Meet the Team
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.
Jamie 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 through Grade 3 ballet, assists in Advanced Foundation, and provides private lessons for children and adults. 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 student teachers and oversees branding and communications. She earned her RAD Certified Ballet Teacher Status and RTS in 2024. Despite a spinal disability, she continues performing en pointe. Elisa is also a mother and values family and legacy. Just as her mother 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. In addition, she danced with the studio’s company at local events and rest homes.
Earlier in her training, Carley joined the National Dance Institute of New Mexico, participating in intensive programs and performing in numerous shows. She later studied contemporary dance at NMSU, performed with the Contemporary Ballet Theatre, and attended five ACDA conferences.
In 2019, Carley earned her MBA from NMSU and now works as a Project Support Specialist. She volunteers with Pride of New Mexico, helping coordinate 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 started classical ballet with Veronica Edwards at Verdi Academy and later studied Modern Dance with Jaime Brennan. From 2012 to 2016, she trained in Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary Dance at Centennial High School.
Throughout college, Noelia performed with the American Southwest Theatre Company and Scaffolding Theatre Company. She was commissioned for multiple community theatre performances and worked with the company Conscience on projects addressing racial injustice. At New Mexico State University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and performed in numerous student, faculty, and guest-artist works.
Noelia also traveled extensively to study and perform with various dance organizations. These included the Bill Evans Dancer’s Institute in Geneva, NY, Noble Motion Dance Company in Conroe, TX, Contratiempo Latin Urban Dance Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, and the American Dance Festival Summer and Winter Intensives in Durham, NC, and New York City. She also choreographed a Gala Award-Winning piece titled Detangling on cultural identity in 2019.
Noelia instructs Modern and Lyrical Dance classes and emphasizes safe, inclusive learning. Her teaching focuses on strength-based learning and encourages students to develop skills they can use both inside and outside the studio. She believes in patience, encouragement, and fostering a lifelong love of dance.