Meet our Staff
Emily Roberson
Emily Roberson Goode is the owner & director of RPA Dance Company. Emily danced under former owners, Debbie Rowe and Juliet Townzen for 10 years. Emily served on Stephen F. Austin State University Dance Team for three years as a game day and competitive dancer. During her time on the team, she earned two national championships in Pom. Whi
Emily Roberson Goode is the owner & director of RPA Dance Company. Emily danced under former owners, Debbie Rowe and Juliet Townzen for 10 years. Emily served on Stephen F. Austin State University Dance Team for three years as a game day and competitive dancer. During her time on the team, she earned two national championships in Pom. While in college, she intensely trained under T.J. Maple. Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2019 and returned to Carthage to teach dance to the East Texas community and will be starting her fifth season with RPADC. She is eager to produce successful dancers for many years to come.
Addison Pope
Addison grew up in Carthage, Texas and has been dancing for over 20 years and teaching dance for 5 years.
Addison has also been intensively studio trained by former RPA owner, Debbie Rowe, and she continued her theatre and dance education at Panola College and Stephen F. Austin State University. While at SFA, she danced on the Repertory D
Addison grew up in Carthage, Texas and has been dancing for over 20 years and teaching dance for 5 years.
Addison has also been intensively studio trained by former RPA owner, Debbie Rowe, and she continued her theatre and dance education at Panola College and Stephen F. Austin State University. While at SFA, she danced on the Repertory Dance Company and was a member of the Dimensions Contemporary Ballet Company out of Nacogdoches, Texas - both directed by Heather Samuelson. Addison graduated with Associate of Science in theatre from Panola and a Bachelor of Science in dance performance and choreography from SFA. Addison now is the assistant drill team director of the Henderson High School Lionette Drill Team where she also is a certified dance educator at HISD. She continues to stay loyal to her hometown studio by planting her passion for dance in RPA students and the Carthage community.
Shannon James
Shannon James has been dancing for 17 years, her first years of dance in Southern California, where she learned the expertise of West Coast and "street style" hip-hop technique and choreography - in both recreational and competitive. She has lived in Texas since 2014 and has worked for RPA since it's opening in 2020. All of Shannon's stud
Shannon James has been dancing for 17 years, her first years of dance in Southern California, where she learned the expertise of West Coast and "street style" hip-hop technique and choreography - in both recreational and competitive. She has lived in Texas since 2014 and has worked for RPA since it's opening in 2020. All of Shannon's studio training originates from multiple studios in San Diego and Riverside County, California, and masterclasses in Dallas and Houston. Shannon has been teaching and choreographing hip-hop for 10 years and enjoys seeing her kids find passion in learning new rhythms, and seeing the art within hip-hop choreography and performance. Being a Carthage High School graduate, Shannon says she is blessed and thankful to be a part of RPADC where she's able to instill her passion into the community's youth.
Abby Burnett
Abby has been dancing for 10 years and teaching dance for 5 years. She has received studio training from Amy Hurst and Emily Goode. Abby served as a lieutenant on her high school drill team in Fort Worth Texas for 2 years, as well as being a member of the Elite Dance Company for 3 years. Abby plans to continue dancing for as long as she c
Abby has been dancing for 10 years and teaching dance for 5 years. She has received studio training from Amy Hurst and Emily Goode. Abby served as a lieutenant on her high school drill team in Fort Worth Texas for 2 years, as well as being a member of the Elite Dance Company for 3 years. Abby plans to continue dancing for as long as she can and share her love and passion for the sport to anyone she meets. Abby has been an instructor at RPA Dance Company for 3 years now and is eager for the many years and memories to come!
Robin Lewis
Robin has been dancing for 9 years and teaching dance for 4 years. She has received studio training from Emily Goode and training in the dance program at Stephen F. Austin. Currently, Robin is enrolled at Tyler Junior College, where she continues to take dance classes and is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree. Robin has been
Robin has been dancing for 9 years and teaching dance for 4 years. She has received studio training from Emily Goode and training in the dance program at Stephen F. Austin. Currently, Robin is enrolled at Tyler Junior College, where she continues to take dance classes and is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree. Robin has been a dedicated instructor at RPA for 4 years and takes great joy in sharing her passion for dance with her students.
Juliet Townzen
Mrs. Juliet Townzen is a homeschool mom of three and veteran to the dance world. She has been dancing since the age of three. Juliet received her first choreography award for innovative choreography at age 13, and began dancing and singing professionally at age 17. She has performed on stages in places such as New York, Florida, Dallas an
Mrs. Juliet Townzen is a homeschool mom of three and veteran to the dance world. She has been dancing since the age of three. Juliet received her first choreography award for innovative choreography at age 13, and began dancing and singing professionally at age 17. She has performed on stages in places such as New York, Florida, Dallas and Houston, Texas and Branson, Missouri. Mrs. Juliet brings to us 24 years of teaching experience with most of them being right here in the RPA building during its years as Rowe Performing Arts. Juliet enjoys sharing her love for the arts with others and has a passion for teaching children of all ages.
Jeriona Williams
Jeriona is going into her senior year of highschool as well as her 12th year of dancing. In addition to attending classes at RPA, she is apart of the Bulldog Belles drill team, where she served as junior co-captain and is going into her last year as captain of the Bulldog Belles. This will be her first time getting the chance to teach and
Jeriona is going into her senior year of highschool as well as her 12th year of dancing. In addition to attending classes at RPA, she is apart of the Bulldog Belles drill team, where she served as junior co-captain and is going into her last year as captain of the Bulldog Belles. This will be her first time getting the chance to teach and help younger people in a studio setting. Jeriona can't wait until the year begins to further learn how much dance impacts others, and instill her love for it onto those around her.
Sh’Jerian Williams
Sh’Jerian is starting her 12th year of dance and this will be her first time teaching a studio class. All of her dance experience has included dancing at Rowe Performing Arts/RPA - as well as dancing for the CHS Bulldog Belles. Sh’Jerian cannot wait to start a new journey of teaching and leading others who love to dance.
Alexa Cruz
Alexa is going into her junior year of high school and her 10th year of dance. Alongside attending and teaching classes at RPA, she is also a Lieutenant on the Bulldog Belles Drill Team. This year will be her first opportunity to connect with her community through dance and inspire the younger generations that dance is not just a fun afte
Alexa is going into her junior year of high school and her 10th year of dance. Alongside attending and teaching classes at RPA, she is also a Lieutenant on the Bulldog Belles Drill Team. This year will be her first opportunity to connect with her community through dance and inspire the younger generations that dance is not just a fun afterschool activity, it’s also a place to make lifelong memories and meet the most amazing teachers and peers who will always root for you.