Instructors

Artistic Director

A native Texan, Joseph began his training in Dallas, Texas following a stint in competitive martial arts. He supplemented his training with time spent at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the International Ballet Competitors Training Program. The latter earned him the honor to represent the United States at the 4th International Ballet and Modern Competition in Nagoya, Japan.

Joseph's professional career has taken him all over the country. He has danced for Ballet Arkansas, Nevada Ballet Theatre, Ballet Oklahoma, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Kentucky Ballet Theatre, and Montgomery Ballet. Joseph has originated a number of featured roles in neo-classical and contemporary pieces, while also enjoying major roles in the classics. He also had the privilege of representing the Montgomery Ballet at the Dance Festival in Pietrasanta, Italy.

As an educator, Joseph has taught at company-affiliated schools and top competition studios. His students have gone on to earn scholarships and dance professionally across the country. He emphasizes technique, injury pervention, and longevity in the field. 

Alongside his wife Laura, he served as Artistic Director of Montgomery Ballet, founded the nonprofit Dance Elan, and owned a school in San Antonio. While in Montgomery, Joseph set new works, like Into the Wild, that drew record audiences for 3 consecutive seasons. Other works include The Nutcracker, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Messiah, Ragtime and Silly Love Songs. Mr. Joey serves as the Director of V Dance Academy, and the Artistic Director of Dance Elan.

Instructor

Mrs. Villalobos hails from Los Angeles, CA, and has trained in various dance disciplines. As a professional dancer, Mrs. Villalobos has performed in music videos, gala performances and events, and benefits. She has graced the stage with Nevada Ballet Theater, and as a principal dancer with the Dallas Opera, Ballet Oklahoma, Ballet Theater of Maryland, Kentucky Ballet Theater, the Montgomery Ballet and Ballet San Antonio, along with guest appearances with other pre-professional dance companies.

Mrs. Villalobos also has experience at the international level, having been invited to represent the United States at the 4th International Ballet and Modern Competition in Nagoya, Japan, as well as representing the Montgomery Ballet at the DAP Festival in Pietrasanta, Italy.

Teaching is a passion for Mrs. Villalobos; she is privileged to have been able to touch so many students' lives. Students have gone on to dance professionally in companies and productions, as well earn scholarships to universities with renowned dance programs. Many have received scholarships for summer studies to prestigious programs such as the Kirov Academy, Houston Ballet, the Harid Conservatory and American Ballet Theatre. Still, others have received top honors at competitions, even appearing on the covers of trade publications.

Her dance experience has allowed for the development of a strong and versatile multi-disciplinary dance curriculum, implemented by company-affiliated and pre-professional dance organizations. Mrs. Villalobos is proud to have shared her passion for dance with students of all ages and abilities, from the tiniest dancer to those at the university level and beyond.

Mini Movers Instructor

Ashley Lowder brings energy, creativity, and a deep love of the arts to her role as the Mini Movers teacher at V Dance Academy. A mom of four and a lifelong performer, Ashley has a background in percussion, vocal performance, musical theatre performance, and early childhood movement education through martial arts.

Her Mini Movers class is a joyful introduction to the world of movement and imagination, blending dance, rhythm, acting, and musicality in a fun and supportive environment. Ashley is passionate about helping young children build confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of the arts—one wiggle, giggle, and plié at a time!

Guest Instructor

Patrick VanBuren trained in his home town of Merritt Island, FL, under Liz Bevilacqua, at Dussich Dance Studio. He then trained pre-professionally with Peter Stark, Kim Marsh, and Olivier Munoz, at the Orlando Ballet School. Throughout those years, he was Florida Dance Masters Junior Mr. Dance and Mr. Dance title holder, as well as a Finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix.

Patrick danced with the Orlando Ballet II, Columbia City Ballet and Ballet San Antonio as a soloist, and Montgomery Ballet and Fort Wayne Ballet as a principal dancer. He has also competed and performed internationally.

Mr. VanBuren is an ABT National Training Curriculum Affiliate teacher. He has served as the Assistant Director of the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, Ballet Master of Montgomery Ballet Company and School, and as an instructor in the upper school of Fort Wayne Ballet’s Auer Academy. Patrick spent five seasons dancing with The Florida Ballet and two as the professional company’s Rehearsal Assistant.

Hip Hop Instructor

Derrell Underwood is a Huntsville-born dancer, choreographer, educator, and entertainer whose career spans more than 15 years. His work has taken him from local stages and community programs to national and international platforms, including World of Dance, BET, live performances in Las Vegas, music videos, film, television, and arts festivals. He has performed with and choreographed for numerous artists and organizations and has appeared in projects ranging from Tyler Perry’s House of Payne to independent film and music productions.

A versatile performer, Derrell has trained and performed in Hip Hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary, musical theatre, and commercial dance. His choreography and teaching experience includes youth programs, studios, schools, community organizations, and anti-bullying initiatives across the country. He has taught Hip Hop throughout North Alabama and beyond, while creating choreography for competitions, performances, music artists, and community events.

A former captain of the Elite Dance Team, Derrell has also been recognized as a competition winner, including first place in Panoply’s Homegrown Talent Contest. With a strong connection to both performance and education, he brings professional experience, creativity, and an engaging teaching style to his work with dancers of all ages and abilities.

Contemporary Instructor

Caitlynn Quintela Gordon is a professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor based in Huntsville, Alabama. Trained under numerous renowned educators and artists, she has cultivated a strong foundation in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance.

Her talent, artistry, and dedication have earned her multiple performing arts scholarships, providing opportunities to train and perform at prestigious festivals and intensive programs around the world. These experiences have shaped her dynamic approach to both performance and choreography.

After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Troy University, Caitlynn returned to Huntsville, where she has established herself as a respected choreographer and dance educator. With expertise spanning jazz, ballet, and contemporary styles, she is passionate about inspiring and empowering others through the transformative power of dance, leaving a lasting impact on every student and audience she encounters.