Caroline Beverly has a BA in Dance Performance and Choreography, with a minor in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. She also studied at the Institute of Arts – Barcelona, in Sitges, Barcelona, Spain and is a certified 200 ytt yoga instructor. Caroline danced with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra annually for 10 seasons. She has also performed with Windsor Symphony Orchestra in Windsor, Canada, and Cincinnati Ballet. In her senior year, Caroline’s choreography was chosen to represent her University at the American College Dance Association – South Eastern Conference. Caroline has been an intern and administrative assistant for Joffrey Ballet Scool in NYC and remotely, respectively, and is still currently working in this field. She has danced with contemporary companies Yuhas and Dancers (Columbia, SC) and Baran Dance Company (Charlotte, NC). Since graduating, Caroline has been teaching pre-ballet, combo, ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and pointe for ages 2-18 as well as yoga classes for kids.

Arianna Boatright has lived in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She began dancing with Lawrenceville School of Ballet when she was just three years old, where she discovered her love of ballet. Arianna joined the North East Atlanta Ballet Company when she was 12 years old, and continued to dance with the company through high school. After high school, Arianna attended Lee University in Cleveland, TN, where she graduated in July 2013 with a Business Management degree. Arianna has taught ballet since she was 15 years old – she has taught at Lilburn School of Ballet since 2005, and Grayson School of Ballet for since 2008. While in college, Arianna taught ballet for Cleveland City Ballet School. She was also heavily involved in many different volunteer organizations, as well as a middle school ministry program. Her passion for ballet has increased year by year, since the age of three. Arianna is passionate about her students, and their dreams of becoming a ballerina. She is excited about becoming a part of Creative Movement and Dance, and is looking forward to being able to share her love of dance with her students.  

“Miss Bernie” – A child prodigy at the age of four, Berneta was sent to study under the direction of Tensia Fonseca with the Maryland Youth Ballet. She performed with the Atlanta and Bristol Ballets throughout her youth and graduated with a double major in Performance and Education of Ballet from Virginia Intermont College. With over 25 years of excellence in teaching, Berneta is very well known throughout Gwinnett county. Miss Bernie has been with with CMD over 15 years, and is among our finest!          

Tia began dancing at the age of 7.  She began cheerleading in middle school, and was on her high school dance team.  While in high school, she performed with the dance team, and began practicing contemporary, majorette and hip hop.  In college, Tia is minoring in dance, while continuing to work on ballet and modern dance.  She is continuing college part time, while working on a bachelors degree in Social Psychology, while minoring in dance, in the hope of one day becoming a Dance Therapist.  Tia loves children, and has worked as an Assistant Teacher for a child care company, for ages 6 weeks – 5 years old- which is how she actually found CMD.          

Jessica began her training at The Ballet School of Fellowship Christian Academy under the instruction of Eleanor Rogers (NC Dance Theater, Atlanta Ballet, La Compagnie de Danse Entre-Six) at five years old. She continued her education under Lisa Marsh (Eastside School of Ballet & Tap), Rhonda Oltjenbruns (Praise In Motion), Barbara Hancock (“Finian’s Rainbow” as Susan the Silent), and Capezio Diamond Award recipient Sharon Druzbanski. Jessica began assistant teaching at the age of fourteen, and by seventeen was leading Master Classes in Modern, Hip Hop and Jazz throughout the metro Atlanta area.  In 2005, she was selected to be a senior performing member of the Generation: Dance! Performing Arts Co. , and from 2007-2010 owned and operated Authentic Dance Studio in Marietta, Ga. Since 2010, Jessica has been teaching ballet, tap and hip hop for Creative Movement and Dance, as well as ballet, tap, jazz and modern for The Performer’s Warehouse.    

Keisha Laren Clarke Gray is of Jamaican descent from Brooklyn, N. Y. She graduated from CalArts with a BFA in Dance, and is a Performing Artist, Choreographer and Instructor. She was Dance Captain/ Swing with The Lion King on Broadway and The National Tour. She toured worldwide w/ Garth Fagan Dance and Lula Washington Dance Theatre. Keisha’s other training includes London Contemporary Dance School, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and Gotta Dance Inc. She is the Director of Shine Your Light dance ministry. She thanks God, her Husband, her Mom and Dad, & family for all that she is. Proverbs 3:5-6 & Isaiah 60:1.        

Brittany Cole grew up in Lithonia, GA. Her parents say that as a child, she was always moving to any beat that came on. Brittany began her formal dance training at the age of four. She trained for years in ballet, tap, and jazz. Brittany also explored her passion for sports and cheerleading. She then rededicated herself to dance, and began ministering in church, while studying jazz and hip-hop at Kameo Studios and Promise Production Studios. Attending Martin Luther King High School, she joined the dance team. Brittany began her teaching career at DeKalb Preparatory Academy for two years, then moved on to Boys and Girls Club in Decatur for several more years. Due to Brittany’s love, passion, and calling for dance, she has returned to teaching and has no desire to look back.

Jennifer Cyran was born and raised, in New Jersey, where she began dancing at the age of three years old.  She was invited to join her studio’s competition group, at age seven, and went on to win many top awards over the next 10 years.  In high school and college, she taught dance classes, choreographed award winning routines for her studio, attended master classes, workshops and conventions, and choreographed and performed in musical theater productions.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia; after earning her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, Jennifer began working with special needs children in Atlanta.  As a special needs parent herself, she understands the unique challenges associated with neuroatypical children.  Recently, she began teaching Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Musical Theater at North Georgia Dance and Music Factory, where she specializes in joyfully giving beginners a developmentally appropriate, excellent education in fundamentals, while building confidence and a love of dance.   

Chyna began her dancing career at the age of four at Bloomingdale Performing Arts Elementary School. She began her training in ballet, and then added modern to her repertoire a year later. She was baptized at the age of seven at First Union Missionary Baptist Church, shortly after her praise dance ministry was born. Her anointing bloomed under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, Sister Dorothy Brown and a praying mother and grandmother. Chyna then attended Esther F. Garrison School of Visual and Performing Arts, where she began taking her dance career more seriously. She received her formal dance training at Kelly and Co. Studios in Savannah, GA. It was there that she started dancing en pointe and integrating into competition dance. Chyna attended Savannah Arts Academy under the direction of Cristin and Jay Jernigan. She performed in many full length ballets such Cinderella & Sleeping Beauty and, is most notable for Hocus Pocus. During her time at SAA, Chyna had lead roles in various stage works and also choreographed and performed in musicals. It was under her artistic direction that both the dance and theater shows were sold out and broke record sales. Chyna was rewarded for her service at Savannah Arts by receiving the Friends of Dance Scholarship. She attended Point Park University from 2019-2021 and performed in many shows. Following COVID-19, she transferred to Kennesaw State University, where she joined KSU’s Dance Company. Chyna performed at many events such at the COTA Gala where they endowed a 10 million dollar scholarship. She was also selected to participate in the National American Dance Conference. Before completing her degree, her choreographed piece “Remnant” was selected to be in the final showing of the dance department for that year. Chyna thanks God and her family for the person that she has become, and is an advocate for following your anointing and leaning into your God given purpose!

Toemesha has always had a passion for dance and fitness.  She began dancing in middle school, on the dance team, and went on to color guard in high school.  She danced with Impact Dance of Atlanta (previously known as Praise Him with Dance Studio) from 1999-2000, and with Steps of Faith Dance Studio, as a company member and a teacher from 2000-2002.  She went on to train in ballroom dancing, while living in Florida.  When she moved back to Georgia, she was a part of the Dance Ministry at Liberty Church.  Also, she has volunteered as a choreographer for multiple community theatres. Toemesha taught with Teaching Little Children in 2004-2007, then took some time off from dancing, to continue her education in Sports Administration and Management and received her Bachelors and Masters degrees.  She is currently employed as a group fitness instructor at multiple fitness centers.    

Jasmine Jackson, an Atlanta native, discovered her love for the arts and their power of expression at an early age, and has had numerous experiences in dance,theatre, and choir performance. While pursuing an undergraduate dance degree at Belhaven University, Jackson had the opportunity to perform in a number of historic and new dance works choreographed by Donald McKayle (“Songs of the Disinherited”), Helen Tamiris (“Negro Spirituals”), Ryan Corriston (Doug Verone and Dancers), Steve Rooks (Martha Graham Dance Company), and Vincent Hardy (Complexions Contemporary Ballet). She was a member of the 2013-2014 Dance Ministry Ensemble, which toured various works throughout the Metro-Jackson, MS area, ministering to retirement, special needs, and group homes. She received the People’s Choice Award for Best Original Screendance at the Belhaven University 2013/2014 Screendance Festival, and has used her videography skills to film various dance performances. In the spring of 2014, Jackson received non-profit management experience as an intern with the USA International Ballet Competition; during the 2014 USA IBC, she worked as staff in the Box Office Assistant position. Also in 2014, she was inducted into the National Honors Society of Dance Arts. Jackson recently graduated from Belhaven University with a BA in Dance, Cum Laude. After graduating, she spent some time training and performing with the artistic directors of Amalgamate Dance Company and DAMAGEDANCE in Italy as a member of the Breakout program. Jackson currently plans to continue her technical and artistic training and performance, while exploring the many working parts of the arts world.

Victoria Rose grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, where she trained for 14 years as a competition and convention dancer at the Academy of Dance Arts. Outside of South Carolina, Rose has trained at Broadway Dance Center in New York City, with a focus in commercial dance. Growing up in the competition and convention dance world, Rose trained in all aspects of dance: jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary, modern, lyrical, musical theater, street, pom, and hip-hop. She has worked with choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Randi and Heffa, Bobby Newberry, Taylor Perrymon, Al Blackstone, Chandler Brown, Teddy Forance, and more. Along with dance and performance, Rose played intramural sports throughout high school and college, volleyball being her favorite. During her time in college, while in attendance at Lander University, Rose was a member of the 4-time back-to-back conference championship dance team, Sassy Cats. Now, Rose resides in Atlanta, GA as a professional dancer and teacher. Her previous works since moving include touring with a Lady Gaga Tribute Band, performing at an Atlanta Dancers and Choreographers Exhibition, and music video work. Currently, she is a captain of the WNBA Atlanta Dream Hype Squad. Under this team, she has been able to work and perform with artists like Blanco Brown, Victor Jackson, and Trillville, as well as work with ATL choreographers such as Keith Wilder and Cici Kelly. Not only is dancing a passion of Rose’s, but teaching as well; more specifically for the younger generation. Her choreography has placed on both regional and national levels, along with receiving championship titles. She has taught and choreographed in all styles, finding each style important. Dance is meant for everyone and anyone; it is an expression of ourselves and others who may not have a voice. Rose is grateful to teach that lesson to students of today.

Jordan Lange is from Kennesaw, Georgia. She graduated with her B.A. in dance with a concentration in Advanced Ballet from Brenau Univesity. Jordan also worked with the Gainesville Ballet company, where she performed many roles such as Tiger Lily in Peter Pan, and Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty. At Brenau University, she had the privilege to be selected to perform works by many guest artists, such as Joshua Blake Carter, Jesse Zarrit, Marina Eglevzky, Owen Scarlet, and many more.

Kristi-Ann Lungren-Walker was raised in Miami, Florida with Jamaican roots. Though she would always dance at the family parties as a little girl, she joined her first dance class at the age of five. She began taking classes in hip-hop, jazz, ballet, lyrical and contemporary at Dance Attack Miami. In her high school years she joined the majorette dance team, and taught liturgical dance to young girls in her church. When Kristi-Ann went to college, she became a member of Karizma Dancers, Inc., and is still a member today. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2017 to attend Clark Atlanta University for her Masters in Public Administration. A free spirit at heart, Kristi fuses her degrees in psychology, public administration, and teaching elementary education, with her love of people, on a daily basis. Since finishing school and deciding to pursue dance full time, Kristi has choreographed and danced for local Atlanta artists, hosted kid dance parties, taught privates in her background-styles, and moved with Atlanta dance companies like glo atl and T. Lang Dance. Kristi-Ann spreads positive energy, and encourages everyone to find freedom in movement with her own Caribbean dance fitness workshops and classes hosted each month in the Downtown Atlanta area. Whether it be through dance, teaching, or her other ventures, she intentionally spreads this message of love for life across all her platforms and looks forward to bringing that to her students with Creative Movement and Dance.

Alexis grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA and trained in various styles of dance from the age of 4.  She attended studios, such as 5678 Dance, Chambers Performing Arts, and Heather Wayne’s Performing Arts, while also being involved in the Mill Creek HS Dance Department.  In high school, she was on the Mill Creek Dance Team, winning two state championships during her time on the team.  Alexis extended her training to in-studio intensives, as well as intensives across North America.  She has attended five Rockette Summer Intensives and for four of the intensives was accepted into the Invitational Week.  She also attended Joffrey South, where she trained in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop.  At the collegiate level, Alexis trained at Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment to achieve a BS in American Dance Pedagogy.  There, she had extensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, and rhythm tap.  Alexis was president of the Students of Arts Management organization (SAM) whose mission is to connect students to professionals in the dance and entertainment industry.  She also gained her in-house Moving Light Board certification.  ​In college, Alexis was able to teach around the Oklahoma City area at studios like Victory Dance and Dance Unlimited.  She has also judged for the highly acclaimed organization Dance Masters of America (DMA).  Alexis is excited to be in Georgia sharing her knowledge with the next generation.  

Heather Moffitt grew up in Georgia, and upon graduating high school moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a dancer and to attend college. She spent 15 years working as a performer, teacher, and choreographer in Los Angeles. During her time in Los Angeles, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology Exercise Science from California State University Northridge. She has trained in dance, singing, and acting with top industry professionals all over the world including Joseph Malone, Jackie Sleight, Michelle Elkin, Paula Morgan, Doug Caldwell, Cindy Ricalde, and Adam Parson, as well as Peisha McPhee and Christina Saffran-Ashford. Heather is a triple-threat performer who has performed throughout the country and overseas. Her performance credits include Adam Parson’s Commonality Dance Company, Mandalone Project directed by Joseph Malone, Jazz Dance LA and Mandalone Project with Jackie Sleight, Medidanza Stage in Italy with Paula Morgan and Steven LaChance, The Choreographer’s Carnival at Key Club in Hollywood with Michelle Elkin, Cabrillo Music Theater’s production of The King and I, the musical iChoose, several cultural performances with Joseph Malone, Michelle Elkin, and Terrance Yates, and Heather performed in multiple Cabaret style performances directed by Peisha McPhee. Heather has served as an assistant for Jackie Sleight, Doug Caldwell, and Cindy Ricalde and she has trained teaching assistants throughout her many years of teaching. Heather has taught and choreographed for many studios in the Los Angeles and Atlanta areas. Her students have continued on to perform in musicals and television and film, have obtained scholarships to college for dance, and some have become teachers themselves. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Heather’s versatile teaching abilities span all ages and all levels of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and some acrobatics. Her unique ability to nurture, inspire, and challenge dancers from preschool age to the preprofessional and professional level sets her apart as a dance educator. Heather has also adjudicated for many auditions and national dance competitions. In addition to Heather’s extensive artistic background, she worked in hospitality management for several years for The Sofitel Hotel company and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. With a vast amount of experience in administration, business management, performing, and teaching, Heather is determined to take the dance experience to another level.

Ava has had a passion for dance since the age of 3. She trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip-hop at The Dance Academy, where she also danced competitively for 6 years. She is an accomplished and award winning dancer that has received numerous scholarships, special invitations and top placements. In high school, Ava was actively involved in the theater program and was hired to choreographed dance numbers for the musicals for 3 years in a row. When given the opportunity to assist the director in teaching classes at The Dance Academy, she found a passion for teaching dance that rivals that of her love of performing the art.

Joy Paillet Attended La Roche University, majoring in dance and minoring in education. During her time at LRU, she performed works by Melissa Tyler, Kelly Basil, Gia Cocalano, Callan Newman, and Christina DiMarco. She danced with Bodiography’s second company, BCB 2, for one season. Joy has been educating young dancers for years, and is dedicated to pedagogy. Joy has choreographed numerous pieces, including one that has been performed for the award ceremony of Talk Magazine. She is certified in Bodiography Fitness and Strength. Joy currently dances and choreographs professionally with CityDance Collective. She also is the active Artist Assistant of Atlanta Dance and Music Academy. Her future plans include dancing professionally until she retires, and starting a performing arts school and dance company of her own.

Shannel Resto is an internationally based artist, who recently relocated to Atlanta from New York City as a photographer, choreographer, dancer, and artist activist. Resto grew up in Boston, MA, where she graduated from high school as a dance major at Boston Arts Academy, and graduated with her BFA in dance at Rutgers University from Mason Gross School of the Arts. She has also trained at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire for dance and choreography in London. Shannel is currently a rehearsal director and dancer for an Afro-Fusion modern dance company- Nyane Khosi Dance Theater. When she isn’t dancing and teaching, she is running her photography company SJR Photography, founded in 2013. Resto has collided her professions as a performing artist with her photography. Her work has been described as eclectic, storytelling, and detailed in both of her mediums. Resto’s choreography has developed into a unique style, and borrows from ranges of modern techniques. She has performed her work at Rutgers University, Triskelion Arts, Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts, Trinity Laban, Pentacle NY, and more. She has also worked with Matthew Bourne, Kevin Wynn, Ronald K. Brown, Randy James, Paul Ocampo, Fernadina Chan, Kieth Thompson etc. The message she communicates through her art is the freedom to explore the possibilities of the impossible. Shannel hopes to broaden different communities’ minds through going back to teaching and helping others explore their artistry.

Precious’ passion for dance surpasses the studio and her community. She began dancing in the West African Movement at 3 years old, and later began liturgical in her church at the age of 7. It was her praise dance-team where she began her love for the arts. Longing to find new ways to express herself through praise and worship, Precious asked her parents to put her into dance classes at a nearby dance studio, and that’s when she never looked back! From there, she began training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, pointe and contemporary. She traveled with her studio’s competition dance team to competitions, but at times she was left behind due to her parents’ financial struggles. Precious has earned an Associates in Dance at Santa Fe College, where she trained under Alora Hynes and Mohammed Da-Costa. She then earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography from the University of Florida. After that, Precious accomplished a Masters of Fine Arts at Temple University, with a degree in Dance and a concentration in Production, Choreography and Research. Precious has been fortunate to perform all over the county and dance/work with companies and artists, such as Alvin Ailey, The Philadelphia Ballet, Rennie Harris PureMovement, Marion Caffey, Jennifer Archibald and many more. She’s also been able to bring highly recognized artists to local community dance programs and community centers to assist and inspire young boys and girls in the arts.

Katarina Salafia, born and raised in Massachusetts, grew up in the dance world from birth. Her grandmother owned Carole Seretto Dance Studio, which was solely run by the family. Being part of the “three generations” they called it, grandmother, mom, and daughter, dance was just what they did. Starting dance at the age of two, it was obvious this was in her blood. Throughout the years, Katarina took ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop, all being instructed by her grandmother and mom. Katarina attended dance workshops yearly to take more training herself, and learn new techniques and choreography. She has experience with the competition world as well, being a competitor and instructor. By the age of 12, Katarina became her grandmother’s assistant for the majority of her classes. By the age of 16, Katarina wanted to become a teacher herself. Her grandmother began to delegate the younger classes to her, which she ended up taking over for the years to come. Katarina became the coordinator/instructor for all the children’s programs. As the coordinator, she was responsible for all planning and choreography for the children’s programs, which consisted of ages 13 and under. Katarina went into childcare during these years as well, which she feels really built her relationship with children, and grew the passion for working with them, including the passion for dance; it was just the perfect mix. Katarina has been teaching and dancing her entire life, up until COVID, where she decided to move to sunny Florida. She is more than excited to be getting back into the thing she loves, and beginning a new journey.

Abigail is a former Franchisee of Creative Movement and Dance, and owner of Pirouette, Inc. (2011-2016).  After successfully starting the Columbia, SC territory, she sold that and opened another for CMD in Tampa.  After having children, Abigail decided to sell that franchise.  Due to her love of instructing children, she returned to CMD for that franchisee as an instructor.  Her love of dance began at age four, under the direction of Kim Ozier’s School of Dance.  She later went on to train and study with Nancy Robinson School of Dance and Studio D, under the instruction of Mitch Flanders.  During her high school years, Abigail was heavily involved in both dance and theater, landing starring roles in Sleeping Beauty, Cats and many other productions.  After graduating high school, Abigail continued studying dance at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.  In 1999 her teaching career began at the Kim Ozier School of Dance.   

Kia J. Street began dancing at the age of three at Norma’s Academy of Dance, and continued her training at Dance with Donna Webb. She decided to pursue a dance career while attending Fine Arts Magnet at Mount Zion High School- now named Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts in Jonesboro, GA. Kia graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance in May, 2015. While attending VSU, she performed at the annual dance concerts, American College Dance Association, and during halftime with the marching band as a Blazette. She has taken master classes from Ririe Woodbury Dance Company, T. Lang Dance, Staibdance, Zoetic Dance Ensemble, Axam Dance Theatre Experience, and with the instructors of The Pulse on Tour. Kia has choreographed for high school dance lines, the Emerging Artist Showcase at VSU, and for Dancefx adult company members. Currently, she is an instructor at Dancefx Atlanta and Studio Powers for the Performing Arts. Kia is also member of Xtensity Performance Company, and an Apprentice with Sideways Contemporary Dance Company.  

Anari has been dancing for 9 years, 5 professionally, and has enjoyed the opportunity to grace the stage with many industry artists and choreographers. Whilst recently adding pro-NBA dance team experience to her resume, she continues to train in all styles. Anari has always had a love for working with children. She found assisting them to progress through milestones while teaching to be her greatest passion- something she plans to continue far into the future. Alongside her dream to teach, Anari also has a passion for choreographing. She hopes to one day do so overseas and eventually settle down as a studio owner.

Anna Tolompoyko was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. She started to dance at age 3 and never stopped.  At age 10, she was admitted to Russia’s finest – Moscow Ballet Academy and started to perform in major theaters including Bolshoi Theater, Great Kremlin Palace, Stanislavskiy Music Theater, and others.  Her favorite parts were in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Notre Damme de Paris, Cinderella, and Le Corsaire.  Miss Anna changed a career path for the undergraduate school and received a bachelor degree in Geography in 2002.  After graduation, she moved to USA and continued her ballet passion.  She worked as a private instructor and dance teacher in different studios and dance companies, as well as a gymnastics coach.  Miss Anna continues to teach Pre-Ballet, Tap-Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. Miss Anna is a very passionate Latin dancer and a triathlete.  She believes that all children have an innate potential to be talented successful adults, and she finds satisfaction in being a positive role model in their young lives.  Miss Anna adores her students and loves any opportunity to teach them dance.  She currently resides in Cumming, GA with her family.  The biggest joy and happiness she has are her daughter Katya, son Andrew, 2 dogs and 2 cats.  

From the tender age of six, Tiana found her rhythm performing trending hip-hop choreography at local recreational centers and events, setting the stage for a lifelong love affair with dance. However, her journey to the dance floor wasn’t a direct route. Throughout childhood, she balanced my love for dance with various sports, including basketball, soccer, flag football, step, and cheer, showcasing an innate love for athleticism and versatility. In middle school, Tiana was drawn to a more structured dance team, where she was introduced to the dynamic world of lyrical dance. It was here that she discovered a deep-seated passion for the art, fueling a determination to prove herself and grow as a dancer. Upon entering high school, she took her dedication to the next level by joining a company dance team. Under rigorous training, she was able to master an array of styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, modern, auxiliary, and majorette. Tiana earned the position of Captain after her first year on the team, guiding teammates with grace and precision. With each performance, she sharpened her skills, competing at state and national level competitions while entertaining crowds at high school football games. At 16, Tiana joined a competitive adult travel dance team, performing in majorette, HBCU-style dance, and hip-hop. It was at this stage that she caught the eye of a director from another team, marking the beginning of her coaching journey at the young age of 17. As the leader of young and highly-trained competitive majorette dancers, Tiana was instilled with a fierce work ethic, leading her squad to victory at competitions across the country. Today, Tiana continues to share her love for dance as a dance instructor at Creative Movement and Dance, inspiring the next generation of dancers to find their footing on the dance floor. Her dream extends beyond the studio walls, as she aspires to start a non-profit organization to support low-income youth in discovering their passions and talents, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to shine bright on stage and beyond.

Maria began dancing ballet at the age of four, with Duluth School of Ballet.  In high school, she was one of the founding members of Marist Dance Company, where she extended her training to include jazz and contemporary.  While studying at UGA, Maria joined DanceFX, where she performed with contemporary, salsa, hip hop, and heels companies.  This gave her the opportunity to train extensively in these styles and perform around Athens and Atlanta, including the halftime show for Super Bowl LIII.  In addition to performing, Maria has taught and choreographed for adults, children, and senior citizens.  She loves sharing her passion for dance with her students and watching them grow!