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 well as a variety of ensembles around Southern CA and Nashville, TN. She has performed as a soloist in Carnegie Hall, Vienna, and Prague. After becoming a mother, she put her horn away for awhile and focused on raising her family and sharing music in different ways, such as teaching Primary music at church and directing her church’s annual Christmas concert.

She uses her PR minor in her work leading a top sales team for children’s book company PaperPie, and to coordinate marketing for Ovations.

More of our team

Ovations Dance Academy of Tampa was created to be more than a place to take dance classes. It is a space where young artists are supported, challenged, and celebrated as they grow, both on and off the stage.

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...

Virginia Archer

Instructor

Virginia Archer began her studies in Charleston, SC, before moving to the Tampa Bay Area. Trained under the direction of Robert De Warren, Diane Partington, Rey Dizon, and Ivonne Lemus, she has performed roles such as Cinderella, Black Swan in Swan Lake, Bridesmaid in Don Quixote, and Dew Drop/Snow Queen...

Bella Archer

Instructor

Bella Archer began dancing in Charleston, SC before relocating to Tampa Bay. Trained under the direction of Diane Partington, Rey Dizon, and Robert De Warren, she has performed roles such as 4 Little Swans in Swan Lake, Little Red Riding Hood in Sleeping Beauty, Cupid in Don Quixote, and Clara...

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

Kelly King was a Radio City Rockette for 12 years and has performed extensively for television, stage and film. She toured nationally with Fosse and Anything Goes and performed in Gregory Hines In Concert with Gregory Hines . Her other credits include Alvin Ailey NY, ” The Tonight Show, MTV...

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, we combine supportive instruction with structured training so dancers can grow with confidence. Our Acro program emphasizes proper technique, safe progressions, and a positive classroom environment, helping students develop skills that support dance performance and overall athletic ability.