Helen Noviello has had the pleasure of sharing her love of exercise and movement for the past 31 years always coming from a place that the fitness part of our lives should be one we look forward to and enjoy! Helen graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Health and Physical Education. During her college breaks and for the first few years after graduation, she traveled to the Caribbean working on cruise ships as a fitness and social director.

When returning to Atlanta, Helen started an exercise business called Shape bringing exercise and wellness programs to corporations, churches and residential complexes. During this ten year period, she was a Body Elite Representative for NIKE, presenting at workshops and helping to give visibility to NIKE’s apparel and shoes. She also produced and starred in her own exercise show for cable TV. Helen then became the fitness director of a popular Atlanta gym for eight years. During this time, she created and managed class schedules, hired instructors and continued her love for teaching.

Because of her more holistic and nurturing approach to exercise, Helen naturally evolved into yoga and Pilate’s leaving the gym and becoming the yoga director at an Atlanta yoga studio. It was during this time she started leading yoga retreats that have become a tradition for her friends and students. Helen’s loving spirit and eclectic teaching style make her classes flow magically as she encourages her students to go inside and listen to their own needs and desires. Her approach to fitness is non-competitive and nurturing leaving her students rejuvenated on a very deep level.

Over the years, Helen has had the pleasure of teaching in Atlanta, Amelia Island, Monte Carlo and on cruise ships while raising and home schooling her three daughters. Helen always strives to pass on the joy of being fit, not as much for vanity, but more importantly for health and a wholeness of body, mind, and spirit.

www.yogabyhelen.com  

Eva has only been dancing for 3 years. She began taking ballet classes at the Atlanta Ballet and later at Dance 101 which she now calls her second home. She has a passion for dance and always wanted to study it professionally but her circumstances directed her differently. She definitely has a love for the arts which she spends a lot of her time auditioning for films, plays, commercials and print. Eva believes that life should be lived to its fullest potential so she lives by her motto "be fearless! Do everything and anything you want".

Kevin Tyson, born in Decatur, GA began dancing in high school in the band as a Drum Major. It was not until 1997 where he wanted to explore dancing to the next level. His dance career started at Ga State University, where he danced with the hip hop dance team during halftime at the basket ball games for one year. He then joined Culture Shock Atlanta in 2001 where he not only danced at many events but occasionally taught classes as well.

During his four year dance career with Culture Shock Atlanta, Kevin has traveled and performed in California, South Carolina and all over Georgia. Kevin then went back to Ga State and joined D.O.P.-Dancers On Pointe! This phenomenal hip hop dance troupe allowed him to explore his wild side. This group has opened up for the Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, and danced on the Apollo Theater. This opened up many opportunities for him to dance with up and coming local artists. Kevin has also performed with gospel artist Deitrick Hadden. Kevin's dynamic dirty south shakin' moves will surely leave you breathless.

Melody Smith started dancing and teaching with the Cartersville City Ballet. Soon after she began teaching ballet, tap and jazz at The Cobb Dance Academy, and Dan and Company dance studios. She has been the company ballet and lyrical teacher at Daystar Dance Academy, and has choreographed several competition pieces for their company. In addition to Daystar, Melody has also taught and choreographed ballet and tap pieces for Dan and Company and Tinker-belles. She has also judged the Tri-State dance competition and performed several ballet roles such as Arabian in The Nutcracker and Coppelia in Coppelia. Melody has been teaching ballet at Dance 101 for almost 3 years now and is really excited about expanding her experience while helping the Atlanta dance scene reach its potential.

A native of Atlanta, Miki Hoiirus trained at the Academy of Ballet Arts under the tutelage of Marina Levasheva before joining the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre (RMDT) Company in 1998. While dancing with RMDT Company Miki trained with Ruth Mitchell, Anthony Parkes, Lisa Toups, and Kathryn MacBeth among others. She performed many supporting roles in the Company’s annual ballets. She is best known for her role as the Arabian Solo in The Nutcracker. After graduating from high school, Miki attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where she earned a BS in International Affairs and Modern Languages (French concentration) with high honors. While studying for her undergraduate degree Miki continued to work with the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre in their Young Audiences program, which brings dance performance and education into local schools. After graduation Miki spent time in France honing her language skills. Upon her return she began teaching ballet and contemporary Jazz at Dance 101 in 2006. Miki continues to train in classical dance on a freelance basis. In August 2007 she attended the summer program with the River North Dance Company in Chicago and took professional classes at the Lou Conte Dance School. At the beginning of 2008, Miki began the Master of Arts program in Linguistics and French at Georgia State University.

Amber Owen’s serves as Valeo Dance and Health Club’s Artistic Director and Studio Fitness Director.  Amber’s career began at a young age as she pursued her passion to see a fusion between dance and fitness.  Originally from South Carolina, she has been performing for over 23 years.  Amber has directed productions, choreographed local and school dance productions, and organized dance and fitness teaching and training workshops across Northeast Georgia for over 12 years.  Amber has been training in personal fitness, dance fitness, group fitness, and nutrition counseling for almost 15 years and her diverse dance background includes Modern, Lyrical, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Salsa, and interpretive dance.  Amber has served as the Group Fitness Director at Resolution Fitness at the Commerce Club, Artistic Show Director for Buford High School, Assistant Artistic Director for the CHWC Dance Company, Dance School Director for the AAC Dance School, and is an established dance and fitness personal trainer specializing in stretch therapy, rehabilitation, strength, and endurance. 

Since I was 4 years old, I have been involved in gymnastics and Latin dance, participating in several national and international competitions. Just before graduating from high school, I told my dad that I wanted to attend a performing arts school or study the culinary arts; I either wanted to be a really good dancer or prepare a monster soufflé. He said, “Um…no. You need a ‘real’ career. You are going to be an engineer.” So I am, Ph.D. and all, just like he wanted. Suffering from the endless boredom of life in a cubicle (living the movie “Office Space” for real), my energy, my creativity, and my life zapped from me, until one day Ofelia, our fearless Dance 101 leader, pulled me from class and offered me the “job” of my life. When not teaching classes, you can find me either managing a troupe of very graceful, shirtless, toothless construction workers, or attending another of the great classes that are offered at Dance 101.

Lindsay Thiel danced with the Atlanta DanceWorks under the direction of Barry Thomas and J. Patrick McCann from ages 3-18. While at UGA, Lindsay Thiel founded and led the UGA Tap Dawgs, danced with the UGA Red Hotz Competitive Dance Team, took classes and performed with UGA's Dance Department, and performed with the DanceFX Company and taught tap at DanceFX. She was a featured tap dancer at a CD release party for REM in Athens. She has also worked with physical and occupational therapists to teach dance and creative movement to children with special needs. She joined the Dance101 staff in August 2007 and was a guest performer with Project 7 in January 2008.

Micheal began his dance career at age 13 with tap dance. A graduate of the Pebblebrook High School performing arts program, he continued his dance education as a scholarship student in the musical theatre department at the University of Cincinnati. Leaving school to begin his professional career with the Theatre of the Stars tour of "South Pacific", Micheal went on to work with Anita Bryant and Lee Greenwood in Tennessee, the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach, and Holland America cruise lines. Upon returning home to Atlanta, he began teaching and choreographing for local studios and companies, including Atlanta Jazz Theater, Cobb Dance Academy, and the Cartersville Ballet. Regional credits include in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ (Joseph), ‘How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying’ (J. Pierrpont Finch), ‘Fame’ (Nick), ‘A Chorus Line’ (Don), and ‘Crazy for You’ (Lank), as well as being a feature performed in the Miss Georgia Competition. Micheal continues to perform and teach around the Southeast.

Destiney has been dancing for 25 years and has done so at the collegiate level as well as in the NBA and NFL. Originally from Lorain, Ohio about 20 miles west of Cleveland and she attended the University of Cincinnati where she was a Communications major & a member of the UC Varsity Dance Team for 4 years. She began her professional dance career with the Chicago Bulls in 2002. After bearing with the cold for 24 years of her life she decided to fly south to become a dirty bird cheering for the Atlanta Falcons for two seasons. As a Falcons cheerleader she had the opportunity to travel to Tokyo, Japan, become a spokes model for companies such as Reebok, Crunch Fitness, Home Depot, and Verizon Wireless, also making appearances on UPN's RU the Girl, Inside Edition, ABC's Extreme Home Makeover and local Toys For Tots Commercials. In 2006 she decided to make her return to the NBA and began dancing for the Atlanta Hawks and is also signed with bloc South dance agency. A few other places you can check her out..."The Gospel" starring Boris Kodjoe, MTV's Sweet 16, Daz Dillenger Album Cover, Shop Boyz "Party Like a Rockstar" Video, BET awards, strutting the catwalk for Ed Hardy, the Russell Athletics catalog and in the Power Systems DVD.

Outside of dance she's covered some of the hottest events locally, nationally and internationally as a reporter. Just to name a few, Hot 107.9s birthday bash, Boost Mobile's RockCorps, Alonzo Mourning's All Star Weekend 8-ball tournament, The World Series of Poker and Bodog's Battle of the Bands in London and Dubai. She spends her days researching sports and entertainment news, and evenings dancing at a Hawks game, rehearsing for one, or teaching at Dance 101.

Desiree began her formal dance training at the age of four at Florida Ballet Arts and continued until her discovery of dance teams in high school. From there she went on to dance for the University of Florida Dazzlers dance team where she performed all over the country including the 2000 Men’s Basketball Final Four. Following her four years at UF Desiree broke into the professional world of dance with the Atlanta Hawks Dance team. During her six seasons with the Hawks, Desiree was privileged enough to dance at both the 2002 NBA All Star and Celebrity All Star games as well as travel to Mexico to perform at games for the Hawks sister team the Reynosa Correcaminos. She also represented the NBA in China performing in the Guangzhou and Chengdu provinces. She has worked with several music artists including The Sugarhill Gang, MC Hammer, Kool and the Gang, American Idol finalist Ejay Day, Bryce, Cat Chang and Pilar Montenegro.

In between studying for her master’s in nutrition at Georgia State University and dancing Desiree trains as a fitness competitor, doing shows on the Fitness Universe Pageant circuit. Her competition resume includes first place in tall figure at the 2006 SNBF Nationals and first place in tall figure at 2006 SNBF Georgia Fame. She has also competed in Ms. Bikini Universe 2006 and Ms. Fitness Universe 2008. Through her nutrition education and dance/fitness background, Desiree hopes to educate people on the positive effects of a healthy and active lifestyle.

More than 15 years ago, Ofelia de La Valette, at age 35, was a highly successful entrepreneur with her own insurance brokerage in Atlanta. Despite her accomplishments, awards, and respect within the Atlanta business community, her professional life was not what she wanted it to be. She decided to take a leap, literally, and direct her energy and passion to something she had longed to do since she was a little girl: dance.

Born in Cuba, Ofelia moved with her family to New York when she was 3. She always dreamed of being a dancer, but her family's financial situation -- they fled persecution with nothing more than a single suitcase each -- they could not afford to send her to dance classes in the United States.

Exhibiting the independence and resourcefulness that has endured throughout her life, Ofelia spent hours dancing salsa, jazz, and ballet in her parent's living room, choreographing her own routines with friends and putting on neighborhood performances. In middle and high school she joined dance troupes, and later, when living in Spain, she put herself through Flamenco school.

When she married and began a family, she once again put her dancing dreams on hold. For the next 15 years she dedicated herself to raising her two children and becoming a successful businesswoman in Atlanta. By 1994, her de La Valette & Associates insurance company was a success, and she was recognized by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as Businesswoman of the Year.

Yet, like so many who work hard in fields that don't fulfill emotional needs, Ofelia longed for passion in her work. It was time to make that leap.

Bubba Carr's career began with his move from Alabama to Los Angeles in 1984. Armed with a veracious drive and big talent he took Hollywood by the horns. With his first professional gig touring with MGM star Mitzi Gaynor he adapted to a fast paced lifestyle early on. His next big job as a regular on the television show "FAME" exposed Bubba to the ins and outs of the early to rise long day’s world of the network series. He later went on to assist the choreographer of "FAME", Jaime Rogers on television shows in Spain and Italy. In the middle of all this came the win of "Starsearch" in 1987, with the all male group "Boys Club", winning all seven shows they appeared on including the series finale securing the $100,000 prize. During this busy adolescence in his career Bubba found time to fit in video appearances with the likes of Cher and Prince, as well as, shooting national TV commercials for Sprite, Coors, The Gap and Levi’s 501 to name a few. Bubba has also been seen on the television programs "The Nanny", "Friends", "Nikki", “Scrubs”, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and "Oprah" including award shows such as "The Academy Awards", "The Grammy Awards", “American Music Awards”, "MTV Music Awards" and several TV Specials and "Movies of the Week". In addition to Bubba's work on television, he has appeared in numerous feature films including "Austin Powers: Goldmember", "Batman & Robin", "Wild Wild West", and “Out to Sea”. Touring credits include Janes Addiction, Porno for Pyros and Dirty Dancing Live, not only performing on stage but lending his choreographic talents as well. But the bulk of his touring has been dancing on stage with legendary entertainer Cher in her "Heart of Stone" 89', "Love Hurts" 91', "Believe" 99' and her latest record breaking "Living Proof" world tour which he embarked upon in 2002, with the last "sold out" performances being at the world famous Hollywood Bowl at the end of April 2005. Bubba has worked on the past three seasons of “So You Think You Can Dance” including the live tour. He has choreographed for L.A. based Hysterica Dance Company for their commissioned performance at Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art as well as Hysterica X, their recent tenth anniversary at Ford Amphitheatre. Bubba was commissioned by North Atlanta Dance Theatre to create a new surrealist ballet entitled “Abstract Reflexions” which premiered spring 07 and has just been nominated for an Ovation Award by the Los Angles Theatre Alliance as well as LA Weekly for his work in Paradise Lost, an original electronic opera by renowned composer Eric Whitacre. Bubba is the new Artistic Director of Dance 101 in Atlanta Georgia and is presently choreographing and dancing with Cher at the Caesars Palace Coliseum in Las Vegas.

Born in Germany, Bradley McCaskill has danced throughout Europe and United States to critical acclaim. He has performed with such renowned companies as the Chicago City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Hannover StaatsOpern - The Royal House of Germany. He has danced the Don Quixote, White Swan and the Nutcracker Pas De Duexs with many major companies as a guest artist. As a Choreographer, Mr. McCaskill's works have been set on The Hannover StaatsOpern, Southern Ballet, The American Ballet of Utah Ballet and Ballet Conservatory. His works have also been seen in the prestigious the Young Choreographer Competition of Germany as well as the the Southern California's choreographers competition; presented by the Orange County Performing Arts Center

Taylor Gerard is a professional fusion bellydance choreographer, instructor, and performer, whose unique ability to convey a range of emotions through technical expertise sets her apart.   Her creative and fluid style of dance incorporates elements of Turkish, Indian, Latin, tribal, and jazz, all solidly grounded in Egyptian cabaret technique and keeps audiences delightfully surprised and mesmerized. 


She has performed around the United States, including New York, L.A., and Atlanta, and performs regularly at many top bellydance venues such as Imperial Fez, Persepolis Cuisine, Café Istanbul, Veranda Taverna, and Taverna Plaka.  She has also performed with other choreographers, in a variety of dance disciplines, including Mezmera, Bubba Carr, and Aziza of Montreal/Portland and for celebrities Da Brat, Dallas Austin, and Sean "P Diddy" Combs. She also performs in Aqua Sirens underwater productions.


Originally from New York, Taylor comes from a dance background of jazz and hip hop.  She was introduced to the world of bellydance after moving to Atlanta in 2001, and has been pursuing her career in this ancient art form ever since. Taylor's commitment to bellydance is demonstrated through her many classes and workshops from beginner through professional levels.  She is the founder and artistic director of Tempest Dance Company and is the bellydance instructor for Dance 101, one of the largest dance studios in the Southeast.  Her first instructional bellydance DVD will be released in Spring of 2010.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Carrie trained classically throughout her life and into college.  Her skills in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Ballroom, Latin, and Modern enabled her to obtain a BS.ED in Dance Education from the University of Georgia. Upon graduation she realized her dream to become a professional dancer focusing on Hip-hop and decided to move out west to Los Angeles.  In her three years in Hollywood, Carrie trained intensively at Millennium Dance Complex, Edge Performing Arts Center, and Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio.  She credits her ability and influence to the wonderful training she gained from many instructors including Tricia Miranda, Shane Sparks, Marty Kudelka, Phlex, Eddie Garcia, Bobbi Newberry, and Alex da Silva, to name a few.  Once she felt she had met her goals in LA, with performances including three Choreographer’s Carnivals, Missy Elliot’s “We Run This”, and MTV Chi Rocks with the artist Adrienne Lau, Carrie then moved back to her roots to challenge the Atlanta dance Scene. After completing the Bacardi Blive tour with Mixmaster Mike and Dan the Automator, she returned to teaching again around the metro Atlanta area.

Nicole Johnson, an Atlanta native, is currently a dancer inside the artistic platform of gloATL.  As a young artist, she trained with Atlanta Ballet’s Center for Dance Education, and became a member of the company in 2006.  During this time she had the pleasure of experiencing creations by a variety of choreographers including, Balanchine, Diane Coburn Bruning, Allen Hineline, John McFall, Michael Pink, Twyla Tharp, Stanton Welch,  Lila York, and Lauri Stallings.  Her desire to explore movement took her to San Francisco, Isreal, and now back to Atlanta as she woks inside of  gloATL.   Nicole feels fortunate to find herself inside this nourishing environment that supports her growth as an artist, and thanks her wonderful family for their love, support and belief of a life in the arts.

APOLLO is a Southern boy raised in the Midwest. Originally from Louisiana, he moved to Indiana as a kid with his family. At the age of 8yrs old Apollo took the stage behind his sister who was rapping with greats like MC Lyte and Queen Latifah. He has spent the last eight years working as a professional actor and dancer with various theatre houses, with such shows under his belt like Dreamgirls, Smokey Joe’s Café, and Ragtime to name a few. He has also spent the last ten years coaching and choreographing in the world of competitive cheerleading on a national level, while in addition spending two years as a professional cheerleader with the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. Now back in the South as a resident of the ATL, APOLLO is making a name for himself as a new choreographer and upcoming music artist on the scene. The Urban Rocker is ready to put his stamp on the game and even more ready for you to join the movement.

For more than ten years, Madeleine Hackney danced professionally in New York, NY.  After receiving a BFA in Dance from the Tisch School of the Arts of New York University, she danced  in musicals and theatrical reviews including The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Oklahoma, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Gaudi, and a US Department of Defense Overseas Entertainment tour.  Versatile in jazz, ballet, ethnic, modern and theatrical dance, she has performed on national and international stages, including New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, New Orleans, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Japan, and Korea.  Ms. Hackney appeared in two feature films, Mona Lisa Smile, starring Julia Roberts, and Mad Hot Ballroom, a documentary inspired by Pierre Dulaine and Yvonne Marceau's organization, American Ballroom Theater's Dancing Classrooms. Madeleine Hackney worked for Mr. Dulaine's company for three years as an instructor and judge of competitions. Additionally, she has appeared on the Today Show, ABC morning news and has danced for industrial performances representing companies such as Toyota, Dairy Queen, the Italian Trade Commission, Emanuel Ungaro, AFLAC and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.  She has a long track record of bringing ethnic and popular dance to schools, having performed with Ramzi Eledlibi, and All Nations Dance company for American school children in the northeast and south.  She received training from some of the finest choreographers and instructors in Ballroom and Social dancing in New York and St. Louis, including Angel Figueroa, Yvonne Marceau, Laureen Baldovi, Steve Brockman and David Nyemchek. She was on the faculty of Stepping Out Studios in New York, NY for 5 years, where she taught American ballroom, salsa, tango, hustle and west coast swing. She moved to St. Louis in 2005 to study at Washington University School of Medicine for her Ph.D. in Movement science. Her doctoral work investigated the effects of partner dance on people with Parkinson Disease and those with severe mental illness, which was successful and garnered much media attention, including the New York Times, Scientific American and a citation in Oliver Sack’s Musicophilia. While in St. Louis, she taught for St. Louis’s Center of Creative Arts, the Washington University Ballroom Club, Club Viva, St. Louis Workout, Sante Health Clubs and Dance Elite, Inc. She danced for benefits for the Independence center (Dancing with the St. Louis Stars), the American Parkinson Disease Association, and the St. Louis Arc. She also appeared in Luminous Arts Productions’ Duets for My Valentine at the Roberts Orpheum Theater, and in the St. Louis Dance Festival Showcase at Edison Theater. In August of 2009, she moved to Atlanta for a position as research health scientist at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, where she will continue research into effects of partner dance on balance and mobility by designing and instructing dance programs for older adults with low vision. Well-versed in American Rhythm, Smooth, International Standard, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Hustle, and Country Western dancing, she has competed in Country Western and American Rhythm in pro and pro-am divisions.

A South Georgia native, Brian holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University, under the direction of world renowned ballet dancer and instructor Jo Rowan.  Prior to college, Brian trained in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, and hip hop under Dana Forgay in Cairo, GA, and was a headliner member of The F.I.R.M. Dance Company.  While in college, Brian was a member of the American Spirit Dance Company, and he was also one of the few elite members to tour regionally and internationally in Tai Pei, Taiwan.  Brian was also a dancer and singer at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and has been featured as a lead dancer in The Miss South Carolina Pageant.  Brian was a charter member of the Satchdance Company in Tallahassee, FL, and he has also held the leading roles in such musicals as Anything Goes, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Oklahoma!, The Music Man, Annie Get Your Gun, Alice In Wonderland, The Lion King, and many others.  He has performed with the Black Bear Jamboree in Pigeon Forge, TN where he was a featured singer/dancer,   and has also been a part of some industrial work for Mercedes Benz, and he can be seen on an OETA documentary of Oklahoma City University.    Brian has been teaching tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and hip hop for 9 years now, teaching nationwide.  He recently finished four contracts on Holland America Cruise Lines as the singer/dancer, two of which were world cruises.  In 2008, Brian was featured as a demo vocal artist on many Chartbuster Karaoke albums, providing him with extensive experience in the recording studio.  Brian currently teaches all styles of dance full time at numerous studios in metro Atlanta, working with many talented kids and helping them grow.  Brian is a member of the Miss Atlanta Board under the Miss America Organization, working closely with the production team of the Miss Atlanta Pageant.  He is glad to be apart of the Dance 101 family and hopes to spread his love for dance to every student!

Herbert Bowens, Jr. is a native of Albany, Ga. Herbert has been performing since he was four years old.  Endearingly called Herb, he finished college at  FAMU where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. While matriculating at FAMU, Herb studied dance under the instruction of Dr. Beverly Barber, artistic director of Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre.   Herbert was also a member of the Play Maker’s Guild where he debuted in several university productions such as the “Wiz” (Scarecrow) and On Toby Time, a musical where he played the lead male character, “John Duck”. Herbert Bowens was also a member of the world famous Marching 100 Show Band where he played snare drum, preparing him for his movie debut in Drum Line( Snare Drum Player for A&T ).  Herb has been seen on Stomp the Yard (Stepper/Theta.), Dance Fever( Dance contestant ABC Family Channel), Boycott(HBO Special- pedestrian), and Amateur Night at the Apollo (Hip Hop Dance Contestant).  Herb has been on Cee-Lo Green’s ” I’ll Be Around” video as a solo dancer and has choreographed for R and B sensations After 7 and Lisa “ Left Eye” Lopez’s group Egypt. Herb was a main dancer in Jawan Jackson’s video The Party’s Jumpin’ featuring Jadakiss.  He has also done commercials for AT&T, Rooms-To-Go, Scana Energy, and Walmart.

Lauren Banks began her dance training at Carla's Dance Factory in Fayetteville, Georgia where she studied ballet, tap, and jazz. After graduating high school, Lauren taught for the Universal Dance
Association (UDA), traveling and teaching middle school and highschool students across the southeast. Following her UDA experience, she attended Kennesaw State University (KSU).  She performed with the KSU Rhythm Dance Team and the KSU Dance Company, studying under Ivan
Pulinkala and Emily Yewell-Volin.  Under the direction of Ivan Pulinkala, Lauren performed at the American College Dance Festival, where KSU was chosen for the national gala. Lauren graduated summa cum laude from KSU with a B.S. in Communication(Public Relations) and a minor in dance.  Currently, she is working toward her M.A. in Communication from Georgia State University and performing locally.

This triple-threat musical theatre performer’s stage credits include starring roles in ‘The Wiz’, ‘Lullaby of Swing’, ‘Oklahoma’, and ‘Purlie’ with Samuel L. Jackson. Mr. Brown was featured dancing in the HBO movie "Miss Ever’s Boys" with Alfre Woodard and Laurence Fishburne. Leon has danced and /or choreographed for ABC and NBC-TV, The National Black Arts Festival, The Black College Dance Exchange, the Atlanta Ballet, and The Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. As a singer, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and recorded two albums with the Grammy Award -winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. An International Master teacher specializing in Jazz dance, he has taught in Europe and studied in NYC with Frank Hatchett, and Fred Benjamin to name a few. This award-winning choreographer has been on the faculty of Agnes Scott College and the Atlanta Ballet.
 
Leon holds a B.A. degree, a fitness certification and he also produced his own aerobics video  featuring his “Cardio-Funk” dance aerobic classes.

Several performances by Mr. Brown can be found at the Lincoln Center Library dance archives in New York City.

AnneMarie has an extensive dance background spanning decades!  She has trained with local and international instructors who are renowned champions in their fields. With Ballet, Latin and Ballroom training, she is able to express graceful, feminine strength through the exotic movements of Bellydance. 

AnneMarie has been involved with teaching and performing Bellydance in the metro Atlanta area over the last nine years. She is passionate about sharing the beauty of Modern Bellydance through interactive, gentle instruction using an exciting blend of upbeat, Middle-Eastern and Latin dance music. 

AnneMarie is also a national amateur ballroom competitor in the International Standard style of Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz and Quickstep.

Sarah Hillmer is a native of Atlanta, Ga.  She has danced professionally with Atlanta Ballet under the direction of John McFall, performing both classical and contemporary works.  She has performed principal roles in Giselle, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.  Sarah has enjoyed working under various choreographers such as Michael Pink, David Nixon, Lila York, Violette Verdy, Alan Hineline, and Cayetano Soto.  Recently Sarah danced in the inaugural season of gloATL, where she performed the original works of Lauri Stallings in both Atlanta and New York.  She has been a guest professor at both Kennesaw State University and Emory University.  She has worked as an assistant to Lauri Stallings during the world premiere of "big", and as a repetitour for various choreographers.  Sarah currently teaches every level of dance at Atlanta Ballet as well as many institutions in the Atlanta area.  She is an individual committed to finding the possibilities in the world around her.  Sarah is excited to be joining the faculty at Dance 101.

Ellen began dancing at the age of 4 and entered intense professional training in ballet, modern, and character at age 9 with Alexandra Zaharias in St. Louis on scholarship where she was appointed class demonstrator.  At age 12 she also took 7 young children under her wing and taught them classes as her own independent business. Ellen continued rigorous ballet training under Vladimir Marek and at fifteen was invited to join the junior company of the San Antonio ballet and teach young children in the school. Including Zaharias and Marek, some of her most memorable training has been from Laurie Worril-Biggs, Mayra Worthen, Kathy Thibodeaux, David Howard, and Paul Mejia. Ellen began her professional career with Ballet San Antonio in 1995 as a soloist and in 1999 was promoted to principle. She has also performed with Ballet West and the Gainesville Ballet and toured extensively for 3 years with Ballet Magnificat, dancing many contemporary and classical works. Some of Ellen's highlighted roles are Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, Fanny Cerrito in Pas De Quatre, Kitri in Don Quixote, and Lead in Paquita. As the mother of two children Ellen has been working as a free-lance artist for the past 10 years and has made her home base with North Atlanta Dance Theatre. As principle dancer with NADT Ellen has danced a wide variety of classical and contemporary roles. She created Bubba Carr's, Chrome, in his original work, Abstract Reflexion, and in reviews has been hailed as a "tour de force" for her portrayal of Carmen in Michael Garrison's production. Her "poignant" performance as the title roll in Garrison's Giselle in 2008  "left audiences spell bound." And Ellen as the pirate Ship Wreck Sally in Garrison's Pirates of the Phantom Waves "showed her great diversity and fearless vulnerability as an artist." In addition to her love for performing, Ellen loves to share her energy through teaching. She has been a mainstay teacher at the North Atlanta Dance Academy for the past several years and also teaches as a guest for various workshops. Ellen is known for her ability to combine a keen attention to technical detail while drawing forth the love and zeal for the art of dance with her radiant charismatic persona.