Artistry by Davida
A Journey from Studio to Movement
Our Story
Artistry by Davida has been a passion-driven journey since 1998, built on the foundation of making dance accessible to anyone with the desire to learn. With a fearless approach to choreography, Ms. Davida ("Ms. D") creates routines for schools, studios, groups, and independent dancers upon request.
With over 45 years of dance experience, Ms. D has immersed herself in the dance world—attending hundreds of conventions and competitions, learning from renowned instructors like Shella Staller and other nationally recognized, award-winning choreographers. Known for her creative vision and innovative approach, she continuously pushes the boundaries of dance education.
Ms. D began her career at a local dance studio, focusing primarily on recreational dance. Over time, her passion for competitive dance grew as she gained firsthand experience at regional and national competitions. This deeper understanding led her to open her own studio in 2000, originally named Diva Dance Illusion, later evolving into D2I The Company and ultimately, Young Artistry Movement (YAM).
Artistry by Davida is more than just dance instruction—it’s a process. Every dancer is met at their level and taught to trust the journey, refine their skills, and maximize their potential.
The program is uniquely designed to support:
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Homeschooled dancers looking for structured training
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Children needing extra attention, love, and care
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Independent dancers unaffiliated with a studio but eager to grow
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Athletes (including football players) seeking agility, balance, and endurance training
Dancers in this program may choose to compete or focus solely on skill development. Regardless of their path, each student learns discipline, structure, endurance, and goal setting—celebrating every milestone along the way.
Meet
The Team
At the heart of ABD is a passionate group of educators and creatives who lead with vision, talent, and dedication. These individuals bring years of training, performance, and teaching experience to guide, inspire, and elevate every artist who walks through our doors. Their leadership sets the tone for excellence, growth, and community within the studio.
Davida High
Company Director
Davida High began her dance journey at the age of three with basic training in ballet, tap, and jazz at a local dance school. She later attended Dance Educators of America, the Texas Association of Teachers of Dance, and the United States Gymnastics Association.
Her passion for teaching emerged at just 12 years old when she began student-teaching acrobatics at a local college. Over the years, she has trained under the tutelage of renowned artists such as Adam Parson, Keith Clifton, Mercedes Ellington, Paula Abdul, Abstrak, and many others.
Davida has also served as a competitive dance judge for over 20 years with Talent On Parade LLC and Triumph National Talent LLC. Even after 48 years in the field, she continues to dance and consistently receives recognition as an Artistic Director, earning choreography awards and scholarships. She remains committed to professional development by attending conventions such as Rhee Gold’s DanceLife.
In addition to her dance accomplishments, Davida directed the Texarkana Chapter of the Today's Girl Pageant system, where she trained several contestants who went on to win regional and national titles. She has also served on the prep staff for the Miss America pageant system, coaching titleholders such as Miss Outstanding Teen Texarkana, National Miss Today's Girl, National Teen Today's Girl, Miss Texarkana Teen, Miss Texarkana, Junior Miss Texarkana, and Miss Magnolia.
Rachel Schaffer
Production Assistant
Rachel Schaeffer serves as the Front-End Engineer, playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of artists throughout the studio. She oversees all travel arrangements and hospitality needs, ensuring that every artist is well cared for from arrival to departure.
In addition to her logistical responsibilities, Rachel expertly manages traffic flow during arrival and dismissal, helping to maintain a safe and organized environment for everyone on site. Her attention to detail, calm presence, and behind-the-scenes coordination keep the studio running like clockwork.
Elizabeth Standridge
Company Assistant
Elizabeth Standridge has been an essential part of the YAM family for the past 8 years. As a dedicated assistant, she plays a key role in both teaching and supporting the success of our company classes and artists.
Elizabeth currently teaches our Kinder classes and Intermediate company groups, bringing structure, creativity, and energy to every session. She also serves as our in-house seamstress, helping ensure every costume is performance-ready, and acts as our second front-end manager, assisting with studio flow and operations.
From classroom support to behind-the-scenes details, Liz's passion, versatility, and strong work ethic make her a true asset to our team.
Kylah Holt
Company Assistant
Kylah Holt is in her second year as a valued YAM assistant, bringing fresh energy and a deep love for dance to our team. She leads our Intro to Hip Hop and Children's Work classes, where her creativity and positive spirit shine through in every lesson.
Kylah comes to us from a local studio under the direction of Angela Davis, where she trained extensively in a wide range of dance styles. Her well-rounded background includes years of study in all genres of dance through studio training, conventions, competitions, and collegiate-level instruction at Texas Woman’s University (TWU).
Her strong foundation, combined with her passion for working with young dancers, makes her a dynamic and inspiring presence in the classroom.
Meet Our Additional Instructors
In addition to our core faculty, we’re proud to have a talented group of instructors who bring diverse training, professional experience, and a passion for the arts. Each member plays a unique role in shaping our dancers through specialty classes, mentorship, and creative leadership.
Catheryne Taylor
Ballet & Pointe
Ballet and Pointe for ages 13 and up will be primarily led by Catheryne Taylor. She began her training at a local studio under the direction of Traci Walker. At age 13, she shifted her focus to a more intensive artistic path, studying ballet under Ms. D.
Catheryne later trained with Ballet Magnificat and continued her education at Baylor University, where she studied Physical Therapy and was a member of the Baylor Arts and Dance Team.
Amiya Park
Jazz
Jazz will be taught by former D2i and Young Artistry Movement artist Amiya Park. She has twice trained at Step It Up LA, studying under Hannah Steadman and Kelly Volz.
Amiya is known for her commitment to character-driven choreography and has been recognized for both her creativity and leadership. A graduate of Broken Bow High School, where she cheered from 6th through 12th grade, she now teaches throughout the region.
In addition to her studio work, Amiya serves as an assistant teacher with Triumph National Talent and Double Take Dance Convention.
More Ways to Shine
Classes Continued
Contemporary, Lyrical & Acro
The basics of Contemporary, Lyrical, and Acro will be primarily taught by our staff. As artists progress to the intermediate level, instruction will be led by Ms. D.
Tap & Clogging
Tap and clogging are available through private lessons.
Pageant Coaching
Pageant coaching is offered by Jordan High and Johnnie High. Together, they form a dynamic team dedicated to helping pageant artists succeed.
The "Clean" Team
Instructors
Danieya High
Danieya High is a D2I The Company artist under the direction of Davida High. Her extensive background includes cheering for Pleasant Grove and Texas High from grades 9–12, where she served as Varsity Cheer Captain and earned All-American Cheer honors through UDA. She also performed as a Texas Legends Dancer and currently serves as the junior high and varsity cheer coach at Prince of Peace in Plano. Danieya will graduate with a degree in Early Childhood Education and has already accepted a position as a Pre-K 4 teacher at Prince of Peace.
Constance Brown
Constance Brown is also a former D2I The Company artist. She was a three-year member of the Texas High Steppers drill team, where she earned multiple accolades, including All-American Dancer. Constance trained in dance under Ms. D and studied clogging under Angie [Last Name]. She holds a degree in Mass Communications from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Currently, she serves as the assistant cheer coach at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Plano, Texas.
Phynice Smith
Phynice Smith, a graduate of D2I The Company, earned a degree in Biology from Texas Southern University. She previously danced for the Liberty-Eylau drill team and served as a senior line officer and choreographer for the Texas State dance team. Phynice is also a signed model with over five years of experience and was the winner of the Barbasol Talent Competition at Sea. She currently resides in Los Angeles and is studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Stormy King
Stormy King is a former D2I The Company artist and now owns her own studio in Canton, Texas. She is widely recognized for her imaginative choreography and compassionate approach to teaching, earning awards for both her creative and leadership contributions to the dance community.
