Faculty

Sarah is the proud owner and director of Oak Forest Dance, combining a lifelong passion for dance with over two decades of teaching, coaching, and leadership experience. A proud mom of two dancing daughters, Sarah is dedicated to creating a warm, encouraging studio community where all dancers can thrive.

Sarah’s dance education is rooted in strong classical and professional training. She studied under Dina Vail, as well as with respected institutions and instructors including the Marge Marshall School of Ballet, the Delia Stewart Dance Center, the Joffrey Academy in New York, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway. Her performance background includes national dance tours in Las Vegas, Orlando, Houston, Branson, and New Orleans, giving her professional‑level performance experience across multiple major markets.

Sarah has served as Assistant Director at Spring Branch Dance Arts and has worked as a coordinator and lead instructor at multiple area dance and gymnastics facilities, helping shape programs, mentor young athletes, and build strong family‑focused environments. She also served as a coordinator and choreographer for a national pageant system, helping young performers build confidence, stage presence, and polished routines. Her background also includes preschool coaching and serving as a Child Development Specialist for the U.S. Army in Italy.

After years of teaching, coaching, and serving families, Sarah made the heartfelt decision to open Oak Forest Dance—a positive, family-centered studio built on creativity, confidence, and high‑quality instruction. She is committed to creating a space where every dancer feels welcomed, supported, and inspired.

With more than five decades of teaching experience, Lesa Mueschke is a highly respected dance educator whose impact on the Houston dance community spans generations. She founded Spring Branch Dance Arts in 1972, where she taught ballet, tap, jazz, and foundational movement to thousands of young dancers.

Lesa is a longtime member of Dance Educators of America, an organization established in 1932 and dedicated to “putting education before competition,” upholding strong ethical standards, and promoting high‑quality dance instruction through workshops, training, and professional development. Members benefit from an emphasis on excellence in education, ongoing training, and a code of ethics that ensures teachers maintain high professional standards. 

She is also a certified member of Dance Masters of America, a national association of “tested members” who must demonstrate technical ability and teaching expertise through formal examinations in the dance subjects they teach. DMA certification requires passing written and practical exams administered by nationally certified examiners—often referred to informally as “Test to Teach”—ensuring that certified educators uphold strong technical skills and a rigorous code of ethics. She is also a certified "Ready set Dance" Instructor.

Throughout her 53‑year career, Lesa has trained dancers who have appeared in stage productions, performed on national television, and earned awards at competitions across the country. Many of her former students have opened studios of their own or gone on to dance professionally in nationally recognized companies—including Oak Forest Dance owner Sarah Anderson, who proudly continues Lesa’s legacy of excellence.

Known for her warm, encouraging teaching style, Lesa creates an environment where young dancers feel supported, confident, and inspired. Her commitment to high‑quality dance education and industry‑recognized professional standards continues to enrich every classroom she leads and every student she mentors.

Oak Forest's Favorite Tap Teacher has Returned!

Robin has spent her life immersed in dance—as a passionate student, accomplished performer, and highly respected teacher and choreographer. A native Houstonian, she trained with notable instructors both locally and across the country, building a strong and versatile technical foundation that shaped her professional journey.

Robin’s performing career spans an impressive range of experiences. She appeared at the World’s Fair in New Orleans and, in 1989, earned the title of Houston’s Best Tap Dancer, later representing the city in New York for the Great American Tap Dance Challenge. She also performed as an NFL Houston Oilers Cheerleader and a USFL Houston Gamblers Cheerleader, along with numerous other professional engagements throughout her career. Her work additionally includes television appearances, both nationally and internationally, highlighting her versatility as a performer.

As a teacher and choreographer, Robin has guided dancers who have earned top honors at local, regional, and national competitions. Her students have received titles in both dance and pageant circuits, and she has been recognized with many choreography awards. She has also choreographed for several area high‑school dance teams, contributing to their competitive success and performance excellence. She is also a certified "Ready set Dance" Instructor.

One of her greatest joys is seeing her legacy grow—many of her early students now bring their own children to her classes, making Robin a treasured instructor for second‑generation dancers.

After years of inspiring dancers across the region, Oak Forest’s favorite tap teacher has made her return—much to the excitement of students and families. With 40 years of classroom experience, Robin brings unmatched passion, energy, and expertise to every class. Oak Forest Dance is thrilled to welcome her back to the teaching team, where she continues to ignite confidence, joy, and artistry in every young dancer she teaches.

 Paula is a professional dancer and arts educator with an international performance and teaching career spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. A graduate of Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire, she brings both strong classical training and a creative, child-centered approach to her work.

Paula is the former owner and director of Abbott’s Performing Arts Center, which she successfully ran for 22 years. During that time, she trained and mentored countless young dancers—many of whom have gone on to pursue professional careers, attend prestigious programs such as Juilliard, and open studios of their own.

As the founder of ShowBiz Kidz Drama Enrichment, Paula now focuses on helping young children build confidence, coordination, and expressive storytelling skills through movement and imagination. Her classes blend elements of dance and drama to create engaging, story-driven experiences in a joyful and supportive environment.

Paula is delighted to bring Storybook Ballet to the studio, where young dancers can step into magical worlds while building strong foundations and a lifelong love of movement.

 Noemi is a professional dancer based in Houston, Texas, with over 20 years of training and experience. She began her dance journey at Aldine Dance Company, where she developed a strong foundation in various styles. She later attended Hussian College in Studio in Los Angeles, California, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Commercial Dance. 

During her time in Los Angeles, Noemi was signed by Bloc Talent Agency and appeared in music videos and live performances, working with renowned artists such as Daddy Yankee, Meghan Trainor, the Jonas Brothers, Daya Luz, and more. 

Now back in Houston, Noemi has established herself within the NBA dance industry, completing three seasons with the Clutch City Dancers. She has had the opportunity to travel, perform, and choreograph at major events, including the 2024 NBA All-Star Game and the 2024 NBA Cup. In her hometown, she has also worked professionally with artists such as Erika Banks, Frankie J, Baby Bash, and Natalie Alvarado. 

Passionate about giving back, Noemi takes pride in sharing her industry knowledge with the Houston dance community and now focuses on teaching and mentorship. 

Jillian is excited to join the Oak Forest Dance Center faculty! She is currently a company member with Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre, where she has performed for the past three seasons. Jillian is also pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration through Texas Tech University.

With 19 years of dance training, Jillian brings both experience and passion to the classroom as a teacher of dance and conditioning, as well as a choreographer. She has trained under and worked with renowned artists including Lorna and Lorena Feijoo, Jack Wolff, Karina Gonzalez, Lidice Nuñez, and Caitlin Cannon, among others.

In addition to her work in ballet, Jillian has performed with Houston Grand Opera, most recently as a female cover in Hansel and Gretel. She is also active in musical theatre and continues to audition for productions nationwide. Some of her favorite roles include Laurey (Oklahoma!), Belle and Babette (Beauty and the Beast), and Cinderella (Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella).