Summer Intensive

Gia Mongell

Gia Mongell made her Broadway debut shortly after graduating from The Juilliard School. As an original cast member of "An American in Paris", Gia performed Christopher Wheeldon’s Tony Award-winning choreography at The Palace Theatre as well as on the 69th Annual Tony Awards, serving as a swing and assistant dance captain across the run of the show. She was later invited to join the US National Tour and the show’s final run at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France. New York theatre credits include I Married an Angel at City Center Encores! (choreographed by Josh Bergasse), Cendrillon at The Metropolitan Opera, and roles in concert pieces by Twyla Tharp, Pina Bausch, and Nacho Duato while at Juilliard. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Dance from Hunter College.

Kathy Ricardo

Katherine Meloche-Ricardo 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. In 1991, Katherine decided to focus her energy on teaching and opened Dance Pro's, Inc. in Upper Montclair New Jersey.  
 

Xavier Lewis

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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 was previously the Dance Director for Grayson High School and teaches at many studios in and around the metro-Atlanta area. Xavier has also been a background dancer for musical artists, such as B.O.B., and has received multiple awards for choreography.  He is currently a resident choreographer with Dance Canvas and Atlanta Contemporary.

Katie Veldhuis

Katie Veldhuis is a Georgia native with a B.A. in Dance from Kennesaw State University. Training with Jonnie Kelley, Ruth Mitchell, Terrell Paulk, Nicolas Pacana, and other notable instructors at the Dancer’s Studio/Backstage.  Katie has performed on many stages across the country; highlights include performing at the Kennedy Center twice with Gala honors and working with Lauri Stallings and her company, gloATL, at Symphony Hall in Atlanta. She went on to cheer as an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader with the NFL and was able to represent the Atlanta Falcons in New York City, Mexico City, Jamaica, and of course Atlanta. Katie is currently an instructor at Stellar Bodies in Buckhead and Midtown, TURN, and teaches dance at studios around North Atlanta.

Cass Lievsay

Cass has been studying yoga for nearly 20 years and is currently registered with the Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT-200 and a Yoga Alliance Certified Education Provider (YACEP). Cass received her formal 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training through Soulful Yoga and SUP under the watchful support and guidance of Laura McCrory, among other influential teachers including Jody Struminger and TJ Mangrum.. Trained in a Kriya-based practice, Cass continues to make it her life’s mission to introduce people to the beautiful practice of yoga and all of its benefits. She is also a Certified Health Coach and enjoys encouraging people to find healthy habits and incorporate them into their daily life.

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Natalie West Pittard

Natalie is certified in several methods of pilates.  The Gyrotonic Method, Redcord, Kettlebells, and Dance. She has been teaching smart movement since 2008. She studied pre-physical therapy and dance at The University of Alabama and Kennesaw State University.  Natalie is also a former alum of The Dancer’s Studio!

Sarah Lubatkin

Sarah began her dance journey at The Dancer’s Studio, under Jonnie Kelley, and is now the owner and director of the school.  She received her BA in Dance as a Ballet concentration from Kennesaw State University and a BA in Business Management.  While studying Sarah was an Atlanta Hawks Cheerleader and featured by the NBA in performances across China. Sarah was an original member and soloist in Atlanta based Clubesque and performed internationally in Royal Caribbean’s premier of Live Love Legs. Following her true passion Sarah is focusing on training and empowering the next generation of dancer’s at the studio.

Maria Hooper

Maria received her classical ballet training at The Maryland Youth Ballet in Bethesda, MD with Tensia Fonseca and Michelle Lees and at The Washington School of Ballet with Victoria Leigh. Maria enjoyed a professional career with Houston Ballet and Hartford Ballet.  She finds the experience of instructing and supporting students along their dance journeys to be a true source of joy and fulfillment.