Meet The Team
The artists, mentors, and industry veterans shaping the next generation of dancers at 3D Dance District.
Danri Fondren
With over 35 years of dance experience, Danri Fondren brings a lifelong passion for dance, education, performance, and mentorship to every student she teaches. Her love for dance began at an early age, inspired by her mother, Danese, who taught dance for more than 30 years. Growing up in Lumberton, Texas, Danri developed a deep appreciation for both the artistry and discipline of dance — a passion that would grow into a lifelong career.
Classically trained, Danri was a member of the prestigious Marsha Woody Academy of Dance and Beaumont Civic Ballet, while also competing as a gymnast and later becoming Acrobatic Arts certified. Throughout her school years, she earned numerous leadership and performance honors, serving as Captain of her high school dance team and being selected as a member of the Texas All-State Dance Team.
Danri earned her Bachelor of Science in Dance from Lamar University, where she also obtained her EC-12 Physical Education certification and became a TDEA Certified Adjudicator. During her time at Lamar, she served as Lieutenant, Dance Captain, and Colonel of the nationally ranked Lamar Dance Team, while also performing as a member of the co-ed hip hop team, Urban Rhythm, and participating in the Lamar Dance Association. Following graduation, Danri returned to Lamar University as an assistant coach and choreographer for the Lamar Dance Team.
Her professional performance experience includes dancing for The Walt Disney Company and major cruise lines, where she also directed her own onboard production show. In addition to performing professionally, Danri spent 13 years as a prominent instructor, choreographer, and co-company director for City Dance Center, while also helping expand the business by opening and co-owning a second location. During her time there, her award-winning routines earned numerous accolades including Top Choreography Awards, Judges' Standout Awards, Best of Show honors, and a First Overall National Championship title.
Throughout her career, Danri has trained and mentored dancers who have gone on to achieve success across collegiate, concert, and commercial dance industries. Her students have secured spots on elite collegiate dance teams — earning national championship titles, joined professional dance companies, performed for Walt Disney World, toured aboard major cruise lines, and starred in Las Vegas residencies. Former students have also appeared alongside major artists including Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, JoJo Siwa, Journey, Pitbull, and Carrie Underwood.
She continues to be a highly sought-after choreographer for competitive studios, soloists, theatre productions, special events, and high school and collegiate dance teams throughout Texas. She also specializes in private dance team line camps, offering custom choreography, technique training, audition preparation, and team development.
In Danri's classes, students step into a high-energy, focused environment. Her teaching style balances discipline, structure, and elevated expectations with positivity, encouragement, and genuine care for every dancer's growth. Technical corrections are delivered with clear instruction and encouragement, with every lesson designed to push dancers to unlock their full potential — whether they are training for their high school dance team, a competitive solo, or a lifelong professional career in the entertainment industry. Her passion lies in developing versatile, confident performers equipped for success in both professional and collegiate performance opportunities.
Jonnesha Hawkins-Minter
Jonnesha Hawkins-Minter is a dynamic and accomplished dance professional based in Oklahoma City, OK. Her journey in dance began at the age of 11 at the Classen School of Advanced Studies and Performing Arts, where she honed her skills in modern dance, ballet, and various other genres. She graduated from Classen SAS in 2001 and continued her dedication to dance by studying modern dance at the University of Oklahoma, earning a B.F.A. in Modern Dance Performance in 2005.
During her time at OU, Jonnesha had the privilege of learning from distinguished choreographers and teachers, including Denise Vale (Martha Graham Dance Company), Austin Hartel (Pilobolus Dance Theatre), Brian Brooks, Derick Minter (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), and Sonia Dawkins (SD Prism Dance Company). Her training extended beyond the university through her participation in the American Dance Festival, where she worked with renowned choreographers Ronald K. Brown (Artistic Director of Evidence Dance Company) and Nicholas Leichter (Artistic Director of Nicholas Leichter Dance).
Jonnesha's professional career began with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company 2, where she performed and taught at Jeraldyne's School of Dance. She later performed with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company and collaborated with notable choreographer John Stronks on various projects. As a member of Psophonia Dance Company (2007–2010) and Urban Souls Dance Company (2010–2012), Jonnesha's impact continued to grow. She served as rehearsal director for Urban Souls during the 2012–2013 season, showcasing her leadership and organizational skills.
In addition to her performance career, Jonnesha is a certified Katherine Dunham Technique instructor and a certified yoga instructor. Passionate about nurturing young talent, she founded TopFlight Dance Company in 2008 and, in 2011, opened TopFlight Dance Center — a dedicated space for her company dancers and youth in the community. In 2019, she expanded her vision further by establishing TopFlight Dance Conservatory, an institution designed to challenge and inspire dancers through performance, academia, and artistry.
Jonnesha continues to be a visionary leader in the dance community, dedicated to fostering creativity, excellence, and growth in the next generation of young artists. Jonnesha will be leading our Ballet instruction and Co-directing our TF3D Competitive Company. We are beyond grateful to have her as a member of our 3D family.
Aaron Travis
We are thrilled to introduce the 3D Dance District Hip-Hop Instructor, Aaron Travis. Aaron is a nationally recognized hip-hop and street dance educator and choreographer known for his dedication to developing confident, versatile performers.
His choreography has been featured in Voyage Houston Magazine and showcased at events such as the Latin Beats Festival and Springboard Music Festival, as well as in music videos, live performances, and both school and studio settings. As a dancer, Aaron has worked with artists including Nike, Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Roc Nation, Jamila Woods, and more — giving him a professional edge that translates directly into his teaching.
His mission is to bridge the gap between authentic street dance foundations and industry-ready artistry. Through his industry experience and passion for mentorship, Aaron is committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers while bringing authentic hip-hop culture and professional-level training to 3D Dance District.
Anna Mosbacher Kokish
Originally from Israel, Anna Mosbacher Kokish brings an international level of experience, artistry, and passion to 3D Dance District as a Ballroom and Latin dance instructor. A highly trained competitive dancer and coach, Anna has built an impressive career both on the competition floor and in the studio, specializing in Ballroom and Latin styles including Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and Standard Ballroom disciplines.
Before relocating to Houston, Texas, Anna was deeply involved in Israel's competitive ballroom dance community, representing Israel in both national and international competitions. A highly accomplished dancer in both Ballroom and Latin disciplines, she trained and competed extensively throughout her career, earning recognition at prestigious events and ultimately becoming Israel's Ten-Dance Champion. Her most notable competitive partnership was alongside Yakir Kogan, with whom she captured the Israel Ten-Dance Championship title.
In addition to her competitive achievements, Anna has extensive teaching experience working with dancers of all ages — from young children to adults — throughout the Tel Aviv area. Following her retirement from competitive dance, she founded her own studio, K.A.DANCE, where she continued to mentor and develop dancers while expanding her leadership within the ballroom community. Anna also served as a trainer, judge, and Vice President of the IDC (Israel Dance Council). She is the founder and organizer of the K.A. Dance Cup, a large-scale Ballroom and Latin competition in Tel Aviv that brought together hundreds of dancers across multiple age divisions and levels.
Now based in Houston, Anna continues to train, perform, compete, and coach within the dance community, bringing a unique blend of technical excellence, competitive experience, and international training to her students. Her teaching emphasizes strong fundamentals, musicality, partner connection, performance quality, and confidence both on and off the dance floor.
Jai Alexander
We are thrilled to welcome Jai Alexander to the 3D Dance District faculty. With an extensive background in dance education, choreography, and performance, Jai brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and passion to our students. He will be leading our Contemporary and Lyrical classes while also assisting with our competitive team, 3D Dance Company.
Jai Alexander is a movement experimentalist and creative based in Houston, TX. He holds an A.A. in Dance from Houston Community College and a B.S. in Theatre and Dance with a concentration in Dance from Lamar University.
His choreographic work has been selected for festivals including Aimed Dance Festival (2023), Artists for Hope (2025, 2026), Brazos Contemporary Dance Festival (2025), 254 Dance Fest (2025), Pilot Dance Project's Latino/a/x Contemporary Dance Festival (2024, 2026), and The Oklahoma Contemporary Dance Festival (2024, 2025).
Jai's teaching experience spans both educational and studio settings, including Heights High School (2015–2023), Sam Houston High School (2024), Pin Oak Middle School (2024), Lee High School, Ferris High School (2025), Marshall High School (2026), Lamar University (2025), Houston City College (2026), and Texas A&M University (2025). He recently served as a long-term dance substitute teacher in Fort Bend ISD and actively teaches at The Stage Dance Studio as a weekly instructor and competitive team co-director.
Every time he steps foot into the studio, Jai hopes to inspire dancers to become the best versions of themselves by taking accountability for their own growth, creativity, exploration, and accomplishments.
We are excited for our dancers to learn, grow, and create alongside Jai this season. His commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and dancer development makes him a valuable addition to the 3D Dance District family, and we look forward to the impact he will have on our students both in the classroom and on the competition stage.
Makayla Brown
Makayla Brown is an enthusiastic and versatile dance professional who is passionate about inspiring the next generation of confident, well-rounded performers. Her energetic teaching style, strong technical foundation, and genuine commitment to her students create an inspiring environment where dancers are challenged to grow both artistically and personally.
Makayla recently earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Sam Houston State University, where she received comprehensive training in ballet, jazz, modern, choreography, Pilates, dance pedagogy, dance history, and movement analysis. Her collegiate education, combined with extensive teaching and choreography experience, has equipped her with a versatile approach that blends technical excellence with creativity and performance quality.
She currently serves on staff with HTE Dance & Spirit Group, instructing summer dance and spirit camps throughout Texas, including Officer Training Camps (OTC) and Team Training Camps (TTC). In this role, she works with drill teams, dance teams, and cheerleaders, teaching technique, choreography, leadership development, and team-building while helping students develop both their performance skills and confidence.
Prior to joining 3D Dance District, Makayla served as Competition Director at Lori’s School of Dance, where she trained competitive dancers, choreographed routines in jazz, contemporary, and hip hop, and coordinated all aspects of the competition program. She also began her teaching career as an Apprentice Instructor at Atascocita Dance Academy, where she developed a strong foundation in dance education and classroom instruction.
Outside of the studio, Makayla continues to pursue her passion for performance. She is currently a member of Houston-based ZON3 Dance Crew, where she trains in hip hop and commercial dance while pursuing competitive and professional performance opportunities. This past season, she competed with the team at World of Dance, further expanding her experience as a versatile performer.
Known for her professionalism, positivity, and ability to connect with dancers of all ages, Makayla is dedicated to cultivating disciplined, versatile artists who strive for excellence both inside and outside the studio. Her passion for mentorship and commitment to high-quality training make her an invaluable member of the 3D Dance District faculty. Please welcome Makayla!
Candiss Drexler-Richardson, M.A.
Candiss Drexler-Richardson, M.A., is an accomplished dance educator, choreographer, and curriculum specialist with 18 years of experience leading middle school, high school, and studio dance programs. Holding a master’s degree specializing in Dance Education Curriculum from Texas Woman’s University, she designs standards-based, inclusive environments that fuse precise physical technique with creative critical thinking. Dedicated to mentorship and the transformative power of the arts, she cultivates a safe, high-energy space where dancers of all skill levels can build lifelong confidence, celebrate cultural history, and unlock their authentic artistic voices.
She revamped the dance program at Milby High School as its Dance Director for over 13 years, catapulted the dance program at West Briar Middle School for over five years, was a performer in Urban Souls Dance Company, and is now a dance educator for TopFlight Dance Center and 3D Dance District. She looks forward to educating the next generation of dancers, and we are beyond lucky to welcome her to the 3D family.
Stacy Skolnik
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Stacy Skolnik began her dance training at the age of three at Margo Marshall's Ballet Studio. She continued her artistic development at Houston's renowned High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), where she trained extensively in a variety of dance disciplines before earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.
Throughout her training, Stacy studied with esteemed educators and artists including Lyn Wiltshire, David Justin, Holly Williams, Grace Holmes, Tina Curran, and Andrea Beckham. She has performed works by celebrated choreographers such as Yacov Sharir, Charles O. Anderson, Ohad Naharin, Robert Battle, Mark Morris, Lar Lubovitch, and Andy Noble. Her summer training includes prestigious programs with Point Park University, the Joffrey Contemporary/Jazz Intensive in New York City, the Joffrey Ballet Intensive in San Antonio, and the American Dance Festival.
Following graduation, Stacy joined Gaspard&Dancers in Durham, North Carolina, where she performed and helped develop new works that were showcased at Duke University and later presented at the APAP Conference at Lincoln Center in New York City. In 2016, she returned to Houston and became a founding member of Open Dance Project, performing with the company for more than seven years while continuing to expand her expertise in movement and wellness.
During this time, Stacy became a certified STOTT PILATES® instructor and developed a passion for helping dancers and athletes build stronger, healthier, and more efficient bodies. In addition to teaching Pilates, she has instructed a wide range of fitness disciplines throughout the Houston area, including at the prestigious Houstonian Club. As a choreographer and freelance artist, her original works have been featured multiple times through Dance Source Houston's Mind The Gap performance series.
Stacy is also the founder of Stacy Skolnik Studio, where she provides private coaching, on-demand classes, and specialized movement training designed to help clients achieve their individual goals.
At 3D Dance District, Stacy will serve as our Pilates Instructor, bringing a highly personalized and professional approach to dancer development. Pilates is one of the most valuable cross-training tools available to dancers, helping improve core strength, stability, flexibility, alignment, body awareness, injury prevention, and overall movement efficiency.
Stacy will offer private Pilates instruction tailored specifically to each dancer's individual needs. Whether a dancer is working to improve flexibility, strengthen turnout, increase core stability, recover from an injury, refine technical weaknesses, or gain a competitive edge, Stacy designs each session around the unique goals, strengths, and challenges of the individual dancer. Her customized, one-on-one approach provides a luxury training experience that bridges the gap between dance education, athletic conditioning, and long-term dancer wellness.
3D Dance District is excited to welcome Stacy to our faculty and provide our dancers with access to this exceptional level of specialized training.
Princess Leia
Also answers to Leia, Fatty Cakes, and the sound of a treat bag opening.
Princess Leia proudly serves as President of the Emotional Support Team, Head of Security, and the official Studio Mascot of 3D Dance District. While her title suggests professionalism, her daily responsibilities mostly consist of supervising from the comfiest spot in the studio, greeting dancers, and making sure everyone feels appropriately judged.
Don’t let her adorable face fool you—Leia has perfected the art of delivering the most legendary side-eye you’ve ever seen. She’s fierce, feisty, and firmly believes every room belongs to her. Her loyalty to her human, Miss D (Danri), is unmatched, and if Miss D is around, chances are Leia is only a few feet away… demanding booty scratches as payment for her emotional support services.
When she’s not hard at work boosting morale, you’ll find her pursuing her greatest passion: food. Snacks, treats, crumbs on the floor—she firmly believes no edible item should ever go to waste. Her only known weakness? Balloons. Those floating monsters remain her sworn nemesis, and she has no intention of making peace with them anytime soon.
Whether she’s greeting dancers, supervising rehearsals, or silently judging everyone with her signature side-eye, Princess Leia reminds us that every great studio needs a little love, a little laughter… and one very opinionated Frenchie. 🖤🐾
Registration is now open.
Create your family account and register your dancer for the 2026–2027 season.