MEET the 2025-2026

Gabrielle Aufiero earned her Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Texas Woman’s University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and a minor in Dance from Franklin Pierce University—where she graduated Valedictorian of her class and served as the President of the Raven Thunder Dance Team.

As a choreographer, educator, performer, and scholar Gabrielle has made appearances both nationally (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Texas, Virginia) and internationally (Lyon, France). Her choreography has been selected for regional and national performance debuts for the American College Dance Festival in New England and SHAPE America’s National Convention and Exposition.

Gabrielle began her K-12 teaching career as a Teach For America corps member in Dallas, TX. Since then she has taught middle school dance, co-directed the Super Dance Squad at KIPP Austin Public Schools, and been a faculty member and Dance Director at Round Rock High School. In addition to working at RRHS, Gabrielle is currently an adjunct professor in the Dance Department at Austin Community College. Gabrielle was awarded Dance Educator of the Year by the Texas Dance Educators Association in January, 2024.

Gabrielle is thrilled to be working with the students of the Round Rock High School Dance Department and honored to be the Director of Dragon Pride Dance Company!

Stassney Hayes grew up in the area and is a graduate of Round Rock High School. While at Round Rock High School, Stassney was a Dragonette and served as the Colonel. Following high school, Stassney attended Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Education. During her time at Texas State, Stassney was a four year member and Officer of the Texas State Strutters, the largest university dance team in the nation. 

Stassney has had the opportunity to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and aboard a Royal Carribean Cruise ship, and also train in both New York City and Los Angeles. While dance and performance has been a huge part of her life, choreography has always been Stassney’s passion. She loves getting to bring her ideas to life with dancers all around the state of Texas. 

Stassney has worked within Round Rock ISD as an Assistant Director for the duration of her career, but is so excited to be back at Round Rock High School.