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It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. *Albert Einstein*
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Joy Murphy
Professional Dance & Fitness Instructor/Choreographer
Joy is the proprietor of Dance With Joy Enterprises, Inc. A licensed ASCAP member. She serves as the Arkansas Regional Director of National Dance Week. www.nationaldanceweek.org and a Board Member of the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center. Joy moved to Arkansas in 1972 and begin dancing under the direction of Ann Taylor, a professional dancer originating from England. She became an assistant teacher at the age of 16 then opened up her own studios at the age of 18 and has continued to dance, instruct and choreograph for 30 plus years. Joy became an adjunct instructor for Arkansas Tech University in 1978 teaching various styles of dance and fitness classes in Continuing Education under Dr. Don Johnson. As a former pageant circuit Queen she remains active in the scene offering pageant grooming instruction in etiquette, interview skills, modeling and choreography for competition entrants. She serves as a judge and MC for talent and pageant competitions. In 1984 her dancing star, Jessica was born opening up a whole new avenue of dance. Focusing on kids classes, showcasing their abilities and coaching them for competition became a decade of many costumes and lots of wins. Joy also appeared in many tapings of the nationally televised show Club Dance filmed at the White Horse Saloon in Knoxville, Tennessee. Showcasing her style of country dancing on the Nashville network TNN was a dream come true. In 1995 she built a state of the art studio in Russellville, Arkansas. This is where it all happens now. Joy travels abroad continuing her education in all genres of dance with Tremaine, DMA & DEA. She currently instructs; Fitness classes including Pilates, Callanetics, & Ballet Barre Workout. Social dance classes include Ballroom, Country & Line Dancing. Cultural Belly Dance & Novelty Burlesque. Choreography and Private Lessons are always available. Joy is an aspiring DJ for private parties and weddings. She also hosts monthly studio dance & theme parties and private rentals.
 Jessica 'Askew' Russo
Youth Program Director // Instructor // Choreographer
Professional Dancer, Actress, & Model
Click Here To Visit Her Website!
Jessica has been dancing for 24 years. She has worked as a professional dancer, choreographer, actress, and model. Growing up she performed and competed all over the state. Jessica competed in competitions such as I Love Dance and Showbiz Talent in the state of Arkansas. At the age of 9 she received a 1st place award for student choreography, and by age 11 her group performance “Road” won the preliminaries and received National recognition in Dallas, TX. She has been trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, clogging, line dance, belly dance and social dancing. She was a member of the Russellville Choir in Jr. High and High School and she studied voice privately for four years. In 2000 she performed in Arkansas Tech University's production of "Grease." Jessica travels to Los Angeles to train with the master instructors in order to keep her dance knowledge and style up to date. During her most recent trip she trained with the following Master Teachers. Chuckie Klaypow (Emmy Winning choreographer of "High School Musical"), Marguerite Derricks ( 3 time Emmy Award Winning Choreographer), Carla Kama (choreographer of the 2008 Spice Girls tour), Nick Drago (from Step it Up & Dance), Jonette Swider (International Ballet Dancer & Choreographer), Marty Dew ("You Got Served"), Marguerite Derricks (choreographer Fame (2009) & (1983-84 TV series), & Laurie Johnson (tap dancer, motivational speaker, life coach & author).
Jessica received training and signed as a model & actress at EXCEL Models and Talent in Little Rock beginning in 2004. Jessica has been a model in runway shows such as the KATV Womens Show, Wish Upon A Runway, An Evening of Fashion, and many other spring and fall shows around Russellville & Little Rock. She also works as a promotional model, talent scout, and pageant judge around the state. Jessica's was most recently in the film "Happy Hour." She has also been an extra in the films "Come Early Morning" starring Ashley Judd, "Madison County", & "5 Keys."
In 2007 Jessica was blessed with a beautiful baby boy. She continued teaching up until the day before she gave birth and returned 6 weeks after having her handsome son. Currently she is finishing her psychology degree at Arkansas Tech University, teaches TLC, and is a full time instructor at DWJ Studio. She fits in the acting gigs in her spare time ;) . Jessica choreographs competition routines & teaches classes in creative dance, ballet, tap, jazz, & hip hop for ages 18 months through adult in Russellville & Clarksville. She is also the owner and creator of Dancing Starre tutus & hair bows.
 Udit Lybarger
Tribal Fusion Bellydance Instructor
Udit fell in love with bellydance many moons ago, after having her first son. She has been passionate about dance and has travelled to attend many workshops and events to challenge her dance to grow. Some notable inspirations she's had the pleasure of learning from include Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Bellanatana, Tribal Feat, Rose Harden, Jill Parker of Ultra Gypsy, Elizabeth Strong, Heather Stants of Urban Tribal, Sabrina Fox and Steven Eggers of Atash Maya, and many other distinguished bellydance icons. Udit and has had the great honor of learning intensively from the incomparable Mira Betz. She lives and has taught bellydance in Russellville, Arkansas.
Udit fell in love with bellydance many moons ago, after having her first son. She has been passionate about dance and has travelled to attend many workshops and events to challenge her dance to grow. Some notable inspirations she's had the pleasure of learning from include Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Bellanatana, Tribal Feat, Rose Harden, Jill Parker of Ultra Gypsy, Elizabeth Strong, Heather Stants of Urban Tribal, Sabrina Fox and Steven Eggers of Atash Maya, and many other distinguished bellydance icons. Udit and has had the great honor of learning intensively from the incomparable Mira Betz. She lives and has taught bellydance in Russellville, Arkansas.
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