.png){kind=small}
Meet Our Team
As a performer, Sarah Beth brings a strong classical and theatrical background to the studio. Her stage experience includes performances in renowned ballets such as The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Le Corsaire, and Paquita.
She has also appeared in numerous musical theatre productions, portraying memorable roles including Fantine in Les Misérables, Babette in Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar.
At Aurora Dance Center, Sarah Beth creates a nurturing environment where students develop strong technique, confidence, and a love for dance.
Sarah Beth Pierce
Owner & Director
Lead Instructor & Choreographer
Sarah Beth Pierce has been passionate about teaching dance since the age of 14. What began as an early love for instruction quickly grew into a lifelong calling, leading her to teach a wide range of styles including ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, preschool combo, and musical theatre.
SARAH BETH PIERCE
Our team of instructors are passionate about sharing their expertise and love for dance with you. Get to know the faces behind the magic.
Our Instructors
Adriana Gardner
Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap & Tumbling Instructor
Adriana brings a well-rounded dance background to Aurora Dance Center, with nine years of training and five years of teaching in ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, and tumbling. She trained with On Stage Dance, Infinity Dance, and the TJC Academy of Dance, and performed at the Tremaine and 24/7 Dance Conventions, as well as regional competitions from 2021–2024.
Adriana has been teaching dance since the age of 14 and loves working with children of all ages, from daycare classes to vacation Bible school and tutoring. She is currently studying to become a pediatric physician assistant, combining her passion for dance with a strong commitment to helping children learn, grow, and thrive.
Taryn Scranton
Jazz & Hip Hop Instructor
Taryn brings a dynamic and expressive dance background to Aurora Dance Center, with training in jazz, hip hop, and ballet through studio, high school, and college programs. She was a member of her high school dance team, studied dance at Chaffey College in California, and trained and performed in recitals and competitions with Infinity Dance in Texas, as well as Word In Motion and Dance Terrific in California.
After college, Taryn expanded her movement experience as a dance fitness instructor and is especially passionate about creating a welcoming space for adult dancers. She loves helping dancers rediscover confidence, creativity, and joy through classes like Sass Class and expressive jazz and hip hop.
Tap Dance Instructor
Maddie Brown
Maddie brings over 15 years of dance experience to Aurora Dance Center and has studied extensively in tap and jazz. She trained for three years with the Whitehouse High School First Ladies Drill Team, a multiple-time national champion at the American Dance/Drill Team (ADTS) Nationals competition, and gained additional classroom experience through her high-school teaching program.
After a brief break from dancing, Maddie rediscovered her passion for the art through adult classes, which deepened her love for both movement and instruction. She now loves teaching tap and helping dancers build strong rhythm, confidence, and a sense of joy that carries beyond the studio.
Aubrey Sheffield
Daycare Dance Instructor (Tap & Ballet)
Aubrey is a Daycare Dance Instructor at Aurora Dance Center, teaching tap and ballet to dancers ages 2–5 in the studio’s Daycare Program. Her performance background includes middle school cheer and leadership roles as a section leader and drum major with the Tyler Legacy Marching Band, where she taught drill and music to fellow students.
Aubrey is currently studying Psychology and Health Science at the University of Texas at Tyler and volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County and the Tyler Civic Theatre. She recently performed as Anne Sullivan in The Miracle Worker and loves creating joyful, engaging experiences for young dancers. Aubrey also supports the studio at the front desk, warmly welcoming dancers and families.
Grace Kimball
Assistant Dance Instructor
Grace brings seven years of dance experience to Aurora Dance Center, with training in lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. She has spent five years in competitive dance and recently joined the Southern Belles drill team, embracing new challenges while continuing to grow as a dancer.
At Aurora Dance Center, Grace serves as an Assistant Dance Instructor, supporting classes and camps and helping younger dancers build confidence and develop new skills. She loves the positive, supportive environment of the studio and finds great joy in encouraging dancers as they grow and shine both in class and on stage
From Our Dancers
★★★★★
“We love the teachers at Aurora!
My daughter is excited to learn every week.”
— Fabi Ortiz
★★★★★
“I take the adult dance classes.
The teacher is amazing.”
— Courtney Gray
★★★★★
"My 14 year old absolutely loves it here. Her ballet and tap teacher are great!"
— Laura Nguyen