Below is a short Bio of
each staff member at Glenda's Dance Center.
Ms. Glenda Langford,
Owner /
Instructor
Glenda started dancing
at the age of three. She has a degree in Modern Dance
from the Florida School of the Arts. Along with
performing in many productions, plays and musicals, she
has won numerous competitions in both dance and
cheerleading. She has also been a judge for various
dance competitions. In 1989, Glenda performed in NBC’s
Grand Opening Special for MGM Studios. Previously
working as a dancer for Walt Disney World, most
recently, Glenda entertained with many of her students
as "guest talent" in Walt Disney World. Glenda trained
for 17 years in various studios, colleges and workshops.
In 30+ years of teaching, 30 of those have been in St.
Cloud. "My dream, when I was a little girl, was to be a
dance teacher. I never wanted to be or do anything else.
How fortunate I am to be living my dream and grateful
I’ve been given the opportunity to meet and work with so
many wonderful people." Glenda resides in St. Cloud with
her husband, David, and children, Trent, Caleb, Payton,
& Anna.
Ms. Kim Matheny,
Instructor
Kim started dancing at the age of three. In addition to
taking classes locally, she studied one summer at the
University of Kentucky. She has competed in various
competitions and workshops along the eastern coast. In
1993, Kim performed in the televised half-time show at
the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kim has performed at Disney
parks as "guest talent" for 7 years. She has been
with Glenda’s Dance
Center since Glenda opened her doors. Kim resides in St. Cloud with her
husband, Doug, and their children, Blake and Morgan.
Ms. Payton
Raices,
Instructor
Payton has been an instructor with Glenda’s Dance Center for 10 years.
Payton has been dancing and training in various studios, workshops and conventions for 25+ years. She is also a
current choreographer for our LTD Dance Company, where
she has won various awards and recognitions. She has
entertained at venues such as Disney, Amway, Walt Disney
Theater at Dr. Phillips Center and the Citrus Bowl to
name a few. Ms. Payton has graduated from Valencia with
a degree in Dance Performance. She was a member of the
Valencia Dance Theatre Company, and she was also
President of the Valencia Dance Department where she
worked with Artists such as Jon Lehrer, Limon Dance
Company, Derrick Minter of Alvin Ailey, and Pilobolus.
Ms. Payton has earned her mathematics teaching degree at
the University of Central Florida. She now works for
FLVS teaching High School Math. Payton resides in St.
Cloud with her husband Nico. Ms. Payton looks forward to
another year sharing her passion with her students!
Ms.
Anna Langford,
Instructor
This is Anna's fifth year as an
instructor with Glenda's Dance Center. She has
been an assistant teacher for the last 9 years.
Anna has been dancing since the age of 2. Ms. Anna
was a former member of our LTD Dance Company, where she
won numerous awards and recognitions. She
entertains at Disney and other venues, as well as trains
in various workshops and conventions. Ms. Anna
participated in the Valencia College Summer Dance
Institute for the past 3 years, where she learns from
College Professors and gets the opportunity to perform
in the College Summer Showcase. Anna graduated
from Valencia with her degree in Dance Performance. She was a member of the Valencia Dance Theatre Company,
and she was also President of the Valencia Dance
Department. She was selected to choreograph for select
concerts at Valencia. Ms. Anna is currently working on
Virgin Voyages cruise line as a dancer/hostess. We look
forward to her new experience and knowledge in the
classroom upon her return.
Ms.
Alicia Oppel,
Instructor
This is Ms. Alicia's first year as an instructor at Glenda's
Dance Center. She has been an assistant teacher for 8
years and has been dancing since the age of three. She
was a member of the LTD Dance Company for many years,
winning numerous awards and recognitions. She has
entertained at Disney and participated in the Valencia
Summer Dance Institute program. Ms. Alicia is currently
working towards her degree at Valencia College in Baking
and Pastry Arts. Ms. Alicia is very excited to join the
GDC faculty, and we are very lucky to have her!! We are
looking forward to a fantastic first year with her as an
instructor!
