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.
We believe their commitment to their arts educational training will enrich their daily lives.
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.
We believe their commitment to their arts educational training will enrich their daily lives.
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.
Artistic Staff
GABBY MARQUES
Contemporary Director 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. 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 and joins the staff of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts as a Dance Educator and Choreographer of all levels of dance including Pre-Professional to Professional levels of the Academy. 
SADIE NASH Classical Ballet | Contemporary | Early Childhood Educator Ms. Nash trained with Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts for 15 years and was under scholarship for 7 seasons with Georgia Dance Theatre. Ms. Nash received additional training from the Atlanta Ballet, Rock School of the Ballet of Pennsylvania, Milwaukee School of Ballet, Richmond School of Ballet, and Kaatsbaan Extreme Ballet Intensive. Ms. Nash has performed soloist roles in various productions of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts, Georgia Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker Ballet, and several contemporary works showcased in annual performances of Georgia Dance Theatre in association with Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. Ms. Nash began her teaching career as a GAD mentor through the Fayette County Mentorship Program where she received school credit as an Assistant Teacher for GAD & the Performing Arts during her senior year of high school. Ms. Nash continued her education in the Dance Programs of the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. Ms. Nash has been a Dance Educator in various forms of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, and Cheer Dance with the Academy and has been a Rehearsal Assistant for Georgia Dance Theatre. She is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a degree in Public Relations. She is continuing to utilize her education and skills in Public Relations and Communication. Ms. Nash continues her career as a Dance Educator in the Early Childhood, Ballet and Contemporary Programs for Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. 
WHITNEY HESTER
Classical Ballet Educator | Contemporary |Early Childhood Educator Originally from Dallas, Texas, Whitney Hester received part of her dance training from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she studied Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and performed a repertoire of classical and contemporary genres. Ms. Hester received additional dance training from the Jacob’s Pillow Ballet Program, Arts Umbrella and Nederlands Dans Theater. Continuing her studies, Ms. Hester attended the University of Southern California and collaborated in choreographic processes with William Forsythe, Artistic Advisor to the USC Choreographic Institute. Additionally, Ms. Hester worked with Jodie Gates, former Principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Frankfurt Ballet, and current Artistic Director of the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance at the University of Southern California. Ms. Hester performed as a Soloist in iconic works such as George Balanchine’s Serenade, Sonatine, Who Cares? and as a part of the ensemble in Allegro Brillante. Ms. Hester has also performed additional pieces by esteemed choreographers Barak Marshall (Monger) and Jiri Kylian (Falling Angels). Ms. Hester was invited to dance as an Apprentice member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company led by Co-Founder and Co-Director Dwight Rhoden where she danced as Soloist in Rhoden’s original piece Gone and other various works with the company. Ms. Hester holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance of the University of Southern California and holds a minor in Sports Media Studies from the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism. Ms. Hester is a Dance Educator versed in several genres of dance including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Modern. Ms. Hester is a member of the professional company of Georgia Dance Theatre as a Leading Artist. 
ANDERSON SOUZA Classical Ballet Educator ANDERSON SOUZA was born in Santo Angelo, Brazil. Anderson received his training at the Conservatório Brasileiro de Dança under Jorge Teixeira. After graduating, he joined the Cia Brasileira de Ballet in Rio de Janeiro, dancing principal and soloist roles and competing in national and international competitions, including the Beijing International Ballet Competition. Souza traveled with the Company to perform in Colombia, China, Israel and France. In 2013, he joined Gelsey Kirkland Ballet. Under the unique guidance of Kirkland, Anderson matured his artistry and received praise from national critics, including those at The New York Times. He has enjoyed dancing roles in The Nutcracker (by Yuri Possokhov) La Sylphide as Gurn (staged by Johan Kobborg), Sum Stravinsky (by Kiyon Ross), Sandpaper Ballet (by Mark Morris), Tuplet (by Alexander Ekman) and the world premiere of Catch (by Liam Scarlett). Mr. Souza is a professional dancer with The Atlanta Ballet. |
ALISON CASPERSEN
Rehearsal Director 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 teaches all genres of dance at Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts. Ms. Caspersen is a member of Georgia Dance Theatre professional company as a Leading Artist. 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. 
ERICA ALVARADO
Classical Ballet Educator ERICA ALVARADO was born in Tucson, Arizona, and began her dance training at Ballet Arts in Tucson under the direction of Mary Beth Cabana where she attended many prestigious summer intensives. After graduating from high school, she joined Ballet Tucson and worked closely with ballet masters Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner from American Ballet Theatre. Ms. Alvarado was selected to perform leading roles in many Antony Tudor ballets. Two years later, she joined the Milwaukee Ballet II program, and, in 2011, joined City Ballet of San Diego as a principal dancer. At City Ballet, Ms. Alvarado performed principal roles in The Firebird, Carmen, Giselle, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet, as well as principal roles in such George Balanchine works as Square Dance, Who Cares, La Source, Donizetti Variations, Allegro Brillante, Serenade, Tarantella, Walpurgisnacht, Concerto Barocco, Apollo and Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux. Alvarado performed soloist roles in The Four Temperaments and Agon. Ms. Alvarado also danced the role of the Principal Woman in Peter Martin’s Hallelujah Junction. In 2017 Alvarado joined The Atlanta Ballet where she has performed Kitri, The Sugar Plum Fairy, The Snow Queen, and other leading roles in Helgi Tómasson’s Seven for Eight, Stanton Welch’s Tutu and More, Craig Davidson’s Remembrance Hereafter and Liam Scarlett’s Vespertine and in his world premiere of Catch. Alvarado has been teaching students and professionals of all ages since 2011. 
JENNIFER PEDRAZA
Classical Ballet Educator | Contemporary| 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. In addition, Ms. Pedraza is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor. Ms. Pedraza is a member of the professional company Georgia Dance Theatre as a Leading Artist. 
TAYLOR CIAMPI Classical Ballet Educator TAYLOR CIAMPI was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and began her pre-professional training at The Rock School in Philadelphia under the direction of Bo and Stephanie Spassoff. While there, Ciampi competed in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), winning numerous semifinals. In 2015, she was awarded the Grand Prix Award in Austin, Texas, and placed in the top 12 during the finals at Lincoln Center. Ciampi was one of six American women chosen to compete at the Prix de Lausanne. Ms. Ciampi has additional training from the Dutch National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam under the direction of Jean-Yves Esquerre. Ms. Ciampi was also honored to particpate in the Jacob's Pillow Ballet Program. In 2016, Ms. Ciampi began her professional career as an apprentice with the National Ballet of Canada. She joined Atlanta Ballet 2 in 2017, performing the Enchantress in Bruce Wells’ Beauty & the Beast and in Craig Davidson’s world premiere of Remembrance/Hereafter. Ms. Ciampi was promoted to the Atlanta Ballet full professional company in 2018 and has danced with them for two seasons. In addition to dancing professionally, Ms. Ciampi has been a Dance Educator for the Madison Studio of Dance. Ms. Ciampi is a member of the professional company of Georgia Dance Theatre as a Leading Artist. Ms. Ciampi danced the lead role in Georgia Dance Theatre's recent production of the Nutcracker Ballet. 
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. Ms. Boivin danced the principal role of Clara in Georgia Dance Theatre's production of The Nutcracker Ballet. Ms. Boivin danced the role of the Crystal Fountain Fairy in Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts' production of The Sleeping Beauty in 2021. Ms. Boivin is a Leading Artist of 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.