Our Team
maggie rains
owner and artistic director
Maggie Rains is the heart and creative force behind Dance Republic. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and choreography and 15 years in business management, she is passionate about creating a studio where dancers can grow, shine, and feel at home. Her vision is to build a positive, high-energy environment that fosters strong technique, confidence, and creativity while prioritizing growth, community, and artistry over trophies.
Maggie's dance journey began at just two years old and hasn't stopped since. She trained extensively in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and more, joining a pre-professional performance company at 14. Throughout her training, she traveled to conventions and intensives nationwide, learning from top choreographers and master teachers. Her love for movement quickly turned into a love for teaching, and by 15, she was already sharing her passion with others. Maggie was captain of her high school dance team, a member of her college pom squad, and even danced professionally for the IFL. She also performed at Walt Disney World as a character performer. Over the years, she has shifted her focus from performing to mentoring the next generation, with extensive experience teaching dancers of all ages and choreographing for studios and teams across Texas. Now, as a proud Liberty Hill resident, Maggie is thrilled to bring her expertise and passion to the community—creating a space where dancers of all ages can thrive. When she’s not at the studio, Maggie loves spending time with her husband, Brandon, and their three beautiful children, who share her love for creativity, movement, and adventure.
rachel wilks
owner and business director
Rachel is the details and organizational force behind Dance Republic. She comes with 18 years of dance mom experience and a passion for child-centered approaches to teaching and life. She danced with a competitive clogging team as well as on the ballroom dance company at Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho).
Professionally, she has a Masters of Public Administration from George Washington University, has worked for university vice presidents and has 17 years of real estate experience.
She loves to travel with her family, collecting experiences and memories everywhere she can! A native of Virginia, she and her husband Jeoff love raising their four amazing children here in Central Texas.