Jenny Hudson, Artistic Director
MFA in Dance
Originally from Alaska, Jenny Hudson is an accomplished teacher, dancer, and choreographer.  As a founding member of Deep Root Dance Collective, she produced and choreographed for productions in Berkeley and San Francisco, including Envoi, which raised money for an East Bay literacy program.  Jenny danced professionally with Omega West Dance Company, and was featured at the United Nations 60th Anniversary Celebration in 2005.  She enjoys performing with Contra Costa Musical Theatre and Diablo Light Opera Company. Most importantly, Jenny loves children and is ecstatic to continue sharing her passion for dance at Ace Dance Academy.

Megan Opel, Artistic Director
BA in Dance
With over ten years of teaching experience, Megan Opel is thrilled to be a founding director of Ace Dance Academy.  She previously spent three years as a faculty member at St. Mary’s College, held the position of Tap Director at an East Bay dance school, and choreographed numerous musicals including Urinetown and Anything Goes.  Megan’s passion for dance education has brought her across the country to teach at both Bates Dance Festival Youth Arts Program and Happiness is Camping, a summer camp for children with cancer.  Her enthusiasm for dance is contagious and she takes pleasure in passing her experience onto her students.

 Mary Grimes

BA in Dance

Mary Grimes is a Bay Area native, having grown up in San Rafael. After starting dance at a relatively late age, she jumped in full force, dancing at studios throughout Marin and San Francisco. While attending Scripps College, she had many opportunities to dance, including a scholarship which let her study at ODC for a summer. After graduating from Scripps with a degree in dance, she taught full time throughout the Bay Area, teaching a range of classes and ages. She is currently at Mills College, working toward an MFA in Dance and hopes to continue teaching for many years to come.

Photo coming soon!

Connie Hayashi

BA in Dance

Connie Hayashi grew up in southern California, where she performed with the Showstoppers, KIXX Dance Co., Warriorettes Drill Team (appearing on Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC), and R&B Dance. Connie taught tap at the South Bay Conservatory and choreographed for West High School, Lynn Middle School, and Miss Dance/Drill Team USA. She earned an AA in Dance from El Camino College and a BA in Theatre & Dance from UCSD. Connie taught in San Diego for five years, most notably at the Center for Creative Arts where she choreographed for the tap companies and received the Teacher of the Year award in 2008. She joined the staff at Ace in 2010 and is excited to make her new home in the East Bay.    

Jen O'Neill

BA in Dance

Jen O'Neill began her dance training at an early age in Los Angeles , studying ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip hop, and gymnastics. She moved to the Bay Area six years ago, graduating from Saint Mary's College of California with a BA in Dance. Jen has been teaching dance in Los Angeles and the Bay Area for the last twelve years. She has trained and danced with choreographers and companies in LA, New York , and the Bay Area. Jen has enjoyed teaching at Saint Mary's College, various studios in the East Bay and local elementary and high schools over the past several years. Jen enjoys sharing her passion and joy for dance with her students and loves watching them create their own love for movement. 

 Photo coming soon!

Shaunna Vella

BA in Dance

Shaunna Vella danced for the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo from 1995-1999. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Mary's College where she double majored in Dance and Psychology. She was the recipient of the Louis LeFevre Award for Performing Arts in 2003. She currently teaches dance at St. Mary's College and has taught at USF, Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, Volee Dance, and at public schools around the Bay Area through Young Audiences. This is her fourth season with Deborah Slater Dance Theater. Shaunna has also danced with Liss Fain Dance, Paufve Dance, Agora Dance Project, Dance Ceres & Davalos Dance Company. She is currently serving as a member of the Isadora Duncan Committee. Her choreography has been seen at ODC Theater, Dance Mission Theater, and The Ashby Stage.