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OUR STORIES
Debbie Bennett Green
Founder & CEO
debbie@southtexasstrutters.com
“Do what you love, Love what you do!”
Ms. Debbie is the founder of the South Texas Strutters, previously known as the Debbie Bennett Green School of Dancing. After studying Early Childhood Development, Debbie opened her studio in 1980, driven by her deep love for children, which has been the foundation of the studio's enduring success. Over the years, many of her students have gone on to become collegiate dancers, NFL cheerleaders, and leaders in their respective careers.
In addition to her dance studio, Ms. Debbie is the director of the Miss Victoria Pageant and Crossroads Royalty Pageant and the owner of Dance Showcase.
Ms. Debbie’s dream has flourished, with multiple studio locations now thriving across South Texas!
Bennett Green Cain
Chief Creative Officer
bennett@southtexasstrutters.com
“It's not the mistake that defines you, it's how you come back from it.”
Ms. Bennett grew up dancing at the Debbie Bennett Green School of Dancing. She was a competitive dancer with Debbie’s Dazzlers, Captain of the Victoria Strutters Junior High Drill Team, an officer of the MHS Reserves, and Major of the Victoriadores. At the University of Texas at Austin, she danced on the Pom Squad while earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Her true passion lies in choreography, and she has had the opportunity to choreograph routines for groups and individuals across the nation. But her heart will always belong to the Strutters!
In addition to her dance expertise, Ms. Bennett is a proud member of the USASF Regional Advisory Board and is First Aid and CPR certified.
In 2009, Bennett returned to Victoria and began working full-time with South Texas Strutters. She looks forward to the day when her daughters will help make STS a third-generation family-owned studio.
Bennett feels incredibly fortunate, as not many people can say their favorite hobby is also their career!
Devon Bennett Wright
Chief Operational Officer
devon@southtexasstrutters.com
“Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen!”
Ms. Devon began dancing at Debbie Bennett Green School of Dancing at just 18 months old. She was a member of Debbie’s Dazzlers, Lieutenant of the Victoria Strutters, and Co-Captain of the MHS Reserves. Ms. Devon earned a dance scholarship to Hawaii Pacific University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Business Management. While at HPU, she also served as Co-Captain of the university’s competitive dance team for three years.
Her professional dance experience includes teaching for Universal Dance Association, Drill Team Hawaii, and `Iolani School. Ms. Devon has also had the opportunity to perform at major events such as the Pro Bowl, on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, and at Walt Disney World.
In addition to her teaching and performance experience, Ms. Devon is a proud member of the USASF Regional Advisory Board and is First Aid and CPR certified.
In 2014, Ms. Devon returned to South Texas Strutters full-time and is thrilled to take on her newest role as Strutter Mom!
Alina Valenzuela
Executive Director
& Communications Coordinator
alina@southtexasstrutters.com
"Any kind of dancing is better than no dancing at all."
Ms. Alina has been a part of the South Texas Strutters family since 2008. She began her journey at Debbie Bennett Green School of Dancing, dancing with Debbie's Dazzlers and the Victoria Strutters Junior High Drill Team, before continuing on to the MHS Victoriadore Dance Team in high school. Ms. Alina was also a member of the Victoria College Treasures Dance Team, performing throughout the community.
Ms. Alina was the inaugural coach of the Victoria General's Four Stars Dance Team, where she helped establish the team’s foundation and success.
Since 2016, she has served as the Executive Director of the El Campo location, where she has thoroughly enjoyed teaching both recreational and competitive Strutters in the area. Ms. Alina is also First Aid and CPR certified
Joule Valdez
Executive Director of Calhoun,
Customer Experience Coordinator
& Tiny Elite Director
joule@southtexasstrutters.com
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world."
Ms. Joule began dancing at the age of 2, and it didn’t take long for her to discover her true passion—dance. She was a member of the Calhoun Sandette Drill Team for three years, serving as an officer during her final year. Ms. Joule then danced collegiately on scholarship for the Islanders Dance Team at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where she competed at the NDA National Championships in Daytona, Florida, for two years.
She has taken numerous masterclasses from renowned choreographers such as Nappy Tabs, Marty Kudelka, Matt Steffanina, Wildabeast, and many more. Ms. Joule earned her Associates Degree in Business Management and is First Aid and CPR certified.
Ms. Joule is also a proud member of the USASF Regional Advisory Board.
In 2021, Ms. Joule took on the role of Executive Director at Calhoun and has been dedicated to leading the team ever since.
“Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is the progress. Working together is success”
Mr. Steven has been a part of the South Texas Strutters family since 2011. He was a member of the MHS Victoriadore Dance Team and Hip Hop Team, competing across Texas. Mr. Steven has continued his dance education by attending classes and seminars in Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, and New York.
From 2016 to 2021, Mr. Steven served as the Head Executive Director of the Calhoun Studio. His greatest joy is sharing his passion for dance with the youth in the area.
In 2022, Mr. Steven became the Executive Director of Icon Dance Artistry, where he continues to share his love of dance throughout South Texas. He is also First Aid and CPR certified and a proud member of the USASF Regional Advisory Board.
Steven Palacios
Executive Director of Cuero, Accounts Coordinator
& Youth Elite Director
steven@southtexasstrutters.com
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I'm Possible!"
Shelby has been dancing since the age of three and became a part of the South Texas Strutters family in 2016. She has trained both recreationally and competitively, performing with the Strutters and as a Super Senior. Shelby also had the honor of serving as Senior Lieutenant for the El Campo Derby Dolls.
Her love for dance has taken her across the country to seminars and conventions from New York City to Las Vegas, where she has learned from some of the best in the industry. Dance has always been her greatest passion, and she is proud to create a positive, encouraging environment where dancers can grow in both skill and confidence. Shelby is also First Aid and CPR certified.
Shelby Sabrsula
Executive Director of El Campo
shelby@southtexasstrutters.com
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