(The initials next to each name correspond to the teacher assignments on the class schedules)

Amber Frishman (AF) - Owner + Studio Director (top)

Amber Frishman founded Dance Xplosion® in 2008 to bring others all of the joy, experiences, and appreciation for the arts that dance has provided her. With over 25 years of dance training, 18 years of dance instructing, a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Development/Education, a college minor in Theatre and Dance, 2 years of public school teaching experience and 3 kids of her own, Amber brings with her a diverse set of skills and talents, an understanding for children and their different learning styles, and a life-long passion for the beauty, creativity and freedom of dance.

Amber has extensively studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, theatre, hip-hop and modern styles of dance. She has studied under Natalia Krasaska (Former Prima Ballerina of Ballet Russe in Russia), Max Stone of Steps on Broadway, Frank Hatchett of Broadway Dance Center, Shella Sattler (Current Director of the Dallas Mavericks Dancers), and many more.

During her training growing up in Dallas, Amber had various solo roles in a number of full length, full symphony-accompanied ballets such as The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, Giselle, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty. She was First Lieutenant and Junior Lieutenant of her award-winning high school drill team, she was a member of her dance studio’s Senior Performing/Competition Company, and she was a dancer/singer in a full length production of The Music Man.

Amber moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas where she graduated with Highest Honors with a Major in Childhood Development/Education and a Minor in Theatre and Dance. While at UT she was one of only 3 freshman to make the UT Pom Squad. While on the Pom Squad she had the opportunity to dance at football and basketball games, travel to school events, and attend various camps/workshops. She was also a 2-year member of STEEL Dance Company, which focused on bringing professional-level performances of jazz, lyrical, hip hop and theatre to the Austin community.

Upon graduation from UT, Amber continued to teach dance at various studios in Austin, in addition to teaching for 2 years in a public school classroom. She obtained official certifications in CPR/First Aid and Group Fitness/Aerobics instruction. Today, she continues to train and develop as a dancer/teacher at renowned dance venues in New York City such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway, in addition to attending dance conventions with some of the top instructors from across the country.

Amber cannot imagine her life without dance. She looks forward to helping more students on their road to developing dance technique, gaining a passion for the arts, and increasing their own sense of pride and self-esteem.

 

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Jesse Guess (JG) - Team Director + Instructor (top)

Born and raised in Ft. Worth, Texas, Jesse Guess began her dance training at 6 years old and began dancing professionally at age 8 for Debbie Allen’s Pepito’s Story. When she was 14 Jesse moved to Los Angeles to study further at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, where she trained in all disciplines of dance with Master Teachers from all over the world.

During her time in Los Angeles, Jesse’s passion and love for dance lead her to perform in various shows and live performances such as the opening number for the televised Jerry Lewis Telethon, Allen’s stage production, Dancing in the Wings, prestigious celebrity events, including an intimate performance for Steven Spielberg at USC’s 75th Anniversary Gala, and a number of other travel performances with the DADA Hip Hop Crew.

While in LA, Jesse performed with multiple dance companies. These included Tessandra Chavez’ Unity LA and the Terry Beeman Dance Company. She worked on music videos for BET, starred in independent short films, and performed extensively in musical theatre pieces, where she began to develop a love for choreography and directing. Her musical theatre experience garnered the opportunity to work as Assistant Director to Debbie Allen for The Bayou Legend, starring Tisha Campbell, Loretta Devine, and KeKe Palmer; to serve as the lead choreographer at Performing Arts Workshops in Manhattan Beach; and Key Choreographer and Director for Belasco Theater Company in South Beach.

Jesse’s ability to lead and teach others gained the attention of celebrities like Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, where Jesse served as a Hip Hop instructor to Jaden and Willow Smith. In 2009, Jesse left LA and pursued new adventures in San Francisco, where she joined hip hop master Micaya’s Soul Force Dance Company - performing in the renowned Mission in the Mix and San Francisco International Hip Hop Dance Fest - and directed and choreographed for The Berkeley Playhouse in Berkeley.

Jesse joined Dance Xplosion in 2014. She is the studio's Company Director, working closely with Amber and the performance and competition dancers to grow on and off the dance floor. Jesse is an integral and beloved teacher and mentor. Her innovative choreography has won various awards for creativity and performance. Jesse strives to instill the same passion for dance into the next generation that was given to her.

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Adam Frishman (AF) - Owner + Studio Operations (top)

Adam Frishman co-founded Dance Xplosion® in 2008 to help his wife and best friend realize her dream. Adam leads the studio's business and marketing operations. Adam also believes the cultural arts play a critical role for Austin as it continues to grow and shape its creative economy, and he is excited about helping inspire the next generation of artists and dancers.

Prior to opening the studio, Adam served as Entrepreneur Consultant at MWR Legal, a full-service legal and consulting firm that helps entrepreneurs start, grow and protect fast-growing businesses. In that role, he worked alongside the firm's partners in a unique role and did business strategy consulting which complemented the firm's legal recommendations. While at MWR, Adam was also Director of Corporate Development for the firm for close to 8 years.

Adam previously served on the Executive Board of American Repertory Ensemble (“ARE”). ARE is a performance company that offers world-class ballet and classical music in a unique performance format that presents the art forms as equals, and focuses on the convergence and interplay of dance and music. ARE is the only company of its kind outside of New York melding dance and music on this level and offering it in an intimate setting.

In addition to Dance Xplosion, Adam co-founded Bright Lights Dancewear in 2010 and is in charge of all aspects of the business. Bright Lights Dancewear is a full service retail store helping kids and adults look and perform their best. Bright Lights also partners with numerous middle and high schools, as well as other dance studios, with their team attire ordering and fulfilment, including custom team apparel. 

When he's not in the dance world, Adam is spending time with Amber and their 3 kids. Adam plays on a Men’s League soccer team and has coached his kids' youth soccer teams for nearly 10 years. He was previously on the Fast 50 Advisory Board for the Austin Business Journal, and is a former 5-term Board Member of the Austin chapter of the American Marketing Association. Adam is a graduate of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, where he received his Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Marketing with Honors and a Minor in Psychology.

 

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