Director of Operations
KYM BUSHMIRE
CHIEF OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
GEORGIA DANCE THEATRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kym Bushmire is the Chief Operations Director of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts and The Dancer's Boutique.
Ms. Bushmire assists CEO and President Sherri Davis in the day to day operations and staff management of the Academy.
Ms. Bushmire, a Georgia Dance Theatre alumna, received her dance training from Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts, Kris Cangelosi Dance Project, Georgia State University and LaGrange School of Ballet (LaFayette Society of the Arts).
Ms. Bushmire has been a guest choreographer for Georgia Dance Theatre's productions of In the Spirit of Dance, Sinfonicron Light Opera Company's production of 42nd Streetat the College of William and Mary and productions of McIntosh High School Drama Dept.
Ms. Bushmire has been a guest performer with the Cangelosi Dance Project, the Movement Force of Georgia State University and the Centennial Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies of 1996. As a Dance Educator, Ms. Bushmire has taught various disciplines for Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts for 10 seasons.
Ms. Bushmire has held leadership positions of Production Coordinator and Associate Director for Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. In addition to assisting Director Sherri Davis, Ms. Bushmire oversees and coordinates all productions for the Academy and for Georgia Dance Theatre.
Due to her passion for the arts and her leadership skills, Ms. Bushmire has established herself as a creative and solid force for the growth and overall well-being of the Academy and its' students.
Ms. Bushmire is a member of the Board of Directors of Georgia Dance Theatre and is the Secretary/Treasurer of the non-profit organization.
CHIEF OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
GEORGIA DANCE THEATRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kym Bushmire is the Chief Operations Director of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts and The Dancer's Boutique.
Ms. Bushmire assists CEO and President Sherri Davis in the day to day operations and staff management of the Academy.
Ms. Bushmire, a Georgia Dance Theatre alumna, received her dance training from Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts, Kris Cangelosi Dance Project, Georgia State University and LaGrange School of Ballet (LaFayette Society of the Arts).
Ms. Bushmire has been a guest choreographer for Georgia Dance Theatre's productions of In the Spirit of Dance, Sinfonicron Light Opera Company's production of 42nd Streetat the College of William and Mary and productions of McIntosh High School Drama Dept.
Ms. Bushmire has been a guest performer with the Cangelosi Dance Project, the Movement Force of Georgia State University and the Centennial Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies of 1996. As a Dance Educator, Ms. Bushmire has taught various disciplines for Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts for 10 seasons.
Ms. Bushmire has held leadership positions of Production Coordinator and Associate Director for Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. In addition to assisting Director Sherri Davis, Ms. Bushmire oversees and coordinates all productions for the Academy and for Georgia Dance Theatre.
Due to her passion for the arts and her leadership skills, Ms. Bushmire has established herself as a creative and solid force for the growth and overall well-being of the Academy and its' students.
Ms. Bushmire is a member of the Board of Directors of Georgia Dance Theatre and is the Secretary/Treasurer of the non-profit organization.
Associate Directors
DEELANA STYRON
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Director of Early Childhood Program GAD Contemporary | Early Childhood Educator Ms. Styron has been involved in the performing arts for the past 30 years. Her professional credits include performing with the professional jazz company, Souls of the Feet, and overseeing her own Dance and Fitness Programs. As a former children’s counselor and director of many early childhood dance programs, Ms. Styron has achieved a quality of instruction that has afforded her the opportunity of co- developing and overseeing all aspects of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts Early Childhood program, as well as implementing outreach programs in the community. Ms. Styron has assisted in the development of the Early Childhood Program of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts and has established it as one of the largest and most innovative programs in Georgia. Ms. Styron has assisted in creating age appropriate classes intertwined with introducing the technical aspects of dance – in a fun and positive atmosphere. In addition, Ms. Styron has co-created and directed all of the Early Childhood productions at Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts and with that has ensured a positive experience for the young dancer in each performance. Ms. Styron believes in presenting the joy of dance with structure and encouragement to each beginning level dancer from age 3-6 – to foster their joy of movement and to recognize their talents and gifts. In the 2018 -19 season, Ms. Styron created the Mommy & Me program at the Academy for dancers of 2 years of age to introduce them to the sheer joy of movement in a structured atmosphere. Ms. Styron believes that dance can build self-esteem at any age and level. Ms. Styron is the Early Childhood Program Director and Associate Director of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. |
NICHOLE MARTIN
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Director of Marketing GAD Classical Ballet | Contemporary | Dance Team Educator GDT Board of Directors Nichole Martin has trained with Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts for the past 21 years and under scholarship with Georgia Dance Theatre for 18 seasons, including nine seasons under professional contract. She has received additional training from the Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet with an invitation to stay for school year program, the American Ballet Theatre, the Montgomery Ballet on full scholarship, the South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory, & the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education on full scholarship. Mrs. Martin has performed principal roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen in Georgia Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker Ballet,Mercedes in Don Quixote,the principal role in American Ballet Theatre’s Master of the Puppets by Larry Pech, Delilah in Melony Tribble’s Samson and Delilah,the principal role in Les Sylphides,and in 2008, the lead role of Constance in Sherri Davis’ original ballet, The Three Musketeers. Mrs. Martin’s training led to many professional opportunities including founding & directing the Thunder Girls Dance Team of the Southern Crescent Lighting, coaching the Junior Varsity Chiefettes Dance Team of McIntosh High School, choreographing music videos, and performing in works showcased throughout the nation. Currently, she leads the Dance Team program at GAD & the Performing Arts & choreographs for the Starrs Mill Pantherettes and has won several competitive awards for “Best Choreography” against dance teams across the nation. In addition, Ms. Martin is a dance educator & choreographer for the Professional Company of Georgia Dance Theatre and for the Conservatory Program of the Academy. Mrs. Martin holds a degree from Emory University with a double major in political science & psychology & a minor in marketing & advertising. Mrs. Martin is an Associate Director and Director of Marketing at Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. In addition, she is a member of the Board of Directors of Georgia Dance Theatre. |
Artistic Staff
JESSICA SAUND
Classical Ballet | Conservatory Educator Jessica Saund began her early dance studies with California Ballet, and continued her training on full scholarship at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC. In 1996, she joined the Washington School of Ballet under the direction of Mary Day. That same year, Ms. Saund took the Gold Medal in the junior division at the 2nd International Ballet Competition in South America. In 1999, she was invited to study with Le Jeune Ballet de France in Paris before joining the English National Ballet, where she remained for 5 years. In 2006, she entered American Ballet Theatre as a member of the corps de ballet for nine seasons. Ms. Saund has performed in every full-length ballet in the classical repertoire. She has performed leading roles in the works of George Balanchine, Mikhail Fokine, Anthony Tudor, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Jerome Robbins, Sir Frederick Ashton, and John Cranko, and has worked with and/or created roles for many of the greatest living choreographers, including Twyla Tharp, John Neumeier, Mark Morris, Jiri Kylian, Lar Lubovitch, James Kudelka, Benjamin Millepied, Christopher Wheeldon and Alexei Ratmansky. In addition to performing as a guest artist with several U.S. ballet companies, Ms. Saund has modeled for Barney’s New York, Vogue, Glamour, YSL, Seiko, and Bloch Ballet in both print and television advertisements. Ms. Saund is a American Ballet Theatre certified dance educator. 
BRUCE THORNTON Classical Ballet | Conservatory Educator Bruce Thornton received his dance training in Seattle Washington at the Cornish Institute with Frank Boys, Gwen Barker, and Pat Hon. There he studied the RAD syllabus up to the Senior Grade receiving an “Honours” grade in each adjudication. Mr. Thornton then studied with Marcia Dale Weary, Pat Sorrell, Richard Cook, Melinda Howe, and Leslie Hench at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In 1991 Mr. Thornton joined the Miami City Ballet under the direction of world renowned dancer, Edward Villella as a member of the Corps de Ballet and was promoted to Soloist in 2001. There he toured the world performing in Canada, Scotland, Ecuador, Panama, Italy, and Venezuela. Thornton was a soloist with the Miami City Ballet and danced a range of roles with the company; including: the “Blue” gentleman from Jerome Robbins’ Dances at a Gathering, and the principal “walking” pas de deux from Emeralds, the Elegie principal from Serenade, the principal male in ConcertoBarocco and Elegie, the role of Death in La Valse, as well as the “turning” principal in La Valse, the Baron in La Sonnambula, the second Pas de Trois from Agon, the first and third themes from The Four Temperaments, all by George Balanchine. In 2006, Mr. Thornton retired from dance and joined the faculty at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. As Ballet Master, Mr. Thornton assisted in the staging of some incredible works such as George Balanchine’s Western Symphony, Stars and Stripes, Who Cares, Divertimento No. 15, Valse Fantasie, Serenade and The Nutcracker. Mr. Thornton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree for Dance from SUNY Empire State College and joins the GAD Artistic Staff as Ballet Educator and Rehearsal Assistant. 
JENNIFER RITORTO
GAD/GDT Guest Choreographer Jennifer Ritorto spent 5 seasons under contract as a professional company member of Georgia Dance Theatre. She received her early training at the Academy of Ballet Arts in Marietta, GA and then went on to the University of Georgia where she graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and a Minor in Dance. At the University of Georgia, she danced with companies such as Dancefx, UGA’s Ballet Ensemble, and Core Concert Dance Company. She continued her dance education with such well-known companies as Broadway Theatre Project, Pointe Park Intensive, and Charleston Ballet Theatre. Ms. Ritorto went on to dance with other prestigious dance companies such as Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Sideways Contemporary Dance Company, and Georgia Dance Theatre. Ms. Ritorto was chosen to dance the principal role of Anita in Georgia Academy of Dance and the Performing Arts’ and Director Sherri Davis’ world premiere production of West Side Story in June 2011. For the 2012-2013 Season, Ms. Ritorto danced the lead role of Esmeralda in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts Director Sherri Davis’ original contemporary ballet of the Hunchback of Notre Dame to a sold out audience. Ms. Ritorto is currently a guest choreographer for Georgia Dance Theatre. 
ABBY CALDWELL
Classical Ballet | Contemporary | Early Childhood Educator Abby Caldwell has trained with Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts for 15 years and was a scholarship company member of Georgia Dance Theatre for 5 seasons. Ms. Caldwell has received additional training from prestigious companies such as Richmond Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet – all under scholarship. She was accepted to and attended such prominent companies such as Miami City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Ms. Caldwell has danced professionally with Milwaukee Ballet II under the direction of Michael Pink and had the privilege of performing with Milwaukee Ballet in Michael Pink’s La Boheme, The Nutcracker, & Momentum, Swan Lake Pas de Trois and Momentum, Napoli. Additionally, Ms. Caldwell has performed in Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Snow White and Miami City Ballet’s Noire in which she performed the Soloist role. In addition, she has performed with American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive Program as Soloist in Le Corsaire. Ms. Caldwell received several Soloist roles as a Georgia Dance Theatre member. She danced as a French Immigrant in Director Sherri Davis’ original ballet of West Side Story. In addition, she performed the Cinderella pas in GAD’s production of The Sleeping Beauty and the Pas de Trois in Swan Lake. In Georgia Dance Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker Ballet, she danced the lead roles of Dew Drop Fairy of Waltz of the Flowers and as the Ribbon Candy. Ms. Caldwell is a Dance Educator in Classical Ballet and Contemporary classes for the Academy. And as a professional artist, Ms. Caldwell continues her passion for dance as a professional company artist of Georgia Dance Theatre. 
REBECCA PATSALOS Classical Ballet | Contemporary| Early Childhood Educator Rebecca Patsalos received her training from the Hudson Vallet Conservatory of Fine Arts, American Ballet Theatre, Carolina Ballet, The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, and Pushing Progress Contemporary Dance Program of New York. Ms. Patsalos has a broad education of dance and movement with additional emphasis in Pilates, Pedagogy, Laban Movement Analysis, Improvisation and Classical Ballet Forms. Ms. Patsalos has taught Ballet and Contemporary dance for the Newburgh City School District of New York, Dekalb School of the Arts and Dancefx of Atlanta & Athens, GA. As a performer, Ms. Patsalos has danced and choreographed in various genres including working with Silks, Lyra, Trapeze and Sling elements. In addition, Ms. Patsalos has studied abroad in various forms of dance in Costa Rica, Monteverde and San Jose. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Georgia graduating Magna Cum Laude. Ms. Patsalos holds a Teaching Dance Certificate (edTPA certified) in areas of various dance forms including Dance for Children, Dance Pedagogy, Educational Psychology, Special Education and Sociocultural Education. In addition to being a Dance Educator for GAD & the Performing Arts, Rebecca is a guest choreographer for Georgia Dance Theatre. 
JENNY VAN METER Classical Ballet | Contemporary | Early Childhood Educator Ms. Van Meter has trained at Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts for the past 21 years. She was under scholarship for 15 seasons with Georgia Dance Theatre with six seasons as a professional company member. Ms. Van Meter received additional training from American Ballet Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, Burklyn Ballet Theatre and The Lines Ballet of California. Ms. Van Meter has received apprenticeship contracts with Alvin Ailey American Dance Center of New York and Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet of California. In addition, Ms. Van Meter has been a guest performer with Burklyn Ballet Theatre as the company toured Edinburg, Scotland and a member of the professional touring company of Angela Whitehill’s Paradise Ballet Theatre. Ms. Van Meter has danced various soloist and principal roles as a Georgia Dance Theatre company member. Among these roles include Snow Queen in Georgia Dance Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker Ballet. In 2010, Ms. Van Meter performed the lead role of Swanilda in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts production of Coppelia. Ms. Van Meter's extensive training in various genres has afforded her the opportunity to be a dance educator of all dance disciplines at Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. 
EMMA SHEPARD
Classical Ballet | Contemporary | Early Childhood Educator Emma Shepard is a graduate of Troy University and holds a BFA in Dance. She received the majority of her dance training from the Centre of Performing Arts of Central Alabama. She received additional training from professional summer intensives of American Ballet Theatre and the Alonzo King LINES Ballet of California. As a performer, Ms. Shepard was involved in many productions with the Troy Repertory Ensemble, the Troy Department of Theatre and Dance, along with performing at the Alabama Dance Festival, Alabama Minority Choreographer’s Festival, the Alabama Ballet Festival, CDC Festival, and as a professional guest artist for the beloved classical ballet, The Nutcracker Ballet. In addition, Ms. Shepard has international performing experience with the Danza in Arte a Pietrasanta (DAP) Festival in Pietrasanta , Italy - a festival of a unique blend of dance, music and visual art. Ms. Shepard has extensive experience as a Dance Educator in classical ballet and contemporary. She has taught at various studios throughout the South including Centre of Performing Arts, Xtreme Athletics, Elevations School of Dance, Patti Rutland Jazz, and most recently, Alabama River Region Ballet. Ms. Shepard was fortunate to take pedagogy courses while working toward her BFA at Troy University, where she was able to learn more about the art of teaching and how to properly instruct various ages and abilities. As a choreographer, Ms. Shepard has choreographed numerous production and competition pieces and had the honor of receiving a choreography award for a trio that she choreographed in 2017. Ms. Shepard is excited to continue to share her love of dance with younger generations at the Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. |
ALISON CASPERSEN
Classical Ballet | Contemporary | Early Childhood Educator Alison Caspersen grew up in Edwards, Colorado and began her training at Vail Valley Academy of Dance under the direction of Anne Powell and Karen Samuelson. She received additional training from The Rock School for Dance Education of Pennsylvania, Milwaukee Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Washington Ballet, and Kaatsbaan. In addition, Ms. Caspersen was part of the Helen Pickett Choreographic Essentials Workshop in 2014. Ms. Caspersen received professional trainee status with Ballet Austin and performed with the company in The Nutcracker, choreographed by artistic director Stephen Mills. Ms. Caspersen continued her training with Atlanta Ballet as both a Conservatory dancer and contracted Fellowship artist. She has performed in Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker and Pinnochio and danced the featured role of the Evil Queen in Snow White. Ms. Caspersen taught Early Childhood, Ballet and Contemporary classes at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education and as a ballet educator at Ballet Austin. Ms. Caspersen is in her 2nd season as a professional company member of Georgia Dance Theatre. In the 2016 season, Ms. Caspersen danced the lead role of Sugar Plum Fairy in Georgia Dance Theatre's production of the Nutcracker Ballet. In the 2017-2018 season, Ms. Caspersen held several lead roles in Georgia Dance Theatre's production of the Nutcracker Ballet as well as demi-soloist roles in the upcoming production of La Bayadere. Ms. Caspersen performed the lead role of Swanilda in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts' 2019 production of Coppelia. 
BRANDON NGUYEN-HILTON
Classical Ballet Educator Brandon is a native of Fort Worth Texas and began his formal training with Margo Dean School of Ballet. At 15 he was chosen to study at the Houston Ballet Ben Stevenson Academy on full scholarship where he was also invited to dance with the second company. He received his first professional job with Orlando Ballet under direction of renowned Bruce Marks and later Robert Hill. While in Orlando he was also invited to dance with Cirque du Soleil as there lead male dancer in the show La Nouba. He also performed with Mariah Carey in her Christmas Disney Day Parade. In 2012 John McFall asked Brandon to join the Atlanta Ballet where he performed many diverse roles from choreographers such as Ohad Naharin, Christopher Wheeldon, Helen Picket, Anabelle Lopez Ochoa, David Bintley, Gustavo Ramirez, Sean Hilton and Robyn Mineko. He most recently performed in Seoul South Korea for the Pyong Chang Winter Music Festival, celebrating the olympics. Brandon is extremely happy to have performed both Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet with Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. Sharing his history and knowledge of dance with the students of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts as they grow artistically and technically is an absolute joy as a Dance Educator. 
MADISON SCHRAMA
Classical Ballet | Contemporary | Early Childhood | Cheer Dance Educator Madison Schrama began dancing at the age of 6 at Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts and was a member of Georgia Dance Theatre for 8 seasons. As a member of Georgia Dance Theatre, Ms. Schrama has performed in multiple classical and contemporary ballets dancing soloist roles as Dew Drop in The Nutcracker Ballet and Peasant Pas Des Deux in Giselle.Additionally, she performed with Georgia Dance Theatre in Artistic Director Sherri Davis' original contemporary ballet of West Side Story and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. During her senior year of high school, Ms. Schrama was selected to participate in the work study/mentorship program of GAD & the Performing Arts in conjunction with the Fayette County Board of Education. In addition to GAD, she also received training at the American Ballet Theatre and Kaatsbaan Extreme Ballet Summer Intensive. Ms. Schrama holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Georgia with experience in production, dance training in technique and academia, and choreography projects. Additionally, she was a member of the UGA Ballet Ensemble Company for 2 years and led student choreography projects on dance majors at UGA. She has a certification in Dance Education for K-12 with additional educational courses in special education and early childhood development. After graduation, Madison taught various dance disciplines at North Atlanta High School and has been on staff with the Joffrey Ballet School of New York as an Arts Administration Intern. In addition, Madison held the positions of Rehearsal Assistant, Dance Educator and Stage Manager at the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Programs. Ms. Schrama is a guest choreographer for Georgia Dance Theatre. 
RAFAELLA MOCELIN
Classical Ballet | Contemporary | Early Childhood Educator Rafaella Mocelin, originally from Brazil, began her dancing at the age of 4 at Ballet Vera Bublitz. At the age of 15, Ms. Mocelin received a scholarship to continue her training at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York under the direction of Era Jourayley. During her training at the Joffrey Ballet School, Ms. Mocelin performed various lead roles such as the Black Swan Grand Pas de Deux in Swan Lake, Snow Queen in The Nutcracker & Paquita Pas de Deux in Paquita. In addition to these lead roles, Ms. Mocelin also had to opportunity to perform in Conservatorie under the restaging of Kaina Elver and Walpurgisnatch under the restaging by Stacy Caddell. Ms. Mocelin has received additional training from Miami City Ballet under Merit Scholarship and the Joinville festival with artists such as Cristina Helena, Sergio Marshall and Toshie Kobayashi Joinville. Ms. Mocelin performed lead roles in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts' 2019 production of the ballet Coppelia. Ms. Mocelin is a professional company artist of Georgia Dance Theatre and a dance educator of various disciplines with Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. 
COURTNEY DOOLITTLE
Contemporary | Early Childhood Educator Born and raised in Metro Atlanta, Courtney Doolittle took her first ballet class at 4 years old. She began her serious technical training with Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts in 2007 and received additional training from Ballet Magnificat!, under the Artistic Direction of Founder Kathy Thibodeaux. Ms. Doolittle became a member of Georgia Dance Theatre in 2012-2013 season. As a member of Georgia Dance Theatre, she performed various roles in The Nutcracker Tea, A Celebration of Contemporary Dance, Alice in Wonderland,and Artistic Director Sherri Davis’ original ballet, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In addition to performing, Ms. Doolittle became an Assistant Dance Educator at the Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts which sparked her interest and passion for dance education. Ms. Doolittle continued to teach as a full dance educator in Early Childhood and Contemporary classes for The Dance Centerin Luverne, AL. In the Spring of 2013, Miss Doolittle was offered a full dance scholarship to Southern Union Community College (Wadley, AL) and an academic scholarship to Troy University (Troy, AL). She chose to continue her education at Troy. During her college career, she performed in various showcases, full-length productions, and benefit concerts with Troy Dance Theatre (Troy’s Department of Theatre & Dance’s performance ensemble) and had the opportunity to choreograph works on her colleagues. She trained under resident faculty Tracy Gilland-Shillabeer (Tisch School of the Arts, Ad Deum) and Dominique Angel (Miami City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet), and guest artists such as Edward Villella (Founder: Miami City Ballet), Wes Chapman (American Ballet Theatre), Lori Belilove (Isadora Duncan Dance Company), and Dean McFlicker (NBC Senior VP & Creative Director), to name a few. Ms. Doolittle holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from Troy University. 
JENNIFER PEDRAZA
Classical Ballet Educator | Early Childhood Educator Jennifer Pedraza began her dance training at the Conservatorio de Ballet Concierto of Puerto Rico under the direction of Carlota Carrera. She attended summer programs at Joffrey Ballet School, the New York Dance Project and with the National Ballet of Cuba – originally founded by legendary ballerina Alicia Alonso. Ms. Pedraza was honored to perform as a trainee member of her beloved Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico under the direction of Carlos Cabrera in such esteemed artistic works as Alberto Méndez’s Phantom of the Opera, Isadora Bruno’s Latin Suite, Jimmy Gammonet’s Pico Rico Mandorico, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bach in Three Movements, La Vivandiere, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker Ballet with soloists and demi-soloist roles, Coppelia and Swan Lake and Napoli. Ms. Pedraza has just completed performing with the New York Dance Project under the direction of Artistic Director Davis Robertson. She had the incredible opportunity to perform legendary choreographer Gerald Arpino’s work of Viva Vivaldi and Birthday variation as soloist. In addition, she performed original works by Stage Directors & Choreographers Foundation Award recipient and famed Broadway choreographer Larry Keigwin. Ms. Pedraza has also been honored to showcase works by Tyler Gilstrap and New York Dance Project’s Artistic Director Davis Robertson. Ms. Pedraza was a dance educator at Ballet Concierto of Puerto Rico and continues to teach in the area she loves such as Early Childhood and Ballet. She is excited to join the Artistic Staff of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. Ms. Pedraza is making her debut season with Georgia Dance Theatre professional company. |
Resident Physical Therapist
DR. MEGHAN MORALES
GAD Resident Physical Therapist | GAD Pilates Tech Educator
Dr. Meghan Elizabeth Morales earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With a desire to blend her two passions of dance and physical therapy, Meghan completed an internship/ clinical rotation at Agile Physical Therapy in 2014. With her eye for proper dance technique complemented by her extensive knowledge of biomechanics and anatomy, Meghan is an asset to dance students and professionals rehabilitating from injury, preventing future injury, and promoting the longevity of their careers.
Meghan focuses on movement analysis, body mechanics, and a hands-on-approach. She has helped patients rehabilitate from stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, trauma, amputation, and other neurological impairments. She has helped patients of all levels with a diversity of neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions. She utilizes Pilates in her physical therapy practice and specializes in using it with all orthopedic injuries, including her specialty of dance medicine. She is currently employed full time at First Step Physical Therapy in Fayetteville.
Ms. Morales trained at Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts for 15 years. She was under scholarship for 8 seasons with Georgia Dance Theatre. She received additional training from the Atlanta Ballet, the Milwaukee Ballet, Kaatsbaan Extreme Ballet, The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, and the South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory. In 2007, Ms. Morales was chosen for the Atlanta Ballet Professional Ballet Intensive where she was featured in Graduation Ball , a pas de deux staged by Jose Vieira, and Vivaldi Violin Concertochoreographed by Roger VanFleteren.
Ms. Morales has danced various soloist and principal roles as a Georgia Dance Theatre company member. She danced the principal role as Wendy in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts original production of Peter Pan. Additional roles included a pas de deux with Jonah Hooper of the Atlanta Ballet in Georgia Academy of Dance’s production of Romeo and Juliette, Dew Drop Fairy and Arabian in Georgia Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker,and she was featured in the Bluebird variation from The Sleeping Beauty in Georgia Dance Theatre’s In the Spirit of the Dance.She also performed Corps de Ballet roles in The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream,and Le Corsairewhile a Senior Company Member of Georgia Dance Theatre.
She continued her dance training on scholarship at Birmingham Southern College where she holds dual degrees—Bachelor of Science in Biology /Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. While part of the Birmingham Southern College Dance Department Meghan appeared as a Guest Artist in the Montgomery Ballet’s production of Le Corsaire.Additionally, she choreographed and performed in a piece selected for the Alabama Dance Festival.
Dr. Meghan has recently decided to pursue Pilates instructor certification through Balance Body leading to a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher certification. As a dancer and physical therapist, Dr. Meghan has special knowledge of the specific issues of dancers and performers and how to adapt to their needs within the Pilates environment. She has developed an approach that addresses preventative, restorative, and maintenance based Pilates.
GAD Resident Physical Therapist | GAD Pilates Tech Educator
Dr. Meghan Elizabeth Morales earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With a desire to blend her two passions of dance and physical therapy, Meghan completed an internship/ clinical rotation at Agile Physical Therapy in 2014. With her eye for proper dance technique complemented by her extensive knowledge of biomechanics and anatomy, Meghan is an asset to dance students and professionals rehabilitating from injury, preventing future injury, and promoting the longevity of their careers.
Meghan focuses on movement analysis, body mechanics, and a hands-on-approach. She has helped patients rehabilitate from stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, trauma, amputation, and other neurological impairments. She has helped patients of all levels with a diversity of neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions. She utilizes Pilates in her physical therapy practice and specializes in using it with all orthopedic injuries, including her specialty of dance medicine. She is currently employed full time at First Step Physical Therapy in Fayetteville.
Ms. Morales trained at Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts for 15 years. She was under scholarship for 8 seasons with Georgia Dance Theatre. She received additional training from the Atlanta Ballet, the Milwaukee Ballet, Kaatsbaan Extreme Ballet, The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, and the South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory. In 2007, Ms. Morales was chosen for the Atlanta Ballet Professional Ballet Intensive where she was featured in Graduation Ball , a pas de deux staged by Jose Vieira, and Vivaldi Violin Concertochoreographed by Roger VanFleteren.
Ms. Morales has danced various soloist and principal roles as a Georgia Dance Theatre company member. She danced the principal role as Wendy in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts original production of Peter Pan. Additional roles included a pas de deux with Jonah Hooper of the Atlanta Ballet in Georgia Academy of Dance’s production of Romeo and Juliette, Dew Drop Fairy and Arabian in Georgia Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker,and she was featured in the Bluebird variation from The Sleeping Beauty in Georgia Dance Theatre’s In the Spirit of the Dance.She also performed Corps de Ballet roles in The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream,and Le Corsairewhile a Senior Company Member of Georgia Dance Theatre.
She continued her dance training on scholarship at Birmingham Southern College where she holds dual degrees—Bachelor of Science in Biology /Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. While part of the Birmingham Southern College Dance Department Meghan appeared as a Guest Artist in the Montgomery Ballet’s production of Le Corsaire.Additionally, she choreographed and performed in a piece selected for the Alabama Dance Festival.
Dr. Meghan has recently decided to pursue Pilates instructor certification through Balance Body leading to a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher certification. As a dancer and physical therapist, Dr. Meghan has special knowledge of the specific issues of dancers and performers and how to adapt to their needs within the Pilates environment. She has developed an approach that addresses preventative, restorative, and maintenance based Pilates.