The KSU Dance Company is a pre-professional dance company that performs on campus,
regionally, and nationally. KSU Dance majors have the opportunity to audition at the
beginning of each semester.
Faculty and guest artists work with the company in fall semesters and seniors work
with the company in the spring, as part of their senior capstone project. Students
also have the opportunity to audition to be cast in our summer Choreographic Residency,
working with nationally selected choreographers and performing in our opening season
concert. Participating as a company member is an invaluable experience for the avid
performer.
The mission of the KSU Dance Company is to promote an appreciation of concert dance within the campus and local community through performances, outreach programs, and events. The KSU Dance Company performs each semester on campus, annually at the American College Dance Association, and on tour to regional venues, performing and educating students about dance as a performing art. The KSU Dance Company is one of the few student dance companies in the history of the ACDA to receive five national invitations to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. KSU Dance Company members receive academic credit for performing in season concerts and community partner projects.
Dance Production
Students in the program have the opportunity to take Dance Production for academic
credit with our Production Manager and Resident Lighting Designer, learning the process
of creating a show off the stage. This is a unique opportunity which is not offered
in most dance programs. All KSU Dance Company productions are run by dance majors/minors.
Spring 2023 Dance Company
Becca Adams
Currently, a freshman at Kennesaw State University pursuing a BA in dance with a modern
concentration and a BBA in accounting, Becca Adams is absolutely thrilled to be a
member of the Kennesaw Dance Company. Beginning dance classes at the age of three,
Becca has never had to experience life without dance and she hopes to never have to.
She aspires to teach dance as her way of giving back to the dance community and encourage
others to fall in love with this wonderful athletic art.
Faith Aldridge
"Faith is a junior at Kennesaw State University pursuing a BA in dance with a ballet
concentration as well as a BE in Exercise Science. She hopes to incorporate her passions
for dance and sports medicine as both a performer and educator on injury prevention.
Her dedication to the arts began when she joined Impact Dance of Atlanta's Conservatory
program, and since then has trained at Orlando Ballet School, The University of Alabama,
and Gus Giordano Dance School in Chicago. She is so excited for another semester in
company!"
Lilliana Avan
My name is Lilliana Avant and I am a Theater and Performance Studies major and Dance
minor at KSU. I strive for success in all my areas of study.
Emily Barton
Emily Barton is a Junior dance major with a modern concentration. She is also a major in Psychology. This is her sixth semester as a KSU dance company member. She is from Newnan, Georgia, danced at Carrollton Academy of Dance, and was a member of Parker Dance Company. She’s danced for 18 years and was a competitive dancer for 15 years, receiving many accolades through the years. She was also the recipient of the Marti M. Graham Memorial Outstanding Freshman scholarship in 2021 and is the current President of the KSU Dance Company. Outside of her dance education at KSU, she now teaches at two studios in the area! She has a desire to learn and is eager to explore the endless possibilities of artistic expression through dance. She feels as though dance is her safe place and it has shaped her into who she is today. She is further pursuing her dance education at KSU in hopes to one day fulfill her dream of owning her own dance studio. She is honored to have been chosen to be in two pieces for the spring company and is so excited to continue this journey.
Corea Batey
Corea Batey is a Third-year student majoring in Modern Dance at Kennesaw State University.
This is currently her third semester in KSU Dance Company. Corea has been a training
in various styles of Dance since the age of five. After College, Corea plans to become
a professional dancer either studying abroad in South Korea or joining a Company and
traveling on tour.
Allison Behrend
Hey! My name is Allison Behrend and was born and raised in Augusta, Ga. I am a sophomore
at Kennesaw with a major in business and dance. I have been dancing for 17 years and
hope to one day own my own dance competition!
Nia Bellinger
Hi, I am Nia Bellinger, a freshman at Kennesaw and this is my second semester doing
company. I can't wait to work with my choreographer/dancers and get pushed past my
limits this year. I'm super grateful I made it again and cheers to new experiences!
Phoebe Bradberry
Phoebe is a junior majoring in dance with a ballet interest, and business management.
She has been dancing for 18 years and is excited to learn about the behind the scenes
aspect of performing.
McKaylah Bristow
McKaylah Bristow is a Freshman Dance and Sociology major at Kennesaw State University.
She has been dancing for 16 years and has trained in numerous styles including, Ballet,
Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Acrobatics. She is
very honored to be able to join the KSU Dance Company and is excited to see what the
Dance program has in store.
Tani Brown
Hi! I am Tani Brown . I am a 3rd year majoring in dance with a minor in business management.
I love to travel, try new foods , and dance . I plan to attend law school and with
hopes of one day opening a dance studio.
Emily Bryner
Emily Bryner is a double major at KSU, studying both dance and elementary education.Starting
dance at a young age, Emily Bryner has been dancing completed her training prior to
college at All Stars Performing Arts Academy, where she was fully immersed in different
styles of dance such as ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, neoclassical ballet, and
ballroom. She also kept herself culturally immersed with styles such as Irish, clogging,
Bollywood, flamenco, and Latin. This is her first semester with the KSU Dance Company,
and she is excited & eager to work alongside such talented choreographers this season.
Laney Burns
Laney Burns is a junior dance major with a concentration in ballet. This is her second year at KSU and her second time being part of the production crew. Last fall she was honored to have fulfilled the role as stage manager for the KSU fall concert. Last summer, Laney interned as the stage manager for SpongeBob the Musical at a local theater in her hometown. She has volunteered in her church’s sound booth for over 15 years and has danced on stage for over 14 years. With her interest in being behind the scenes with dance performances, Laney is excited to be off stage and a part of KSU’s production team this semester.
Gabi Chanta
Gabi Chauta is a third-year dance and business major. Throughout her years at Kennesaw
State University, along with taking classes, she has been a teacher at surrounding
studios in the area. With it being her last time in spring company, Gabi is super
excited to dance with everyone and be a part of something so special once again!
George Chavez
George Isiah Chavez III is a local Dancer/Creative in the Atlanta dance industry,
dancing as a main company member in the Atlanta Contemporary Dance Company and performing
with the KSU Dance Company once again. George is a sophomore Dance Major with a Modern
concentration and is also pursuing a minor in Entertainment Business.
Jorlynn Cofield
Jorlynn Cofield is a sophomore at KSU majoring in information systems and minoring
in dance. This will be her first semester being a part of the KSU dance company. She
has been dancing for 16 years in styles such as tap, jazz, ballet, modern, and contemporary.
She is looking forward to this journey and growing with her fellow dance members.
Halle Collins
Halle Collins is the former owner of Step Up Dance Academy. She has danced for 20 years and competitively for 13 years. Dance is her life and she wouldn’t know what to do without it. When it comes to running a show she knows a thing or two. She is also a Senior here at KSU Dance and is expected to graduate December 2023.
Meredith Culpepper
Meredith began her dance career when she was 11 years old and trained at Dancers'
Pointe Dance Company in Tifton, Georgia. After Meredith's freshmen year of college
at Kennesaw State University, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was further
trained in ballet, modern, hip-hop, contemporary, and acrobatics with TokyoTheCompany
for 2 years. Meredith is very excited to be part of the spring dance company this
year.
Faith Daniels
Faith Daniels is a sophomore majoring in dance with a concentration in ballet. She
has been dancing for 17 years and graduated from the Savannah Arts Academy Department
of Dance. Faith has training in many styles of dance including ballet, modern, jazz,
and tap. This is her first semester in the KSU Dance Company, and she is excited about
this new opportunity for growth and learning.
Zoey Daniels
Zoey Daniels is a first-year student and Dance Major at Kennesaw State University.
She is an Atlanta-based dancer, performer, and choreographer. Zoey has been dancing
for 16 years training in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. She
is super excited to be a part of the KSU Dance Company & cannot wait to see what's
in store!
Rebekah Dickerson
Hello, my name is Rebekah Dickerson. I am a first year Dance Major with a Ballet Concentration.
I have been dancing for nearly 16 years and am thrilled to expand my experience in
the arts by participating in the 2023 Spring Company as a part of the Production Team.
I have always loved working backstage during performances and been fascinated by the
production side of the performing arts. I am excited for this opportunity to expand
my knowledge and versatility in the artistic world.
Maya Dubuc
Maya Dubuc was born in Montréal, Québec, Canada. She started dancing at the age of two and trained at Bravo Dance Center. She danced in the company for nine years under Carolyn Crumpton Perry and is currently in the Bravo Professional Dance Company. She is currently attending Kennesaw State University as a Dance Major and has a concentration in ballet.
Haley Fink
Haley is a junior nursing and dance major. She is from Peachtree City, Georgia where
she trained at the Georgia Academy of Dance and Performing Arts for 16 years. She
was a part of their company for 6 years. This is her third time in the KSU Dance company.
She is very excited to continue her passion for both dance and nursing while at KSU.
Nadia Foster
Hi, I'm Nadia Foster! I'm a current sophomore at KSU and a double major in dance and
exercise science. I've been dancing for about 16 years, and although I do want to
pursue a professional dance career, I want to be a physical therapist for dancers
and gymnasts. I'm excited to be a part of the KSU Dance Company this semester!
Jahari Franklin
No Bio Available
Natalie Georges
Hi, I'm Natalie Georges! I am currently a Senior at Kennesaw State University, majoring
in Dance with a concentration in Modern. I am so excited to be a part of the company
this Spring!
Hadiyah Glover
Hadiyah Glover is a 4rd year modern concentration Dance major. She began her freshman year in company in Professor Lisa Locke’s piece for the Presidents concert. She has done back up dancing and music videos for modern Pop/Hip-Hop artist such as Miss Mulatto, Lil Yatchy, and producer Zaytoven. Hadiyah is pursing her BFA in dance and is hoping to be a traveling choreographer after she travels with a tour dancing for a few years.
Even Hamilton
Evan is a freshman exercise science major with a minor in dance. He has been dancing
since the age of three and has trained at Rhythm Dance Center in styles such as ballet,
jazz, tap, contemporary, and musical theatre. This is his first semester as a KSU
Dance Company member and is excited to dance alongside such talented artist.
Hannah Hardin
Hannah Hardin is a sophomore dance major at Kennesaw State University with a concentration
in ballet. She danced and competed at Rhythm Dance Center for 9 years where she was
trained in jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, and musical theatre. This is
her third semester as a part of the KSU Dance Company, and she is looking forward
to another experience to work alongside so many talented artists!
Tyler Hayes
Tyler Hayes is a junior at Kennesaw State University. She is pursuing her undergraduate degree in dance with a concentration in modern, as well as Exercise Science. Tyler is originally from Rome, Georgia where she trained with Rome Civic Ballet for 13 years. There she practiced tap, jazz, ballet, modern, and contemporary technique and choreography classes. This is Tyler’s 5th semester apart of the KSU Dance Company and she is extremely grateful for this opportunity. She can’t wait to broaden her dancing and to be performing on stage once again!
Gracie Hickerson
Hi! I'm Gracie Hickerson. I am a dancer and aspiring choreographer and teacher from
Nashville, Tennessee. I have turned to dance as my form of self-expression for all
20 years of my life, and I hope to share that passion for dance with others.
Catherine Hooker
Catherine is a KSU freshman. She is majoring in Dance with a concentration in modern
and also in elementary education. She has been dancing for 12 years, studying in jazz,
contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and tap.
Emily Hutson
Emily Hutson is a junior at KSU. She has danced since she was three years old and
began competing during her high school years. She is excited to continue her work
through the KSU dance company.
Eunice Hwang
Hello! My name is Eunice Hwang and I am a sophomore majoring in dance with a modern
concentration at KSU. I have been dancing going onto 18 years now and have found a
great passion in the choreographical aspect of dance.
Taytum Jenkins
Hello, my name is Taytum Jenkins. I am a freshman a KSU pursing my passions in both
dance and in art. Dance will and always has been near to my heart. In the coming years
here at KSU I aspire to continue to grow in all aspects of my life.
Caleb Joyner
Caleb began his Theatre career at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village and hasn't stopped
since. He's already worked with lots of directors and choreographers in Metro Atlanta.
He is currently attending Kennesaw State University where he is pursuing a Bachelor
of the Arts degree in Dance, concentrating in Ballet. Post-graduation he hopes to
continue performing and growing as an artist.
Autumn Justice
Autumn Justice is a sophomore here at Kennesaw State University majoring in dance
as a modern concentration. This is her fourth semester in the KSU dance company. She
danced and competed at Carrollton Academy of Dance home of Parker Dance Company. She
has been dancing for 16 years and has trained in various styles such as ballet, modern,
jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop. Autumn is excited to expand her knowledge
of dance at KSU.
Skie Justice
Skie justice is a sophomore here at Kennesaw State University. She is majoring in
dance with a concentration in modern. This will be her third semester doing company
at KSU. She grew up dancing a t Parker Dance Company and has been dancing for the
past 16 years. She has been trained in various styles of dance including ballet, jazz,
tap, contemporary, lyrical and hip-hop. Skie is very excited to further her knowledge
here at KSU.
Maura Kelly
Maura Kelly is a first-year student at KSU, and she is currently pursuing a BA in
dance with a concentration in ballet. Maura started dancing at a young age, training
in a variety of styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, hip hop, and modern.
Her training began at Sozo Dance Academy under the direction of Buffy Payne, and she
continued her training after high school, working as an intern and ballet teacher
at Millennium Dance Complex Nashville.
Sean Kimbrough
Sean Kimbrough is an Atlanta native that’s been involved in the fine arts since age 6. After graduating from Jonesboro High School, he decided to continue his studies at Kennesaw State double majoring in Criminal Justice and Dance. Sean Kimbrough is a performer who is dedicated to putting his all into his art and performance on and off the stage.
Jillian LaFlair
Jillian LaFlair is a sophomore double majoring in exercise science and dance with
a concentration in ballet. She is from Snellville Georgia where she started her dance
education at A Step Ahead performing arts studio. After dancing for 15 years in both
recreational and competition dance, she has began teaching at many local studios.
During her time at KSU, she hopes to incorporate her love for dancing through dance
medicine and injury prevention by performing and educating others. Jillian is very
excited to be part of company this spring as well as getting the opportunity to learn
from many great artist!
Ryann Leak
Ryann Leak is a Junior Dance major with a Modern concentration. She began her dance
training at the age of seven at Renaissance International School of the Performing
Arts located in Milton, GA, where she studied hip hop, jazz, musical theater, and
ballet. This will be her fourth semester with the KSU Dance Company, and she is looking
forward to the experience.
Vivica Little
Vivica Little is a third-year student with a Major in Chemistry with a Forensic concentration
and a Minor in Dance at Kennesaw State University. She was a competition dancer at
A.D.West Dance Company for 9 years and has trained in various styles. This is her
first semester participating in the KSU Dance Company and is very excited to learn
and grow during this journey.
Fernanda Lopez
Fernanda Lopez is a senior at Kennesaw State University. She will be graduating with a major in Architecture and a minor in Dance. Dance has been a big part of her life. She began training with in her parents’ Mexican Folkloric Dance Company where she was taught various Mexican dance styles and techniques. She later began her Ballet training with Gwinnett Ballet theatre and was part of several productions such as The Nutcracker, Giselle and Cinderella. In GBT, she also received training in Hip-hop, modern, and Jazz. Fernanda has learned so much over the years at KSU and is honored and extremely excited to be part of the dance company this spring.
Mackenzie Long
Mackenzie has been dancing for 15 years and has experience in a range of styles such as ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, etc. She competed for five years with her hometown studio, has taught dance classes, and just recently returned from the Disney College Program in Disney World. She’s excited to be back and try something new as she helps in the production crew for the Spring Company shows this season.
Avery Mason
"Hi! My name is Avery Mason! I am a junior here at KSU, as a dance major, with a concentration
in ballet. I am also a part of Delta Phi Epsilon, Alpha Epsilon Chapterhere at Kennesaw!
I have been dancing for 18 years, starting at my home studio, Rhythm Dance Center,
where I now work full time teaching and choreographing!"
Karstyn McDaniel
Karstyn McDaniel is a junior at Kennesaw State University majoring in Dance with a
concentration in Modern. She is from Carrollton, Georgia where she studied various
styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, and modern. This is Karstyn's first semester
as a part of the KSU Dance Company.
Ifeanyi MwongoziEze
Ifeanyi is a freestyle fusion creative artist that culminates dance and choreographic
disciplines of: West African, Modern, Contemporary and Ballet techniques such as Horton,
Graham, Limon, Klein, Afrobeat's/ African folk techniques. Ifeanyi brings high energy,
angular expressive and out of the box movements creating videography and performing
arts concepts to her artistry. Ifeanyi is Co-Founder of 4Sight productions company,
member of the Fall22 KSU Dance Production team and Major of Modern Dance/ Choreography
with a minor in Music and Entertainment Business at Kennesaw State University.
Liesel Nelson
Liesel comes from a local studio in Woodstock, Georgia called Dancentre South. She
started dancing when she was 4 and is currently embarking on her 15th year of dance
as a freshman to the department in the ballet concentration. She's performed in the
Nutcracker, multiple festivals, annual showcases, and she is excited to be a part
of her first semester of Dance Performance.
Lauren Oblitey
My name is Lauren Oblitey and I am a Junior here at KSU. I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I started my dance career in gymnastics but started taking dance seriously around age 5. I’ve studied at Gotta Dance Atlanta, Alvin Ailey, Perry Mansfield, and Pebblebrook High School, and I also was previously an intern for the Anthony Burrell Center of Dance.
Nina Ownes
Hi my name is Nina Owens and I am a freshman. I have been passionate about dance since the age of 3. I hope to learn more about how company’s operate in the dance world.
Abi Pace
Abi Pace is a second-year dance major with a ballet concentration. She trained with Flint River Dance Art’s company, Dance Theatre South, fourteen years prior to her time at Kennesaw State University. She was also awarded Master 4-Her status in 2019 in the Performing Arts Dance project and performed as a dancer for four years with Georgia 4-H's performing arts group, Clovers and Company. Abi is excited to be a part of KSU’s spring company!
Sydnee Pattern
Sydnee Patten is a sophomore dance major with her concentration in ballet. This will
be her third semester as a KSU dance company member. She has been dancing for 17 years
and trained/performed the majority with Dancentre South. Sydnee is excited to continue
her education with the Kennesaw Dance Program and to be a part of the Spring 2023
Company!
Breanna Pollock
Breanna Pollock is a third year Dance Major. Along with her love for dancing herself
she also loves to spread her knowledge through teaching. Breanna is so excited to
be a part of company this semester!
Molly Pollock
Molly Pollock is a first-year dance major with a concentration in ballet. In 2015,
she began training and competing with Performance Dance Center under the direction
of Carrie Paris. Molly has been extensively trained in many dance styles, including
ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, and aerial silks. She has earned many accolades
throughout her dance journey, including being a recipient of the KSU Dance Clinic
Scholarship in 2022.
Jia Singleton
Jia Simone entered the dance world at age 14 as the captain of the Southern Crescent
Dance Studio competition team. She soon found her passion for dance, and wanted to
continue her dance education at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts. During and
after her time there, she has choreographed several pieces, and plans to do so after
her time in the KSU dance department.
Sierra Slygh
Sierra is sophomore dance major with a modern concentration. She has 18 years of dance
experience and 9 years of competitive dance experience. Most of Sierra's training
was at Michelle's Academy of Dance by Lindsey. She is overjoyed to be furthering her
dance education at KSU and is excited for this journey ahead of her.
Amber Solana
Amber is a freshman at Kennesaw State University pursuing a BA in dance with a modern concentration and a BBA in marketing. She’s danced for 16 years and competitively danced for 9 of those years with Studio 4 the Arts, where she trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, tap, musical theatre, & hiphop. She is excited to immerse herself in the KSU dance experience and all they have to offer to further her dance career.
Riley Stone
Riley Stone is a Freshmen here at Kennesaw State University and is minoring in dance.
She trained and competed in Walton County at On Stage School of Dance for many years.
She has trained in various styles of dance including lyrical, contemporary, jazz,
ballet, tap, and hip hop. Riley is very excited to continue her dance career and grow
through the KSU Dance Department.
Katlyn Wacker
Katlyn Wacker is a dance major with a concentration in modern dance graduating with a BA in Spring of 2024. She has danced her whole life, receiving most of her training from Studio 4 the Arts in Powder Springs, Georgia. Her movement practice includes modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, vinyasa yoga, lyra, african, and bharatanatyam classical indian. Katlyn’s movement focus as a dancer, learning guide, choreographer, and creative is composed of her love for experience as well as for nature and the nature of things. It is influenced by personal improvisation studies and resonating tones found in art and life. She aims to immerse herself and others in the natural through the exploration and embodiment of sensation, environment, and movement. Her work is informed by these experiences, creating a sense of an organic world enmeshed with a system which does not sustain it. Her movement is quoted to be fluid, animalistic, slinky, viscous, and similar to that of the ocean, an amoeba and/or a snake drawing back and attacking its prey. She is more than grateful to be a part of Kennesaw State’s dance company for another semester and is excited for all of the possibilities.
Kaya Waller
Kaya Waller is a freshman at KSU, majoring in dance with a concentration in Modern.
She has been dancing for 9 years and is trained in styles such as Ballet, Tap, Jazz,
Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Modern, and Musical Theater.
LaRee Whiteley
No Bio Available
Kinley Williams
Kinley Williams is a Sophomore at KSU where she is a Double Major in Dance, with a
concentration in Modern, as well as Construction Management. She is from Acworth,
Georgia and this is her second semester with the KSU Dance Company. Kinley started
her dance journey at the age of 3 with Georgia Ballet and her dance background also
includes competitive dance with CK DanceWorks and Studio Dance Inc. She attended Pebblebrook
High School for 4 years, where she was in the Magnet Program for Performing Arts studying
dance, voice, and drama. Kinley is excited for the upcoming challenges and opportunities
that this semester will bring and that the KSU company represents.
Blissyn Wilson
No Bio Available
Jazmyn Wright
Jazmyn Wright is a sophomore dance major with a modern concentration at Kennesaw State University. She has trained in all dance styles, including hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, and African. She has recently been in Carte Blanche Fall Concert with Lisa Lock called “Undercurrent” in 2022, and Summer Choreographic Residency with Tsai-Hsi-Hung called “Wu” in 2021. Also last, but not least, Spring Company with Jada Joyner and Chase Hatfield in “Fragmented Order and Mangia” In 2021 as a freshman. In all her years, dance has been her life and savior. She also has been in numerous opportunities like Fly on A Wall in Summer 2021, Microsoft Building Launch, Kennesaw State Dance Summer Intensive in 2020, Lift Every Voice in 2021 and 2022, and Chorelab(choreographed by herself in “Waiting in the Windows”). Jazmyn Wright is inspired to be a professional dancer and now is continuing her dream as she finishes college and is working her way up in the dance industry.
Amie Wyatt
Amie Wyatt is a sophomore dance major with a concentration in ballet. This will be
Amie's third semester as a KSU dance company member. She has been dancing for 14 years
and trained the majority at Dancecentre South. She is excited to continue her education
with the Kennesaw Dance Program and is so excited to be a part of the Spring 2023
Company!