FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR - RISE CITY DANCE & NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training?

Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Kirov Academy of Ballet, Miami City Ballet School

What did your journey look like after high school?

After graduating early, I danced with Miami City Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, and Ballet Arizona. I moved back to Atlanta and received by B.A. from Georgia State University where I majored in History and minored in Sociology. I immediately went to graduate school where I received my Master of Heritage Preservation.

All the while I was in school, I was teaching dance. I taught for many years at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, where I trained students who went off to have incredible dance careers. In a fun adventure, I coached a dancer to the YAGP finals several times.

These days I am able so lucky to be able to combine my passions. I’m a mother of three, living in a 140 year old house in my favorite neighborhood in the world. I get to be creative with Neighborhood Ballet and Rise City, and nurture the next generation.

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

I have a couple. Collaborating with my best friends, Robin and David, to make a few amazing ballets together. Dancing Balanchine ballets!

What does it mean to you to be a teacher?

Being a teacher is sacred and important work, and it gives my life great purpose. Dance has the ability to be an outlet in so many ways - physically, emotionally. I want to help my students discover the wealth that they have inside, and to empower and inspire them to be the best that they can be. I want my dancers to be able to enjoy, use, and appreciate dance for the rest of their lives.

Enneagram?

4

Favorite food?

Ice cream and popcorn

FACULTY MEMBER - RISE CITY DANCE & NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

COMPANY BOUND DIRECTOR

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training? Atlanta School of Ballet and Capital City Ballet with Tom Pazik and Kathy McBeth

What did your journey look like after high school?

10 years professional dancer: Nashville Ballet, Lexington Ballet, Augusta Ballet, Ohio Dance Theatre; Upon completion of high school received first job at Nashville Ballet; moved out on my own that summer at 18

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

Performing and connecting with audiences - making them feel and making everyone realize the power of art!

What does it mean to be a teacher?

To create a love of dance, nurturing all dancers to become the best version of themselves possible. Creating critical thinkers by the power of arts education. Being a part of the lives of these young dancers, watching them grow into who they were destined to be!

Favorite Food?

Everything!

FACULTY MEMBER - RISE CITY DANCE & NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training?

Sawnee School of Ballet under the direction of Joan Kall Stewart

What did your journey look like after high school?

After graduating high school I studied at Brenau University and received my B.A. in Dance Studies. During this time I took many technique classes, danced with the Gainesville Ballet, took Dance Pedagogy and participated in multiple teaching labs to hone my skills as a dance teacher. I was exposed to styles of dance I'd never had the chance to try and loved my college experience. In college I realized my passion for teaching and began down that path rather than pursuing a professional career performing. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to specifically learn about how to teach dance and developmentally appropriate expectations for students. I still love to learn and take many opportunities to continue my education.

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

My favorite memory is from the year that I was Clara in The Nutcracker. I remember so vividly the thrill of having my first "big" role in a show. When it came time for my final show, I found myself overwhelmed by the gratitude I had for the opportunity. I tried so hard to stay present in that moment and soak in the joy around me. I hope that's what our dancers experience each time they perform.

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

Being a teacher means so much to me. Looking back, I see the love and joy that my teachers gave to me throughout my training. I don't take teaching lightly- I learned so many life skills from dance and want to pass those on to my students as well. Dance molded me into the person I am today and I appreciate the discipline and heart that it gave me. Each student is an opportunity for me to learn and grow as a teacher, I love to see them make connections and ask questions. It takes a lot of trust to hand over your child to someone! I'm so thankful to each student and parent for allowing me to be even a small part of their journey in life!

Favorite food?

Give me an amazing salad and a big basket of fries and I'm a happy camper!

FACULTY MEMBER - RISE CITY DANCE & NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: He/Him/They/Them

Where did you receive your dance training? 

Pebblebrook High School & Jacksonville University

What did your journey look like after high school? 

I attended Jacksonville University on full scholarship & then into a professional freelance career

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey? 

Performing in Cabaret with the Atlanta Opera!

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?  

It means that I get to change the world one life at a time! I want to teach students to not only be great dancers, but great humans first! “Be the change you want to see in the world”

Enneagram? 

7

Favorite food? 

Pho!!!!

FACULTY MEMBER - NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET & RISE CITY DANCER

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training?

Decatur School of Ballet & Neighborhood Ballet

What did your journey look like after high school?

I am currently still in high school dancing with Rise City Dance. I plan to go to continue my dance education in college.

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

The moment right before I went on stage as dew drop with the gum drops in the wings was really special.

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

It means that I get to share my love of dance with the next generation.

Enneagram?

1

Favorite food?

Tilapia

FACULTY MEMBER - RISE CITY DANCE & NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training?

School Of American Ballet , NYC

What did your journey look like after high school?

After graduating SAB I was hired as an apprentice at Pacific Northwest Ballet

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

Performing Dew Drop in Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

Teaching has given me the opportunity to teach students the knowledge I have in a way that is different from the way I was taught. I hope to inspire all of my students.

Favorite food?

Ice Cream

FACULTY MEMBER - COMPANY BOUND JAZZ

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training?

My dance training was at Emory University where I studied Modern, Jazz, Choreography and Ballet.

What did your journey look like after high school?

After dancing competitively on a state-qualifying Poms team through high school, I trained in several movement styles at Emory University. While there I performed and choreographed for the Emory Dance Company and student group AHANA Dance. Currently, I am a dancer with ALA Dance, Komansé Dance Theater and staibdance. This year I've choreographed works for Dance Canvas, the MAD Festival and ALA Dance, and performed with Komansé Dance at the High Museum of Art amongst other freelance projects.

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

Choreographing my first work in college was such an eye-opening experience and sparked my passion for creation!

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

It means the opportunity to make an impact on young lives, which is something so wonderfully rare and special. It's a platform to inspire and support growth.

Enneagram?

2

Favorite food?

Granola

FACULTY MEMBER - RISE CITY DANCE & NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training?

Rhythm Dance Center in Marietta, GA

What did your journey look like after high school?

After graduating high school, I started working towards a BFA in Dance at Troy University in Troy, AL. After completing two years I decided to relocate to Atlanta and intern as an Artist with ImmerseATL. While training and performing with Immerse I was connected with TNB! I am now working as a shadow with ALA Dance Company, finishing an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in Arts Administration at Georgia State University, and teaching the incredible students at Neighborhood Ballet. It’s safe to say moving back to Atlanta was one of the best decisions I have ever made!

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

Performing at Inman Park Dance Festival with ImmerseATL! Engaging with the local dance community was such a great experience!

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

To teach is to love, enrich, and embrace the next generation

Enneagram?

4

Favorite food?

Bartaco Guacamole & Taro Boba tea!

FACULTY MEMBER - NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Where did you receive your dance training?

Warwick Ballet Theatre, Kirov Academy of Ballet, American Academy of Ballet, University of the Arts

What did your journey look like after high school?

Attended University of the Arts in Philadelphia on a scholarship. Majored in Ballet Performance and Dance Education. Then moved to Atlanta to dance professionally.

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

There’s so many that are so memorable for many different reasons. Dancing Odette and Odile in Swan Lake was so challenging and fun for me to play a roll of duel personalities. It was probably the best shape my arms have ever been in too.

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

Everything!!! To nurture the next generation of dancers completes me. To watch them overcome things and grow as artists is a special reward of what we do.

Favorite food?

Chicken Caesar Salad

FACULTY & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF MEMBER - RISE CITY DANCE & NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training? Columbus DanceArts Academy (OH) & Belhaven University

What did your journey look like after high school?

I received my BFA in Dance from Belhaven University. Upon graduation, I went on to work with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival as a Video Documentation Intern to deepen my interest in the collaboration between dance and video arts.

During my years working as a freelance contemporary dancer, I’ve studied with Doug Verone, Jen Nugent, Fly On a Wall, staibdance, and many others. I spent a season working as an artist with ImmerseATL and have performed the works of Bill T. Jones, José Limon, Elizabeth Dishman, Leo Briggs, George Staib, Sarah Hillmer, and Anna Bracewell Crowder. I also spent this past summer with Oriantheatre’s Paris Summer Academy working an expanse of international choreographers.

Apart from my dance studies and performance career, I’m currently embarking on my 10th year as a Dance Educator and developed my BFA Thesis on my passion for empowering students through cultivating their creative agency within dance curriculum. I also have a passion for Arts Administration, with experience working with organizations such as The Breath & The Clay, The Sketch Effect, & now Neighborhood Ballet.

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

One memory I will cherish forever is having the opportunity to learn from Nancy Stark Smith (a pioneer of Contact Improvisation) for a week during my undergrad training. She drastically broadened my ideas of what dance is, taught me how to better see, listen to, and connect with the people I interact with, and reinstalled a sense of playfulness and joy in my dance journey that can so easily be lost or sacrificed on professional tracks.

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

To me, to be a teacher is to be a guide - the students are the only ones that can truly choose to grow, to accept challenges, to open themselves up to new experiences and possibilities. I believe my role as teacher is to serve as a companion on that journey by providing wisdom, tools, accountability, and challenge along each student's unique journey.

Enneagram?

9

Favorite Food?

Does coffee count? :)

FACULTY & STAFF MEMBER - NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training?

Moving in the Spirit & Brenau University

What did your journey look like after high school?

After high school I entered in undergrad as a dance major and found myself enjoying choreographing my inspirations. I focused on modern and contemporary styles but gained training in ballet, jazz, african, and ballroom. I am now starting my dance career as a teacher using my knowledge from Brenau University to inspire young dancers to soar.  

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

I can’t narrow down what my favorite memory has been throughout my dance journey but I can say I enjoy the feeling of seeing others smile. My happiest moments within dance has been teaching my first class and seeing my dancers perform at the end of the year and seeing the excitement it brings. Dance has brought me so much joy and assisted me in becoming hardworking. My wish for other dancers and young people is to gain the joy dance continues to bring me.

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

To be a teacher one must hold great communication skills and be continuously kind in order to make all your students feel welcomed and seen. Having this role means there is an importance to inspire as your students are looking up to you.

Enneagram?

1

Favorite food?

Seafood

FACULTY & STAFF MEMBER - NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training? 

Ballet 5:8 in Chicago, Project Ballet in Indiana, and ImmerseATL in Atlanta

What did your journey look like after high school? 

I danced at a pre-professional ballet school for one more year post high school graduation, and realized I definitely did not want to go to college! That following fall I moved to Atlanta to explore other dance styles, and joined ImmerseATL for the year as a good head start into the professional dance world!

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey? 

The very last year that I performed in The Nutcracker as a student, my youngest niece who was 4 came to watch me dance, and I remember walking out into tue lobby afterwards with my marzipan costume on, and her eyes absolutely lit up. I will never forget the way she looked at me, and how inspired she was. She made sure that I introduced her to all of the other characters, in all their pretty tutus and tiaras. A core memory as an auntie for sure, and it reminded me why I do what I do!

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?  

Honestly makes my heart so happy to see something that sparked my joy for dance be what makes other little kids light up too. My goal as a teacher is always to just make sure that they all see their own potential, but most importantly enjoy doing something that a lot of other kids around the world don’t get the opportunity to.

Enneagram? 

9

Favorite food? 

Watermelon 🍉

FACULTY MEMBER - NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training?

Brenau University

What did your journey look like after high school?

I graduated from Brenau University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance Studies and with a Dance Concentration. While attending college, I was a company dancer for the Gainesville Ballet Company. After graduating, I joined The Utah Ballroom Dance Company and toured throughout the midwestern states. Since then I have taught and choreographed for studios and companies such as Tel A Vision Production for their stage play, "Holy Seduction." In March 2022, I produced and choreographed my own show, "Amethyst Bloom," an immersive contemporary showcase. My most recent performance experience was when I danced the role as Captain Hook in Georgia Academy of Dance's production of "Peter Pan". I have taught at several dance studios throughout Atlanta, teaching many styles of dance including ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, and modern.

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

Every single time I have danced on a stage is my favorite memory.

What does it mean to you to be a teacher?

As a teacher I hope to inspire young dancers and help them build their self-confidence and show them how dance can be a wonderful way to express themselves. I also hope to teach them good like skills that they can take with them in whatever path of life they choose to go on.

Enneagram?

1

Favorite Food?

Japanese and Bubble Tea

FACULTY & STAFF MEMBER - NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training? 

I started my dance training at The Neighborhood Ballet the first season it opened. I continued training there for over five and a half years; for four of those years, I belonged to TNB’s Youth Company, now known as Rise City Dance. My dance education started with strictly ballet training, but after a few years, I found myself falling in love with modern dance styles, and my focus quickly grew to engulf both.

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey? 

There are so many memories from my dance journey that I absolutely cherish! One of my top ones was when I got to perform a piece choreographed by Indya Childs alongside some of my dearest friends. The atmosphere in the studio while we were learning the piece, was always fun and fast-paced, I loved every second of it. Performing the piece was an absolute dream; it brought me so much joy I couldn’t stop smiling for hours afterward. The feelings I had while being on that stage and dancing that choreography are truly indescribable, and being able to do it with the people I loved was the perfect bonus. Most of my other favorite memories include times when I was able to watch friends and fellow dancers perform from the stage wings; that is always magical.

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?  

To be a teacher is a beautiful gift that I am honored to have. Being able to share something that means so much to me with others is amazing. Watching as young minds learn, explore movement, and fall in love with the art form fills me with copious amounts of joy. Unfortunately, the dance world is full of toxicity, but it’s beautiful to see good teachers work hard to get rid of that toxic atmosphere and share dance’s true beauty, passion, and inclusiveness with students. I promise to do my best to share the beautiful parts of dance with the fantastic students at TNB.

Favorite food? 

Sushi!

FACULTY MEMBER - NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Pronouns: she/her

Where did you receive your dance training?

Rose City Ballet, Thomasville, GA

What did your journey look like after high school?

I was able to continue my love of dance while pursuing my degree in exercise science at Elon University in Elon, NC. I took ballet, modern, and West African dance from some fantastic instructors such Jiwon Ha, Keshia Wall, Jen Guy Metcalf, and ShaLeigh Comerford.

What’s your favorite memory of your dance journey?

Exploring my love of dance and movement through my exploration of circus arts such as aerial silks and sling.

What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

To me, it means being a person that can both challenge a student to grow and be a safe place while they do so.

Favorite food?

Coffee!