DANCE INSTRUCTORS
We pride ourselves in our talented, educated, and understanding teachers.
RACHELLE HARTIGAN
Ballet/Tap/Lyrical/Combo Classes
A native of the Southern Pines area and having returned after a decade in the Pacific North West, dance has always been a vital element of Rachelle’s life. Classically trained in ballet since the age of 2, her repertoire varies - extending into other elements of the performing arts as well. She has studied within the programs of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Tacoma Ballet, and The Portland Ballet - transversing the country by way of a military lifestyle. Now settled with her blended family, Rachelle takes pride in bringing her love of movement to the next generation. Additionally, as a certified yoga instructor, Rachelle values safe and intentional expression in dance with a mindful approach that emphasizes connection with body confidence.
SARAH MCWILLIAMS
Dance Director
Sarah McWilliams is a Pennsylvania native, now North Carolina resident, who grew up dancing competitively and then continued her studies at Temple University in Philadelphia. While earning her BFA in Dance Performance/Choreography, Sarah worked with faculty members Jillian Harris, Laura Katz Rizzo, and Kavin Grant. She also danced for Guest Artists Larry Keigwin and Kyle Abraham. Upon graduating Sarah traveled to Israel to study with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company. Her performance career continued in PA and NYC with Project Moshen Dance Company, ContempraDance Theater, Putty Dance Project, and kaycruddenco. Most recently, Sarah worked at KICKS Academy of Dance, taught for the Dance Me A Story program, and became a certified Bar Method instructor. She is so excited to bring her passion for dance and teaching to NC!
JOSIE LANKFORD
Combo Classes/Tiny Tots
Born and raised in North Carolina, Josie Lankford has been studying all styles of dance for over 14 years at various studios over NC. Starting with a simple combo class at the age of 3, Josie has now been doing advanced dance classes and pointe dance. Having studied ballet, tap, and contemporary in New York City over the summer, Josie is thrilled to be teaching. While studying and improving her dance education at the Encore Center, she has performed in many dance productions such as Lion King as Zazu, Alice in Wonderland as the Mad Hatter, and most recently, Willy Wonka as The Candy Man. Josie will be graduating high school this May with her Associates in Arts and will be attending Sandhills Community College this fall for Business Administration. Josie is excited to bring her passion of dance here at the Encore Center!
GABRIELLA TAYLOR
Ballet/Jazz/Acro/Combo Classes
Gabriella Taylor was raised in North Carolina and trained in ballet throughout her time here. She found an interest in dance at the young age of five, when she first began ballet classes. As years passed, Gabriella's passion for dance developed and her interest in teaching grew. Eventually, pursuing her B.A. in Dance and Minor in business at Eastern University, located in PA, where she gained many different teaching experiences. Though her love for movement first started with ballet, Gabriella also has experience in cheerleading, as well as, years of training in jazz, contemporary, modern, and lyrical dance. Throughout her time at Eastern, Gabriella took part in many of the University's dance concerts, also performing with the Eastern University dance ministry and leading it for her last two years there. Gabriella loved having the chance to explore worship through dance and to also experience dance in a way that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit. She also appreciates the ability that dance gives people to tell stories, express feelings, and send messages to others. Gabriella is not only passionate about teaching dance, but using it to benefit others. This art form can be a rewarding outlet for people and she looks forward to seeing this truth more through encouraging, relating, and communicating with others through dance by teaching.
GABRIELLA TAYLOR
GABRIELLA TAYLOR
GABRIELLA TAYLOR
TARA PETERS
Company Ballet
Mrs. Tara was raised in Georgia and California and trained in classical ballet for over 25 years. She found an interest in ballet at the young age of four and has never looked back. Her passion for ballet has given her the opportunities to dance with the Atlanta Ballet, Georgia Academy of Dance, San Diego Ballet, and San Diego Academy of Ballet. Mrs. Tara was privilege to be taught by some of the best ballet instructors in the world to include: Dame
Sonia Arova, Prima Ballerina Jillana, Prima Ballerina Maria Tallchief, and Maxim (Bolshoi ballet) and Syliva Tchernychev. She has performed as a soloist in many classical ballets to include: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Le Sylphides, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty and Concerto Barocco. Mrs. Tara has been trained in the Vaganova, Balanchine, and Cecchetti methods of classical ballet. She also
attended the Joffrey, ABT, and Jillana School summer intensives. She was blessed to have had the opportunity to teach at San Diego Academy of Ballet prior to moving to North Carolina to be at Encore Performing Arts.
CAMILLE JONES
Ballet/Tap/Jazz/Combo Classes
Camille grew up in Southern California. She wanted to be a dancer since toddlerhood. She trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and musical theater dance. She trained with Orange County Song and Dance Company, including their performance and tour company, which traveled the United States. Camille has a BA in Dance from Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYUI) with an emphasis in Choreography and Performance. She joined their performance teams and tour company, Dance Alliance, which traveled both nationally and internationally. BYUI is where Camille developed a passion for modern dance and injury prevention. Camille loves the power and ease modern dance provides, and how the technique is transferable to many other dance styles she continues to love.
Camille has been a dance instructor for Orange County Song and Dance Company, a stage performer and parade dancer at Knott’s Berry Farm, instructed modern dance at Brigham Young University-Idaho, and been a private choreographer. She is excited to share her love of dance here in NC
ANDREA CORNPROBST
Hip-Hop
ARIANNA MARSCHALL
Ballet/Tap/Jazz/Lyrical/Contemporary
Arianna is a Minneapolis, MN native and grew up dancing competitively at a suburban studio where she trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and contemporary for 15 years. In college Arianna was a Fall Dance Team member at the College of Saint Benedict - where she also earned a double B.A. in Economics and Business and minored in Entrepreneurship. While in college Arianna began teaching at a local dance studio which sparked her passion for teaching and sharing the passion of dance with others. During her tenure at Ms. Melinda's Dance Studio in central MN, she had experience teaching a wide range of classes and ages: from tiny tots combo classes, recreational classes, to competitive jazz solos and duets for seniors that placed in the top 10 at regional dance competitions. Following college graduation, Arianna led a high school competitive dance team program at Richfield High School for 7 years consisting of both a Varsity and JV team in the styles of Jazz and High Kick under the Minnesota State High School League. During her time as the head coach she helped the Varsity Jazz team advance to the Minnesota State competition to compete with the top 12 teams in the state of Minnesota two years in a row. Arianna also worked as a head instructor at a local Just for Kix dance program in the suburbs of Minneapolis by attending summer training camps and working with recreational dancers in jazz technique. Arianna is excited to begin teaching in North Carolina and cannot wait to meet the dancers and families of Encore Performing Arts!
MCKELLYN BARBER
