Our Staff
Come dance with us and meet the talented team of instructors at The Dancer's Studio. Focusing on teaching exceptional techniques and creating unforgettable experiences, we are committed to our dancers’ satisfaction and success. Continue browsing our staff profiles below to learn more.
Sarah Lubatkin
Owner & Artistic Director
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern
Sarah Lubatkin is a DSBS alumni, beginning her dance education at age three with Miss Jonnie. Sarah grew up in the studio, studying ballet, tap, jazz, and modern and performing with Atlanta Dance Theatre. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a BA in dance and business management. Before coming “home” to teach at DSBS, she was an Atlanta Hawks Dancer and represented the team at NBA Nation in Shanghai. She performed several seasons with Clubesque, a Modern Day Cabaret. She also danced for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line performing both Vegas and Broadway style shows. She is extremely happy to be back at the Dancers Studio/Backstage and honored to be continuing the legacy of Miss Jonnie.
Xavier Lewis
Hip Hop Instructor
Xavier Lewis, aka Xay Zoleil, is an American dancer, musician, writer, comedian, and DJ. Xavier has been teaching and performing in the Atlanta area for almost 10 years. Xavier is currently the Dance Director for Grayson High School and teaches at many studios in and around the metro-Atlanta area. He began teaching with Dancer’s Studio Backstage in 2013. Xavier has been a background dancer for musical artists, such as B.O.B. Xavier has received multiple awards for choreography. Xavier directs and produces two dance concerts a year. Xavier recently signed a contract to be a part of the traveling dance intensive, Elevate Dance Workshop.
In 2015, Xay released his very first solo musical project, Paradise Garage, featuring the eletro-pop single “So Bumpy”. In 2017, Xavier and his writing partner, Molly McClintock, debuted their new talk show, “Around Town with Molly”, which highlights key figures in politics, entertainment, sports, and city life in and around the Metro-Atlanta area. In Decemebr of 2018, Xay released his first studio album, People of Pangea, which tackles the idea of global revolution, as well as dismantling the establishment.
Kelly Hunter
Jazz Instructor
TBD
Katherine Meloche-Ricardo
Senior Ballet & Jazz Instructor
Katherine began her dance training at the age of seven in Detroit, Michigan. Ms. Kathy has performed professionally for twenty-five years. A former member of The National Ballet of Canada in Toronto, she trained with the schools associated with the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Joffrey Ballet. Broadway credits span 15 years of performing and include "No, No, Nanette", "Grease" and Bob Fosse's "Dancin", where as a featured dancer, she had the opportunity to work directly with the late great choreographer and his wife, Gwen Verdun.
Off-Broadway audiences will remember Katherine’s portrayal of Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors".Regional Theatre credits include leading roles in "Pal Joey" at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, choreographed by Anne Reinking and "Anything Goes" at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. Other credits include on-camera principle work in dozens of television commercials, voice-overs and industrial films
In 1991, Katherine decided to focus her energy on teaching and opened Dance Pro's, Inc. in Upper Montclair New Jersey. In 1999 Katherine moved to Atlanta with her family and taught for Dan & Company Studios and has choreographed for the Atlanta Jazz Theatre. For the past ten years she has been on staff at the Dancers Studio Backstage (Atlanta Dance Theatre) and for the past four years has been the Artistic Director of the Marist Dance Company at Marist School in Atlanta, GA.
Max Johnson
Instructor
Max Johnson is our Instructor and one of our most loved team members, well respected by our staff and students alike. Their passion for dance and instilling confidence in their students is a true inspiration.
River Watts
Senior Instructor
Looking for a great Senior Instructor who can really motivate you? For many years, River Watts has been an influential part of our studio, providing dancers with the personalized attention they need to fulfill their dance goals.
Jesse Neimus
Choreographer
Whether you’re looking to learn new techniques or work on your existing skills, Jesse Neimus will get you there. As an experienced and professional Choreographer, they’ve been an integral part of our team since the beginning.