Jacque Salame began her dance training in the fall of 1984 at Incarnate Word College Ballet School. During her 14 years of dance training, Jacque attended 4 Joffrey Workshops; performed in 9 Nutcracker Ballets, 3 NutCarol Theatre Productions (as Clara, the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy), 12 Spring Recitals, Jesse Borrego's The Artist Who Danced with Death, and was a guest artist in a Spring Performance with Lawton Ballet Theatre. Jacque choreographed and danced in Amalia Ortiz’s musical, Carmen de la Calle, in 2011. In 2017, Jacque auditioned for the Cancion Cannibal Cabaret, a punk rock musical also written by Amalia Ortiz. She received the part of Red Harold and is still a member of the band today. Jacque’s journey into dance education started in 2012 while working at the San Antonio Food Bank and Centro para la Semilla. Jacque currently teaches the kids dance classes, adult ballet classes, and ballroom dance lessons. She also works with Urban 15 as a dance instructor for seniors.
“To create one’s own world takes courage.” Georgia O’Keeffe
I am a visual artist, puppeteer, and creative writer. I have been writing for about as long as I have been creating art. The imagination is the golden pathway to everywhere. From a very young age, I discovered how I could create the most vibrant, unified, and peaceful world imaginable through art. At the age of 10, I began writing and illustrating short stories, and sharing them with family and classmates. My passion for visual art and creative writing followed me through high school and college, where my creations were published and awarded. Shortly after graduating college, I was able to truly immerse myself in the inspiring environment of New York City. Living in New York City intensified my passion for creativity, and I was able to lend my talents to a variety of industries, including media, fashion, and puppetry. Puppetry is the umbrella for all of my creative curiosities. I am excited to continue to evolve as an artist and I am most fulfilled when utilizing my talents to uplift others.
Chayito was born into a family of Flamenco artist who pass on and help develop her talent in Flamenco.
She has been performing and teaching for over 45yrs.
She has taught children and adults through city programs such as Arts Teach, CORE program for Dept. of Arts & Cultural SA. HISD Arts Specialists, JOVEN a Juvenile outreach program, Wellmeds of SA, Gonzaba Health Centers, St Mary’s Hall Dance Dept. and Teresa Champion Dance Academy. She is a International Flamenco Artist who wants to promote and preserve her Art by teaching the Art of Flamenco to youth to carry on as Dancers and future audiences and conserve Flamenco in SA and throughout Texas.
Sarah Davis is an active member of the San Antonio performing arts community with experience in dance, acting, and music. With over 20 years of performance experience, including 8 years as a member of the Appalachian Ballet Company, Sarah brings her own flare to San Antonio. Unique to Sarah's experience is her work using the performing arts to develop the social and emotional skills of young students. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, Sarah assists educators in understanding how to teach communication and mental health skills through the performing arts. Currently Sarah runs a private practice called Thriving Play that provides 1:1 social and emotional support to students and their caregivers, as well as professional development for organizations that serve children and teens. Sarah is also the resident choreographer for the JCC Starz program and a performer with Woodlawn Theatre and San Antonio Dance Fringe.
Tanesha Payne (she/they) is a dancer, creator, advocate, and teaching artist based in San Antonio, TX. With a Summa Cum Laude MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University and a BFA in Dance Studies from Texas State University, she founded and leads sumRset Movement, a professional contemporary dance company in Central Texas. Tanesha blends academic insight with personal experience to shape her performance and educational approach. As the newest addition to The Tobin Center's Generation NEXT education department, Tanesha merges her fervor for arts integration, 20 years of teaching experience, and her Wolf Trap and Focus 5 certifications to foster the next generation. Her journey highlights include receiving a City of San Antonio Individual Artist Grant and representing San Antonio in THE OFFICE Performing Arts + Film’s Artist at Work workforce
resilience program. Currently, Tanesha serves as an Artist in Residence at UTSA through their Democratizing Racial Justice Program, generously funded by the Mellon Foundation. Eager to continue her artistic and educational growth, she eagerly anticipates joining Jacob's Pillow's Curriculum in Motion cohort in the Fall of 2024.
Grace Featherston is a Teaching Artist who specializes in Drama and Trauma–Informed teaching practices. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, she received her BFA in Theatre Education from The University of Texas at Austin. Since graduating, Grace has worked as a professional Teaching Artist, Administrator, and Actor in multiple theatres and schools in Texas and in New York. When not teaching, you can find her on stage or screen.
With a degree in Theater from Northwestern University, and further education with the Drama Studio London-Berkeley, the Henson Group and Madcap Puppets, Katrin has served as an artistic director, stage manager, co-producer, stage tech, and performer from Ohio to California.
In Illinois, Katrin co-founded Walkabout Puppets, a touring puppet theater company for the use of creative drama and audience participation with their K-8 audience. They provided custom residencies to underserved communities in the Midwest that incorporated visual arts, music, drama, writing and the State Standards curriculum. In San Antonio, Katrin has invested 10 years with Wolf Trap Early Learning Institute and 5 years as a Tobin Center Teaching Artist, approaching her work with a trauma informed lens and incorporating social emotional skill building in her lessons. Katrin actively pursues training in this area, including workshops in ACES and trauma with the Trauma-Informed Schools Institute and Center for Youth Wellness and a certification of Trauma Informed Practice for the Teaching Artist with Bartol Foundation and Social Emotional Arts from UCLA.
Katrin is excited to be part of the network of Wolf Trap and Tobin Center teaching artists – sharing best practices and brainstorming ideas. Using puppetry, movement, improv, and creative drama, she has developed residencies with teachers at San Antonio area school districts, grades preK-2nd. She also provides educator workshops and professional development for preK - 12th grade. Most important to note, however… Katrin’s favorite muppets are all green: Oscar the Grouch, Kermit the Frog, and Yoda.
Angela has been bringing stories to life and sharing her love of the arts with young artists for over 30 years! She was a founding member of the Magik Theatre, where she acted, directed, taught, and designed costumes. Angela has performed on many stages in San Antonio and ever traveled across the country sharing theater magic. Most recently, she spent nearly a decade bringing joyful learning and creativity to children all over the city as the Education Outreach Coordinator for The DoSeum!
David grew up right here in San Antonio, surrounded by lots of colorful and fun music! He went to school on the southside of the city and learned to play music at some of the best places in Texas, finishing at St. Mary’s University. David started playing in bands when he was young and got to perform all kinds of music with famous musicians. He loves sharing his heart and soul through music and always makes every show exciting!
Hi friends! My name is Daniel and I am from Trinidad. I love to make people laugh and tell fun stories on stage! When I’m not pretending to be different characters in the theater, I’ve even been a wrestler with some pretty cool moves. I live with something called myasthenia gravis, which has taught me to be brave and live each day to the fullest. I can’t wait to use my energy and creativity to help us have so much fun and maybe even learn something new together!
Orlan “Tbow” Gonzales is a talented musician from San Antonio, TX, who has been making music for 49 years! He plays drums and other fun instruments, sings, and writes his own songs. Tbow’s music mixes jazz, funk, and African beats, and he loves to share his passion for music with others. He leads a drumming group and is always working on new songs to inspire people!
Rudy Estrada loves playing the trumpet and singing, and he’s been doing it for a long time – over 35 years! He’s traveled all around the world, playing music with famous groups like The Temptations and The 4 Tops. Rudy can play all kinds of music, like jazz, salsa, country, and pop, and he even played in Navy Bands in Tennessee and Italy. Whether he’s playing a smooth jazz tune or an exciting salsa song, Rudy always brings you and energy to his music!
Vanessa loves learning about people and their stories from all over the world. She has taught children in places as far away as Chile and Korea. She even ran a blacksmith shop with her husband, where she learned how to make things with fire and metal! Now, Vanessa tells stories on her podcast and is writing books for kids about folklore. She wants to share the joy of stories through fun performances, helping everyone stay connected and inspired.
Joyous Windrider Jiménez is a theatre artist, storyteller, and teacher who loves helping kids bring stories to life! For over 20 years, she has created playful, imaginative experiences where children can act, move, sing, and explore big feelings together. Using theatre, creative play, and even puppets with their own fun personalities, Joyous helps young learners build confidence, practice kindness, and discover the magic of their own creativity. She believes every child is a wonderful storyteller with important ideas to share!
Music – Mariachi
Professional musician and educator with over 25 years of experience. Founder of Mariachi Gallos de Oro and dedicated to elevating the art and culture of Mariachi.
Spanish speaking
Visual Arts – Murals
Puerto Rican muralist with 15+ years of experience creating large‑scale public art across Texas and Puerto Rico. Works in spray paint, acrylics, and mixed media.
Spanish speaking
Visual Arts
Bilingual art educator and Northside ISD Art Specialist teaching hundreds of elementary students each year through hands‑on, interdisciplinary projects.
Spanish speaking
Theatre & Drama
Performer, director, playwright, and Wolf Trap Teaching Artist with extensive experience in arts‑integrated education and youth theatre.
Spanish speaking
Dance – Folklórico & Flamenco
Professional dancer and educator teaching at the Tobin Center and directing Folklórico programs for San Antonio schools.
Spanish speaking
Voice & Music
Voice instructor and performer with expertise in contemporary and classical vocal techniques; recognized Instructor of the Year at San Antonio Music Academy.
Movement & Wellness
Creator of Reiki Mudras Dance, blending movement, mindfulness, and holistic wellness practices.
Spanish speaking
Dance
Founder of Image Dance Co. & Academy with decades of experience training and mentoring young dancers.
Spanish speaking
Music – Percussion
Professional percussionist with national orchestral performance experience and collegiate teaching background.
Music Therapy
Board‑certified music therapist and educator inspiring students through the therapeutic power of music.
