The most rewarding aspect of our studio for our staff is the longevity of our students. We have many, many students who began at the Conservatory as toddlers, and have grown into phenomenal artists right before our eyes. Some have gone on to careers as professional dancers or dance educators; some have gone on to become doctors, lawyers or engineers. But all of them feel strongly that their time studying dance at the Conservatory has had a profound and positive influence on who they are as people.
From our students’ first plie to their final bow, we support our kids for every step of their journey.
Artistic Director Stefanie M. Best
Stefanie was born in San Francisco and was encouraged in the classical arts by her mother, a Russian emigree. Stefanie furthered her ballet training at Southern Methodist University, and received a Masters Degree in Dance from the University of Houston. She also spent three years at the Houston Ballet Academy.
Upon returning to Dallas, Stefanie spent ten years dancing for Krassovska Ballet Jeunesse, under the direction of Nathalie Krassovska, former prima ballerina of the Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo and the London Festival Ballet. Mdme. Krassovska worked directly with the most influential choreographers of the early 20th century, including George Balanchine, Michel Fokine, Bronislava Nijinska, Leonide Massine, Anton Dolin and many others.
Mary Muller
Mary began dancing with Stefanie Best in 1995 with the Krassovska Ballet Jeunesse, and began teaching for her at the Allen Conservatory of Dance in 1999. She has a BFA in Ballet from Texas Christian University, and over 25 years of teaching experience with children and adults of all ages. She was accepted to the School of American Ballet at age 12, and received many scholarships throughout her training. She studied with Kathy Chamberlain, Jerry ByWaters Cochran, Lisa Fuscillo, Ellen Page Garrison, Nathalie Krassovska, June Nelson, Fernando Schaffenberg and others performing principal roles such as Swanilda, Black Swan, Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and both leading and support roles in many other ballets such as Les Sylphides, Sleeping Beauty, La Boutique Fantasque, Don Quixote, Faust, Pas de Quatre as well as many roles created specifically for her.
Linda Oustalet
Linda studied classical ballet from childhood through her teen years and returned as an adult to study at the Allen Conservatory of Dance and at Collin College. Linda has danced in the Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Coppelia and excerpts from Pas de Quartre, and Paquita.
Yvette Bauder
Classically trained, Yvette has been part of the dance world for over 30 years. She has performed in many ballets such as “Sleeping Beauty”, “Swan Lake”, “Coppelia”, and “the Nutcracker” in professional productions in Houston, Nashville, and Dallas. Switching gears in the early 90’s Yvette was chosen to be an “Elite Dancer” with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Show Group and danced in two Super Bowls during her DCC days. Yvette has been teaching for 35 years and was the owner/director of Stonebridge School of Ballet in McKinney. Her ballet choreography has won top awards and her students have been accepted by prestigious summer dance programs at the Kirov Ballet and Joffrey Ballet.
Amit Katz
Meet Amit Katz, a talented dancer and recent graduate from Brenau University (Gainesville, GA). Amit is eager to share her passion for dance with others and inspire young people to explore their creativity and embrace their unique identities. By doing so, she hopes to raise awareness regarding emotional stress that young people experience these days and contribute to improving their quality of life.
Amit means “friendship” in Hebrew and resembles similar meanings in Latin languages (amitié, amici, amistad). She was born in Madrid Spain and raised in Frankfurt Germany, Herzliya Israel (where she attended a leadership Jr. High School program), and Plano Texas (where she graduated from Plano West Sr. High School). Amit brings her multi-cultural experience and friendship into her creation process.
Amit discovered her love for dance at the age of 13 and has since dedicated herself to mastering a range of styles, including ballet, modern, contemporary, and jazz. Her rigorous training and dedication to her craft have allowed her to perform on stages both locally and abroad, where she has captivated audiences with her grace, precision, and enthusiasm.
Her professionalism and dedication were noticed by Brenau University’s recruiters, who offered her a full-ride scholarship. She graduated from Brenau University in Spring 2023 with honors and earned a BA degree in Dance with an advanced ballet concentration. Amit is now poised to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. She is therefore excited to continue dancing as a professional dancer with Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Amit will dedicate her time between rehearsals and performances to pass her passion for dance to younger dancers as a dance teacher.
Isabelle Finch
Isabelle began her dance training at the age of four at the Allen Conservatory of Dance, where she studied for 14 years. At the age of 12, she joined the Allen Civic Ballet and the danced for 7 years under the artistic direction of Stefanie Best.
During her years with the Allen Civic Ballet, she had the opportunity to perform in numerous productions and participate in a variety of masterclasses and workshops led by renowned professionals, including Anais Chalendard, Stephanie Rae Williams, Tiit Helimets, and Megan Fairchild. She also competed in Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) in 2020, and 2023. Receiving an ensemble invitation to YAGP Finals NY in 2020.
Izzy has been a teacher and choreographer for the Allen Conservatory of Dance since 2023. In January 2025 She became a Dance Instructor at Fannin County Performing Arts, where she choreographed multiple pieces for students of varying levels.
Rachael Janecek
Rachael has studied dance at the Allen Conservatory of Dance for over 10 years. At the age of 12, she was accepted by audition into the Allen Civic Ballet. Her performances experience includes roles in “the Nutcracker”, “Coppelia”, “The Sleeping Beauty”, “Cinderella”, “Raymonda”, and “the Awakening of Flora”. She has also danced in numerous original contemporary and neo-classical works, including two years of ensemble work at YAGP. Rachael has taught at a number of ACD summer dance camps and is a favorite with young dancers.
Richard Trimmer
Richard began his career at the age of 17 in Colorado under the direction of W. Lawrence Boyette and Carla Parks. Richard studied both Cecchetti and Vaganova styles under such notables as Natasha Krassovska, Igor Youskevitch, Leon Danilean, Bill Martin-Viscount, and Jutec Kasamon. He also studied Martha Graham technique under James Nearing. He has performed with companies in Denver, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Little Rock, Shreveport, Lubbock, Chattanooga and been a Guest Artist with numerous ballet companies across the country. His most notable principal roles were in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Nutcracker, La Bayadere, Don Quixote, Les Sylphides, Flower Festival, and Paquita. Mr. Trimmer has also choreographed a number of ballets and Pas de Deux.
Viviana Lubertino
Former principal at the Ballet del Teatro Municipal de Santiago Chile.
Former ballerina with Ballet del Teatro Argentino de La Plata.
Graduated from Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colon.
