Ms. Tessa has been a cornerstone of the Tuscaloosa dance community for over 15 years. A native of Arab, Alabama, she began her training under Jane Kohl at Kohl Academy of Performing Arts, where her love of dance—and teaching—took root early. She later deepened her expertise through Dance Masters Teacher Training School and continues to grow professionally through programs like Dance Teacher Summit and Rhee Gold’s DanceLife Teacher Conference.

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In 2018, Ms. Tessa and her late husband, Gregg Russell, brought a shared dream to life when they opened 3D Dance. Together, they built more than just a studio—they created a space grounded in Dedication, Discipline, and Diversity, where students are empowered to grow as dancers and as people.

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Throughout her career, Ms. Tessa has trained and mentored hundreds of dancers, earning a reputation for her ability to make every student feel seen, valued, and capable. Her passion for the artform and unwavering dedication to her students have led to numerous accolades, including top regional and national honors under her choreography and direction.

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A gifted educator with a heart for service, Ms. Tessa makes dance accessible, meaningful, and empowering for dancers of all ages and abilities. In 2025, she was named the Druid City Arts Educator of the Year—a testament to her extraordinary impact on the arts in Tuscaloosa.

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With a degree in Dance Instruction and Studio Management from The University of Alabama, Ms. Tessa remains committed to nurturing the next generation of artists and continuing the legacy she and Gregg built—one grounded in dedication, diversity, and discipline.