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    Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts
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    At the Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts, each Dance Educator's primary objective is to assist students with achieving their individual artistic goals.

    We not only recognize our students’ genuine passion for this art form, but equally embrace
    the dedication they bring to the studio.
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    We believe their commitment to their arts educational training will enrich their daily lives.

    Director of Operations


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    ​​​​​​KYM BUSHMIRE
        
    Chief Operations Director

    ​Georgia Dance Theatre Board of Directors
    ​​​​​​Kym Bushmire is the Chief Operations Director of the Academy & The Dancer's Boutique.  A Georgia Dance Theatre  alumna, Ms. Bushmire 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 Street at the College of William and Mary and various theater productions. 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.

    Artistic Staff


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    GABBY MARQUES

    Contemporary Director 
    Classical Ballet | Early Childhood Educator |
    ​Board Member
    Gabby Marques is an award- winning choreographer for various companies and a former professional contemporary dancer with such companies as Alchemy Dance Company out of Philadelphia.

    ​She has trained in the Gala Hooks Method and Gaga Intensives out of New York and been a part of the Emanuel Gat Creative Workshop of Montpelier, France.
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    Ms. Marques danced with the Centre National de la Danse of Paris and was a part of the Ballet Preljocaj Apprenticeship Program in Aix en Provence, France.
    In addition, she was a scholarship recipient for various dance programs including Focal Point Dance and Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida.

    Ms. Marques has worked with various well-known and award-winning choreographers such as the 2019-20 Emerge Choreographic Award Winner Mark Caserta, Tommie Waheed, Mark Haim, Doug Varone, and Sharon Eyal.
    Ms. Marques was a member of the Tae Talent Agency and a Green Mile contestant for So You Think You Can Dance.

    A Director’s scholarship recipient and honor graduate, Ms. Marques received her BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts of Philadelphia.

    Ms. Marques teaches various contemporary genres including competitive dance as well as our Early Childhood division. Ms. Marques is the Contemporary Director of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts and oversees all aspects of the Contemporary Programs for all levels including Pre-Professional and Professional levels of the Academy.

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    ​ALISON CASPERSEN

    Rehearsal Director
    ​Classical Ballet | Contemporary|​
    ​Early Childhood Educator|
    ​Board Member
    ​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 teaches all genres of dance at Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts.

    Ms. Caspersen was a Leading Artist for seven seasons of Georgia Dance Theatre professional company. She is currently a guest artist for the company.
    She has danced multiple lead roles including Swanilda in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts' production of Coppelia and Sugar Plum Fairy in Georgia Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet.

    Ms. Caspersen is the Rehearsal Director of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts and Georgia Dance Theatre. Ms. Caspersen is a member of the board of directors of Georgia Dance Theatre.

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    ​ABBY BOIVIN 

    Classical Ballet Educator |
    Early Childhood Educator
    ​Abigail Boivin received her training from Atlanta Ballet and Mainstream Dance under the direction of Jaime Robtison. She has received additional training and scholarships from prestigious programs such as the School of American Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Rock School of Ballet, and the Covington Regional Ballet.

    Ms. Boivin has danced various roles in Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker Ballet and had the privilege of dancing the lead role of Sophie in Twyla Tharpe’s world premiere of the Princess and the Goblin. In addition, Ms. Boivin performed in Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre’s “Italian Symphony” by Martha Goodman and Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre’s “Gust” by Tara Lee and “A step in three” by Heath Gill.

    As a Leading Artist of Georgia Dance Theatre professional company, Ms. Boivin has danced principal roles, such as Clara, Dewdrop, and Arabian in Georgia Dance Theatre's production of The Nutcracker Ballet.  Ms. Boivin has also performed such roles as  the Crystal Fountain Fairy in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts' production of The Sleeping Beauty and demi-soloist roles in GAD's production of Don Quixote. In 2022, Ms. Boivin performed the lead role of Sugar Plum Fairy in Georgia Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet.

    Ms. Boivin teaches all levels of the Academy's Classical Ballet program and various Early Childhood genres. 

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    JESSICA HE
        
    Classical Ballet Educator|
    Conservatory & Pro Classes
    Jessica He, originally from Rancho Cucamonga, California, is currently dancing in her sixth season with Atlanta Ballet’s main professional company.

    She has performed featured principal and soloist roles and some of the most memorable in her career thus far includes the Princess in Yuri Possokhov’s “Firebird”, Lar Lubovitch’s “Elemental Brubeck”, Liam Scarlett’s “Vespertine” and world premiere “Catch”, Jiri Kylian’s “Return to a Strange Land”, George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” and “Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux”, Helgi Tomasson’s “7 for Eight”, and Yuri Possokhov’s “Don Quixote”.
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    Jessica received her early ballet training at Inland Pacific Ballet Company in Montclair, California, and moved to Philadelphia at the age of 14 to enter the pre-professional training program at the Rock School for Dance Education on full scholarship. She danced with Houston Ballet’s second company for two seasons before joining Atlanta Ballet, where she enjoyed touring international and performing a varied repertoire.

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    CHRISTAL ODUM 

    Classical Ballet Educator |
    ​Contemporary Educator |
    Early Childhood Educator
    ​Christal Odum received her serious training by invitation to the Brandon Ballet Pre-Professional Program of Florida. Ms. Odum received additional training  from the Houston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Ellison Ballet, English National Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater and the Dance Alive National Ballet. 

    Ms. Odum has performed with the Sun City Gala, the International Ballet Festival of Miami, Houston Ballet and the Brandon Ballet in various Demi-Soloists and Principal roles. In addition, Ms. Odum danced with the Dance Alive National Ballet for 4 seasons and performed in various works such as Portraits and Ballet & Beyond by Ani Collier, Requiem by Kim Tuttle and classical favorites such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Nutcracker Ballet.

    As a Leading Artist of Georgia Dance Theatre Professional Company, Ms. Odum has performed the leading roles of Clara & Dew Drop Fairy in Georgia Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet. 

    Ms. Odum is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information System Management and has a Minor in Mass Communications.
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    JENNIFER PEDRAZA

    Classical Ballet Educator |
    Contemporary Educator|
    Early Childhood Educator|
    Progressing Ballet Technique

    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. 

    As a Leading Artist of the professional company of Georgia Dance Theatre, Ms. Pedraza has danced such lead roles as Kitri in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts production of Don Quixote. She has performed additional leading roles such as Snow Queen, Pastilles, & Spanish in Georgia Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet.
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    Ms. Pedraza teaches Classical Ballet and Contemporary genres and is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique Educator.

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    SARA SHARPLES 

    Classical Ballet Educator |
    ​Contemporary Educator
    Sara Sharples received her dance training from Brenau University, the Georgia Ballet, Steps of Faith, and the Gainesville Ballet where she performed with the company. She has received additional training from Ballet Magnificat and Steps on Broadway of New York.

    While at Brenau University, Ms. Sharples had the privilege to work with and performed works by various guest artists such as Charlotte Boye Christensen, Kristy Nilsson, Jody Sperling, and Kassandra Taylor Newberry. Sara’s performing credits include Gainesville Ballet Company productions, which encompasses “The Nutcracker,” “Into Grimm’s Woods,” and “Frozen.” She also has performed various guest choreographers’ works by Pytron Parker, Kavin Grant, Peter Swan, Martha Goodman, Armando Luna, Stevan Novakovich, and Kassandra Taylor Newberry.
    As a choreographer, Sara has choreographed contemporary works for the Brenau’s Department of Dance student concerts and choreographed various genres of dance for multiple Atlanta Studios.

    Ms. Sharples is trained in various styles of Ballroom dance and toured throughout the US as a performer with the Utah Ballroom Dance Company. In addition to performing dance works, Sara has had opportunities to work in various films such as “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Show” and Weird Al Yankovic’s Atlanta’s performances.

    Ms. Sharples teaches various genres of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Ballroom, and Contemporary.
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    Ms. Sharples holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Brenau University.

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    ​LINNEA SWARTING

    Classical Ballet Educator |
    Dance Without Limits Educator
    Ms. Swarting has danced professionally with the Los Angeles Ballet, Washington Ballet, and Nashville Ballet.

    She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Boston Ballet, and Nashville Ballet Training Divisions. In addition, Ms. Swarting is certified in Arts Management from the University of California Irvine and is a writer for Pointe Magazine.

    Ms. Swarting has performed in Georgia Balanchine's Western Symphony, Paul Vasterling's Swan Lake, Carmina Burana, The Nutcracker, & The Sleeping Beauty. She has been a guest artist with the Connecticut Theater Dance Company and with Ballet Arts of Jackson, TN.

    Ms. Swarting has taught for several years in the area of Ballet and Pointe. While at Nashville Ballet, Ms. Swarting created the Adaptive Dance: New Perspectives Program for students with special needs at the Nashville Ballet.

    Ms. Swarting has performed the lead role of Snow Queen in Georgia Dance Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet. Ms. Swarting is a Leading Artist with the professional company of Georgia Dance Theatre.

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    Laura Hart
        
    Classical Ballet Educator |
    Early Childhood Assistant |
    Contemporary Educator

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    Cambria Dancu
        
    Classical Ballet Educator |
    Early Childhood Assistant |
    Contemporary Educator

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    Danielle Perez
        
    Early Childhood Educator |
    Conservatory Educator | Guest Choreographer

    Resident Physical Therapist


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    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 Concerto choreographed by Roger Van Fleteren.

    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 Corsaire while 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.

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