EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AND JUNIOR PERFORMING COMPANY DIRECTOR — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Emily began her dance training at Sawnee School of Ballet under the direction of Joan Kall Stewart, where she also gained early teaching experience as a student assistant. She went on to earn a B.A. in Dance Studies from Brenau University, where she continued to develop as a teacher through coursework in dance pedagogy. During that time, she had the opportunity to shadow experienced instructors, receive regular feedback, and refine her teaching craft all while performing with Gainesville Ballet.

While Emily loved dancing and performing, she quickly realized that her deepest passion lay in education. Rather than pursuing a professional performance career, she chose to focus on creating meaningful experiences in the studio- where dancers grow not only in technique, but in confidence, discipline, and self-expression.

Now a dedicated educator and mentor, Emily sees each student as an opportunity to learn and grow herself. She finds joy in helping dancers make connections, ask questions, and discover their unique voices through movement.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET & RISE CITY DANCE

Devin began their classical training at Central Florida Ballet in their hometown of Orlando, FL. After high school Devin danced with these notable companies: Atlanta Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, and City Ballet of San Diego. Through these companies they were able to perform lead roles in the Nutcracker, Balanchine’s Walpurgisnacht, Carmina Burana, and Etudes. Devin also danced many corps de ballet roles in works such as Septime Weber’s Alice in Wonderland, La Sylphide, Beauty and the Beast, Balanchine’s Serenade, Balanchines Four Temperments and Don Quixote amongst other contemporary ballet works. Since moving back to Atlanta in 2020 they have been performing in the local art scene and focusing energy into teaching and choreographing for students.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Rhetta began her training at Rose City Ballet in Thomasville, Georgia, under the direction of Lovedy Griner and Beatrice Corbin. She continued her training at Elon University in North Carolina where she earned her degree in Exercise Science and Dance, solidifying a deep love for both the art of dance and the science of kinesiology. Rhetta is currently an Occupational Therapy Doctoral student at Georgia State University with 10+ years of experience working in pediatrics - both in the studio and the clinic! She is passionate about making dance a space where dancers of all abilities can participate and thrive. Rhetta loves baking, sewing, volunteering, and most of all: sharing the love of dance with her students!

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Janan Mirza is a passionate teaching artist and educator with over nine years of experience inspiring young dancers to move with confidence, creativity, and purpose. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education from Brenau University, where she also minored in Pre-Physical Therapy, enriching her teaching with a strong understanding of body mechanics and injury prevention.

Janan began her dance training at Moving in the Spirit and continued honing her craft across a range of styles, including modern, contemporary, ballet, jazz, African, and ballroom. Her work is deeply rooted in youth development, and her classes are designed to build not only strong technique and expressive movement but also confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. She is committed to creating inclusive spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Beyond the studio, Janan is the Founder and CEO of Neatly Nan, a professional organizing company, where she helps individuals and families create peaceful, functional spaces in their homes. Her work as an organizer reflects the same values she brings to her teaching: compassion, clarity, and a deep respect for each person's unique needs and routines.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET & RISE CITY DANCE

Latauria Dotson is originally from Miami Florida and has been dancing since the age of 5. She is proficiently trained in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern and contemporary. Latauria has been trained under the dancecompany’s of The McIntyre Institute, Ailey Camp and Young contemporary dance theater located in South Florida.

She attended a performing arts school, Miami Northwestern Senior High and there she continued being trained by Traci Young-Byron who pushed her to be the passionate dancer she is today and exposed her to the pioneers of dance. Latauria graduated from Tri-Cities High school in east Atlanta which opened up doors for her to be able to travel the world and dance.

She has had the honor to dance background to amazing artists and instruct extensive workshops.

Latauria believes that dance is her purpose in life. She is passionate about helping dancers become the best versions of themselves.

FACULTY MEMBER AND ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET & RISE CITY DANCE

Raised as a competition kid and musical theater nerd, Kalyn went on to study modern at the University of Georgia and commercial dance through Gotta Dance Atlanta’s esteem scholarship program. Today, their robust television and film career spans numerous platforms including Netflix, HBO, AppleTV+, Prime and more and has allowed them to work with renowned choreographers such as Debbie Allen (Fame), Ashley Wallen (Greatest Showman), and Aakomon Jones (Pitch Perfect, Usher). They continue to work as both an actor and dancer in the television and film industry.

With over 10 years of teaching and professional dance experience, Kalyn leads every class with magnetic passion and expertise. Whether they are teaching jazz, musical theater, or contemporary, they foster technical excellence while encouraging self expression.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Jennifer Keane started dancing at 100 Miles Off Broadway dance studio in New York, then Turning Pointe dance studios in Florida and New Dimensions Dance in Florida. She also went on to train with Central Florida Ballet.

She performed Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, as well as, Snow Queen, and Flowers with New Dimensions Dance Company. Again she was the Sugar Plum Fairy in American Music Theatre's Christmas Show in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Most recently she did a show for HERE Arts Center in New York with Sarah Small called Secondary Dominance.

She loves teaching dance. It is her first love and she loves sharing her joy for the art form with her students.

ADULT DIVISION DIRECTOR AND FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET & RISE CITY DANCE

Margaret McPherson is an Atlanta native whose lifelong passion for dance began at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. She spent her summers training at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, including the School of American Ballet, the Kirov Academy, and Boston Ballet. After graduating from Marist High School, she joined the Atlanta Ballet Company, performing memorable roles such as the Spanish Pas de Deux in The Nutcracker and an Indian Maiden in Peter Pan.

Margaret’s professional journey took a thrilling turn when she booked her first major New York audition—landing a role in the original Broadway revival tour of West Side Story, which toured throughout Europe. She then went on to perform for nine seasons as a Radio City Rockette, dancing in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular in cities across the U.S. and at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

In addition to performing, Margaret has always been passionate about sharing the joy of dance through teaching and choreography. She taught at studios in both New York and Atlanta and served as a dance instructor in the New York Public School system during her off-season from the Rockettes.

After a 15-year professional performance career, Margaret graduated summa cum laude with a BBA in Accounting from Georgia State University. She holds a provisional CPA and is currently pursuing her MBA at Georgia State. She now serves as the Executive Director of Rise City Dance, the nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to high-quality dance education and performance opportunities through Neighborhood Ballet.

Margaret has also played a key role in growing the Adult Dance Program at Neighborhood Ballet, creating an inspiring space where dancers of all ages can reconnect with movement and community. She is thrilled to be teaching jazz, musical theater, and ballet, and to share her deep love of dance with students—including her three daughters, who have been proud Neighborhood Ballet dancers for many years.

With a blend of professional experience, heartfelt enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence, Margaret brings energy and purpose into every class. She is passionate about helping students discover their potential and hopes to inspire them with the same discipline, artistry, and joy that defined her own career.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Perlizbeth De Leon is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Atlanta, GA. She started choreographing in 2017 in North Carolina with a residency at Dance Project in Greensboro and other collectives in NC. She has done works for Dance Canvas, Excuse the Art, Fall for Fall Dance Festival, and Fly on a Wall since 2020. She works with various music artists and has worked with Usher, B.o.B., Jack Harlow, Saucy Santana, Anike, Mike Teezy, and more. She is currently working in a show for Alliance Theatre: The Curious Cardinal. She also teaches adults at Groove2Musik Studios and AREA.

FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET & RISE CITY DANCE

Andie Knudson is a dance artist, videographer, educator, and arts administrator currently based in Atlanta, GA. Andie received her BFA in Dance with Summa Cum Laude and multiple accolades for her artistic achievements.

Throughout her freelance career, she’s had the privilege of performing the works of Bill T. Jones & José Limon in addition to working with a wide range of choreographers & improvisation artists such as Nancy Stark Smith, Elizabeth Dishman, George Staib, Sarah Hillmer, and Anna Bracewell Crowder. She has also choreographed works for Fly On A Wall’s 2023 production of Excuse The Art, Fall for Fall Dance Festival, AM Collab, and Rise City Dance.

Apart from her performance career, Andie has worked for 10+ years as a Dance Educator and developed her BFA Thesis on her passion for empowering students through cultivating their creative agency within dance curriculum.

Andie’s favorite thing about teaching is watching students grow in their confidence and empowering them to explore their creativity and emotions through their movement!

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET ADULT DIVISION

Shelley has been dancing her entire life but started on a serious dance path in high school with the Kris Cangelosi Dance Company in Baton Rouge.

After earning a degree in music and with a passion for musical theatre, Shelley moved to New York City and studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Previous teaching experience includes tap, ballet, and jazz with Sheena's Dance Academy in Coppell, Texas. Her idols include Ann Miller, Ann Reinking, and Savion Glover.

Shelley loves seeing her students improve in musicality and in conquering new movements. She strives to push students past what they thought was possible physically and also be a safe space for fun exploration.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET ADULT DIVISION & RISE CITY DANCE

Mychal Vandell has over 10 years of dance experience in both Choreography and Dance Performance. His training includes Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Improvisation, Hip Hop and Tap while attending El Camino College in Torrance, California.

Mychal Vandell has professionally choreographed for 2 of the companies he was apart of, Funderburk Dance Artists(FDA) and Vicious Circle. Mychal Vandell was also selected as a soloist for Matthew Rushing’s (Alvin Ailey Dancer) Nina Simone Suite while in FDA. Mychal Vandell’s choreography also extends to known Dance Festivals such as ACDFA (American College Dance Festival Association) and Blaktina Dance Festival (Los Angeles and Arizona).

Mychal is inspired by all the growth that his students showcase to him every class!

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Katie (she/her) began her performance and compositional training in Newnan, Georgia, with Classical Dance Theatre, Compass Dance Academy, the Legacy Theatre, and Southern Arc Dance. Her early studies centered on Ballet, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Tap.

She furthered her studies at Brenau University, delving into studies of Jazz, Afro-Modern, Horton, and Release Technique under the mentorship of faculty Madia Cooper-Ashirifi, Jessica Lynch-Oliver, Angela Harris, and Michael Jablonski. She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Brenau University in Dance and English. Katie has performed in dance works by choreographers Nicholas Palmquist, Jesse Zarrit, Allyne Gartrell, Owen Scarlett, Jennifer Archibald, Du’Bois A’Keen, Kaitlynn Arena, Joshua Blake Carter, and Xavier Lewis.

In addition to her work with The Neighborhood Ballet, she serves as Social Media Coordinator for Core Dance and Events Editor for ArtsATL. Her freelance administrative work has supported artists and organizations such as DanceATL, Bautzant Here, The Neighborhood Ballet, and choreographer/producer Otis Sallid. Katie is a freelance artist, performing with Atlanta choreographers Nadya Zeitlin and Versaille Jones, as well as at The Strand Theatre in Shane DeLancey’s original musical "A Christmas Tradition." She currently performs with Novoa Dances in projects by choreographer Meaghan Novoa.

Katie is a passionate and dedicated dance educator and choreographer. In addition to her choreography projects, she has worked on projects such as the Aurora Theatre’s "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" and The Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards 2024 and 2025.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET & RISE CITY DANCE

Madison Lee is a dancer and choreographer based in Atlanta, GA. Born in Michigan but raised in Dallas, Texas, they have been dancing their entire life. In Dallas, Madison trained intensively in hip hop and several other styles at Next Step Dance Performing Arts Center. There they performed with the Dallas Cowboys and Royal Caribbean Cruises.

Madison moved to Atlanta in 2020 to study Dance and Marketing at Emory University. They began training in contemporary and modern techniques and presented multiple works for the Emory Dance Program. They also performed professionally in the Atlanta dance area while still a student. When they graduated in 2024, they were awarded Highest Honors for their dance thesis, fellowship in the John H. Gordon Stipe Society, and The Pioneer Award. Madison was recently a Meli Kaye co-resident alongside Chi Rung Chan for Spring 2025. Currently, Madison is a company member with staibdance, Catching Mangoes Dance, led by Jacquelyn Pritz, and Excavate Body, led by Jacqui Hinkson. Outside of company work, they have had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Graham Shelor, Page Yang, Leo Briggs, Julio Medina, Mychal Vandell, Annalee Traylor, Xan Burley, and Alex Springer.

FACULTY MEMBER & ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM MEMBER

Harriet started dancing at the age of 3 in a small studio in Oklahoma before joining the professional training program at the Yvonne Chouteau School at Oklahoma City Ballet at the age of 5. At OKC Ballet she trained under Robert Mills, Viktoria Page, Mary Price Boday, Alvin Tovstogray, and Miki Kawamura. In addition to summer intensives at Tulsa Ballet and The Jillana School, she also spent 4 summers at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. There she trained under Daniel Catanach from Urban Ballet Theater and Steps on Broadway; Andre Tyson from Alvin Ailey; and Angela Harris from Dance Canvas.  

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET ADULT DIVISION

Samara Baldwin is a ballet and Pilates instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience and a passion for working with adults. She began dancing at age four and later trained at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts before performing professionally with Atlanta Festival Ballet.

After years on stage, Samara found her true calling in teaching creating welcoming, empowering spaces where adults can explore movement, improve technique, and build strength. With 8 years of experience teaching Pilates and a lifelong connection to ballet, her classes blend classical discipline with body awareness, musicality, and mindful alignment.

Samara’s approach is supportive and encouraging, helping students reconnect with their bodies, build confidence, and enjoy the art of movement at any stage of life.

FACULTY MEMBER AND STUDIO WELLNESS COORDINATOR — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

After dancing her way through childhood, Lex trained in ballet, tap, jazz and clogging with a small studio travel with their competitive team. After high school, Lex transitioned to focus on visual arts and education through college, earning their MFA in Studio Art + Art History from Western Carolina University. 

Throughout her time studying visual arts, dance found its way back into Lex's life in a big way! They were able go combine performance and visual arts, collaborating with dance majors and other WNC dance groups alike. 

Since Lex was a toddler, she would passionately respond to the question "what do you want to be when you grow up?" with the answer "a teacher"! They have taught all ages from tiny tots to college students, and feel most fulfilled when they are able to excite someone to be always learning and create new goals for themselves. 

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

I’ve been dancing since the age of 3 and haven’t stopped since. Over the past 8+ years, I’ve had the joy of teaching both early childhood and adult dance classes, helping dancers of all ages build confidence, coordination, and a love for the art of dance.

In addition to teaching, I’ve choreographed for various performances, coached cheerleading teams, and organized successful fundraisers to support dance programs and community events. Whether I'm leading a group of preschoolers through their first pliés or working with adults rediscovering their passion for dance, I’m committed to creating an encouraging, inclusive, and fun environment for every student.

Dance has shaped who I am, and I’m passionate about passing that experience on to others, one class at a time.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Originally from Tennessee, Olivia Anderson is currently based in Atlanta, GA. Olivia earned her BA in Dance with a Modern Technique concentration and a minor in English from Brenau University. During her time at Brenau, Olivia had the honor of performing in cities across the United States, from Salt Lake City to Tallahassee, in works by Jennifer Archibald, Jesse Obremski, Larry Keigwin, Staycee Pearl, Du’Bois A’keen, Julio Medina, Xavier Lewis, Jesse Zaritt, and more. In addition to performing, Olivia’s choreographic work has been featured at the American College Dance Association SE Conference, the Brenau Summer Dance Intensive, the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, and with Gwinnett Dance Project. Brenau also sparked Olivia’s interest in arts administration which led her to complete internships with Dance Canvas of Atlanta and Young Dancers Initiative of Ann Arbor. In these internships, Olivia prospected and submitted grants, gained insight into nonprofit development, and wrote newsletters, press releases, and blog posts. When not working in the dance sphere, Olivia enjoys practicing creative writing. Specializing in poetry, her work has been published in two consecutive editions of the Brenau University literary magazine The Elixir and been featured in the student-led project Poetry in Motion. Olivia currently teaches at Callanwolde School of Dance, The Neighborhood Ballet, and Pure Barre Decatur while also pursuing freelance performance and choreographic opportunities around the Atlanta area.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Zakiya Davidson is a versatile dancer, choreographer, and educator whose work bridges movement, culture, and community empowerment. With over 20 years of experience in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, African, Lyrical, Tap, and Pointe, Zakiya honed her craft at the renowned DeKalb School of the Arts and trained under master instructors including Waverly Lucas and Nena Gilreath of Ballethnic Dance Company and Roscoe Sales of The Atlanta Ballet.

Zakiya’s performance resume includes touring with Ballethnic Dance Company, performing alongside Ryan Kilgore, and opening for R&B legend Bobby Brown. Her educational impact spans early childhood to teen students through positions at AREA, Academy of the Arts, and programs within the DeKalb County School System. Her choreography has been featured in both theatrical and concert dance productions across metro Atlanta.

Beyond performance and instruction, Zakiya is deeply invested in social impact through the arts. As a founding leader at Evolution Arts Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to integrating technology and the arts, she develops accessible educational programs that provide creative and economic opportunities to underserved communities. Her work emphasizes inclusivity, cultural literacy, and the transformative power of the arts.

Zakiya also serves as Technical Artistic Director at First Evolution Arts LLC and Curriculum Director for Zallet Fitness, where she designs holistic programs that merge dance, fitness, and mindfulness. Certified in Progressive Ballet Technique, yoga, and personal training, she brings a whole-body approach to training that nurtures confidence, creativity, and resilience.

OPERATIONS LEAD & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Jacqui is the founder and artistic director of Atlanta-based dance company, EXCAVATE BODY. She is a dancer, multidisciplinary artist, and choreographer originally from Rochester, Michigan. She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design from 2016-2018 before shifting gears to dig into movement practices and pursue further training.

Since making the move to Atlanta in 2020, Jacqui spent a season as a movement artist with ImmerseATL, and has had the great pleasure of working with and performing works by several noteworthy ATL choreographers. In the Summer of 2022, she spent a month at Oriantheatre’s Paris Summer Academy where she had the honor of learning from, and performing works by, various dance theatre and contemporary directors and choreographers.

In addition to dance practices, Jacqui has a strong background in the fine arts, graphic design, and digital art. She enjoys harnessing her creativity to produce content and copy for Neighborhood Ballet and Rise City Dance that highlights all the magic taking place in the studios and on stage!

Jacqui is passionate about supporting young artists and dancers and encouraging them to chase their wildest dreams!