THE TEAM

Who We Are

Our mission is to inspire and empower dancers of all ages and skill levels by providing high-quality dance education in a supportive and joyful environment.

We aim to nurture creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance in every student.

HI! I am Jensyn Echternach, director of Dance Expressions Studio.

I started dancing when I was just 3 years old! I absolutely LOVED it. When I was 6, I joined Acrobatic Gymnastics and competed for 15 years. I have studied all styles of dance throughout my years, but my favorite style is lyrical. I love the freedom of expression and emotion you get while dancing that style. But as I got older, I realized I wanted to share the love of dance with others. So I became a teacher at just 14 years old, but that wasn't enough for me... so I decided to start my very own studio! And I couldn't have made a better decision!

Watching my students grow and achieve the smallest of things makes my heart happy.

I love sharing my passion with other students and other teachers.

A little about me outside of the dance world... I have a dog and two cats. I LOVE Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings (and most other fantasy books/movies). My favorite color is aquamarine (my birthstone). I love throwing a good themed party. I was a nanny to 3 amazing boys,

and I LOVE my family. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. They are so supportive of me and my studio. Being a dance teacher was what I was meant to be. I always tell my students, it isn't about being the best, it is about being YOUR best- and that is what I bring into my studio.

Ms. Jensyn

Ms. Ava

Hi, I’m Ava March. I currently teach acrobatic gymnastics and tumbling

at Dance Expressions Studio.

I have been doing dance and gymnastics since I was 3 years old and I have been teaching at DES since it first opened! My favorite genre of dance is lyrical because I love the way it allows me to express myself through movement.

Some fun facts about me: I am 22 years old, I have a cat and a dog, I love reading (especially fantasy), and I am currently in nursing school at Columbia college.

I’m so excited to see what this next year at DES brings!

Ms. Heather

Hi everybody, my name is Heather Duque!
I started dancing when I was four or five, I am now 18 years of age. I was trained in modern ballet, but more specifically as well as classical ballet. I also have experience in modern, tap, jazz, as well as lyrical. I adored dance with a passion, but I also really enjoy other things outside of studio dance… like line dancing, and ballroom dancing! I have two cats and three dogs! I love dinosaurs, they’re so cool. All in all back to dance!!

I love giving students and young dancers the inspiration that I’ve had throughout my lifetime. Dancing is something to be enjoyed and have fun with movement. It’s a really good outlet, exercise and experience that can take you very far in life. :)

Hi! I’m Emilia Curran, or Emme for short!

I have 7 years of dance experience in Ballet, Lyrical, and Jazz. My experience includes

competitions and conventions such as Dupree, Hollywood Connection, and Tremaine Dance.

I am always looking to expand my dance education and consider myself a life-long learner.

You can catch me in the adult classes at D.E.S!

I believe everyone can experience the benefits of dance, whether that is increased flexibility and

strength, balance, or even self-confidence and better posture. I work hard to foster a welcoming

and supportive environment for all of my students. There is nothing better than cheering on my

students while they learn new skills!

My favorite class is Lyrical. I love to tell a story through dance, and I enjoy the technical aspects

of Lyrical and Ballet. I am beyond excited to begin teaching my own Lyrical class!

Fun Facts About Me: I have 3 animals, all named different animals! My two cats are Rat & Mouse, and my dog is named Bear. I grew up in Fulton, MO. My main job is in finance. I’m a numbers whiz. I’m 22, turning 23 in October!