Cecilia Proeger grew up in the border town of Laredo, Tx and focused on ballet (thanks mom!), sprinkled with any other activity and dance she could get into. She spent her teenage summers training at Boston Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet, and later spent a summer at the Alvin Ailey American Dance School. Although she did not study dance at UT, Ceci spent all of her time in that department. Upon graduating she danced professionally with Andrea Ariel Dance Theater, Spank Dance Company, Sharir+Bustamante Dance Works, and Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Co. After a 10 year hiatus, including having 3 kids and moving to South Africa for 4 years, she returned to perform in Andrea Ariel’s 30th anniversary show, along with some house concerts here and there. Ceci is thrilled to work with CYT in building up the next generation of performers! Many thanks to the Novaks' investment in Austin theater!

Gelsey Mahanes is a passionate dance educator, choreographer, and Radio City Rockette alumna dedicated to inspiring young performers and building the next generation of joyful artists. A native Austinite, Gelsey began her dance training at Dancers Workshop. She continued her studies at Southern Methodist University before training at the prestigious Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, California while co-founding a dance ministry at her church that continues today. Gelsey enjoyed a professional performing career in Los Angeles and New York for many years, appearing in television, film, industrials, and stage productions, including Disneyland's 75th Anniversary with Julie Andrews and the first live show at Disney’s California Adventure. As a Radio City Rockette and spokeswoman, she toured and performed live in over 1,000 shows at Radio City Music Hall for more than 6 million people. She appeared on The Today Show, Oprah, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, and NBC, as well as in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Her commercial credits include national spots for Macy’s, M&M’s, and ESPN, among others. Today, Gelsey serves as Director of Dancers Workshop Performance Team, where she teaches tap, musical theater, ballet, jazz, and Pilates to students of all ages and levels. She also travels as a professional dance adjudicator with national dance competitions and Show Director for Encore Performing Arts. With a focus on technical excellence and personal growth, Gelsey helps dancers develop not only artistry and skill but also lasting confidence, discipline, and a love for performance.