Our Team
Meet the Amazing DMDS Teachers and Owners
Jennifer Tratree
Owner & Creative Director
Jennifer Tratree, affectionately known as Ms. Jenn, has been a pillar of the studio since its' founding in 1983 in Irving, Texas. She trained under Ms. Jill Rejeanne, embracing every role from dancing and competing to student teaching, office management, and eventually becoming a dedicated teacher and choreographer for all ages. In 2001, she seized the opportunity of a lifetime, purchasing the studio alongside Ms. Sandi, Ms. Debbie, and Ms. Kristi.
Ms. Jenn's expertise extends beyond the studio walls. She has collaborated with numerous private and public schools, providing drill team/officer choreography, leading fitness programs, and serving as a sought-after judge for various competitions and tryouts. Every summer, she also co-runs a popular cheer and dance camp for IGCA. Renowned for her entertaining and award-winning choreography, costumes, and overall performance, Ms. Jenn has helped countless students achieve prestigious national titles.
Her three sons all grew up dancing and competing at the studio, forging their own successful paths. Her son, Noah, is a professional dancer who has danced on tours, movies, music videos, award shows and is currently on a residency in Las Vegas. Nash is a middle school teacher and football, basketball and track coach. Nike is a personal trainer, MMA fighter, and still dances on the side!
Kristi Miller
Owner & Creative Director
Kristi Miller has been sharing the joy of movement and dance for over four decades. As an owner of DMDS, Kristi brings a wealth of experience — from her days as a premier competitive dancer and All-American Cheerleader to her 32-year tenure as a master teacher. Her passion lies in the "whole student" journey, watching dancers grow from their very first class into confident adults. She is committed to continuing the DMDS legend, mentoring students from their first recreational steps to elite-level competition.
As an award-winning choreographer and educator, Kristi’s work has earned national recognition, including traveling to New York City to support students on scholarship for her original choreography. Trained by the nation’s leading choreographers and as a frequent judge for regional tryouts, Kristi blends technical precision with a "warm-environment" approach.
Kristi lives by the mantra, "Keep on Dancing," a reminder to find rhythm and joy through all of life's challenges and triumphs. When she isn't in the studio or cheering for her students from the wings, Kristi treasures her time with family, especially when she is on the sidelines supporting her three daughters.
Sandi Parker
Owner & Business Director
A foundational part of Dance Machines since its 1983 debut in Irving, Texas, Sandi Parker has made dance the heartbeat of her life for nearly five decades. Mentored by Ms. Jill Rejeanne, Sandi literally grew up within the studio walls, evolving from a dedicated competitor into a cherished instructor.
Today, Sandi carries the studio’s mission forward as a co-owner with Ms. Jenn, Ms. Kristi, and Ms. Debbie. Balancing her role behind the scenes with her love for teaching, she is a constant presence in the classroom, dedicated to helping every student grow as both a dancer and an individual.
For Sandi, the ultimate reward remains unchanged: witnessing her students discover the same transformative joy of movement that has fueled her own life’s work. When she isn’t inspiring dancers at the studio, she is devoted to her family, proudly cheering on her grandchildren in all their milestones and achievements.
Debbie Strawn
Owner & Business Director
Debbie has dedicated nearly her entire life to the love of dance, starting her incredible journey 46 years ago.
Debbie had the invaluable opportunity to be mentored by one of the best in the business, Ms. Jill Rejeanne, and has been a part of Dance Machines since the very beginning. Over the last 43 years, she has embraced many roles, from competing as a dancer to becoming a cherished teacher. As an instructor, Debbie’s greatest joy is sharing her passion, and nothing is more rewarding than seeing the excitement and love of movement on her students’ faces.
Alongside Jennifer Tratree, Kristi Miller, and Sandi Parker, Debbie continues to uphold the studio's legacy as one of the dedicated owners of Dance Machines.
When she isn't in the studio inspiring the next generation, Debbie loves spending time with her family. You might also find Debbie cheering on her favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, or soaking up the magic of her favorite city, New York City, especially during the festive holiday season.
Candi Taylor-Waugh
Teacher
From the age of two, Candi began her dance journey at our studio and has remained passionately rooted in the art ever since. She later pursued higher education at Texas Christian University, where she studied dance and education, blending her love of movement with a strong teaching foundation.
Over the years, Candi has had the privilege of working with various dance and cheer groups throughout the state of Texas, and she has served as an adjudicator for American Dance/Drill Team School - bringing the insight and discipline of competition dance into her teaching.
When she's not in the studio, Candi treasures time with her husband John and their two daughters, both of whom are growing up dancing right alongside her at Dance Machines. She also loves travelling to Disney and brining the same sense of joy and wonder into everything she guides in the studio.
Candi brings to the classroom not just technique and experience, but a lifelong dedication to dance, community, and nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Christina Rosen
Teacher
Christina Parker Rosen has been part of the Dance Machines family since childhood and remained on the Dance Crew through her senior year of high school. After graduating, she became a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader where she also served as a group leader.
During her professional career, Christina performed with artists such as Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow, Destiny’s Child, Neal McCoy, and more. She was selected as a member of the DCC traveling Show Group, representing the organization through community appearances and international USO tours, performing for troops in locations including Japan, Korea, Germany, China, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.
Christina has also worked in television, radio, and film, including appearances on CMT’s Making the Team, Dancing with the Stars, and more, as well as dancing in Disney’s Invincible and Tekken.
Today, Christina is a Drill Team Director in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and serves as a competition choreographer for Dance Machines, while also teaching ballet and technique. She is married and a proud mom of two. Christina is passionate about helping dancers grow in confidence, skill, and performance excellence.
Maddie Kime
Teacher
Maddie has been dancing for 22 years, starting at Dance Machines at the age of four. This year marks her ninth year as a dance teacher. She most enjoys teaching in hip hop, contemporary, and jazz—styles that allow her to blend strong technical foundations with creativity and expression.
In high school, Maddie served as captain of her drill team, an experience that strengthened her leadership skills and deepened her passion for choreography and performance. Teaching continues to be a fulfilling creative outlet for her, but what she values most are the relationships she builds with her students.
Maddie strives to inspire her dancers to challenge themselves and reach beyond their comfort zones. She often recalls a comment made from a former coach who once said, “You’re always the first to try something new in practice—but it’s never right!” Though she was not sure it was meant as a compliment, Madeline embraced it as a reminder that growth begins with the courage to try.
Her goal as an instructor is to help each dancer gain confidence, take creative risks, and discover their potential— both on and off the stage. She believes in every dancer she teaches and is passionate about helping them learn to believe in themselves
Brianna Eason
Teacher
Brianna Eason has been a part of the Dance Machines family since 2013, where she grew up training and competing in a variety of dance styles. Her passion for dance and performance led her to pursue a degree in Dance Education from Texas Woman’s University, where she graduated in 2022.
Brianna currently serves as the Assistant Drill Team Director for the Keller Central Lightning Dancers, a position she has proudly held for the past two years. She loves sharing her knowledge and creativity with her students, developing choreography that blends technique, artistry, and individuality.
With experience across multiple genres and a lifelong dedication to dance, Brianna is excited to continue inspiring the next generation of dancers at Dance Machines Dance Studio