX. At 16, she moved to New York City to attend The Joffrey Ballet School Jazz and Contemporary Program. In 2021, she earned her B.F.A. in Dance from The Juilliard School, and was awarded the Martha Hill...
Daniel Ulbricht
- Guest
Daniel Ulbricht was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and began his dance training at the age of 11 at the Judith Lee Johnson Studio of Dance, studying with Lenny Holmes. He also studied at Les Jeunes Danseurs with Javier Dubraq and attended the Chautauqua Summer Dance Program, training with Jean...
James Monroe Stevko
- Guest
James Monroe Števko is a NY-based dancer, actor and choreographer. Originally a trumpet player with his sights set on music, he began dancing in college at the age of 18. He has danced with: the Rockettes in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Milwaukee Ballet, The MUNY, The Met Gala and...
Ensel Ramos
- Guest
Esnel Ramos -International Guest Artist -Cavalier Mr. Ramos began his studies from his native country at The Natioanl Ballet Company at The Great Theatre of Havana under the direction of Madam Alicia Alonso and the Director Carlos Acosta. A well resspected dancer Mr. Ramos has danced with The Natioanl Theatre...
Why Ovations Dance Academy
At Ovations Dance Academy of Tampa, dancers are supported as individuals. Our approach balances strong technique with encouragement, structure with creativity, and discipline with joy — helping students grow not just as dancers, but as confident young people.