Dare to dance on rainbows! Dare to touch the sky!
My name is Robin Kelley but my preferred title is "Miss Robin." I proudly wear this name like a badge of honor - honored to have taught dance for many years to some of the most inspirational children in the world. My life’s gift has afforded me opportunities to teach, study, choreograph, and adjudicate competitions with many talented choreographers, teachers, dancers, and dance organizations from around the world. As a teacher, my student’s accomplishments feel as if they are, in part, my own. Having earned many honors throughout the years, my students have fulfilled my dreams by sharing their gifts with the world. Whether pursuing careers in the performing arts or mainstream America, growing up in the unique world of dance has played an integral role in the development of their lives. In addition to teaching or opening their own dance studios, others have found their place in ballet companies, on Disney cruise ships, The Kennedy Center Honors, television commercials, music videos, and in movies. Some have even found their place in European touring companies and on Broadway in shows such as Fosse, Chicago, Movin’ Out, Dirty Dancing, Hairspray, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Billy Elliot; the musical, and The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, just to name a few. Understandably, I’ve loved teaching and enjoying the thrill of the results it brings. The privilege of mentoring thousands upon thousands of children through their most formative years and learning so much in the process has been an indescribable experience for which I am eternally grateful.
The studio I opened in 1973 is still going strong and is now raising Miss Robin’s "granddancers," so to
speak. Prior to opening my school, I was trained to dance and teach by Houstonian, Virgie Lee Emmons-Dechman. In addition to
this invaluable education, I have been fortunate enough over the years to receive guidance and instruction from some of the
world’s most accomplished choreographers and educators . While teaching at Virgie’s studio and running my own school I continued
to study at Houston Ballet and in New York City. At age 19 I began teaching at dance seminars across the country. Performances
in industrial shows, local television, and local musicals satisfied my hunger for the spotlight. My love has always been
choreographing, passing on lessons learned, and sharing self-created visions. The knowledge gained through these years of
exhilarating successes and humbling errors has not only helped shape my enormous love and respect for all teachers and students,
but has continued to resonate in my home life and in my relationship with my own children. My husband and I are blessed with two
talented sons. One a gifted musician and the other a dancer/actor/singer on Broadway
Patty Bourrée and her cat, Jeté; the enchantment begins... was created with the hope of motivating
young hearts and opening minds to uninhibited possibilities. This book is the culmination of a blessed life spent guiding children,
written by a woman whose love for the arts is inspired by that magical age when we dare to dream.
"You guys rock! LOVE all of your merchandise :0) So proud of you Miss Daisy! I love your new store!!!!!!"
"Dear Miss Robin, Just wanted to tell you that I admire your new project. The book, the website and the pb&j concept are unique, innovative and seem to be a wonderful way to inspire young people to appreciate the art of dance. I wish you all the best!"
"Dear Miss Robin, Your book was wonderful! When i read it for the first time i was feeling like i was on a cloud. Your book Patty Bourre and her cat, Jet is probably the best ballet book i ever read! My sisters and I enjoyed reading your creation! I can't wait to read your upcoming Patty Bourree series!"
"My daughter LOVES PB&J! We plan to get another book for her friend's birthday gift! Really cute."
"Patty Bourree and her Cat Jete will be the next starbound read for children of the Dance World! I personally can not wait to see where her adventures take me next."
"Patty and Jete ... I loved having you visit my school and meet my wonderul kids. It was so fun to get to know you. I love your website. It's just puuuurfect! Your pictures from my school are adoreable. I'll send them soon. Get some rest....you sound very busy!!"
"Alicia Pasadyn Nellis and I love the book and the web site!!! Great Job!!"
"We were SO glad to have the opportunity to share Patty Bourree and her Cat Jete with our students! Keep up the GREAT work Miss Robin...you are the best"
"Robs! I am so proud of you! Site looks almost as good as you! see ya real soon..."
"Thanks for coming to visit our studio! We had so much fun with you. Good luck on all of your travels!"
"Dear Ms. Robin, I had a blast with you and PB&J at the book signing for the "Quails". It was fun to see all of the excitement!"
"I love Patty and her cat. I enjoyed when she came to Ray Hollingsworth Dance Studio. she read a few poems in her book and they were very good.this website has become a big success because of Miss Robin,Patty ,Jete and other helpers."
"Congratulations, Miss Robin! So proud of you and your continued accomplishments as a former student and mentor of you!"
"When i got home from dance the first thing i said was "MOM DID you get PB&J!!!!???? and im 13, i still love your book, i love patty's adventures"
"I love my book! Thank you! I am excited for you and PBJ. If I was asked to name the greatest mentors and dream-givers in my life, you know that your name, Miss Robin, would be quickly recited. Now PB and J can inspire even more young dancers. Let the dancing and dreaming begin!"
"loved the one with her in the active class with her little leg stretched out and pointing her little toe - so cute!"
Miss Robin! What a wonderful, wonderful project you have created. You were truly an inspiration to me as a dancer as well as a person. I enjoyed many years of dance at Robin's Dance Studio.
Leah and I were so excited to meet Patty and Jete!! It was wonderful to visit w/ Miss Robin too. What a great reminder of a fun and exciting childhood - doing what we enjoy most...DANCE! Love Ya. :0)
My girlfriend from work bought her 4 year old the book and had to read it to her 7 times last night! She said it was one of the best children's books!!
The pictures are just like me. Thanks so mutch for sending me a PB&J book. I was so HAPPY when I got it and I just LOVE the pictures. Thanks Mrs Robin!
Hi Patty! (and Miss Robin) My Mommy has been a dance teacher in Houston (and now in Oklahoma) for many years and my Mary Grannie got me your book! I love you and your cat Jete! I just can't wait for another book in the series! Thank you so much!
Little namesake, Patty, you are the cutest! Being a cat lover, too, I feel we have a lot in common. Such good tales for little ones..proud of you. My little friends are excited about this book....it will be early Christmas surprise!
I am a paty haper dancer I have the book!!!! I LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!