FACULTY
ALYSSA WATKINS
BALLET
Alyssa Reneé Watkins is a freelance dancer, teacher, and choreographer in the Atlanta and Metro-Atlanta areas. She has taught classes and set works for several studios, companies, and high schools specializing in ballet, contemporary, and pointe techniques on a concert and competitive level. Alyssa started her training at Southern Performing Arts Academy in Lawrenceville, Georgia and furthered her training with Atlanta Ballet for two seasons, one including full scholarship. She has since performed with Atlanta Ballet, Southern Ballet Theatre, City Gate Dance Theatre, and Metayer Dance Theatre. Maintaining her technical upbringing, Alyssa also valued her versatility by training in various styles through classes in Atlanta. Alyssa is entering her 5th year judging regional and state competitions through GHSA, serving two years as head judge. She’s danced back up with ‘Bad Romance: A Tribute to Lady Gaga’ since 2019 and has performed in Casinos, Theme Parks, and Military Bases across the East Coast and the Middle East. She was a featured dancer in the final season of Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ and has also danced for WNBA’s Atlanta Dream Hype Squad for three seasons, currently serving as co-captain. Her choreographic works have been recognized by Regional Dance America (RDA) as well as receiving awards across the competition circuit.Alyssa currently continues to train, perform, and create within her passion as well as teaching and educating the next generation.
COURTNEY ONDRE
JAZZ
Courtney has worked with various dance and theatre companies all over the Greater Atlanta Area. Courtney's works have been adjudicated for the National High School Dance Festival, performed on Public Television and chosen for performances at Walt Disney World. Courtney received much of her training from Lynn Fleetwood Dukes, along with Joe Tremaine, Robert Reed, Diane Walker, and Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. Courtney is also a member of the National Dance Association
ANGELA GRAHAM
SPECIAL ED
One of my passions in life is to provide individuals with special needs the opportunity to feel free to express themselves though the performing arts! My passion was fulfilled 7 years ago when I was given the opportunity to establish the first special needs dance class at SBT! I have taught dancing for the last 20 years specializing in tap instruction. Along with my love for the performing arts; I continued to follow my passion in working with students and received a Bachelor Degree in Music Therapy, a Masters Degree in Autism and Emotional Behavior Disorders, and Early Childhood certification. This year will be my 16th year teaching at Kennedy Elementary in Barrow County. I have been married for 14 years to Michael Graham and have 4 amazing boys: Ashton, Jayden, Logan, and Mitchell. If not at school or the studio, I am on the soccer fields cheering on the boys and or at church directing and singing with the choir!
OLIVIA MOTT
BALLET | MODERN
Olivia has been dancing for 17 years, and teaching for 5 years. During those 17 years, Olivia trained under Fiona Fairrie from the Royal Ballet, Momchil Mladenov from the National Ballet of Bulgaria, Orlando Molina from Orlando Ballet, Atlanta Ballet faculty, and Danita Emma founder of International Ballet Intensive. Olivia spent her summers at Houston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and International Ballet Intensive on a full artistic scholarship. Olivia is continuing her dance career, along with sharing her love of dance to students of all ages.
ERIN BURCH
MODERN | JAZZ | BALLET
Erin is a native of Durham, North Carolina who embraces the unexpected thrall and rawness of movement. Erin has trained tenaciously in Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern, and Contemporary, and she has danced with Gotta Dance Contemporary, Raiin Dance Theater, and MadHouse. She has performed in video and stage productions for musical artists Vivian Green, Prisca, Leah Culver, Redd Lettaz, and B Suave. She also danced in the original musical Angels in Training as dancer with choreographer Alysia. Sharing movement and instructing others is a driving force in Erin’s life. As a choreographer, she has set works for Ridge Dance Company, Southern Ballet Theatre, solos for competitions such as Youth American Grand Prix, and Universal Ballet. In 2017 Erin’s work was selected, noting her as a featured choreographer, for presentation at the National Southeastern Regional Ballet Association.
TINA MARTIN
BALLET
Tina Pendley Martin began her dance training at age nine in Kingsport, Tennessee, studying under former New York City Rockette, Eleanor Humphries. As her love of dance grew, she began performing with Intercity Ballet Company and later studied at Kingsport Guild of Ballet (now Kingsport Ballet). During college, Tina performed with The Appalachian Ballet Company, a regional ballet company in Knoxville, TN and an honor company of the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association (SERBA). Tina has attended numerous master classes and summer study programs with notable ballet masters such as Anna Marie Holmes, Jeremy Blanton, Gelsey Kirkland, and Finis Jhung. After college, Tina moved to Athens, Georgia where she worked for The University of Georgia while dancing with and teaching for Athens Ballet Theatre. There she performed solo roles such as Dew Drop in "The Nutcracker", Winter Fairy in "Cinderella", and Swanhilda in "Coppelia." After moving to Atlanta in 2001, she developed and taught pre-school dance programs for the YMCA for several years. She joined the faculty at Greater Atlanta Christian School in 2012 teaching ballet, modern, and jazz dance genres for all middle school dance courses. In 2018, Tina choreographed and staged "The Nutcracker" for the Middle School and High School Dance program- the first ballet production presented on the GAC campus. The following spring, she and her students presented Peter and the Wolf. In 2020, Tina was named the Director of GAC School of Ballet. As director, Tina and her staff have staged many performances and recitals for the school as well as two additional ballet productions- "The Sleeping Beauty" (2022) and "Cinderella" (2023). Tina has a B.A. degree in Business Management from Maryville College, a K-12 teaching certificate in Dance through UGA, and earned her Master’s Degree in Dance Education from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro in May 2023. She and her husband John live in Peachtree Corners with their daughters, Michelle and Katherine, and dogs Cody and Daisee.
MONIQUE NICOLE JACKSON
JAZZ | TAP
Monique Nicole Jackson started her dance training 32 years ago training in both the competitive and concert dance circuits. Upon graduating high school, Monique set out for a degree in Dance Education at Brenau University. While studying at Brenau, she had the honor of participating in the Disney College Program in Orlando as a character/ parade performer. Throughout her time at Disney, she participated in the televised “Mickey’s Once upon a Christmastime” parade in Magic Kingdom. She also had the opportunity to perform in “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” Parade in Animal Kingdom. After the Disney College Program, Monique returned to Brenau to complete her Dance Education program and set her sights on her second love-- writing. In 2013, Moniquereceived her bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism from Georgia State University with a minor in English. Soon after, Monique was afforded the opportunity to write for Dance Informa Magazine; a publication based in the U.S. and Australia. She has had the opportunity to interview dancers across the spectrum from commercial to performance styles while showcasing new and upcoming dance companies and talent alike. During this journey, Monique went back to school to pursue a master’s in journalism at Regent University in 2016 while planning to pursue a master’s in law afterward. After graduating with a master’s in journalism (2018) and Law (2020), Monique continues to write feature articles and advice columns for Dance Informa Magazine while choreographing for various dance programs and studios around Georgia.
BRENNA HAYES
ADULT BALLET | YOGA TRAPEZE | COMBINATION
Brenna Hayes began training at Southern Performing Arts Academy in Lawrenceville, Georgia, at the age of three. For nine years, she was a dedicated member of its nonprofit pre-professional company, Southern Ballet Theatre, performing annually in A Very Grinchy Christmas, The Nutcracker, Dracula, and various spring productions, including Frozen and Maleficent. During her time with SBT, she attended and performed at Regional Dance America festivals. She furthered her training through Dance Canvas’ summer intensive, DC NEXT, working with choreographers Daniel Catanach, Juel D. Lane, and Christa Smutek, and understudied Angela Harris and Vanessa Zabari’s ballet/tap collaboration for Dance Canvas.
Brenna later transferred to the University of Georgia to join the aerial dance program, CORE Contemporary & Aerial Dance Company, and pursue K–12 dance certification. She choreographed extensively within the Department of Dance and, in 2023, became the first graduate of UGA’s DoubleDawg program to earn both a BFA in Dance Education and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management & Leadership. During her studies, she also performed in the opening act for the Martha Graham Dance Company under Elizabeth Sinclair’s direction. After graduation, she continued contributing to UGA Dance through development and recruitment initiatives.
Her recent performance credits include Black Sheep Ballet (2021), where she learned and performed repertoire virtually during the pandemic; Gwinnett Dance Project (2022–2024), appearing in original contemporary works while serving on the Board of Directors as Communications Director and lead fundraiser; and Atlanta Contemporary Dance Company’s 3rd season (2024–2025), performing in diverse contemporary and collaborative works.
Brenna teaches ballet, pointe, contemporary/modern, and more to students of all ages, from young children to adults, at studios across metro Atlanta and Athens. She is certified in yoga trapeze, barre fitness, and bungee fitness, and is currently pursuing her Pilates certification. Off the stage and outside the studio, she supports dance organizations through arts administration, specializing in fundraising and social media.
LUISA AGUIAR
BALLET | COMBINATION
Luisa Fernanda Aguiar began her classical ballet training at the age of two at Pirouettes Ballet in her home country of Venezuela. After moving to Georgia, she continued her training at Southern Performing Arts Academy and Southern Ballet Theatre, where she expanded her repertoire to include jazz, modern, and hip-hop. She was selected for the prestigious Governor’s Honors Program as a dance major, receiving advanced instruction in ballet and modern dance. Luisa represented Southern Ballet Theatre at the Southeast Regional Dance America Festival, performing alongside dancers from across the region. She has performed in numerous SBT productions, including The Nutcracker, The Grinch, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and starred in the title role of Peter Pan in the 2024 production. During her time at Brookwood High School, Luisa was actively involved in the dance department, where she both performed and choreographed original works. She is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Nutrition with a concentration in Pre-Medicine at Georgia State University and continues to share her love for dance by teaching young dancers at SPAA.
NATA WAYNE
HIP HOP
A proud graduate of Peachtree Ridge High School and Ridge Dance Company, Nata has dedicated her life to both the arts and education. She trained at Southern Performing Arts Academy for five years, where her passion for dance blossomed into a teaching role after high school. With six years of experience as a high school Chemistry teacher and head coach for competition dance teams at Mountain View and Seckinger High Schools, she brings both discipline and creativity to her instruction. Currently serving as a Science Instructional Coach for Gwinnett County Public Schools, she balances her professional life with her newest role—being a proud mom to twins, Xuri and Xayln. In her free time, she loves enjoying acai bowls and taking peaceful walks in the park with her family.
VALERIE LOUIS
BALLET | JAZZ | ADULT BALLET
Ms. Val is a proud alumna of the studio, having trained here before returning as a teacher. She graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. While at KSU, she trained under esteemed choreographers including Lisa Lock, Ivan Pulinkala, Sean Nguyen Hilton, Mcree Okelly, Andrea Knowlton, Dre Lakin, and many others.
During her studies, Ms. Val had the opportunity to study abroad in Tel Aviv, Israel with the world-renowned Batsheva Dance Company. Since then, she has performed in a variety of professional dance projects and now teaches dance in both studio and community settings.
Currently, Ms. Val is pursuing a BBA in Marketing at Georgia Gwinnett College, with the goal of merging her artistic passion with innovative business strategies.
In the studio, Ms. Val aims to create an encouraging and inspiring environment where every dancer feels seen, supported, and empowered. She is thrilled for the year ahead!
ARIANNA RIVERA
HIP HOP
Arianna is a dedicated dancer, coach, and choreographer with over 14 years of competitive dance experience. Excelling in hip-hop, contemporary, and jazz, they bring versatility and creativity to their teaching and choreography. Based in the metro Atlanta area, Arianna has transitioned into coaching and mentoring, helping dancers refine their technique and artistry. Notably, they co-choreographed Peachtree Ridge High School’s state championship hip-hop routine, showcasing their ability to create dynamic and award-winning performances. Passionate about giving back to the dance community, Arianna is committed to inspiring dancers through innovative choreography, mentorship, and a deep love for the art of movement.
ALICIA CHITWOOD
BRANDON CHITWOOD
DIRECTOR
Alicia began her dance training at the age of four. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern and hip hop. She has trained with master teachers including Robert Barnett, David Howard, Thom Clower, Laura Alonso, and Twitch. Since 1990, Alicia trained at Lawrenceville School of Ballet and in 1997 she became a member of Southern Ballet Theatre, formerly Gwinnett Dance Ensemble. During her time with Southern Ballet Theatre, she danced in major productions such as Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and Coppelia. Since 2000 she has been attending Southeastern Regional Ballet Assoication's Festivals including two Regional Dance America National Festivals and has had choreography choosen to be performed at the Festivals as well. Alicia has choreographed full length ballets such as Moana, Peter Pan, Little Mermaid, Aurora + Maleficent: The Beginning, Frozen: A Tale of the Ice Queen, Cinderella, Aladdin, Pirates, and Rapunzel.
During Alicia's teaching career she has also trained many high school and college students in dance education and master educators. Some of her past students have gone on to dance with New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, cruise ships, and Walt Disney World, as well as prestigious colleges like Pointe Park University, Brigham Young University, and Utah Valley University.
TAP
Chitwood has been choreographing many styles of dance, including tap, modern and hip-hop since 1999. He has received special recognition and exclusive awards for his cutting-edge choreography and music composition. Chitwood has designed extraordinary light schemes for hundreds of shows and has designed and constructed sets for numerous theatre, studio, and dance productions. He has performed, choreographed, and taught Master Classes throughout the United States. Recently, Chitwood has taken full control over his artistic vision by choreographing, composing, and designing the dance, music, and set for his pieces that have been performed at the National festivals presented by RDA.
KRISTIN MELTON
OFFICE MANAGER
Ms. Kristin has been with SPAA since 2017 as our Office Manager and with SBT since 2017 as our Secretary on the Board. She has a background in Ballet and Jazz studying at Duluth School of Ballet in Georgia. In her spare time she assists local high schools in their theater and dance productions with set decoration, acquiring costumes, and creating custom props. She enjoys being part of the community and helping young artists grow!
