Tonya grew up in Waco, Texas where her love for dance began at age four. She landed her first professional job at the age of 14 in the musical “Oliver”. During her senior year of High School she toured with the Minneapolis Ballet in the ever popular “The Nutcracker”. That same year Tonya was awarded scholarships to Debbie Reynolds Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, Gus Giordano Summer Intensive in Chicago, and a year long study with Tremaine. Upon graduation she toured and performed with Dance Caravan Dance Conventions. Tonya continued her performing career as a dancer/singer at Six Flags Over Texas and several other Industrial Shows, which essentially brought her to Branson. After several years performing in Branson, Tonya soon began choreographing professionally for entertainers such as Mel and Pam Tillis, The Brenda Lee National Tour, Jim Stafford, The Lennon Sisters and Dino. In addition, Tonya has worked with several Branson shows including Country Tonite, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Promise, Celebrate America, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, SHOUT the Musical, 9 to 5, 50’s at the Hop and magic and revue shows. Additional choreography credits include shows at Lincoln Center in New York, USO Tours, Hershey Park, Cruise Lines, Theme Parks, National Television Productions and Tours. She is also a contract choreographer for Matt Davenport Productions out of Nashville and choreographs for Country Tonite in Pigeon Forge, TN and Augusta Players in Augusta, GA. She is also choreographer and stage manager for the International Mrs., Miss, Teen & PreTeen Pageants. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions awarded two of Tonya’s shows in the Top Five Overall Theme Park Shows. Tonya’s teaching career began at age 15, at the very studio she grew up taking dance. She later taught performing arts at two of the largest dance studios in Dallas. After moving to Branson, Tonya instructed professional level jazz classes at Branson Performing Arts and eventually became the owner and director of the studio now known as Dance Branson School of the Arts 11 years ago. Tonya has numerous former students who have continued in the arts including dancers performing in Las Vegas, Newsies on Broadway, The Tony Awards, Dixie Stampede, Collegiate Dance & Pom Teams, Theatre-Dance Conservatories & College Programs and the latest West Side Story movie. Tonya is the mom of two extraordinary young adults, Blain and Kyndall. Kyndall is following in her mom’s footsteps as an Instructor and Choreographer at Dance Branson. Tonya has a genuine talent for “growing up dancers”. Teaching is her passion and in her heart and she can’t wait to see where the love of dance takes all of her students!