Erin Marie Akin-Thomas

Founder/Artistic Director & Teacher

Erin Marie Akin-Thomas is the founder and artistic director of Dance Arts Pflugerville. An Austin native, Erin began dancing at the age of two and quickly developed a lifelong passion for movement and the performing arts. She trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and lyrical dance, performing with Dance Spectrum Children's Dance Company, Ballet Austin, Texas Youth Ballet, Dancer's Workshop, and the Virginia School of the Arts.

Over the past two decades, Erin has built a diverse career as a dancer, instructor, choreographer, movement educator, studio manager, and business owner. In addition to teaching and performing, she has managed dance studios, trained instructors, and previously owned and operated a dance studio before founding Dance Arts Pflugerville.

Erin's professional journey expanded into ballroom and Latin dance, where she became a nationally ranked Top Female Teacher, an American Ballroom Finalist, and an American Style Nine Dance Finalist. She holds professional certifications through both DVIDA and Fred Astaire and has taught students of all ages and experience levels throughout her career.

Erin was first introduced to Pilates in 2005 while working with a physical therapist to address dance-related injuries. Through Pilates and ongoing study of Alexander Technique, she developed a deeper understanding of movement, posture, coordination, and body awareness. These practices allowed her to maintain a rigorous professional dance and teaching career while promoting strength, longevity, and overall wellness. In 2018, Erin completed comprehensive Pilates certification training and has continued her professional development through ongoing mentorship, staff training, workshops, and continuing education at the Pilates Center of Austin.

In addition to her professional training in dance and Pilates, Erin earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from The University of Texas at Austin.

After years of teaching, performing, managing studios, and working with students of all ages, Erin founded Dance Arts Pflugerville to create the kind of studio she had always envisioned—one that combines high-quality instruction with a welcoming, family-oriented community where students can grow in confidence, artistry, strength, and a lifelong love of movement. Whether teaching a child's first ballet class, coaching an adult student, leading a Pilates session, or helping a couple prepare for their wedding dance, Erin is passionate about helping every student discover what is possible through movement.

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Professional Training & Credentials

Dance & Ballroom

• American Ballroom Finalist

• American Style Nine Dance Finalist

• Nationally Ranked Top Female Ballroom Teacher

• DVIDA Certified Ballroom & Latin Dance Instructor (since 2003)

• Fred Astaire Certified Ballroom & Latin Dance Instructor​

Pilates

• Comprehensive Pilates Certification (Reformer, Tower, Platform & Advanced Training), 2018–2020

• Continuing Education & Staff Development, Pilates Center of Austin​​

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in History, The University of Texas at Austin