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 Award and the Juilliard Career Advancement Fellowship Grant.

She received extra training from prestigious programs including Jacob’s Pillow and the Nederlands Dans Theater Summer Intensive. Has performed works by choreographers such as Martha Graham, Crystal Pite, Ohad Naharin, and Desmond Richardson and appeared as a dancer in 2021 Warner Brothers film, “In The Heights”. She has worked as an assistant and stager for Rena Butler during her creations for the Juilliard School, UNCSA, and George Mason University.

From 2022–2023, Madison was a company dancer with GroundWorks DanceTheater, performing works by Rena Butler, Peter Chu, Sidra Bell, Spenser Theberge, Antonio Brown and many others. She recently joined Peter Chu’s company, chuthis., and performed last summer at Orsolina28.

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...

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...

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...

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.