Akira Takahashi, from Nagano, Japan, trained in Japan. He joined Ballet San Jose in 2005 and was promoted to Soloist in 2012. He joined Menlowe Ballet in spring of 2016. Akira is married to Amy Marie Briones (also a professional dancer) and together they have three young children. Akira & Amy became the directors of Juline School of Dance in 2024

Amy Marie Briones was trained at Ayako School of ballet in Belmont, CA. She then went to compete at the USA international ballet competition where she placed top 12. She joined ballet San Jose at the age of 16 and continued dancing as a soloist there for 11 years. Amy is now married to Akira Takahashi, the JRYB Director at JSD, and is a proud mother of two young boys and a baby girl. Amy & Akira became the directors of Juline School of Dance in 2024

Addison Bello started dancing at JSD when she was 4 years old and has loved teaching in our elementary department since she was 14. She adores getting to know each and every one of her students uniquely every week. When Addison’s not teaching at JSD she’s a part time photographer and part time preschool teacher.

Nick Bentley teaches Hip Hop at JSD. Nick has been involved with The Dance Program at MJC since 2002. He gathers Inspiration from his friends and family, finds creativity in the world around him, and always pushes himself and his fellow dancers to work harder for the love of dance.

Debbie Bertucci trained with Beverly Payne Harrison and Oakland Ballet. She began teaching at JSD in 1984 as Director of the Elementary Division. As a partner with founder Juline Schmitz, she helped grow the studio into the Central Valley’s most distinguished dance school. Debbie was the Director from 2002-2024.

Holly Bertucci holds a BS Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sports Medicine from CSU, Fresno. She danced with Central West Ballet for several years. Holly was chosen for the UCA All-Star Performance Team in 1995, 1996, and 1997. During that time she performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Holly is currently the pointe shoe coordinator for several ballet companies throughout the valley.

Katy Bertucci attended the University of Nevada, Reno where she played collegiate golf. Katy later transferred to The Master’s College where she finished her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a double emphasis in Management and Finance. She also has a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. Katy loves her husband and three young children.

Bailey Christopher has been dancing at Juline School of Dance since she was 4 years old and is now a senior member of the Juline Regional Youth Ballet Company. She is also a student at Hart Ransom Charter High School in the MJC Dual Enrollment program where she has been taking STEM focused classes in recent years. Although she has an aptitude for academic challenges, she is also passionate about sharing her love of dance with young dancers and is thrilled to be their dance instructor.

Francine first began teaching at Juline School of Dance in 1991. She has studied modern, ballet, jazz and African dance locally and at UC Irvine. While raising four girls with her husband, John, Francine continues to teach and dance.

Madison Harris has been dancing for 14 years, ever since she was a quack quack (our 4 yr old class!). She was a part of Juline Regional Youth Ballet (JRYB) and now is an officer on the Beyer Dance Production team, while also taking dual enrollment classes at MJC. Ms Madison hopes to become a kindergarten teacher someday and absolutely loves teaching her little ballerinas every week.

Bless Marrable-Smith holds a teaching credential and is employed at Garrison Elementary School in Modesto. While obtaining her bachelors degree, Bless studied Modern and Jazz Dance. She currently teaches Modern Dance at JSD.

Jennifer Shannon has been teaching as JSD since 1994. She has taught all levels of ballet and tap, and has trained with Dance Masters of America. Jennifer has two beautiful children and volunteers and many of their school events. She is also very involved with her family’s church activities.

Janet Walther-Mackey previously owned her own dance studio in Manteca where she still lives. Many alumni from her studio went on to become professional dancers around the world. Janet was a member of the RAD Tappers from San Francisco and trained with some of the best tappers including Gregg Russell and Keith Clifton.