EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AND FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Emily received her dance training from Sawnee School of Ballet under the direction of Joan Kall Stewart.

Emily received her B.A. in Dance Studies from Brenau University. During that time she took many technique classes, studied Dance Pedagogy, and danced with Gainesville Ballet. She quickly realized her passion for teaching and dance education and decided to follow that rather than pursuing a professional performing career.

Emily doesn’t take teaching lightly — she learned so many life skills from dance and wants to pass those on to her students as well. She sees each student as an opportunity to learn and grow as a teacher. Watching students make connections and ask questions brings her great joy!

STUDIO WELLNESS COORDINATOR AND FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET & RISE CITY DANCE

Mercy Matthews began her training at a small studio in Roseburg, Oregon, where she was born and raised! She moved to Chicago at 16 years old to pursue professional training at Ballet 5:8, and shortly after continued her ballet training under Beth McLeish with Project Ballet in Indiana.

Since moving to Atlanta in Fall of 2021, Mercy has had the opportunity to join ImmerseATL's program for a season, dance alongside Bandaloop, participate in Excuse the Art, A Time for Isadora, the Meli Kaye Residency with Patsy Collins & Charlotte Angermeier, and dance for Jordan Ryder of Ryderdance in Fall for Fall Dance Festival; among many other things.

Currently, Mercy is a company member of VIA UNI for it's 2nd Season under Xavier Lewis, as well as EXCAVATE BODY under Jacqui Hinkson and is a part of the NB Admin and faculty staff & one of their social media assistants, as well as assisting Catherine Messina of Fall for Fall!

Mercy’s goal as a teacher is always to just make sure that students all see their own potential, feel valued, and grow into the individual that they will become!

COMPANY BOUND DIRECTOR AND FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET & RISE CITY DANCE

Ericka created Company Bound, an accelerated and invitation only program for dancers 5-10 years, to provide a pathway for students interested in a more focused classroom atmosphere. Dancers are provided with more challenging choreography and technique so that they can be the very best they can be.

Ericka received her dance training from Atlanta School of Ballet and Capital City Ballet with Tom Pazik and Kathy McBeth. She was a professional dancer for 10 years dancing with Nashville Ballet, Lexington Ballet, Augusta Ballet, and Ohio Dance Theatre.

Ericka teaches to create a love of dance and nurture dancers to become the best versions of themselves. She believes in creating a supporting critical thinkers by power of arts education. She is inspired by watching her students grow into who they are destined to be!

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 Septime Weber’s Alice in Wonderland, La Sylphide, Beauty and the Beast, Balanchine’s Serenade, and Don Quixote amongst other contemporary ballet works.

Since joining the freelance art scene in Atlanta they have worked with Leo Briggs, Nadya Zeitlan, and Sarah Hillmer, George Staib and Anna Bracewell Crowder through ImmerseATL. Devin has also choreographed work for A.M. Collab, Fall for Fall dance festival, and MAD festival. This past season they have also been honing their art making and teaching style. In these differing experiences they have melded their time in the ballet world with that of passion for creativity to generate an uplifting space for kids and adults to find joy in classical and contemporary movement.

Devin’s favorite thing about teaching is setting challenges for students and watching them excel.

FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Molly started dancing at 3 years old at a local studio in her hometown in Florida. Growing up, she danced in all styles but found her passion for ballet.

Molly began assisting beginner ballet classes in her teenage years and playing larger roles in her studio’s recitals. She attended numerous dance conventions, learning choreography from well known choreographers such as Travis Wall from So You Think You Can Dance and Ivan Koumaev from Step Up 3. She has had the opportunity to choreograph music videos for local artists & work on live performance choreography as well!

Molly was drawn back to the desire to teach and had the opportunity to be trained by a dance company here in Atlanta to teach kids ages 2-12.

She’s passionate in playing her part to help cultivate a positive dance experience for young minds.

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 spent her summers participating in local dance festivals and Ballet Magnificat’s summer intensives. She continued her training at Elon University where she earned her degree in Exercise Science and Dance while teaching at Miss Kim’s Children’s Dance & Arts under the mentorship of Kim Black, early childhood dance educator and 2020 Dance Teacher of the year.

Rhetta is currently an Occupational Therapy Doctoral student at Georgia State University with an interest in dance as a rehabilitative practice.

Rhetta’s favorite thing about teaching is when a shy student becomes comfortable in class and feels free to creatively express themselves through movement!

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Janan received her dance training at Moving in the Spirit and Brenau University. She focuses on modern and contemporary styles but gained training in ballet, jazz, african, and ballroom.

Janan believes a teacher must hold great communication skills and be continuously kind in order to make all students feel welcomed and seen. She is passionate about using her knowledge in dance and the arts to inspire young dancers to soar!

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 — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

Sara graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from Brenau University. Her additional training includes The Georgia Ballet, Steps of Faith, and The Gainesville Ballet Company where she performed as a company member and soloist.

Sara has had opportunities to work in film when she danced in “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Show” and as a back up dancer for Weird Al Yankovic’s Atlanta’s performances. In addition, she trained in various styles of ballroom dance and toured throughout the US as a professional performer with The Utah Ballroom Dance Company. Her most recent performance experiences and roles include "A Christmas Carol Reimagined," Captain Hook in "Peter Pan," and the Stepmother in "Cinderella." In 2022, she produced and choreographed her own dance production, "Amethyst Bloom," performed in Atlanta.

Sara continues to pursue a career in dance as well as sharing her love and knowledge of dance to the next generation of dancers. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing her students get excited about performing and showing how hard they’ve worked!

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

Kalyn received their dance training at Oconee Youth School of Performance. After high school, they minored in dance at the University of Georgia. Kalyn soon decided they wanted to focus on the commercial dance world, so they moved to Atlanta where they became a scholarship student studio at Gotta Dance Atlanta, training 30+ hours per week. Kalyn has been working in TV/film ever since!

For Kalyn, teaching gives me them warm and fuzzies. They love seeing joy stretch across a student's face as they take on something new. They love getting to know their students as whole humans and advising them as they advance in this crazy world.

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

Originally from Atlanta, Margaret began her dance training at Atlanta Ballet Center for Dance Education. She spent her summers training at the School of American Ballet, the Kirov Academy, and Boston Ballet. After graduating from Marist High School, she danced with the Atlanta Ballet Company. Her favorite roles while at the Atlanta Ballet include the Spanish Pas de Deux in The Nutcracker and an Indian Maiden in Peter Pan. Moving on from her ballet career, she landed a role in the original Broadway version of West Side Story touring through Europe. Then, she danced as a Radio City Rockette for nine seasons. Margaret has performed in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular in cities all around the United States and at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

In between her performing career, Margaret taught dance and choreographed at many studios in New York and Atlanta. She worked as a dance instructor for the New York Public School system during her off season from the Rockettes.

After retiring from a 15-year dance career, Margaret graduated summa cum laude with a BBA in Accounting from Georgia State University. She worked as an accountant for a year, but her love of dance pulled her back in the studio. Margaret is thrilled to teach at The Neighborhood Ballet as a jazz, musical theater, and ballet teacher. Her three daughters have enjoyed coming to NB for several years.

She is excited to pass all of the wonderful advice and technique that she gained from a 15-year professional career to her students.

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 ADULT DIVISON

Emily Davis is a professional dancer, dance educator, choreographer originally from Atlanta, GA. Her dance training of 20 years began at Rhythm Dance Center in Marietta, Georgia, where she trained in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and Contemporary.

She studied Dance and performed for 2 years at Troy University’s Department of Theater under Dominique Angel of Miami City Ballet, and participated as an artist, and social media intern through ImmerseATL with Sarah Hilmer, George Staib, Anna Bracewell Crowder in 2021.

Since starting her professional career in Atlanta, GA, Davis has performed the works of Mitchell Kelly for MK Life Parts at AREA, Atarius Armstrong of ALA Dance Company, Nadya Zeitlin of Bautanzt Here, Xavier Lewis of VIAUNI, for the City of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Perlizbeth De Leon of Uprising Dance Company, Liquid Sky Events, Sarah Wildman of Zoetic Dance Ensemble, and Danni Heverin at Xcel Studios.

Emily has a teaching background of 9 years. As an educator, she hopes to continue enriching and inspiring the next generation of dancers in a way that will empower them to carry commitment, grace, and passion into whatever path they decide to choose!

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET ADULT DIVISION

Desiree Nathanson is a renowned dancer, choreographer, and fitness professional based in Atlanta, Georgia. With a diverse background in dance and a passion for promoting health and wellness, Desiree has made a significant impact in both the dance community and the fitness industry.

Desiree began her dance training at a young age, honing her skills in various dance styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. She further developed her talent through rigorous training and performances, establishing herself as a versatile and accomplished dancer.

In addition to her extensive dance background, Desiree is well-known for her role as a former member of the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team. Her dynamic performances and vibrant energy on the court captivated audiences and showcased her exceptional talent. During her tenure with the Hawks, she not only performed at numerous games and events but also represented the team at various community outreach programs and appearances.

Desiree's passion for dance is matched by her dedication to fitness and wellness. She is a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, specializing in helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals through customized workout plans and motivational coaching. Her expertise in both dance and fitness allows her to create innovative and effective fitness programs that cater to a wide range of individuals.

Beyond her professional achievements, Desiree is committed to giving back to the community. She actively participates in workshops, mentoring programs, and charity events, using her platform to inspire and uplift others. Her dedication to her craft and her community has earned her recognition and admiration from peers and fans alike.

Desiree Nathanson continues to inspire and influence through her work, embodying the perfect blend of artistry and athleticism. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence in both dance and fitness.

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, John Streit, 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, recently performing with Atlanta choreographers Nadya Zeitlin, Meaghan Novoa, and Versaille Jones, as well as at The Strand Theatre in Shane DeLancey’s original musical "A Christmas Tradition." 

Katie is a passionate and dedicated dance educator and choreographer. In addition to her choreography projects, she recently worked on projects such as the Aurora Theatre’s "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" and The Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards 2024. She currently serves on the Dance Educators of Georgia Society (DEGAS) Board. 

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 this past May, they were awarded Highest Honors for their dance thesis, fellowship in the John H. Gordon Stipe Society, and The Pioneer Award. In Atlanta, they have worked with choreographers such as Jacquelyn Pritz, Jacqui Hinkson, Leo Briggs, Julio Medina, George Staib, Annalee Traylor, Xan Burley, and Alex Springer. Currently, Madison is a company member with Catching Mangoes, led by Jacque Pritz, and Excavate Body, led by Jacqui Hinkson.

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 started her dance journey at the age of 4, igniting a lifelong passion for movement and expression. At 16, she took a pivotal step by enrolling at Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, where her dedication to dance deepened. This path led her to Atlanta Festival Ballet, where she danced professionally.

Beyond the performing, Samara discovered joy in teaching and sharing her dance expertise with students throughout Georgia.

FACULTY MEMBER — NEIGHBORHOOD BALLET

After dancing her way through childhood, Lex trained in ballet, tape, 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. 

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!

ACTING MANAGER & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Marcia Faith Harper began dancing at the age of 6 and received much of her dance training at Rose City Dance in Thomasville, GA. She then went on to earn her BFA in Theatre Performance from Columbus State University in 2019.

She has worked as a Teaching Artist and arts administrator in Atlanta since 2022. Previously, she taught arts and theatre classes at the Springer Theatre Academy and Georgia Thespian Convention, and has served as a full time preschool teacher at the Weinstein School at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

Marcia has called Atlanta home since 2021 and has been working toward her career as a creator and teaching artist. lives by the motto:

“Do your job well, treat people with kindness, and empower others to do the same”.