Mezclada Summer Intensive 26'

Meet your instructors

Joel Aguilera

Joel Aguilera is a Houston-based choreographer, instructor, and performer with an MFA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a BFA in Dance from the University of Houston. He has performed nationally and internationally, with credits in Albania, Montenegro, France, and New York. Joel has worked alongside Grammy Award–winning artists including Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.

Joel currently serves as an adjunct professor, teaching Hip Hop at the University of Houston and San Jacinto College, in addition to teaching at studios across the Greater Houston area. Aguilera has choreographed works for University of Houston, Lamar University, Principia College, San Jacinto College, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Houston Community College, Westside High School, and Bailando Dance Festival. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Mezclada Dance Company, where he has presented work in Houston, New York, Milwaukee, Austin, and St. Louis. Aguilera is a current New/Now Artist under Performing Arts Houston for the 25-26 season.

Lizzy Aguilera

Lizzy Aguilera received her BFA in Dance from the University of Houston and her MFA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She is a principal dancer with Mezclada Dance Company and serves as the company’s Assistant Director alongside her husband, Joel Aguilera. Together, they have choreographed and led residencies at several colleges, including Principia College and Lamar University. Lizzy also teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston.

As a performer, Lizzy has guest danced with companies such as Six Degrees, NobleMotion, Psophonia, and Dance Houston. As an educator, she teaches a wide range of styles, specializing in Jazz, Contemporary, and Acrobatics. She is the Assistant Artistic Director of her family-owned studio, Dayton Academy of Dance, and previously directed the dance program at Crosby Middle School. Lizzy is highly experienced in both studio and drill team choreography, always emphasizing strong technique and a solid classical foundation across all platforms.

Sonia Engman

Sonia Engman is a choreographer, performer, educator and certified personal trainer. Modern dance, ballet, and street and styles are the basis of her movement knowledge. Sonia receivedher B. A. in Dance and Arts Management in 2016 from the University of New Mexico. She has performed in productions like the Young Choreographer’s Showcase in NYC, in principle roles in productions like Shira Greenberg’s Nutcracker on the Rocks, Amazon Prime’s Nutcracker Party and ensemble work including Hannibal, a multidisciplinary work in the Alps of Austria. Sonia has taught dance and set work in KC, TX, NM, MT, AZ, and MO.

Sonia relocated to Houston in 2019 to begin an adventure in search of opportunity and growth. Sonia is a principal dancer with Mezclada Dance Company. Sonia is also starting her second season as a company member with Open Dance Project. She is also a  part of Hip Hop and House dance crews, Assorted Flavas and The Lockin’ Keez..

Featuring guest artists from Houston and beyond! More Instructor announcements coming soon!

  • Hands down one of the best intensives I’ve done. The classes were fun but still pushed me hard, and the vibes were unmatched!

    - Intensive Pre Pro Student

  • This was my favorite dance experience ever! The teachers were amazing and the classes were fun but also challenging. I made new friends and didn’t want it to end!

    - Intensive Youth Student

  • Being exposed to so many styles and perspectives helped me grow not just as a dancer, but as an artist

    - Intensive Pro Student