SDA Faculty

Teaching Staff

Hannah Elsaadi Roberts is the owner and director of Sunnyvale Dance Academy in Sunnyvale, TX. Hannah began her dancing career when she was 3 years old competing from the age of 5-18 cross-country as both a soloist and a group performer. She had the opportunity to train extensively with many nationally known choreographers in all styles of dance including tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, modern, lyrical/contemporary, and pointe. She is an award winning soloist and scholarship recipient who spent various summers at Broadway Dance Center and the Houston Ballet Academy as well as performing at various sporting and charity events throughout Texas. Hannah began assisting and teaching at the young age of thirteen in Houston, TX and has been teaching ever since.

Hannah began working for Prodigy Dance & Performing Arts Centre in 2010 and worked there until 2021 serving as the tap director, and a jazz/contemporary instructor, though she taught across multiple styles of dance. Hannah developed her own methodology of teaching tap and was able to transform the tap program establishing it as one of the most sought after tap programs in the country. While under her tutelage, Hannah’s students were awarded the prestigious title of “Best Tap Performance” in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 at The Dance Awards- the country’s highest and most elite national competition. She also went on to later receive the award for “Best Tap Studio'' when that award was added in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Hannah also trained many “best dancer” title winners. Aside from tap, Hannah played a pivotal role in Prodigy receiving the Dance Award’s Studio of the Year award in 2014 & 2018 – the highest award a studio can receive.

As a result of Hannah’s meticulous teaching style and energetic choreography, her students have been both successful on stage and in the classroom. Her pieces have won numerous overall and choreography awards. Hannah has had several students graduate and pursue successful careers in dance performance & teaching, many of whom went on to attend such schools as The Juilliard School, New York University, Chapman University, and many others. She has trained students that went onto pom/cheerleading squads for several universities and professional sports teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars & Kansas City Chiefs. Her students have appeared on television shows like Little Big Shots, Ellen, and Dancing with the Stars, as well as countless companies across the country. Though Hannah’s background is in the highest level of competitive training, she believes dedicated recreational students should be able to receive a comparable quality of training & studio experience as well which is why she founded Sunnyvale Dance Academy in 2022.

Hannah is a committed & passionate person in all aspects of her life graduating with honors from Southern Methodist University with a BBA in Business Management & a minor in Spanish. Following undergrad, Hannah attended law school at the Texas A&M University School of Law serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Property Law her 3L year. Hannah graduated with a concentration in business & continues to practice law. She did all this while teaching dance 3-5 days per week.

Aside from teaching dance, Hannah served on the Sunnyvale ISD PTA Executive Board from 2021-2024 serving as the president from 2022-2024. She enjoys spending her time off with her husband, 7 children, and dog, traveling, watching her kids’ athletic games, playing games, and hanging out with friends.

Hannah Elsaadi Roberts - Owner/Instructor

(hannah@sunnyvaledanceacademy.com)

Rachael Sims has danced since the age of three at esteemed studios throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas metroplex, training and competing in many styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, tap, and hip hop. Excelling in all forms of dance allowed her to enjoy principal roles in ballets, as well as perform in hip hop companies. She was a recipient of many class and convention scholarships, which resulted in her traveling to New York for intensive training. Competitions often awarded Rachael highly regarded honors, including first overall and title winner.

Always intrigued by teaching, Rachael began assisting her instructors at age 13. Before graduating high school, she was already a teacher, choreographer, and recipient of multiple top choreography awards. While getting her BA at the University of North Texas, she continued to teach at the most notable studios in Texas as a resident and master class instructor. Her talented and motivated students have earned recognition, regionally and nationally. Many currently train at the collegiate level or have become professional dancers. Her commitment to building trusting relationships with her students promotes a positive environment for optimal learning. She continues to encourage and inspire her students on a daily basis, guiding them to their goals.

Rachael Sims - Director of Dance

(rsims@sunnyvaledanceacademy.com)

Jenna Rhode - Instructor

Jenna Rhode grew up in Lonsdale, Minnesota and began dancing at age 5. She studied at Northfield Dance Academy and Spotlight Productions Dance Studio where she learned tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and lyrical and competed nationally. Jenna is currently attending Texas Woman's University where she is majoring in Health Informatics. This is Ms. Jenna's second year teaching at Sunnyvale Dance Academy and she has absolutely loved being able to share her love of dance with our SDA students!

Colby Santora - Instructor

Colby Santora is a dance instructor and choreographer in the DFW metroplex. She grew up in Kilgore, Texas where she developed a genuine passion for dance at an early age. She trained at the Studio of Creative Arts under the direction of Pat George Mitchell where she performed lead roles in ballets such as Swan Lake, Serenade, Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Who Cares?, and Peter Pan. She also served as Captain of the Kilgore High School Hi-Steppers for two years. To further her professional development, Colby has attended intensives with companies such as Miami City Ballet, Alonzo King’s Lines Contemporary Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ballet X and BODYTRAFFIC. Colby graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), under the direction of Susan Jaffe, with a BFA in contemporary dance in 2017. While in school, she performed works by esteemed choreographers such as Doug Varone, Lucinda Childs, Martha Graham, Juel D. Lane and Kira Blazek Ziaii. After graduation, Colby joined Zion Dance Project for two seasons. Colby is overjoyed to be joining Sunnyvale Dance Academy this fall and strives to instill confidence, creativity and a true love of dance in all of her students!

Kiri Luckey - Instructor

Kiri Luckey is an accomplished educator, performer, and choreographer from Dallas, Texas. A proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dance from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), completing two years of training in both New York and Los Angeles. Kiri has taught and choreographed at several respected Dallas-area studios, including NG Professional Co. and Tip 2 Toe Studio. While trained in multiple disciplines, her strongest styles include Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Outside the studio, Kiri continues to expand her creative

expression as a makeup artist and content creator, all while staying grounded through time with family. A complex yet subtle performer, she lets her movement speak for itself- allowing music, texture, and culture to shape her work. Her guiding mantra: “Everything happens for a reason.”

Zarina De la Torre - Instructor

Zarina began her dance journey at the age of 3, building a strong foundation in classical ballet. She trained for 7 years at Agape Dance Academy in Scotts Valley, CA, including 4 years as a member of the company dance team.

As a teenager, Zarina competed at Youth America Grand Prix (TAGP), gaining valuable stage experience and recognition. She studied under esteemed instructors such as Anton Pankevich (New York City Ballet) and Melanie Useldinger (San Francisco Ballet), continually refining her technique and artistry. Her training also includes summer intensives at Ballet Magnificat and the San Francisco Ballet School, deepening her discipline and passion for ballet.

Zarina's performance credits include featured roles in classical ballets and stage as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Coppelia. Her versatility and stage presence have been shaped by years of performing in full-length productions and community showcase.

As a ballet instructor she brings a nurturing and detail-oriented approach that inspires young dancers. Beyond the studio, Zarina has participated in community and charity events, including holiday tree lighting ceremonies and Santa Cruz's annual Dancing in the Streets.

Known for her grace and dedication, Zarina is deeply committed to sharing the beauty of ballet both on stage and through teaching.