Royal Academy of Dance
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Recitals >
2013 "Peter Pan"
2014 "The Little Mermaid"
2015 "Aladdin"
2016 "Alice in Wonderland"
2017 "Beauty and the Beast"
2018 "The Lion King"
2019 "Moana"
RAD Exams
​Meet The Faculty
RAD Center
Rocio Braggiato
Founder/ General Artistic Director/ Ballet Mistress/ RAD RTS Certified Teacher and Mentor and ABT NTC Certified
Photo by: Glitch Photography
Mrs. Rocio was born in Mexico City and began her classical training at very early ages of her life with her mother Mrs. Paloma Zepeda Novelo. She has studied different expressions of dance such as: Mexican Folklore, Hawaiian Dances, Latin Rhythms, Classical Ballet, Lyrical Dances and Choreographic compositions. In 1974, she continued her classical ballet studies with Mrs. Sonia Castaneda in Mexico while Mrs. Elena Jordan was her mentor of Improvisation and Choreographic Composition. In 1981, Mrs. Rocio won a Mexican Government Scholarship through the "Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes" to continue advance classical studies in Cuban Methodology at the "Cubanacan Escuela Nacional de Arte de Cuba". During this time she studied under the training of Laura Alonso, Esther Garcia, Raul Bustabad and Denia Bustabad, among others. In 1984, Ms. Braggiato was named Artistic Director of "Estudio de Danza Paloma Bernal" and performing company "Arte Total". In the same year Ms Braggiatio became a dancer in the "Arte Total" and "Huillacapixtli" folkloric dance group under the direction of Paloma Z, de Bernal, this group was highly recognized in promoting Mexican folklore and culture around the United States, South and Central America and Europe. Dancing with "Huillacapixtli" enabled Ms Braggiato to appear in worldly known T.V. and Radio Shows. In 1987, Ms. Braggiato debuted as a classical professional dancer with "Taller Coreografico de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (TCUNAM)" one of the most important ballet company in Mexico under the direction of Gloria Contreras. Her dancing career took her from apprentice to principal dancer in little time. A 10 year dancing career with "Taller Coreografico de la UNAM" enabled Ms Braggiato to perform principal roles some of which were created specially for her. Ms. Braggiato moved to Houston, Texas on 1996 and immediately started working as choreographer in residence and ballet mistress at Allegro Ballet of Houston for 17 years under the direction of Glenda Brown , Peggy Giourard and Vanessa Brown. During this period she attended several choreography workshops under scholarships and co-direct full length Nutcracker productions , contributing to costumes and props design and established the RAD programme at Allegro Academy of Dance . She had collaborated with worldly known musicians and composers Eddy Marcano, Glenn Garrido ; Francisco "Yiyi" Orozco and Maria Auxiliadora Urbaez and flamenco bailores Antonio Granjero and Maria Fernanda Urbaez in several projects such as: Danza Sinfonica, Venezuela Mia, Carmen, Venezuela Nuestra, America Latina. She has been invited as a Guest Master Teacher for ballet and Mexican folklore seminars, presenting the Latinamerican dance and its influence in the Classical Dance at Kansas State University (KSU). She has an extensive career as a choreographer with many of her works performed regionally and nationally at Regional Dance America, as well as very important Venues in the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, and Europe. Ms Rocio is a Royal Academy Teacher and Mentor since 2002. R.A.D TC 206873. In April 2017 Ms Rocio completed the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification course taught by the PBT founder Marie Walton-Mahon. Ms Rocio is also certified in the American Ballet Theater (ABT) curriculum.
Paloma Bernal
Executive Director/ Ballet Mistress/ Choreographer
Mrs. Paloma was born in Mexico City and started her classical studies at a very early age with her mother Paloma Zepeda Novelo. She has studied different forms of dance and choreography styles with very prestigious Mexican and International teachers through the years such as Elena Jordan, Bodil Henkwill, Emma Pulido, Sonia Castaneda, and Carlos Feria along many . In 1984 Mrs. Bernal became a formal dancer in the "Arte Total" and "Huillacapixtli" folkloric dance group under direction of Paloma Zepeda, de Bernal, this group was highly recognized in promoting Mexican flolkore and culture around the United States, South and Central America and a few European countries. With this "Huillacapiztli" dance group Mrs. Paloma entered into Mexican television for more than 5 years in the T.V. show "Siempre en Domingo" conducted by Raul Valazco and sharing the stage with artists such as Vicente Fernanadez, Ruben Zepeda Novelo y Lucha Villa. In 1988, Ms Bernal became Executive director of "Estudio de Danza Paloma Bernal", the family dance studio that followed the Royal Academy of Dance programme. The studio 's classes include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Hip-hop as well as traditional Mexican Folklore, Flamenco, Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Polynesian styles of dance. The family studio hosts R.A.D. Vocational Graded Exams every year and it is in north Mexico City location. Always trying to upgrade the level of the studio, technically, monetarily, and name wise Paloma was invited to participate in different T.V. shows to demonstrate some of the disciplines taught in the studio. In 2006 Mrs. Paloma moved to the Untied States and began teaching in Houston in 2007. After more than 30 years teaching she continues to attend workshops and classes for professional development.In April 2017 Ms Paloma completed the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification course taught by the PBT founder Marie Walton-Mahon
Holda Torres
Ballet-Contemporary/ Resident Choreographer/ RAD Certified Teacher
olda began her training in Mexico City under the direction of Paloma Zepeda Novelo. She began her classical training in the cuban technique and then moved into the Royal Academy of Dance programme. Apart from classical ballet training Holda is also trained in other dance techniques such as Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Flamenco, Capoeira and Mexican folklore. She has coursed through the R.A.D graded exams from Pre-Primary to Advance 2. Ms. Holda was a dancer with Allegro Ballet of Houston under the direction of Glenda Brown, Peggy Girouard and Vanessa Brown. Allegro gave Holda the opportunity to dance regionally and nationally at the Regional Dance America Convention and internationally with Young Tanzsommer tour in Austria. While dancing with Allegro, Ms Holda received her R.A.D. training with Rocio Braggiato R.A.D Mentor and Catriona Steel. Ms. Through her career Holda has been able to work with recognized choreographers such as Jairo Lastre, Paula Weber, Joe Iste, Rocio Braggiato, and Lauren Garson in their original works in different styles of dance. She has also been able to take classes with Master Teachers such as Laura Alonso, John Magnus, Thom Clower, Jennifer Medina, Paula Weber, Lynn Wallis, Ana Jurado, Albert Cataffi, Leslie Jane Pessemier. Holda has also had the opportunity to perform as a soloist in many original productions such as Venezuela Mia, Venezuela Nuestra and America Latina with DAPA. Holda recently shared the stage with Angel Laza performing the main roles in the production of "Mi Colombia" in Indianapolis with Colombian Folkloric Ballet (2014). In the spring of 2015 Holda performed the role of "Michaela" in the collaborative production of Carmen along side DAPA dancers, Intempo Dance Ensemble, and Houston Latin American Philharmonic Orchestra. Holda has attended the Glenda Brown Choreography Project at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, on 4 occasions: twice as a dancer and three times as a choreographer. Ms Holda is very excited to expand and develop some choreographic works initiated at the GBCP this coming season. In April 2017 Ms Holda completed the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification course taught by the PBT founder Marie Walton-Mahon. . Holda completed her Certificate for Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) Programme in 2014 under the mentor-ship of Rocio Braggiato, and is now a Royal Academy Certified Teacher.. R.A.D TC 797370.
Coco Braggiato
Jazz-Contemporary-Pre Ballet/ Emerging Chorographer
Miss Coco began her classical training at a very young age in the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D) programme with the direction and training of Rocio Braggiato and Catriona Steel. She completed the R.A.D Pre-Primary through Intermediate exams. Ms. Coco was a dancer of Allegro Ballet of Houston Company under the direction of Glenda Brown, Peggy Girouard Vanessa Brown. Allegro has given Ms Coco the opportunity to perform at the Regional Dance America Conventions , both regionally and nationally, as well as the recognized Young Tanzsommer tour in Austria in two fine occasions in 2008 and 2012. While dancing with Allegro , Ms Coco was able to work in different styles of dance with recognized choreographers in their original works , such as Paula Weber, Leslie Jane Pessemier, Kassandra Newberry. At 7 years of age, MissCoco had the opportunity to dance with Domingo Rubio ( Taller Choreografico UNAM and co-star in the film "The Company " with Neve Campbell) the internationally known piece " Metamorphosis" - Rocio Braggiato choreographer and music from tribal Aztecs origins. Miss Coco had the opportunity to train with highly recognized Master Teachers : John Magnus, Thom Clower, Clauido Munoz, Laura Alonso, Leslie Jane Pessemier and Margo Sappington among others. Miss Coco attended the Glenda Brown Choreography Project at the University of Missouri in Kansas City on year 2010. In February 2015 she debuted as emerging choreographer with Intempo Dance Ensemble at the Katy Contemporary Art Museum with the piece named " LUX -AURUMQUE" with music of Eric Whitacare . Miss Braggiato has been involved in the Katy ISD choir and music program - besides dancing- for more than seven years winning several awards and scholarships. Miss Coco was a member of the "Chorale" and "Expressions" at Taylor High School choir in which she was selected to choreograph the "School Year End" event for Taylor HS Choir program on May 2015 ( Pop Show), 2016, 2017 and 2018. Miss Coco is a Senior at the University of Houston Majoring in Dance, Choreography and Music. In April 2017 Ms Coco completed the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification course taught by the PBT founder Marie Walton-Mahon. Miss Coco is currently the President of PHI MU Sorority at University of Houston. She is very excited to be founder and integral part of Intempo Dance project.
Debbie Shakespear
Tap-Acrobatics-Musical Theater-Drill Team Prep
Debbie began dancing at the age of three in New York City and has continued to study dance with top choreographers. With over 35 years teaching experience, her love of dance and passion to teach and inspiring children through a positive environment has made her dance studio a success. She has studied and performed with prominent dancers and choreographers such as Luigi, Joe Tremaine, Savion Glover, Barry Lather, Ben Vereen, Ray Leeper, Jerry Rose, Jackie Loto, Marguerite Derricks, Neil Preston, Toby Jorgeson, Chris Judd, Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, Dan Karaty and Wade Robson. She is a versatile dancer teaching all styles and techniques of dance. She has studied Kinesiology and Active Isolated Flexibility and is trained in Luigi jazz technique. Luigi is the innovator of the world's first jazz technique . Debbie was a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Swash-Buc-Ler (NFL) for many years, the original Director and Cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Storm (AFL) and the original Director and Cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Lightning Girls (NHL). She has performed in three Super Bowls, Busch Gardens, Walt Disney World, The Illusionary Artistry of Mark Stevens, senior member of the Tampa Jazz Dance Company, Latin American Fiesta dancer, Westside Gymnastics Team, creator of Sign-Art Dancers (bringing the deaf community to dance) and YMCA Hip Hop dance video. Her students have won numerous awards for her creative and outstanding choreography and costume designs. Several of her students have a successful professional dance career. Her son, Sonny, followed in her footsteps and has won over 250 trophies and several titles in Dance and Martial Arts. He has gone on tour with choreographers such as Barry Lather, Gus Giordano, Mia Michaels, Starpower National Talent Competition and many more. He was Dancer of the Year, Florida State Martial Arts Champion and is also a Dance Convention teacher. From Broadway to television commercials, dance videos to Magic and Illusions Act in Las Vegas, set design to productions, Ms Debbie can do it all.
​Mairrette Galindo
Ballet / Choreographer
​Mrs. Mairette Galindo was born in Cuba. She finished the first 5 years ballet program at Vocational Art School of Camaguey in Cuba , under the direction of Fernando Alonso. Mrs. Mairette graduated in Ballet in Havana Cuba and stated her professional career dancing in the Young Guard National Ballet of Cuba under the direction of Mrs. Laura Alonso. Mrs. Galindo has danced principal and soloist roles in all the major classical ballets , such as: Don Quixote, Fille Mal Gardee, La Sylphide, Paquita,Coppelia, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker , Cinderella, Dying Swan, among others. In 2009 received the Royal Academy of Dance in London certifying her as RAD Ballet Teacher following her Vocational Grade Examination in Dance certification. Her late professional work covers from being ballerina at the Ballet Municipal and National Ballet of Lima , Peru directed by Lucy Telge and Olga Shimasaki respectively. Performed in the International Festival of Ballet in Trujillo, Peru. Ballet Master at Ballet de Ceuta in Spain. In 2004 Mrs. Galindo founded and directed her own Ballet School in Ceuta , Spain till 2016.
Mrs. Mairrette joined Intempo family as permanent staff on 2017.
Jun Shuang Huang
Guest Ballet Master
Jun Shuang Huang, also known as Junshuang Huang, is a Chinese professional ballet dancer who currently performs as a Guest International Principal Dancer with the Queensland Ballet. He was formerly a principal with the Guangzhou Ballet and the Houston Ballet.
Born in Shanghai, China, Huang trained at the Shanghai Dance School for seven years. He received a Special Jury Prize finalist award at the Prix de Lausanne International Dance Competition in Switzerland, a Junior Third award at the 2005 Asia-Pacific Ballet Competition in Japan, and a Junior Silver award the 2006 Taoli Cup Dance Competition in China.
In 2007, he joined the Guangzhou Ballet as a principal dancer. During that time he received awards from the 2008 Varna International Ballet Competition and the 2009 Helsinki International Ballet Competition. Huang joined Houston Ballet as a principal dancer in May 2010. He has also toured as a guest artist in the United States and Switzerland.
His repertoire includes ballets such as Swan Lake, La Bayadère, La Sylphide, Coppélia, Paquita, Le Corsaire, Don Quixote, and Diana and Actaeon.
Huang and his wife Xiaochen Chen, also a former dancer from the Guangzhou Ballet, operate the Huang Dance Studio in Houston
Xiaochen Chen (Cecilia)
Mrs. Chen graduated from Shanghai Theatre Academy - Dance School, since 2008 she has worked at Guangzhou Ballet in China as a principal ballerina. She also performed to United States and European Countries for exchange performances many years.
Her Repertorie inculdes "Butterfly Lovers", "The Yellow River", "Romeo & Juliet" , "La Traviata","Turandot" ,"Swan Lake", "La Bayadere", "La Sylphide" and "Coppelia"etc.