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.
Fall 2022 Dance Company
Faith Aldridge
Faith Aldridge 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.
Savannah Banks
Savannah is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Dance with a Ballet Concentration. She is from Macon, GA where she started her dance education at Dance Arts Studio. After training at Dance Arts Studio for 11 years, she joined Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education’s pre-professional division and later went on to train with Orlando Molina at the Orlando Molina Ballet Training Center. She is very excited to be serving as President of the KSU Dance Honor Society this year. Savannah is looking forward to continuing her education at KSU and performing with the company this fall.
Emily Barton
Emily Barton is a Junior dance major with a modern concentration. She is also a major in Psychology. This is her fifth 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 17 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 the fall show and is so excited to continue this journey
Coreá Batey
Coreá 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, Coreá plans to become a professional dancer either studying abroad in South Korea or joining a Company and traveling on tour.
Nia Bellinger
Hi! I am Nia Bellinger, a first-year student and dance major at Kennesaw State University.
I am super ecstatic to work with such amazing artists and grow externally and internally
as a person:)
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.
Jordan Carter
Jordan Carter is a Senior here at Kennesaw State University majoring in dance and minoring in sociology. She has been dancing passionately for the last 15 years, expanding her knowledge in Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern and more. This is her fourth semester in the KSU dance company, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to work with the choreographer! She is excited to
Gabi Chauta
Gabi Chauta is a third-year dance and entrepreneurship major. Growing up she was trained in gymnastics and in all styles of dance. During her college years so far, she has been a part of company three times, has been teaching, and been taking classes in Atlanta. Gabi absolutely loves being a part of company and can’t wait to do it with the best people!
Amanda DeLay
Amanda DeLay is a junior, double majoring in nursing and dance with a modern concentration.
It is her third semester in KSU's dance company. Originating in Acworth, G.A. Amanda
began her dance education at Impact Dance of Atlanta, there she was prepared for a
successful dance career and encouraged to explore her own artistic voice. Amanda is
incredibly excited to again be a part of KSU's incredible dance company and is looking
forward to growing with these brilliant artists.
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 major with a dance minor. 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 second time in the KSU Dance
company but her first time in the fall season. 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!
Deonna Francois
Deonna Francois is a senior at Kennesaw State University majoring in Dance with a
minor in Spanish. She began dancing at six years old and studied at Dancentre South
in Woodstock, Georgia for eight years under the direction of Annie Day and Marcus
Alford. This is her third semester performing with the KSU Dance Company and she is
thankful for the opportunity to continue studying and advancing her passion for dance.
Taia Galloway
Taia is entering her third year at Kennesaw State as a Dance and Exercise Science
major. She is beyond thrilled to be dancing in the company this semester and is looking
forward to amplifying her artistry.
Merrielle Gatlin
Merrielle Gatlin is from Fayetteville, Georgia. She has studied at the Atlanta Ballet
and the Moscow State Academy of Choreography.
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.
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 second semester as a KSU Dance Company member, and she is looking forward to another
experience to learn and grow alongside talented artists.
Chyna Henry
Chyna is in her Senior year at KSU and has been dancing for over 15 years. She is
a transfer student from Point Park University and plans to join the Air Force after
achieving her degree. She is excited to be participating in company this semester.
Catherine Hooker
My name is Catherine Hooker and I am a freshman at KSU. I am majoring in marketing
with a minor in dance. This will be my first semester dancing with the KSU Dance Company!
Catherine is a KSU freshman. She is majoring in marketing with a minor in dance. She
has been dancing for 12 years, studying in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and
tap.
Jada Joyner
Jada is a Senior Dance Major, with a modern concentration, and an Entrepreneurship
Minor. After graduating this fall, she will continue to apply her dance skills through
booking more professional jobs with the hopes of, eventually, opening a dance studio
of her own.
Autumn Justice
Autumn Justice is a sophomore here at Kennesaw State University majoring in dance
as a modern concentration. This is her third 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 at 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.
Olivia Kraus
Olivia Kraus is a senior dance major with a concentration in modern. This is her sixth
semester with the KSU Dance Company. She started dancing at the age of 3, spending
most of her time at Becky Jones School of Dance where she joined the performance company
at age 12. Growing up, Olivia trained in contemporary, ballet, tap, jazz, and musical
theater. She is excited to be a part of company again this semester and is looking
forward to growing with KSU dance.
Ryann Leak
Ryann Leak is a Junior Dance major with a Modern concentration. She began her dance
training at the age of eight 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 third semester with the KSU Dance Company, and she is looking
forward to the experience.
Brianna Mack
Brianna is in her Senior year pursuing two degrees in sociology and dance with a concentration
in ballet. This will be her 6th semester as part of the KSU dance company. She started
dance at the age of 3 and danced with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre for 10 years. She has
attended multiple summer intensives including Dance Theatre of Harlem, Southeastern
School of Ballet, and Texas Ballet Theatre. She was also invited to take part in Texas
Ballet Theatre's professional division during their 2018-2019 season. Brianna is delighted
to continue her journey within the company and hopes to broaden her dance abilities.
Madison Martin
Madison is a senior dance major with a modern concentration. She began her dance training
at the age of 11 at Studio 23 and was a member of the dance company for 7 years. This
will be her fifth semester participating in the KSU dance company and she is looking
forward to the experience.
Lauren Oblitey
My name is Lauren Oblitey, I was born and raised here 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. I am so excited to start my first year at KSU Dance!
Nina Owens
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 and performed 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, performed as a dancer for four years with Georgia 4-H's performing arts group, Clovers and Company, and performed in KSU Dance Company’s 2022 Student Dance Concert.
Sydnee Patten
Sydnee Patten is a sophomore dance major with her concentration in ballet. This will
be her second semester as a KSU dance company member. She has been dancing for 16
years and trained the majority with Dancentre South. Sydnee is excited to continue
her education with the Kennesaw Dance Program and to be a part of the Fall 2022 Company!
Ryley Perry
Ryley is a sophomore dance major with a ballet concentration. She trained at Bravo Dance Center from ages 3-18 and was a member of their company for 12 years. She also attended Pebblebrook High School where she was in the magnet program for Performing Arts. There she was part of their select group of performers to perform in regional theaters in the Atlanta area and live television. Ryley is now a teacher and choreographer for studios and programs such as Bravo Dance Company and City Springs Conservatory. She hopes to continue perusing a career in dance performance and choreography. Ryley has been blessed to be chosen for a piece in the spring show and is thrilled to be a part of KSU Dance Company this semester!
Leah Prince
Leah Prince is a senior at Kennesaw State University. She has been in works for the
KSU Dance Company with choreographers Andrea Knowlton, Thang Dao, and Ido Gidron.
She is very excited for her final year in the company and looks forward to a career
in dance and physical therapy after graduating.
Zac Pritt
Zac is a senior dance major with a modern concentration. This will be his seventh
semester in KSU dance company. He began his dance career in January of 2018 at Rhythm
Dance Center and was apart of their company for one year. Zac is thrilled to be apart
of company this semester and is very excited to have the opportunity to dance in this
performance.
Annessa Thompson
Annessa is going into her senior year as a double major in exercise science and dance with a ballet concentration. This will be her fourth semester with the KSU dance company. She began dancing at age 3, with most of her dance career spent at the Madison Dance Studio. Annessa is very excited and thankful to be a part of KSU’s dance company and ready to continue her dance career.
Lydia Velatini
Entering her senior year, Lydia is excited to share all she has learned during her
time at KSU on the stage this fall. She grew up in a ballet focused environment and
kept this focus during her time with the KSU Dance Department. Lydia is ready to graduate
with her degree in dance and use her kinesthetic training to help her reach her ultimate
goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Katlyn Wacker
Katlyn Wacker is a dance major with a modern concentration. As she goes through life, she finds that her being is deeply inspired by nature and the nature of things. Exploration of the physical and spiritual vessel
Kaya Waller
Kaya Waller is an 18-year-old college freshman that has been dancing for eight years.
She has danced competitively and trained in multiple styles of dance including Ballet,
Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Contemporary, and Musical Theater.
Alexandra Walsh
Alexandra is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a ballet concentration. She is honored to be the recipient of the 2022-2023 Joan Harrell Outstanding Scholar Award for the Dance Department. She has been dancing for 18 years and is currently studying under dance professionals including McCree O’Kelley, Lisa Lock, Tammy Everhart, and Caitlin Gray, with training in styles including ballet and pointe, tap, jazz, modern, musical theatre, and ballroom. She has broadened her training through summer dance intensives such as the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program and the Rockette Summer Intensive, as well as intensives with Orlando Ballet and Kennesaw State University. Alexandra has presented at state and national research conferences such as GURC and NCUR, as well as the KSU Symposium of Student Scholars for her dance research focusing on the history of The Nutcracker ballet in the United States. Her artistic aspirations include dance performance, choreography, teaching, and dance entrepreneurship. She is so excited to perform as part of the renowned KSU Dance Company!
Carly Walters
Carly Walters is a junior majoring in dance and business management. She received
her training from Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance and has attended summer intensives
with Texas Ballet Theater, American Ballet Theatre, and the Orlando Ballet School.
She is very excited for this semester in company!
Jazmyn Wright
Jazmyn Wright is a sophomore dance major at Kennesaw State University. In all her
years, dance has been her life and savior. Recently, she has been in numerous opportunities
like Fly on Wall in Summer 2021, Microsoft Building Launch, Student Concert Spring
Company of 2022, and Summer Residency of 2022. She has trained in all dance styles,
including hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, and African. 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.
Kennedy Wright
Kennedy is entering her third year at Kennesaw, as a Dance and Business Management
major. She is thrilled to be dancing in the fall company and looks forward to being
challenged throughout the process.
Amie Wyatt
Amie Wyatt is a sophomore dance major with a concentration in ballet. This will be
Amie's second semester as a KSU dance company member. She has been dancing for 14
years and trained 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 Fall 2022 Company.
Alexis Young
Alexis is a senior dance major with a modern concentration and an interest in exercise
science. She started dancing in 2012 and she has been taking KSU summer intensives
since 7th grade. She is planning to get her doctorate in Physical Therapy after graduating
in 2023.
Fall Production Headshot
Ifeanyi Brown
Ifeanyi began dancing at age 7 with Umojaa African Dance Company instruction by Linda
Kabibi Johnson out of Oakland California. Ifeanyi found her passion and desire for
dance by immersing herself in many different dance disciplines such as Jazz, Modern,
West African, Contemporary, Lyrical, Liturgical, Ballet and Freestyle. Ifeanyi joined
many theater and dance groups throughout the years traveling to different artist conventions
and teaching young children the art of dance. Ifeanyi is a member of the KSU Dance
Company Fall 21 and her most recent work is Forces of Grace choreographed by Lisa
K Lock, KSU Spring Company 22 Senior Concert Mangia, Double Exposure KSU Season Opener
"Resurface" choreographer, Chuck Wilt, Choreo Lab Fall 21 with Kennesaw State University
Dance Department. Ifeanyi is eager to explore movement and the art of dance and inspire
others with her gift and passion for the arts! This season Ifeanyi is expanding her
knowledge of the arts on the KSU Fall 22 Dance Production team.
Autumn Bryant
Laney Burns
Laney Burns is a junior dance major with a concentration in ballet. This is her second year at KSU and her first time being part of the production crew. She interned as the stage manager for SpongeBob the Musical this past summer. She has volunteered in her church’s sound booth for over 15 years and has danced on stage for over 14 years. With her new 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.
George I. Chavez III
George I. Chavez III is a Sophomore Dance Major at Kennesaw State University with
a modern concentration and a minor in Film Studies. Going into their second year,
George plans to continue expanding their dance knowledge, while also stepping into
the world of Dance Production and Staging. George has taken on the role as Theater
Tech Student Assistant at the department and hopes to expound their creative reach
behind the scenes this year.
Kristy Delva
Kristy Delva is a junior dance major at Kennesaw State University with a concentration
in modern dance. She is excited to be working with David Tatu in his Dance Production
class this semester to learn about what goes on behind the scenes of the stage.
Natalie Georges
Natalie Georges is a Senior dance major at Kennesaw State University, with a modern
concentration. She hopes to expand her knowledge on the backstage experience and what
goes into dance production.
Emily Hutson
Emily Hutson is a junior at KSU. She is majoring in psychology with a minor in dance.
Emily danced competitively in high school and is looking forward to working on the
dance production team this semester!
Karstyn McDaniel
Karstyn McDaniel is a junior dance major and she is so excited to be taking production this semester and to learn more about the behind the scenes aspect of dance.