A Missouri Native, Teresa Simpson first began dancing as a means to combat weak leg muscles. Today, her training covers a broad range of dance techniques including classical ballet, modern, and improvisation. Prior to earning a B.F.A. in dance performance at Missouri State University, Teresa studied with the St. Louis Ballet School performing in the company’s production of The Nutcracker and participating in student workshops. While in college, Teresa toured with Missouri State’s community outreach dance company, Inertia; performed in several faculty, student, and guest choreographer works; and presented choreography at the American College Dance Festival. After graduating summa cum laude in 2008, Teresa taught, choreographed, and helped bring to life a performing arts after school program at the Academy of Performing Arts in Nashville, TN. During her time in Tennessee she continued her own training with Nashville Ballet and worked as a Montessori teacher, earning an International Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in 2010 and incorporating basic creative movement into a prepared environment Montessori curriculum. After returning to Missouri, Teresa resumed teaching dance joining the staff at Springfield Ballet, Springfield Little Theatre, and Doling Family Center.