Nina began her dance journey at the Fort Wayne School of Dance at age 3 and graduated from Indiana University Fort Wayne in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies, minoring in psychology and dance. She was a member of the Fort Wayne Dance Collective touring company and taught various dance styles at Pure Dance Works.
From 2011 to 2017, Nina trained with Mikautadze Dance Theatre, advancing to principal dancer. With a background in social work, she served as a Rehabilitation Service Provider III at The Bowen Center for three years.
As the Executive Director of Leap of Joy, Nina is committed to enriching children’s lives through the arts. She aims to expand PreK-6th grade programming, integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) into dance and theatre curricula. In 2022, she received the Andy Roddick LATT Frontline Staff Award for her dedication to the community. Through her efforts, Nina hopes to foster a vibrant arts community that nurtures the next generation of artists and leaders.
Kayur is a multidisciplinary teaching artist, dancer, and wellness educator who believes movement is one of our first and most natural ways of learning and connecting. With a background in dance, yoga, spoken word, and creative education, Kayur brings a joyful, grounded presence to every space they enter—inviting students to move, imagine, and express themselves with confidence.
Through Leap of Joy, Kayur works with students from PreK through elementary school, creating engaging classes that blend rhythm, storytelling, mindfulness, and play. Their teaching style centers inclusivity, emotional awareness, and creative exploration, meeting students where they are and encouraging them to discover their own unique voices. Whether leading an energetic dance session or a calming movement and breath experience, Kayur focuses on building trust, community, and a genuine love of learning.
Kayur also works closely with educators, serving as a facilitator for creative teaching workshops with organizations such as Paramount Theatre, Austin Bat Cave, and MINDPOP. In partnership with these organizations, they support Austin ISD teachers through professional development experiences that emphasize creativity, embodiment, and arts integration. Kayur’s work with teachers is rooted in the belief that when educators feel inspired and supported, that energy naturally carries into their classrooms.
Beyond teaching, Kayur is an art director and community organizer who sees movement as a powerful tool for connection, leadership, and well-being. They believe every child holds a spark of creativity worth nurturing—and that joy is something we can practice together.
Kayur is grateful to be part of the Leap of Joy teaching community and is dedicated to creating spaces where students and educators feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow.
For Rebecca Wood, the best part of the day is when her students first see her. “Any time one of my students gets excited to see me,” she says, “it allows me to be rejuvenated in their energy and know that I’m making a positive impact.” As a teacher of dance at Leap of Joy, Rebecca helps create a safe, inspiring place for deserving youth to learn the magic of performance.
Rebecca’s passion for the arts has inspired her throughout her career. As a teacher, she works to empower her students’ imaginations, giving them the space and support they need to thrive. She feels privileged to watch students learn, grow, and become extraordinary people.
Rebecca’s advice to other OST professionals is simple: “Give from your heart and believe in what you’re doing.” Rebecca has done just that at Leap of Joy, bringing fun, excitement, and beauty to children in need.
With over 15 years of dancing experience, I began my journey on my middle and high school drill team, complemented by studio classes throughout those formative years. My passion for dance led me to take classes at Austin Community College, where I had the honor of performing at the ACDA alongside other talented dancers. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Dance at Texas State University, with aspirations to teach and inspire future generations of dancers.
Born and raised in Texas, M. Bullock trained at Austin Community College and continued their dance education at the American Dance Festival Summer Program. Their movement is influenced by modern dance, hip hop, and ballet, shaping a versatile and grounded approach to both performance and teaching. They approach dance with curiosity and openness, continually evolving as both an artist and educator. As a teacher, M. uses an iterative and adaptable approach, meeting students where they are and fostering a supportive environment for growth, creativity, and confidence through movement. With the belief that everyone can find something meaningful in dance, M. hopes to continue inspiring others while being inspired along the way.
Cornelia Bempoh is originally from Newark, Delaware and is currently a Senior at Texas State currently pursuing a BFA in Dance Studies with minors in Theatre and Music. This is her second year in the company, and she started dancing in her church when she was in 5th grade, continued on to continue dancing at her school on her high school dance team, and has never stopped since. While she’s always had a love for dance, she has also loved musical theatre and writing just as much, and can’t wait to grow in these creative outlets as well!