Veronica Edwards began classical ballet training at age eight in Chihuahua, México, at the Academia de Ballet Delgar. From 1974 to 1998, she advanced through RAD training and participated in performances including Coppelia, Swan Lake, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty.
She began teaching in 1985 at local ballet academies and, in 1993, opened her own studio, Academia Verdi. In 1996, she earned the RAD Teaching Certificate with Distinction. Her students participated in RAD examinations with international examiners from Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
In 2004, Veronica founded Verdi Academy of Dance in Las Cruces, NM. She directs recitals, choreographs productions, and prepares students for RAD examinations. Veronica continues her professional development through RAD Continuing Professional Development courses, ensuring her teaching stays current with the latest standards in dance education.
Jaime Brennan began formal dance training at age ten. She studied classical ballet and jazz in Colorado and later explored modern dance in El Paso, Texas. During this time, she performed in community productions and toured with The International Dance Theatre’s Holiday Gift Program.
While in high school, Jaime developed a passion for choreography, creating and performing regularly. After moving to Las Cruces, she continued choreography as a member and Vice President of NMSU’s Dancer’s Unlimited. She performed and choreographed for five years in productions and community events, including The Renaissance Faire.
Jaime handles much of the studio’s administrative work, keeping operations running smoothly. She enjoys guiding students in multiple dance styles while fostering their confidence and creativity.
Elisa Orta began ballet at age three and later explored modern, jazz, and hip-hop. Growing up at Verdi Academy, she trained in all RAD levels from Pre-Primary to Advanced 1 and performed in over 30 recitals.
She started assisting in classes at eight and began teaching at eighteen. Elisa teaches Pre-Primary, Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 ballet, assists in Advanced Foundation, and provides private lessons for dancers of all ages. Parents and students appreciate her kind, clear approach and her belief that children should be allowed to be children.
In addition to teaching, Elisa manages the studio’s Leadership Program and oversees branding and communications. She earned her RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) and Registered Teacher Status (RTS) in 2024. Elisa is also a mother and values family and legacy. Just as her mother, Veronica, guides her in carrying the studio forward, she hopes to pass the torch to her daughter if she wishes to continue in dance.
Carley Casey, MBA, began ballet training in 2007 at the Conservatory of Dance in Silver City, NM. Before ballet, she trained in jazz, tap, and musical theater. She performed roles such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen in the studio’s annual productions and with the studio’s company at local events and rest homes.
Early in her training, Carley joined the National Dance Institute of New Mexico (NDI-NM), participating in intensive programs and performing in numerous shows. She later studied contemporary dance at NMSU, performed with the Contemporary Dance Theatre, and attended five ACDA conferences.
In 2019, Carley earned her MBA from NMSU and works full time at NMSU. She volunteers with Pride of New Mexico with Ballet Folklorico Orgullo de Nuevo Mexico, as well as helping coordinate marching band events and performances. Currently, she teaches modern dance to adults at Verdi Academy, sharing her love of movement and her experience in both performance and education.
Noelia De La Rosa began formal dance training at age three, studying at various academies in the Las Cruces area. In 2005, she began classical ballet training with Veronica Edwards at Verdi Academy and later studied Modern Dance with Jaime Brennan. She also trained in Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary Dance throughout high school.
At New Mexico State University, Noelia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and performed in numerous student, faculty, and guest artist works. She has also performed with the American Southwest Theatre Company and Scaffolding Theatre Company and has collaborated on community-based artistic projects throughout the region.
In addition to her university training, Noelia has studied with organizations across the United States, including Noble Motion Dance Company, Contratiempo Latin Urban Dance Theatre, the Bill Evans Dance Company, and the American Dance Festival. In 2019, she choreographed the Gala Award-Winning work Detangling, which explored themes of cultural identity.
Noelia teaches Modern and Lyrical Dance at Verdi Academy of Dance. She emphasizes safe, inclusive instruction and encourages students to develop confidence, creativity, and skills they can carry beyond the studio.
Ariela Guerrero began her dance journey at Verdi Dance Academy in August 2017, studying ballet before expanding her training to include Modern and Lyrical dance. Her dedication, growth, and passion for teaching led her to become an Assistant Teacher for the Pre-Primary and Melody A-1 classes in the 2025-2026 dance seasons.
In Fall 2026, Ariela will advance to the position of Head Teacher for the Primary class while continuing her role as Assistant Teacher for the Melody A-1 class. She is honored to share her love of dance with the next generation of students and remains committed to fostering a positive and inspiring learning environment
Candace Hayden is our incoming Progressing Ballet Technique instructor
Julia Mendoza began dancing at the age of three and began training with Veronica Edwards at the age of four. She has trained in RAD levels from Pre-Primary to Advanced I. Julia began assisting ballet classes at the age of 12 and began teaching at 19. She taught Lyrical and Hip-Hop at Verdi Academy of Dance from 2020-2021.
Julia graduated from NMSU with a major in Digital Filmmaking with a minor in Dance. She trained in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, modern, and hip-hop. Julia was a part of NMSU’s contemporary and hip-hop company where she performed in many student, faculty, and guest artist works. While at NMSU, she was able to explore choreographing for film and created a dance film as her senior thesis. In addition to her other training, Julia has also trained and performed with Royal Academy of Dance, Staib Dance, and Dark Circles Contemporary Dance at their summer intensives. She has also performed in Mike Esperanza’s work.
Julia also graduated graduate school and is a Licensed Master of Social Work. Her diverse background in both the creative arts and mental health informs her empathetic and holistic approach to working with individuals and communities. She strives to create a safe environment where dancers can explore movement freely and develop their artistry that will aide them in all genres of dance and in life.