Instructors

Jane Vann-Bryan, Founder Director -
Miss Jane will teach Adv. Company Ballet.

At the age of 5, Atwater native Jane Vann-Bryan discovered a love for dance that would become her life's calling. She began studying classical ballet at the age of 9 and, by 16, was selected to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance in London. Following graduation from Atwater High School, she continued her training in Los Angeles before moving to New York City, where she studied at the renowned Joffrey Ballet School and Harkness House for Ballet Arts. By 1974, Jane was performing professionally with Ballet Classique, and in 1976 she joined the company's teaching faculty. Throughout her training and career, she studied with respected institutions including the Royal Academy of Dance, the American Academy of Ballet, Children's Dance Theater, San Francisco Ballet School, and Carmel Ballet Academy. After spending 10 years in New York, Jane returned home to Merced to raise her family. Believing her performing career had come to an end, she soon realized her passion for dance was far from over. In 1985, she opened the doors to Emma Grace Academy of Dance, later renamed Merced Academy of Dance (M.A.D.), with a vision of providing exceptional dance education in a nurturing, family-centered environment. 40 years later, that vision continues to impact generations of dancers throughout the Central Valley. As Founder of Merced Academy of Dance and Artistic Director of Merced Civic Ballet, Jane has dedicated her life to cultivating excellence in dance while mentoring students in confidence, discipline, perseverance, and character. Her influence extends far beyond the studio walls, enriching the arts throughout the community and inspiring generations of dancers, teachers, and families.

A member of The Royal Academy of Dancing, London, England, and an affiliate of the American Academy of Ballet, Jane's philosophy has always been simple: everyone deserves the opportunity to dance, and there is no such thing as "I can't." That belief continues to shape the heart of Merced Academy of Dance today. Jane is married to retired neurologist Dr. Thomas Bryan and is the proud mother of 7 children.

Brianna MacArthur, Director & Teacher - 
Miss Brianna will teach Adv. Intermediate, Jr. Company, Ballet Fit & Adv. Company Ballet

Miss Brianna has been part of the Merced Academy of Dance (M.A.D.) family for over 25 years, growing from student to principal dancer and serving the studio as a teacher, Office Manager, and Assistant Director. She is humbled and honored to now step into the role of Director, partnering alongside Miss Jane to continue the studio's legacy. She earned a BA in Communications & Public Relations with a minor in Dance Education, an M.S. in Mental Health & Wellness with an emphasis in Christian Ministry, and a Post-Master's Certificate in Trauma Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Her educational background allows her to approach dance instruction with technical excellence while fostering the whole-person growth of each student. Miss Brianna also served as a Performing Arts school leader and dance instructor at the University of the Nations, where she mentored students from around the world through dance, leadership, and ministry. She is also a choreographer whose dance film was selected for presentation at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) in 2015.

Miss Brianna believes dance is about far more than technique—it is an opportunity to foster perseverance, integrity, self-awareness, and artistic excellence while nurturing future generations of dancers. She is passionate about helping every dancer reach their fullest potential while cultivating a classroom where students feel challenged, encouraged, and genuinely cared for. She and her husband are grateful to be part of the M.A.D. family and look forward to investing in the lives of students this upcoming year.

Joe Downs, Teacher & Office Manager - 
Teacher Joe will teach Intro to Dance, Beginning Ballet 1, and Beginning Ballet 2.

Joe has been a part of Merced Academy of Dance for 20 years and has been a principal dancer with Merced Civic Ballet for 11 years. Their teaching experience with MAD goes back 12 years, starting as an assistant teacher in 2014. Joe has studied education practices for over 5 years while pursuing their degree and career in Elementary Education, and expresses their passion for teaching by serving as a role model and guide for young dancers. They believe that each child, regardless of their background or personal challenges, can thrive in dance education through consistency and discipline. Joe's goal as an instructor is to help young dancers to find a love for dance and be able to express themselves through it. Joe is excited to spend another year working with Merced Academy of Dance and inspiring young dancers to work hard, have fun, and understand themselves through dance.

Kristen Brown, Teacher & Marketing Manager -
Miss Kristen will teach Intermediate Ballet, Adv. Intermediate Ballet, Jr. Company, and Adv. Company Pointe.

Kristen Brown has been studying ballet since she was three years old and joined the Merced Civic Ballet as a company dancer in 2019. Previously, she performed with the Fresno Ballet Theatre and studied at Northwest Studio for Ballet; most recently, she spent a summer studying at Joffrey Ballet School in their New York City Ballet Summer Intensive and at Whim W’him’s Winter Intensive. Throughout her academic and professional career, Kristen has held various leadership positions that have poised her to confidently lead marketing, sales operations, and design projects. Dance has long been an outlet for Kristen to explore expression and herself, and she hopes to cultivate an uplifting space for her students similarly. Looking ahead, Kristen looks forward to the lessons and laughs each class will undoubtedly bring in the new season!

Lucy Spencer, Teacher - 
Miss Lucy will teach Beginning Ballet 2.

Lucy has been a part of the Merced Academy of Dance family for nearly five years, focusing on ballet, jazz, contemporary, and pointe. Prior to her time at MAD, she danced for nine years at Building Young Leaders performing arts center, studying ballet, jazz, and contemporary, and gaining experience in musical theater, ballroom, cultural dance, tap, hip-hop, and lyrical. As a company dancer with Merced Civic Ballet, Lucy’s featured roles include the Spanish and Chinese Leads in The Nutcracker, the Sapphire Jewel in The Sleeping Beauty, and dancing as a Friend and in the Pas de Six in Coppélia.

Lucy loves working with children and has spent three years as a Merced Academy of Dance teaching assistant, supporting the faculty and demonstrating for the younger classes. Many of her leadership skills come from her lifelong involvement with Singers Company, a show choir that teaches elementary-aged girls confidence through singing and dancing. Lucy has been a part of the program since age three and has co-directed the Merced group since 2024. Currently a junior at Yosemite Valley Charter School, Lucy loves math and runs her own crochet business, LoopyLu's Little Loops, found on Etsy. As an instructor, Lucy looks forward to inspiring her students to become confident both in their dancing and in themselves.

Reese Miller, Teacher - 
Miss Reese will teach Intermediate Ballet.

Reese Miller is a junior in high school and homeschools through Yosemite Valley Charter School. She has been dancing with Merced Academy of Dance since she was five years old and is now a member of their Advanced Company. Having served as a teacher’s assistant for three years, she is thrilled to be joining the MAD faculty as an instructor! She has worked as the Head Choreographer for the past 3 years for a large children’s theatre in productions such as Frozen, Annie, Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat, and more. Throughout her dance journey, Reese has explored jazz, contemporary, musical theater, and hip-hop, though ballet has remained her first love. Some of her favorite roles include Clara and the Spanish Queen in The Nutcracker, along with the Mazurka lead and one of Swanilda’s Friends in Coppélia. Reese also recently received the Melanie scholarship from the MSSM Foundation. Reese loves all things dance and tries to get in as many hours of dance as she possibly can, extending her training by attending multiple summer intensives through Merced Academy of Dance, Central West Ballet, and the BYU Young Ambassadors program in addition to dancing for The Movement Lab. Reese looks forward to inspiring a love of ballet in young dancers as she enters her first year of teaching!

Alex Perez, Teacher - 
Mr. Alex will teach Adult Ballet.

Alex has been studying dance at Merced Academy of Dance for over 25 years. He is a principal member of Merced Civic Ballet, where he has performed numerous leading roles, including the Rat King, lead Spanish dancer, and Rose Cavalier in The Nutcracker, and most recently dancing Pas de Six in Coppélia. Alex has been teaching dance for over 20 years and is thrilled to be joining the staff of Merced Academy of Dance again this year.