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.
Jessica Phillips
Clover, Daisy, Aster, Rose Ballet, Pointe. Company Team
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).
While in New York, Danielle had the honor of training under jazz dance master Luigi, further enriching her artistry.
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.
With over 20 years of professional dance experience, Danielle also enjoys creating original works with her dance company, Sedona Dance Project.
Danielle Johnson
Modern, Citrine Jazz, Tumbling 1 & 2. Company Team
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
Aster & Rose Ballet, Latin Fusion.
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
Jade Jazz, Poppy Ballet, Leaps & Turns
Aaron Lucey is a professional dancer, actor, acrobat, aerialist, MC, and choreographer with over 18 years of performance experience. Throughout his career, he has performed in nine different productions on the Las Vegas Strip, personally choreographing two of those shows. Aaron also spent two years performing with Princess Cruises, entertaining audiences around the world.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Aaron is passionate about sharing his knowledge and inspiring students of all ages and skill levels. His classes combine strong technical foundations with creativity, performance quality, and confidence, drawing on the wealth of experience he's gained throughout his diverse career in the entertainment industry.
Aaron Lucey
Hip-hop 1, 2, 3. Musical Theater
Lauren Berry is a former swim school Site Director, where she oversaw and taught swim lessons to over 1,200 students aged 6 months to adulthood. She obtained her B.S degree in Kinesiology at the University of North Texas, and specialized in movement for special populations, and physical education in early childhood.
Growing up, music, dance, and theater were a big part of Lauren’s life. She performed with a competitive choir in high school, and had a role in multiple stage productions throughout her high school experience. She looks foreword to using her training in musicality and stage presence to inspire her students at SDA.
Lauren feels passionately about inspiring young people to express themselves authentically, and helping them find their own creative spark within. She enjoys using games, stories, and laughter to engage her students, and teach them in a way that fosters joy and a love for the arts.
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Lauren Berry
Parent & Me Dance Class
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.
Kay Phillips
Virtual assistant, accountant & ESA specialist.