MISSION AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US
At South Texas Strutters we truly are - where dancing is fun. Our dance studio is the perfect place for a young child to take their very first dance class and a professional environment for the more serious dancer to receive top-notch training. Located in Victoria, Calhoun, El Campo, Cuero and Edna, we offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, prop and more for ages 18 months through 18 years old!
South Texas Strutters provides quality dance training in a positive, nurturing, enthusiastic and FUN environment. From dance classes and performances to studio life and social media, we believe in taking that extra step to make things more vibrant, festive, entertaining and all around fun!
Through classes, performances, and unique experiences, our dancers learn essential life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, respect, and time management. We strive to make the Strutter experience a fun, memorable one that will help our students with whatever path they choose
At STS, one of our main goals is to provide a safe, positive, and nurturing place for dancers of all ages. An important piece of that is to hire the right people. All of our instructors and office personnel share this same passion. We all share a passion for dance and love to share that passion with others through the art of dance. All STS Staff completes a yearly training seminar, is required to attend continuing education courses, briefed weekly on studio news, complete background checks, and attend a multi-level child abuse prevention program!
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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, formerly the Debbie Bennett Green School of Dancing. After studying Early Childhood Development, Debbie went on to open her business in 1980. Her love for children has been the key to her studio's success and longevity. Ms. Debbie has had many students go on to be Collegiate dancers, NFL Cheerleaders and have successful career paths. Along with the dance studio, Ms. Debbie is also the director of the Miss Victoria Pageant, Crossroads Royalty Pageant and owner of Dance Showcase.
Her dream has been realized as more studio locations have come to fruition 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 Debbie Bennett Green School of Dancing. She danced competitively with Debbie’s Dazzlers, was the Captain of Victoria Strutters Junior High Drill Team, was an officer of the MHS Reserves and Major of the Victoriadores. She danced on the Pom squad at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her bachelors degree in Fine Arts. Bennett's passion in dance is choreography and she has choreographed routines for groups and individuals all over the nation, but her favorite group will always be the Strutters! She returned back to Victoria and started working full time for the South Texas Strutters in 2009.
She looks forward to her daughters making STS a 3rd generation owned studio! Bennett feels like she is one of the luckiest people in the world, because not many people get to say their favorite hobby is also their job!
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 the age of 18 months. She was a Debbie’s Dazzler, Victoria Strutter Lieutenant, and Co-Captain of the MHS Reserves. Ms. Devon received a dance scholarship to attend Hawaii Pacific University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Business Management. Ms. Devon was Co-Captain of HPU’s competitive dance team for 3 years. She has taught dance for Universal Dance Association, Drill Team Hawaii and `Iolani School. Ms. Devon enjoyed performing at the Pro-Bowl, Royal Caribbean Cruise, and Walt Disney World.
Ms. Devon returned to work full time with South Texas Strutters in 2014 and is excited to fill her newest role as Strutter Mom!
Alina Valenzuela
Executive Director of El Campo
& Communications Coordinator
alina@southtexasstrutters.com
"Any kind of dancing is better than no dancing at all."
Ms. Alina has been working with South Texas Strutters since 2008. She was a part of Debbie Bennett Green School of Dancing, Debbie's Dazzlers, Victoria Strutters Junior High Drill Team and continued in High School as part of the MHS Victoriadore Dance Team. She was a member of the Victoria College Treasures Dance Team and performed throughout the community.
Ms. Alina has been the Executive Director of the El Campo location since 2016 and has enjoyed teaching both Recreational and Competitive Strutters in the area!
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 started dancing at the age of 2 years old and that is when she found her passion - DANCE. She danced for the Calhoun Sandette Drill Team for 3 years and served as an officer for one. Ms. Joule danced collegiately on scholarship for the Islanders dance team at Corpus Christi A&M, where she competed at NDA in Daytona Florida for 2 years. She has taken numerous masterclasses from Nappy Tabs, Marty Kudelka, Matt Steffaninfa, Wildabeast, and more. She has earned her Associates Degree in Business Management. She is currently attending University of Houston - Victoria, where she studies Kinesiology and Mathematical Education in pursuit of a future in teaching.
Ms. Joule took on the role of Calhoun Executive Director in 2021.
“Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is the progress. Working together is success”
Mr. Steven has been with the South Texas Strutters since 2011. He was apart of the MHS Victoriadore Dance Team and Hip Hop Team where they competed across Texas. He has continued his dance education attending classes and seminars in Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego & New York.
From 2016 through 2021, Mr. Steven was the head Executive Director of the Calhoun Studio. His greatest joy is sharing his passion of dance to the youth in the area.
In 2022, Mr. Steven became the Executive Director of the Icon Dance Artistry, where he is able to share his love of dance throughout South Texas.
He is the current Executive Director of Edna. He is thrilled to be working with the Jackson County Community.
Steven Palacios
Executive Director of Edna, Accounts Coordinator
& Youth Elite Director
steven@southtexasstrutters.com
“Greatness is not where we stand, but in what direction we are moving”
Ms. Esmeralda began dancing in middle school. She was a member of the Calhoun High School Drill Team. She served one year as the Co-Captain and her senior year she was Captain. She has competed throughout the state of Texas.
She has attended dance seminars throughout Texas and in Las Vegas to further her dance education. She began working for Strutters in 2021 at their Victoria, Calhoun, and Cuero locations. She is currently working on her Eyelash Extension Certification.
In 2023, she became the Executive Director of Cuero.
Esmeralda Garcia
Executive Director of Cuero & Performance Coordinator
esmeralda@southtexasstrutters.com
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