Rocio Braggiato

Founder/ Artistic Director/ Director of TX Symphonic Ballet
Ballet Mistress- RAD RTS Certified Teacher and Mentor & Silver Swans-
​ABT NTC Certified Pre-Primary-Level 7 & Pas de Deux - PBT- Cuban Methodology Certified

Mrs. Rocio was born in Mexico City and began her classical training at very early stages of her life with her mother Mrs. Paloma Zepeda Novelo. She has studied different expressions of dance such as: Mexican Folklore, Polynesian Dances, Latin Rhythms, Classical Ballet, Lyrical Dances and Choreographic compositions. In 1974, she continued her classical ballet studies with Mrs. Sonia Castaneda in Mexico while Mrs. Elena Jordan was her mentor of Improvisation and Choreographic Composition. In 1981, Mrs. Rocio won a Mexican Government Scholarship through the  "Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes" to continue advance classical studies in the Cuban Methodology at the "Cubanacan Escuela Nacional de Arte de Cuba". During this time she studied under the training of Laura Alonso, Esther Garcia, Raul Bustabad and Denia Bustabad, amongst others. In 1984, Ms. Braggiato was named Artistic Director of "Estudio de Danza Paloma Bernal" and performing company "Arte Total". In the same year Ms. Braggiato became a principal dancer in the "Arte Total" and "Huillacapixtli" folkloric dance group under the direction of Paloma Zepeda de Bernal, this group was highly recognized in promoting Mexican folklore and culture around the United States, South and Central America and Europe. Dancing with "Huillacapixtli" enabled Ms. Braggiato to appear in worldly known T.V. and Radio Shows. In 1987, Ms. Braggiato debuted as a classical professional dancer with "Taller Coreografico de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (TCUNAM)," one of the most important ballet companies in Mexico under the direction of Gloria Contreras. In a short period of time, her dancing career as an Apprentice took a big leap as she was promoted to Principal Dancer for the "Taller Coreografico" in 1985. A 10 year dancing career with "Taller Coreografico de la UNAM" enabled her to perform principal roles, some of which were created specially for her. Ms. Braggiato moved to Houston, Texas in 1996 and immediately started working as choreographer in residence and ballet mistress at Allegro Ballet of Houston. She taught for 17 years under the direction of Glenda Brown , Peggy Giourard and Vanessa Brown. During this period she attended several choreography workshops under scholarships, and co-direct full length Nutcracker productions , contributing to costumes and prop design and established the RAD programme at Allegro Academy of Dance .  She has collaborated with worldly known musicians and composers Eddy Marcano,  Glenn Garrido ;  Francisco "Yiyi" Orozco and Maria Auxiliadora Urbaez and flamenco bailores Antonio Granjero and Maria Fernanda Urbaez in several projects such as: Danza Sinfonica, Venezuela Mia, Carmen, Venezuela Nuestra, America Latina.  She has been invited as a Guest Master Teacher for ballet and Mexican folklore seminars, presenting the Latin American Dance and its influence in the Classical Dance at Kansas State University (KSU). She has an extensive career as a choreographer with many of her works performed regionally and nationally at Regional Dance America, as well as very important venues in the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, and Europe. Ms. Rocio has been a  Royal Academy of Dance Teacher and Mentor since 2002, R.A.D TC 206873. In April 2017, Ms. Rocio completed the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification course taught by the PBT founder, Marie Walton-Mahon. Mrs. Rocio is and ABT Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 6/7 and Pas de Deux of the ABT National Training Curriculum. Mrs. Rocio is also certified in the Cuban Methodology and the Russian Preparatory Grades.

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Coco Braggiato

Director of Intempo Dance Ensemble (Non Profit Community Company)
​Contemporary-Pre Ballet- Musical Theater/ Choreographer

Miss Coco began her classical training at a very young age in the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D) programme with the direction and training of Rocio Braggiato and Catriona Steel. She completed the R.A.D Pre-Primary through Intermediate exams. Miss Coco was a dancer of the  Allegro Ballet of Houston Company under the direction of Glenda Brown, Peggy Girouard Vanessa Brown.  Allegro has given Miss Coco the opportunity to perform at the Regional Dance America Conventions , both  regionally and nationally, as well as the recognized Stars of Tomorrow tour (formally known as Young Tanzsommer tour) in Austria in two fine occasions in 2008 and 2012. While dancing with Allegro , Miss Coco was able to work in different styles of dance with recognized choreographers in their original works , such as Paula Weber, Leslie Jane Pessemier, Kassandra Newberry as well as others. At 7 years of age,  Miss Coco had the opportunity to dance with Domingo Rubio (Taller Choreografico UNAM and co-star in the film "The Company " with Neve Campbell) the internationally known piece "Metamorphosis", choreographed by Rocio Braggiato, that was performed with music from tribal Aztecs origins. Miss Coco  has also had the opportunity to train with highly recognized Master Teachers : John Magnus, Thom Clower, Clauido Munoz, Laura Alonso, Leslie Jane Pessemier and Margo Sappington among others. In 2015 she debuted as emerging choreographer with Intempo Dance Ensemble at the Katy Contemporary Art Museum with the piece named  " LUX -AURUMQUE" with music composed by Eric Whitacare . While in high school, Miss Braggiato was involved in the Katy ISD choir and music programs for more than seven years winning several awards and scholarships as well as she was a member of the "Chorale" and  "Expressions" at Taylor High School choir. Throughout her time in the program, she was selected to choreograph the Choir Pop Show event as a senior (2015) and has continued to come back and choreograph for both Taylor and Paetow Highschools. Along-side Angelica H, she choreographed the James E. Taylor High School Production of Mamma Mia, that was nominated for 3 Tommy Tune awards. In April 2017, Miss Coco completed the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification course taught by the PBT founder Marie Walton-Mahon.  Miss Coco  graduated from the University of Houston in May of 2019 with a B.A. in Dance and a minor in Psychology. Miss Coco is an ABT Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT National Training Curriculum in Pre-Primary through Level 5. Miss Coco recently became certified in the Cuban Methodology and is excited to continue to develop her craft and love for teaching and choreography.

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Debbie Shakespeare

​Director of Special Events & Intempo Dance Sensations (Competition Team)
​Acrobatics-Musical Theater-Leaps & Turns-Jazz-Tap/ Choreographer

Debbie began dancing at the age of three in New York City and has continued to study dance with top choreographers.  Miss Debbie taught and operated her dance studio called Broadway Dancesations in Tampa, Florida for 28 years before moving. With over 35 years teaching experience, her love of dance and passion to teach and inspiring children through a positive environment has made her dance studio a success. She has studied and performed with prominent dancers and choreographers such as Luigi, Joe Tremaine, Savion Glover, Barry Lather, Ben Vereen, Ray Leeper, Jerry Rose, Jackie Loto, Marguerite Derricks, Neil Preston, Toby Jorgeson, Chris Judd, Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, Dan Karaty and Wade Robson.  She is a versatile dancer teaching all styles and techniques of dance. She has studied Kinesiology and Active Isolated Flexibility and is trained in Luigi jazz technique. Luigi is the innovator of the world's first jazz technique . Debbie was a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Swash-Buc-Ler (NFL) for many years, the original Director and Cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Storm (AFL) and the original Director and Cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Lightning Girls (NHL).  She has performed in three Super Bowls, Busch Gardens, Walt Disney World, The Illusionary Artistry of Mark Stevens, senior member of  the Tampa Jazz Dance Company, Latin American Fiesta dancer, Westside Gymnastics Team, creator of Sign-Art Dancers (bringing the deaf community to dance) and YMCA Hip Hop dance video. Her students have won numerous awards for her creative and outstanding choreography and costume designs.  Several of her students have a successful professional dance career.  Her son, Sonny, followed in her footsteps and has won over 250 trophies and several titles in Dance and Martial Arts.  He has gone on tour with choreographers such as Barry Lather, Gus Giordano, Mia Michaels, Starpower National Talent Competition and many more.  He was Dancer of the Year, Florida State Martial Arts Champion and is also a Dance Convention teacher. From Broadway to television commercials, dance videos to Magic and Illusions Act in Las Vegas, set design to productions, Ms. Debbie can do it all. 

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Gisele Hernandez
​Ballet Mistress- Stretch & Tone

Coming Soon...

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Otilia (Oty) Gonzalez Glez
​Ballet Mistress- Variations Coach/ Choreographer

Coming Soon...

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​Jackeline (Jacky) Simmonds
Contemporary-Stretch & Tone-Assisted Stretch/ Choreographer
Coming Soon...

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Makena Kithart
​Tap-Jazz- Hip Hop-Adult Dance Cardio
Makena began dancing at the age of three in California training in all styles. She began competing at the age of five and since then has won several awards, scholarships, and earned many titles throughout her younger years. She was selected and received the opportunity to travel with Celebrity Dance Convention/Competition for two years assisting at conventions and performing on a cruise. Makena has been living in Houston for five years now and currently is living her dream as an NBA dancer for the Houston Rockets. She is also so excited to be working once again with Celebrity Dance, but now as a judge and choreographer. ​

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​Alli Vasquez
Adult Fitness- Piyo-Fully Fit
Alli is an author, motivational speaker, inspirational coach and fitness expert. She is a wife, mom of 4, lover of Jesus and deeply passionate about people. Her focus is spiritual and physical fitness. She has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years. She’s had many roles in the industry: a leader, presenter, master trainer and coach. She was voted one of Houston’s Top Trainers two years in a row. Alli is also a published author, having written a devotional and a book of affirmations. You will feel Alli’s love and fire for teaching, speaking and pouring positivity into people, whether you meet her in a fitness studio or see her on stage speaking at an event. Her energy is undeniable and contagious. Alli is on a God-given mission to plant seeds of possibility, positivity, hope and faith. She believes in moving through this life on a relentless pursuit of greatness. Her vision is to create this movement of strengthening the mind, body and soul so one can live optimally, starting now! Moving forward through the days with positivity and optimism that is contagious, she is committed to being a light to help others discover, unleash and pursue their God-given mission, vision and dreams. She knows the possibilities are endless.  It is Alli’s personal mission to use her words for motivation and actions for inspiration for individuals to live faithfully, expectantly and fully in a mind and body that is optimally performing.

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Intempo Dance Guest Teachers

Alessia Braggiato

Alessia Braggiato began her Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D) ballet training at a very young age of 3 in Houston, Texas under the direction of Rocio Braggiato & Catriona Steel  continued her training under the direction of Rocio Braggiato and Mariette Galindo. She completed her R.A.D examinations from Pre-Primary to Advanced 2 and is currently training for Solo Seal (The Final level of the R.A.D examination programme). At the age of 13, Alessia attended her first Summer Intensive in Oklahoma City Ballet in 2016 for 3 weeks. She worked with Penny Askew and received training from various kinds of Techniques. Through ages of 14-18, she has been accepted to many other summer programs involving dance, choreography and training such as, ABT Austin in 2017, Tanzsommer with Mrs. Glenda and Vanessa Brown in 2018, The Glenda Brown Choreography project, Ruth Page Academy of the Arts in Chicago in 2019 and Burklyn Ballet Theater Summer Intensive in 2021. She worked with Choreographers, emerging and professional, at the Glenda Brown Choreography Project that enhanced her abilities to improvise, choreograph and think of ideas outside the box. Her acrobatic training has been established by Miss Debbie Shakespeare and Miss Alessia has been training under her for about 8 years. Alessia has been under the direction of Miss Debbie to assist and teach the lower-leveled acrobatic classes. Alessia is also part of our Intempo Dance Ensemble and has been in Intempo Performances with the roles from Snow Queen and Arabian in the “Nutcracker” to smaller leading roles such as Rafiki, Grandma Tala, and The Wilting Rose in Intempo’s Disney Spring Shows. She has also assisted in choreographing dances in the productions such as our “Where You Are” dance in Moana, and “The Sprits” in Frozen. In previous competitions, she won Title and the Mrs. Legacy Award in the Legacy Dance Competition with her solo "Time to Rest" choreographed by Miss Angelica, as well as winning 5th overall in the senior category for In10sity Dance competition in 2021. For extracurriculars, Alessia was a member of the James E. Taylor High School Choir program for 4 consecutive years as well as performed in their shows. She performed a contemporary solo choreographed by Miss Coco Braggiato her first year for Taylor Choir’s Christmas Tradition “Madrigal Dinner Festival” and performed her Senior Contemporary Solo at the end of the Year Choir Pop Show. Miss Alessia is excited to continue to be an integral part of Intempo and the Ensemble this year.

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Paloma Bernal

Photo by: Glitch Photography

Mrs. Paloma was born in Mexico City and started her classical studies at a very early age with her mother Paloma Zepeda Novelo. She has studied different forms of dance and choreography styles with very prestigious Mexican and International teachers through the years such as Elena Jordan, Bodil Henkwill, Emma Pulido, Sonia Castaneda, and Carlos Feria along many  . In 1984 Mrs. Bernal became a formal dancer in the "Arte Total" and "Huillacapixtli" folkloric dance group under direction of Paloma Zepeda, de Bernal, this group was highly recognized in promoting Mexican flolkore and culture around the United States, South and Central America and a few European countries. With this "Huillacapiztli" dance group Mrs. Paloma entered into Mexican television for more than 5 years in the T.V. show "Siempre en Domingo" conducted by Raul Valazco and sharing the stage with artists such as Vicente Fernanadez, Ruben Zepeda Novelo y Lucha Villa. In 1988, Ms Bernal became Executive Director of "Estudio de Danza Paloma Bernal", the family dance studio that followed the Royal Academy of Dance programme. The studio 's classes include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Hip-hop as well as traditional Mexican Folklore, Flamenco, Tahitian, and Polynesian styles of dance. The family studio hosted R.A.D. Vocational Graded Exams every year and it is in north Mexico City location. Ms. Paloma was  invited to participate in different T.V. shows to demonstrate some of the disciplines taught in the studio. In 2006, Mrs. Paloma moved to the Untied States and began teaching in Houston in 2007. After more than 30 years teaching, she continues to attend workshops and classes for professional development. When the studio was created in 2012, she was integral part and founder to the project that soon became Intempo Dance. In April 2017, Mrs. Paloma completed the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification course taught by the PBT founder Marie Walton-Mahon. Mrs. Paloma is an ABT Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary though Level 3 of the ABT National Training Curriculum. 

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Holda Torres

Photo by: Glitch Photography

Holda began her training in Mexico City under the direction of Paloma Zepeda Novelo. She began her classical training in the cuban technique and then moved into the Royal Academy of Dance programme. Apart from classical ballet training, Holda is also trained in other dance techniques such as Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Flamenco, Capoeira and Mexican folklore. She has coursed through the R.A.D graded exams from Pre-Primary to Advance 2. Ms. Holda was a dancer with Allegro Ballet of Houston under the direction of Glenda Brown, Peggy Girouard and Vanessa Brown. Allegro gave Holda the opportunity to dance regionally and nationally at the Regional Dance America Convention and internationally with Young Tanzsommer tour in Austria. While dancing with Allegro, Ms Holda received her R.A.D. training with Rocio Braggiato R.A.D Mentor and Catriona Steel.  Through her career Holda has been able to work with recognized choreographers such as Jairo Lastre, Paula Weber, Joe Iste, Rocio Braggiato, and Lauren Garson in their original works in different styles of dance. She has also been able to take classes with Master Teachers such as Laura Alonso, John Magnus, Thom Clower, Jennifer Medina, Paula Weber, Lynn Wallis, Ana Jurado, Albert Cataffi, Leslie Jane Pessemier. Holda has also had the opportunity to perform as a soloist in many original productions such as Venezuela Mia, Venezuela Nuestra and America Latina with DAPA. Holda shared the stage with Angel Laza performing the main roles in the production of "Mi Colombia" in Indianapolis with Colombian Folkloric Ballet (2014). In the spring of 2015 Holda performed the role of "Michaela" in the collaborative production of Carmen along side DAPA dancers, Intempo Dance Ensemble, and Houston Latin American Philharmonic Orchestra. Holda has attended the Glenda Brown Choreography Project at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, on 5 occasions: twice as a dancer and three times as a choreographer. Holda completed her Certificate for Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) Programme in 2014 under the mentor-ship of Rocio Braggiato, and is now a Royal Academy Certified Teacher.. R.A.D TC 797370. In April 2017 Ms Holda completed the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification course taught by the PBT founder Marie Walton-Mahon.Mrs. Holda is an ABT Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT National Training Curriculum.

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Sophia Cadenas

Sophia Cadenas began dancing at the age of 3 following her sisters footsteps in Houston, Texas and continued her training under the Royal Academy of Dance. (R. A. D) programme with the direction and training of Paloma Bernal, Rocio Braggiato and Mariette Galindo. She completed her R.A.D from Grade 1 to Intermediate examinations. She started out only taking ballet and tap, but quickly fell in love with contemporary and jazz. In 2018, Sophia had the opportunity to attend NUVO Dance Convention and take classes with Travis Wall, Mark Meismer, and many other known choreographers. She also traveled to Europe with Intempo Dance Ensemble with the Tanzsommer Stars of Tomorrow program with Mrs. Glenda and Vanessa Brown. Sophia has been under the direction of Miss Debbie to assist and teach lower-leveled jazz and musical theatre classes since she was the age of 12. Sophia has also been apart of our Intempo Dance Ensemble and has been in Intempo Performances with multiple roles in the Nutcracker to smaller leading roles such as Abu, Timon, Cogsworth, and Kristoff in Intempo’s Disney Spring Shows. Miss Sophia was cast as a leading role as Moana in the 2019 Spring Production "Moana". In previous competitions, she received an Elite Gold for her musical theatre solo “Volare” choreographed by Coco Braggiato in Legacy’s Dance competition in 2021. For extracurriculars, Sophia was really involved with theatre in junior high, but more specifically musical theatre. She had the chance to choreograph multiple shows at Seven Lakes Junior High including Captain Louie Jr., High School Musical Jr., Spring Showcase, and The Little Mermaid Jr. In addition, Sophia has been in her high-school drill team, Seven Lakes Sapphires, at Seven Lakes High School for 3 years. With the SLHS Sapphires, Sophia has been able to not only serve as a line member but also as a Social Officer. Her junior year of high school she served as Secretary and Spirit Leader. For senior year she is currently Secretary and New Member Coordinator. The Sapphires received the State Champion Title in 2020 from Crowd Pleasures and in 2021 the Social Officers received the title for State Champions. With Intempo, Sophia has had the opportunity to travel to Disney World and take an audition Workshop where she learned parade dances and trained with Disney Dancers and Artist. 

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Angelica Hix

Angelica Hix’s dance career began at a very young age at the Katy Dance and Gymnastics Studio where her love for dance sparked. Her love continued and Angelica shined in a competitive atmosphere where she placed nationally as not only a company member but also as a soloist. During her time dancing, Angelica was exposed to many different styles and worked with well-versed teachers from many fine dance schools in the Houston area. As she went on to High School, Angelica joined the Synergy Dance Centre family and began teaching her favorite dance styles: tap and hip-hop. In high school, Angelica became a member of the James E. Taylor High School Pacesetters where she was elected the team’s Junior Lieutenant and Lieutenant Colonel. With these titles, she led her team to a national victory and helped create an original spring show called “The Crown, The Wand, and The Cloak”. Besides dancing, Angelica participated in choir and musical theater. After graduating, Angelica attended Texas Tech University where she joined the school’s only hip-hop crew “ Dancer’s With Soul”. She also taught a small group of students through the “East Lubbock Promise Neighborhood” Grant.  Angelica has returned to Katy and spent the past few years teaching at Intempo Dance and training their Ensemble members. Along side Miss Coco, They created a fun program called ACE Dance Workshops to allow dancers and more specifically Drill Team dancers to have exposure and experience to different dance styles in a safe and artistic way. Miss Angelica Graduated the University of Houston as an education major and is teaching 4th grade at a KISD school.  She is very excited to be able to share her love for dance with students in the Katy area and to make amazing memories along the way!

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