About Us
Artistic Director, Sedona Dance Academy.
Owner of Sun & Moon Studio
Jessica Phillips is a former professional ballet dancer and educator whose work centers on artistry, discipline, and community. She is the Artistic Director of Sedona Dance Academy and the founder of Sun & Moon Studio of Sedona, where she offers high-quality dance education in a supportive, thoughtful environment.
Jessica discovered ballet at the age of eight in a small town outside of Houston, Texas. Her early passion led her to train at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C., along with additional studies at leading institutions such as The School of American Ballet and Houston Ballet. These formative years shaped both her technical foundation and her respect for the discipline of the art form.
At eighteen, Jessica joined Ballet Arizona, where she spent nine seasons performing a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire. Her time on stage deeply informed her understanding of artistry, collaboration, and the long-term development of dancers.
Following her retirement from performance, Jessica turned her focus toward education and mentorship. In 2020, she founded Sedona Dance Academy and Sun & Moon Studio of Sedona, building both from the ground up. Her teaching emphasizes strong technique, musicality, and confidence, while fostering a sense of belonging and care within the studio.
Jessica is most proud of creating spaces where dancers of all ages feel supported, challenged, and inspired. She is deeply committed to enriching the cultural life of the Sedona community through education, performance, and collaboration, and to cultivating a dance environment rooted in excellence, kindness, and connection.
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Danielle Johnson began her dance training in New York, earning scholarships to study at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance (Specializing in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, and Dunham Technique) and Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Theater (African Dance and Jazz).
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While in New York, Danielle had the honor of training under jazz dance master Luigi, further enriching her artistry.
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She received a scholarship to study dance at Arizona State University, where she earned her BA in Dance. Additionally, Danielle holds a master's degree in education and has a deep passion for working with both children and adults.
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With over 20 years of professional dance experience, Danielle also enjoys creating original works with her dance company, Sedona Dance Project.
Danielle Johnson
Modern, Jazz, Tumbling.
William Sterling Walker III began his dance training at age 14 with Chamber Ballet (now Virginia Regional Ballet) in Williamsburg, Virginia. He received the Artistic Merit Award from the Virginia School of the Arts and was a Regional Dance America scholarship recipient. His additional training includes Allegheny Ballet Company and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.
William has performed professionally as a soloist with Richmond Ballet, Starr Foster Dance Project, Chris Burnside and Dancers, Charisma Dance Theater, and the Latin Ballet of Virginia. He has taught and performed throughout Virginia as well as internationally in Mexico, Colombia, and Spain. A certified Wolf Trap teaching artist for children, William spent 11 years teaching Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Latin, Flamenco, and Hip Hop at the Henrico County High School for the Arts and the School of the Latin Ballet of Virginia, where he also served as Junior Company Director.
He later returned to Virginia Regional Ballet to teach and share the joy and discipline of dance with students of all ages and backgrounds.
William Walker
Ballet, Latin Fusion, Modern
Lora Kelsey recently retired from a professional career as a dancer and circus performer in Las Vegas.
As she transitions into this new chapter, she feels deeply called to share her experience, creativity, and love for the arts in a more community-centered way.
Dance and performance have been at the center of Lora’s life from the very beginning, coming from a family of professional dancers, teachers, and stage managers. Alongside performing, she has also worked as a teacher, choreographer, director, and producer for a talent agency, bringing valuable experience both on stage and behind the scenes of productions.
Lora is passionate about helping others discover confidence, artistry, and expression through movement, and is excited to become involved within the Sedona Arts Community.
Lora Kelsey
Hiphop, Jazz, Ballet, Leaps & Turns
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Kay started her career as a computer scientist working for NASA in Houston TX, soon after having children she transitioned to selling real-estate.
She knows the dance world well after many years of supporting the passions of her 3rd child's dream and souls calling.
She has recently retired completely and lives in Ashville NC with her beloved husband of over 40 years.
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Kay Phillips
Virtual assistant, accountant & ESA specialist.