Janet began her training under the direction of Virgie Lee Emmons of Houston, TX at the age of five. Virgie instilled a love of dance in her that continues to this day. She continued dancing through her high school years and attended college at Sam Houston State University where she studied for a degree in dance. Janet taught classes at many area studios, but predominately at Paula Evelo's Dance Studio. She eventually became co-director of the studio and was later given the opportunity to carry on Paula's traditions in a studio of her own, Living Lines Dance Center. Mrs. Thompson continues to take classes in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pilates, and Yoga all over Houston. Janet has attended many dance workshops over the years where she's studied under professionals from all over the country. With over 35 years of teaching, Janet has the knowledge and experience to provide a quality dance education. More than anything, her love for dance has been a driving force in her life and has brought years of joy. This is what she hopes to pass on to her students.
Courtney has been dancing since she was four years old and has been a dance instructor since she was fifteen. Courtney was a competitive dancer for Village Dance Center, Dream Dance Center and Dance Central LLC. After graduating from Cypress Falls High School, Courtney taught dance part time while pursuing a bachelor's degree in Education at the University of Houston specializing in Secondary Science. She was also a member of Planet Funk's Pro Team under the direction of Katrina Hansen and Shawn Welling. Courtney is trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop. She also very much enjoys teaching ballet and tap combo classes for ages 3 - 9 although she is experienced in all levels of dance ability. Courtney taught middle school science for 9 years and is currently teaching middle school Art. Courtney loves being around children and enriching her their minds and talent while provided a comfortable space to be themselves. In her free time, you can find her drawing, taking dance classes of her own, or playing pickleball with her husband.
Mandy began dancing at the age of two and a half at Paul Evelo’s Dance Studio in Houston where she studied tap, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, pointe and lyrical with Paula Evelo and Miss Janet for over 16 years. After graduating from Langham Creek High School, Mandy attended Sam Houston State University where she received a BFA in Theater Arts and a minor in History. While at Sam, Mandy studied Ballet with Jonathan Charles and Dana Nicolay. Around Houston, Mandy has performed onstage with Texas Rep Theatre, Mainstreet Theatre, Stageworks, Country Playhouse, Upstage Theater, Playhouse 1960, Cone Man Running and many others. Most recently Mandy can be found playing her most exciting role yet, mother to her baby girl Rebecca!
Katie began dancing when she was nine years old and has been passionate about dance ever since. She danced for eight years, five of which were at Living Lines Dance Center and three with the Jersey Village Gold Dusters. During her time with the Gold Dusters, Katie served on the officer line for two years, first as Jr. Lieutenant in her junior year, and then as Colonel in her senior year, showcasing her leadership and choreography skills. After graduating from Jersey Village High School in 2020, Katie attended Texas A&M University, where she majored in Chemistry and graduated this past spring. Katie is now thrilled to share her love for dance with the next generation. She is excited to teach dance because she believes in the power of dance to build confidence, discipline, and creativity in young students. Her goal is to inspire and guide young dancers to discover their passion and to cultivate a lifelong love for the art of dance.
Brieatna started her dance career when she was 4 years old and has loved it ever since. She danced for fourteen years, ten years at Living Lines dance Center and four years at Cypress Woods High school for their Hola and Step Team. Brieatna was a choreographer for Hola for three years and a vice president for one year. After graduating from Cypress Woods High school, Brieatna started working at Primrose school of Bridgeland with ages as young as Infants to as old as Pre-K, were she fell in love more with children. She has learned classroom management, leadership skills and patience with young children. She also went to Pima medical institute where she recently graduated as a Medical Assistant. Brieatna is very excited to continue her passion of dance and her love for kids. Her goal is to inspire little ones and help them build confidence they never knew they had and make them grow a love for dancing.
Dianna is a retired public school teacher. She taught for 38 years in middle school and high school Family and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics), U.S. History and Texas History. Two of those years, she taught in Papua New Guinea. All were very interesting experiences.
Dianna received a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from Sam Houston State University in Homemaking, a teaching minor in history and a Master of Library Science from the University of North Texas.
Annie began her career as a dance studio dog after being rescued off the streets of Northeast Houston by Jonathan Vacek. Annie has since almost died a couple of times. A strict diet and a lot of love has helped her through all that business. Speaking of business, as studio dog, she usually just makes people smile with her irresistable charm, but she is also instrumental in keeping the Living Lines Dance Center owner company. Annie has been trained to use the restroom outside, to alert everyone when someone new enters the room, and keep quiet when official business is in progress. Annie is a treasure; she is quite possibly worth her weight in gold.
"I feel so fortunate to have been introduced to Living Lines Dance Center and Janet Thompson. I thoroughly enjoy the adult tap class, and most recently, the cardio class. Janet has an excellent facility and she is a very dedicated and caring owner/teacher. She is truly passionate about dancing and it shows in all that she does. Janet has wonderful staff that also takes pride in their instruction and their students. I was so impressed with last year's recital and every ones' enthusiasm and joy in all their dances. Janet and her staff are true role models and are making a positive difference in all they do."
-Helen Fox
"We have been with Living Lines Dance Center for more than 2 years now. My 10 year old daughter loves coming to class. She likes to talk about her dance class and always wants to practice. We have seen students of the same age as my daughter who started since kindergarten and they dance remarkably and passionately. We are grateful that the music that they use for student dances are edited reflecting their ages. Thanks to Ms. Janet, the owner and teacher, the staff is friendly and the teachers are wonderful. They do an incredible job with the children. We are so glad that we found this place."
- Mrs. E.D.
"Living Lines has provided a secure social and dance environment that has allowed our daughters to grow as both dancers and young ladies."
- Lindsey and Stacie Everson
Living Lines Dance Center offers classes in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Acrobatics, Hip-Hop, Pilates, Yoga, and Zumba. Beginner - Advanced • Ages 3 - Adult.
"A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well balanced mind, fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living."
- Joseph Pilates