Meet Our F13RCE Staff
Mayra Fernandez Torres
Owner, Dance Instructor, Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach, Trainer, Choreographer
Hi, I’m Mayra, the owner and director of F13RCE Elite Training and River City Fine Arts Academy. My love for dance inspired me to attend Jacksonville University and receive my degree in fine arts for dance. Since then, I have taught multiple styles of dance including ballet, ballroom, and rhythmic gymnastics. My greatest gift is the ability to take an athlete and use dance technique to bring strength, conditioning, toning and flexibility to the sport of choice, allowing the athlete to become the very best they can be! I believe that F13RCE is more than a place to train, it’s a community brought together by a love for movement and wellness.
T.J. Shakespeare
Hip Hop Instructor
My name is TJ Shakespere and I’m passionate about hip hop and urban movements. My style is high energy, sharp, hard hitting, intricate movements infused with grooves. I'm an accompanied choreographer in FL, Atlanta, New York City, Las Vegas, and Paris and have performed on the Millennium Tour with B2K and in the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show with The Weekend. I’m also the co-founder & co-director of i-Move U-Move Dance Workshop Series, and co-director of Da Hype Fam (2 Hype, Jr. Hype, Lil Hype & Mini Hype). A quote that drives me is, “I have to be my best so I can help others be their best.” I believe we are all connected and can grow from one another one dance at a time.
Christian Fernandez
Biometrics/Power Production, Crossfit, Conditioning and Strength, Mental Fortitude
Hi, I’m Christian Fernandez, and I am well versed in biomechanics, power production, and nutrition. I also have knowledge of body positioning through mobility and flexibility to allow efficient use of energy to compliment your discipline. I gained experience from high school, college and international wrestling. I also was in the military for 7 years under Marine Coup QRF and was a ProGrid/Cross fit athlete. Now, I’m retired from athletics, however I enjoy daily competitive weightlifting training with high school kids in which has turned multiple into State champions in the past few years. I believe knowledge is power and I want to remind everyone “the size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire”.
Megan Widrich
Ballroom Dance,
Dance Instructor
Hi, I'm Megan! I started dancing back in 2000 to try something new. Little did I know that decision would change the course of my life. I began teaching in 2003 at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio as an instructor in Tallahassee. Over the years I’ve taught throughout Jacksonville at dance studios, salsa nights, high schools, and even founded my own studio. Some of my favorite moments are when I get to see how dance can change people’s lives!
Erin Wilson
Dance, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Contemporary, hip hop Acro & Tumbling
Hi, I’m Erin! I’m from Jacksonville, Florida and have been dancing since the age of 3. I am technically trained in numerous styles such as ballet, pointe, jazz, modern,contemporary, hip hop, acro and tumbling. I’ve competed in several competitions at the regional and National level over my years, receiving many high overall awards and recognition. I also enjoy taking up my community opportunities by performing several times in the production of “The Nutcracker” presented by The Florida Ballet and The St. Augustine Ballet & Conservatory. I discovered my love for teaching at my home studio, North Florida Dance Center, and have also begun choreographing for plays and pageants within the previous year. I am currently a first year freshman at the University of North Florida with hopes to soon audition for the college’s dance team. I have a strong passion for dance and working with kids, and I hope to encourage and remind my students that Self Belief is a major factor of dance - by showing trust in your abilities and activating your inner strength.
Elspeth Ann
Dance, Choreography,
Circus Aerialist
Hi I’m Elspeth Ann and I have a passion for dance and choreography. I have 15 years of classical dance training. I’m also a circus aerialist, music theatre choreographer, Zumba instructor and Surf coach. My experiences both on and off stage have given me a passion to teach. I can’t wait to watch my students grow through the year as they learn more about themselves and continue to chase their dance dreams. My favorite dance quote is “I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself” - Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Kaitlin Potter
Dance, Rhythmic Gymnastics, and Acro Instructor
Hi, I'm Kaitlin! I’m a freshman nursing major at the University of North Florida. I started dancing at the age of 3 through my pre k and fell in love with the art. I have danced and competed at North Florida Dance Center for the past 13 years while also assisting and teaching classes. I cheered on her high school cheer team for multiple seasons and enjoy tumbling. Through dance I have discovered a passion for helping children by pursuing a career as a pediatric physician assistant. I strongly believe that with hard work and dedication anything is possible.
Maddy Missey
Strength and Conditioning, Cross Training
Hi, I’m Maddy! I have a passion for health and wellness and want to help others find their love for fitness and overall feel confident in their bodies! I believe fitness should be fun and something you love because it’s for life and definitely not a quick fix! I danced for 10 years, then started running and eventually incorporated weight lifting. Experiencing the benefits of health and how it made me feel, it quickly became my passion! Now, I want to help others become their healthiest for life!!