Earle Cobb Dance Studio
Carolyn Gresham
Dena Mabry
Owner/ Director
Earle Cobb Dance Studio
Staff Biographies
Dena holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance from Oklahoma City University. She danced for Norwegian Cruise Lines, and for Crystal Cruises in Japan and Australia. Dena also performed at Opryland in Nashville, TN and at Fiesta Texas. Dena has also had the privilege of performing with tap dancing legends including Sandman Sims, Charles Honi Coles, and Gregory Hines. Dena has choreographed all over the country for industrials, musicals, concerts, and symphonies. Dena is a former Miss San Antonio. She was the Dance Director and choreographer at the North East School of the Arts for 26 years where created the dance curriculum for the school. She is the founder and Director of “Dena’s Dazzlers”, the studio’s competition team. Dena is proud to continue the legacy of her Mother and Grandfather in fostering a love of dance at the studio and throughout San Antonio.
Gloria "GL" Liu
Gloria “GL” Liu is thrilled to be working back at the studio where she grew up! Gloria received a BA from the University of Texas at Austin. Her career in the performing arts spans over many decades and productions. She has served as a producer, director, stage/production manger, choreographer and oldest living chorus girl. GL has worked on the stages of the San Pedro Playhouse main stage and Cellar Theatre, Cameo Theatre, Harlequin Dinner Theatre, Colonies Theatre, Church Dinner Theatre, The Josephine Theatre, Casa Manana in Ft. Worth, Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre in Fresno, CA, McAllister Fine Arts Center, NESA, St. Philip’s College’s Watson Fine Arts Center, UTSA’s Downtown Theatre and the Alamodome. In addition to her bookkeeping/tapping studio job, she does Aqua Fitness to stay upright. She is proud to be part of the Earle Cobb Team.
Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance Management from Oklahoma City University. She danced with the American Spirit Dance Company as well as in many industrials, conventions, and national events. Carolyn has performed and taught workshops in Spain, France, and around the U.S. Carolyn is a certified dance teacher at the secondary level and is currently the Co-Director of the Dance Department at the North East School of the Arts. She is thrilled to be teaching at Earle Cobb Dance Studio and working with Dena's Dazzlers!
Sam Payne
Sam has been dancing since the age of six and hasn’t stopped moving since! A graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance Performance, Sam has taken the stage by storm across the country. While at OCU, he was handpicked to perform with the acclaimed American Spirit Dance Company and became a featured dancer in the beloved Home for the Holidays for multiple seasons.
His choreography has lit up stages nationwide, from A Perfect Ten Choreography Show to productions like Kiss Me, Kate. Sam has had the incredible honor of performing in Oklahoma’s Centennial Spectacular alongside legends like Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Kelli O’Hara. He also graced the stage in Branson, MO with the iconic Andy Williams and has starred in musical theater favorites including Beauty and the Beast, The Music Man, and The Wizard of Oz.
Since 2011, Sam has proudly been a part of the Earle Cobb dance family, where he brings his passion, creativity, and energy to every class and performance with "Dena’s Dazzlers." Sam is thrilled to continue sharing his love of dance and helping shape the next generation of dancers this year!
David Hernandez
Sarah Anderson
David Hernandez, a native of San Antonio, TX, started his career on the KLRN/PBS television show Cat Paws for over 10 seasons under the direction of Grammy award nominee, Lee Towell. The show offered him many opportunities such as performing for George and Laura Bush and alongside Tejano singer Patsy Torres. David also appeared on an episode of Zoom, and worked with David Newell from Mister Rogers Neighborhood. David is a proud graduate of the North East School of the Arts (NESA), which at the time, was the only performing arts high school in San Antonio. After high school, David continued his education as a dance major at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. During his time at Point Park, he performed in many stage productions including The Snow Queen, Pittsburgh Connections, and Dance With Me, to name a few. After college, David returned to Texas to pursue a career in dance education and to share his passion of dance with students from all over the state. Over the span of his 12 year professional career, David has performed and choreographed for the San Antonio Spurs halftime shows, the University of Texas Dance Team, the San Antonio Symphony, Luminaria Arts Festival, and was a company member of the San Antonio Jazz Ensemble. He was also a featured dancer in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s annual conference performing for a crowd of over 60,000 people. David is in high demand by dance teams all over Texas and has choreographed countless regional and national championship routines. In addition to his award winning routines, David works closely with dance teams across the Lone Star State by providing dance intensives, master classes/workshops, and private lessons. David enjoys teaching at dance conventions with Crowd Pleasers Dance and Elevate Dance. David is excited to be teaching with Earle Cobb and working with Dena’s Dazzlers.
Marisa Barrera
Marisa began dancing at the age of 3 in her hometown of San Antonio. She is a graduate of the North East School of the Arts and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and currently teaches secondary social studies in NEISD. Marisa has performed in many productions including Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Chicago and Newsies. Marisa is grateful to have been a part of the Earle Cobb family since 2019 and is excited to continue sharing the joy of dance with her students.
Meli Rosin
Meli Rosin is a graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Finance. She is currently a Financial Planning Specialist. She has been dancing since the age of 3 and was a member of Dena's Dazzlers since she was 8 years old. Dancing has been in Meli's family since her great great grandpa, Earle Cobb. She has performed in many events including Steppin' into the Holidays, Footnotes, Spurs games, and a Google commercial.
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Parker Zimkowski
Parker began dancing at the age of three, joining the Earle Cobb family at four and Dena’s Dazzler’s at nine. She is a graduate of the North East School of the Arts, as a dance major, and of Agnes Scott College, as a Mathematics-Physics major and Dance minor. She is now working as a Data Analyst. While at NESA she performed in many productions including Steppin’ Into the Holidays, Footnotes, Mary Poppins, and Phantom of the Opera. Throughout high school and college she participated in many recitals, showcases, dance competitions, conventions, and masterclasses. She is very excited to continue her journey in dance and share her passion with her students.
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Sara Stolhandske
Sarah is excited to be back in the studio where she grew up and was one of the original Dazzlers! Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from The University of Texas at Austin and a Masters in Education from Southern Methodist University. She taught dance in Plano and Richardson and was a dance team director/assistant for 10 years at Plano East and Lake Highlands HS respectively. She grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Clark HS, where she was Captain of the Top Cat Dance Team. She currently teaches English II at Reagan HS and is proud to have her daughter enrolled at the studio and be a member of the superb Earle Cobb dance family!
Cassidy Miller
Teacher/General Manager
Cassy started attending Earle Cobb after moving to San Antonio in 2002, and was an assistant teacher from ages 12-18. In high school, she was on the Top Cat varsity dance team, where she was a co captain her senior year as well as a substitute teacher here at the studio. She went on to Texas State University in San Marcos to study Biology and Chemistry and was a member of the world famous Texas State Strutters dance team, getting appointed to line officer after her first year. She choreographed multiple tap routines for the Strutters and was instrumental in bringing the genre back to the team. After serving 7 years as a teacher and eventually dean of mathematics in NEISD, Cassy has returned full-time to Earle Cobb in the role of general manager. She loves being at ECDS- her second home!
Elizabeth Vick Carlson
Elizabeth is thrilled to be a part of the teaching staff at Earle Cobb Dance Studio! She joined the Earle Cobb family at the age of 11. Elizabeth was an assistant teacher for 4 years, a member of Dena’s Dazzlers for 7 years, and joined the Earle Cobb Teaching Staff at age 16. She graduated from NESA and Lee High School. Elizabeth continued to teach while attending college, and she holds a degree from UTSA in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Administration. After long denying the inevitable, she became alternatively certified to be a teacher. She is certified by the state of Texas in Core Subjects EC-6 and Special Education EC-12. For 6 years, Elizabeth taught ALE in NISD, a self-contained classroom for students in kindergarten through 5th grade with the highest needs on campus, and absolutely loved the position and each of her students. During that time, she was awarded Educator of the Year (2019-2020) for her campus. Continuing in NISD, Elizabeth is beginning her fifth year as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher and loving every minute with her younger students! She is so excited to be back home at Earle Cobb surrounded by the positive atmosphere and people that have made up her “happy place” for so many years!
Lauren Garcia
Lauren has been part of the Earle Cobb Dance Studio family since 1998. Though life has taken her on many detours, she always seems to find her way back “home.” She began as a student and senior dazzler while simultaneously attending NESA. She then went on to study at Oklahoma City University, returning home each summer to take classes at Earle Cobb. Lauren’s performing days included numerous shows and parades at SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld Orlando, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort, and Walt Disney World. She was also a member of the National Tours of both “Sesame Street Live” and “My Little Pony Live.” In 2010, she settled back in San Antonio and returned to Earle Cobb as a full time teacher, and later Studio Manager. While she enjoyed those roles very much, she stepped away in 2014 to focus on her family and have a more traditional schedule. Lauren returned to Earle Cobb as a dance mom when her own daughter turned 3 in 2019, and was reminded of how much she missed dance in her life. In 2023, she also began the Tiny Tots class for our youngest dancers and future stars of Earle Cobb! She is very excited to be back on the teaching staff! Lauren will also be serving as the studio’s first-ever Enrollment Director and is looking forward to bringing even more families to Earle Cobb.
Sara is thrilled to be back teaching at Earle Cobb Dance Studio! Earning a bachelors of education from UTSA, Sara is proud to be an educator. For the past 16 years she has been an elementary school teacher in NEISD, ten years at Hidden Forest Elementary and 5 years before that at Camelot Elementary. Sara is currently the dance teacher at Tejeda Middle School. Dance has been a passion that has spanned her entire life. Sara grew up in San Antonio and started taking dance at a very young age. She graduated as a dance major from the North East School of the Arts (NESA) and continued as a dance instructor at Earle Cobb Dance Studio for 8 years post high school. The Earle Cobb legacy continues with her daughter Presley, who is currently a dance student. Being a teacher is a passion that she feels strongly about. Helping your child grow as a dancer is a great feeling. Sara is looking forward to a wonderful year at Earle Cobb!
taylor De Leon
Taylor is excited for another year of teaching dance at Earle Cobb Dance Studio, where she danced since the age of seven. She is a graduate from North East School of the Arts as a dance major. At NESA, she performed in productions such as Steppin’ into the Holidays, Footnotes, and The Addams Family. Taylor was a member of Dena’s Dazzlers. During her time with the studio she participated in many recitals and showcases, competitions, and Spurs games. Taylor is thrilled to be able to share her love of dance with her students!
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Helaina Duron
Helaina began dancing at the age of three in her hometown San Antonio, Texas, and competed on her studio’s competition team from ages eight to eighteen. She is a graduate of the North East School of the Arts, as a dance major, where she performed in productions such as Steppin’ Into the Holidays, and Footnotes. Throughout her time as a young dancer, she participated in many dance competitions, dance conventions, ballet productions, recitals/showcases, master classes, and spurs games. Helaina is very excited to show her students the art of dance, while continuing her own journey in the dance field as well.
Kara Van Delden
Kara earned her Bachelor of Science in Dance Management from Oklahoma City University. Following graduation, she joined the entertainment team at Holland America Line. After returning to San Antonio, she began teaching barre and Pilates, and now serves as an IT Product Analyst for the City of San Antonio. A lifelong dancer, Kara began training at Earle Cobb at the age of 5, was a proud member of Dena’s Dazzlers, and graduated from the NESA dance program. She’s thrilled to be back, sharing her passion for dance with her students!
Carlos Cortes
Carlos Cortes is a fabulous addition to the Earle Cobb family! He graduated from UTSA with a BA in Technical Communication. Carlos has been teaching Acro and Tumbling since 2003. He has coached multiple local and national title winning cheer squads. Carlos has assisted with acro/tumbling tricks in dance choreography for many of our soloists. He has experience with all ages from 1 st grade through college.
Lauren Asher
Lauren is so excited to be teaching at Earle Cobb! She has been teaching here since 2024 and she loves getting to share her passion for dance. She danced competitively and recreationally for 16 years, and was senior captain of her high school dance team. She’s also had the opportunity to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade and San Antonio Spurs halftime show. Dance has given her so many incredible experiences, and she is so excited for another great season!
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Briauna Newhouse
Briauna (Bri) has danced since the age of 3 and joined Earle Cobb Dance studio at the age of 9, where she wasted no time in becoming one of Dena’s Dazzlers. Bri is experienced in all styles of dance; ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, African, musical theater, and hip hop. During her Senior year of High School, she had the honor of being featured in the first ever, Senior Dazzler Hip Hop Competition routine. In addition, she has had the privilege to perform in many San Antonio Spurs’ halftime shows, various dance competitions, and dance conventions. Bri graduated from the magnet school, The North East School of the Arts (NESA) as a dance major. A few of her production performances include; Steppin’ Into the Holidays, Footnotes, 42nd Street, and Hairspray. She currently works as a special education teacher in the elementary school setting. Bri is honored and excited to continue teaching at Earle Cobb.
Abby Love
Abby Love has been dancing since she was three years old. She is a current Dance Major at the North East School of the Arts and performs in many productions throughout the year, such as Steppin’ into the Holidays and Footnotes. She has also been a Dazzler for the past 6 years, competing in multiple styles. Abby has participated in several scholarship opportunities, to include being a Dance Finalist and scholarship recipient at the Joci Awards. She enjoys choreographing, and focusing on organic movement quality. Abby prioritizes kindness and compassion through the art of dance, and loves showing her passion for dance through teaching.
AJayy LeFlore
AJayy began her dance journey when she was just 2 or 3 years old and was fortunate to start her professional career as a dancer and choreographer a few years before graduating from high school. She specializes in hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, acrobatics, and conditioning, and she strives to create a positive learning environment where students are challenged, inspired, and encouraged to grow. Her goal is to make every class both educational and enjoyable while helping dancers build confidence, develop strong technique, and cultivate a lifelong love for dance.
Mattie Sims
Mattie is excited to be a part of the amazing Earle Cobb staff family. She started dancing at Earle Cobb at the age of 13 and started working behind the front desk five years later. Mattie was a committed part of the Brandeis High School Field Dance and fine arts program where she continued to live out her love for dance. Currently she is working on her undergrad at UTSA in Environmental Science and Mathematics. Joining the Earle Cobb family is one of the best decisions Mattie has ever made!
Emily Clarkson
Emily was born and raised a military child in San Antonio, and moved to Germany when she was young. She began her dance and gymnastics journey in Germany, and continued with studio dancing upon returning to San Antonio.
After competing throughout middle school, Emily began dancing at Ronald Reagan High School. After a year of competing with the Charmers Pep Squad, she continued on in the Reagan Spirit Program with the Varsity Diamond Dancers. Emily danced at three UDA camps, earning a spot as an All American Dancer her senior year. She competed high kick, game day, and hip hop on the UDA stage all three years with the team, as well as lyrical and jazz routines in regional competitions. For two years, Emily also participated in the Reagan Band Dance program, competing at Bands of America San Antonio competitions. With the band, Emily had the opportunity to march down Walt Disney World’s Main Street in Orlando Florida!
While studying at University of Arkansas, Emily choreographed cheer-dance routines for The Hill School, an elementary school in Arkansas. Emily returned home for college at UTSA, and began dancing for the ADS Sentinels basketball team! The team performed pom, jazz and hip hop routines.
Julie Bautista
With over 10 years of gymnastics experience, Julie brings a strong foundation of athleticism, technique, and a passion for movement to every class she teaches. She is excited to be entering another year as one of the acro instructors at Earle Cobb Dance Studio, where she loves helping students build confidence, flexibility, strength, and proper acrobatic skills in a fun, positive, and encouraging environment. Outside of the dance studio, Julie owns and operates her own personal training business, where she coaches women through all stages of life and works with student athletes to improve their strength, performance, and overall fitness. She is passionate about empowering others to achieve their goals and develop confidence both inside and outside the gym. When she’s not teaching or training clients, Julie enjoys spending time with her family, including her one-year-old son and their dog, Finn. She is thrilled to continue sharing her love of acrobatics with the students and families at Earle Cobb Dance Studio and looks forward to another wonderful season.
Gabriella Branz
Gabriella Branz has been dancing since age 7 right here in San Antonio, TX, where she found her passion for all styles of dance. This past May she graduated from the North East School of the Arts as a Dance Major. During her time at NESA she performed in Footnotes as well as Steppin' into the Holidays. She has also performed in several Ballets such as The Nutcracker as Clara, Sleeping Beauty as Carabosse, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and many more. Gabriella is very excited to be teaching at Earl Cobb this upcoming season, and to share her passion for dance with all of her students!
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Terry Harms
Terry is so excited to be part of the staff at ECDS. She danced at Earle Cobb from age 12 to age 18 and then went to the University of Texas in Austin where she got a BS in Education with teaching fields in mathematics and English. Terry once again returned to the studio when her daughter Shelley, one of the original Dazzlers, turned four. Shelley continued dancing at Earle Cobb until she was 18. Terry and Shelley both taught classes at the studio and to this day, still feel like they are welcome when they’re there. Dena and all the Mabrys have been a huge part of their lives. They love them!
Anthony Martinez
Anthony J Martinez is a proud native of San Antonio, Texas. He attended Oklahoma City University as a dance major where he was featured in several ballets and repertory pieces. Since then he has performed in numerous musicals at regional theatres across the country, including dancing the role of Dream Curly in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s Oklahoma! He has performed for everyone from Chita Rivera to the prince of Bahrain. Anthony traveled around the world as a singer and dancer on Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises. He is so excited to return to his Earle Cobb family and revive the ballroom style to the studio.