Our Team
At Powerhouse Dance Center, we credit our success to our renowned faculty and staff. They pride themselves on their professionalism and work ethic and strive to give your student the very best of themselves.
Marissa Johnson
Owner
Marissa graduated from Oklahoma City University with a B.S. in Dance Pedagogy. Since then she has worked for The Disney Company both at Walt Disney World in Orlando and aboard the Disney Dream. She also starred on Broadway in “Legally Blonde” and as Amber Von Tussle in the U.S. tour of “Hairspray”. As Miss Missouri 2024, she is proud to be home teaching again.
Anna Caison Boyd
Instructor
Anna Caison holds a B.S. in Dance Pedagogy from OCU and an MFA in Dance from the University of Buffalo. For three years, Anna Caison toured with Rhapsody in Taps in Los Angeles and has performed at the Hollywood Bowl. After moving to Missouri, Anna Caison attained her yoga instructor certification.
Dante Thomas
Instructor
A Dance Performance graduate of OCU and an Oklahoma native, Dante performed with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line before moving to Broadway, where he starred as Mr. Mistoffelees in “Cats”. He also played Fiyero in the national tour of “Wicked”, a role he reprised in the oscar-nominated movie of the same name. Dante is also a successful writer, having written the lyrics for the Tony-winning “Barrework: The Musical” and his memoir “Dante: The Musical: The Book” can be found wherever books are sold.
A.J. Surrell
Instructor
A.J. holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University. She has been “friends with” Alice and Wendy at Disney World. Upon returning home, she became an instructor for Stages St. Louis before being promoted to Company Manager.
Jennifer Ferry
Instructor
Originally from St. Charles, Missouri, Jennifer is a Musical Theatre and Marketing graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. Jennifer has worked as a voice actress in both New York and Los Angeles, but her proudest achievement is performing as a Radio City Rockette in four Christmas Spectaculars.
Jordyn Younger
Instructor
A Musical Theatre/Vocal Performance graduate of OCU, Jordyn also holds a Masters of Music in Voice Performance from Boston Conservatory. Jordyn played the iconic role of Christine Daae in Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera” and voiced Aria from Disney’s animated musical “Bellissima”. Her self-titled album recently hit #2 on the Country charts.
Audrey Murphy
Office Manager
Audrey is a alum of Millikin University
where she earned her BFA in Stage
Management. While in school, Audrey was
a theater technician for the Abraham
Lincoln Presidential Museum. Audrey
participated in the Disney College Program
following graduation, where she was
offered a full time position as Managing
Producer for Walt Disney World Live
Entertainment.
Clare Marie Kuebler
Office Staff
Clare Marie is in pursuit of her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at University of Missouri, where she is a member of the Golden Girls Dance Team. She was also crowned Miss Missouri 2025.
