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Meet Our Staff
Courtney Beckworth - head cheerleading coach and assistant dance instructor, began working in the Performing Arts program at age 15. She cheered in high school and continues to pass on her love of cheerleading to University City area children. Ms. Courtney is a student at UNC Charlotte. What we love about Ms. Courtney: her enthusiasm for her classes and her leadership qualities.
Kristin Bost - recently earned her B.A. from UNCC in biology and dance. She has 10 years of dance training, including 5 years focusing on classical ballet. Kristin was selected twice to participate in the American College Dance Festival and is a former member of Tantrum Hip Hop Dance Troupe. What we love about Ms. Kristin: her glowing smile and her energy!
Jenny Griffes - Performing Arts Coordinator, is a member of Carolina Dance Masters, Dance Master of America and licensed Kindermusik® educator. Ms. Jenny earned a B.A. in journalism and German at Michigan State University while continuing her dance training at private studios and through college courses. She started dancing at age 8. A mother of 4 pre-teen to teenage children, Ms. Jenny especially loves teaching preschool age children. Ms. Jenny frequently attends workshops and conventions to improve her teaching skills. She is also a published author in Dance Studio Life magazine. Her favorite part of her job: watching children having fun on stage!
Carrie Hanes - assistant instructor and student, Carrie has studied dance for 12 years at Dance Davidson and the University City YMCA. An Elite member of the University City YMCA Performing Company, Carrie plans to major in dance education after high school graduation in June 2008.
Christy King - originally from Louisiana, she has danced for more than 20 years and taught for more than 15 years. Ms. Christy danced competitively for seven years and performed during the intermission at a Miss North Carolina pageant. She also studied dance in New York for 2 years and received a scholarship to study with Gus Giardono, jazz master teacher, in Chicago. What we love about Ms. Christy: her creative ideas for engaging little ones in class. She is a wonderful mentor for new instructors.
Chelsea Miller - is a teacher's assistant. She danced and took drama classes at Lake Norman School of the Arts, performing in the plays Annie and The Little Princess. Chelsea has trained in ballet, hip hop and musical theatre. She is now a member of the University City YMCA Performing Company. Ms. Chelsea says she appreciates the support of her staff members, helping her feel comfortable..
Melissa (Missy) Parks - has been dancing for more than 25 years and teaching for 17 years and is a member of Carolina Dance Masters and Dance Masters of America. She holds a B.A. in Biobehavioral Health with an interdisplinary dance minor from Penn State University. While at Penn State, Missy danced with Orchesis Dance Company. She has also worked as a character hostess at Walt Disney World. In addition, Missy serves as a professional representative for National Dance Week, is certified to teach CPR, First Aid and AED and is a proud mom. What we love about Ms. Missy: she is full of great ideas, is helpful and understanding.
Bethany Pokusa - studied dance for 15 years at Degrasse Dance Studio in Virginia. She has also studied abroad at London Studio Centre. She is a dance education major at UNC Charlotte. . What we love about Ms. Bethany: her positive attitude.
Erin Whitney - a native of Atlanta, Georgia, holds a B.A. in dance from UNC Charlotte. A former dancer with Martha Connerton/Kinetic Works dance company, Ms. Erin also has danced with the Georgia Ballet. What we love about Ms. Erin: her impeccable classroom management skills.
Shannon Young - is pursuing a dance education degree at UNCC. She has studied at private studios in the Charlotte area and New York. Ms. Shannon is full of creative energy and has an infectious smile.
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