Bio

Follow us:

Instructors/Teachers

			Heather Johnson Wayne is the Owner/Artistic Director of Heather Wayne's Performing Arts Dance Academy. She has been teaching dance for 15 years around Northeast Georgia. Heather Wayne's Performing Arts Dance Academy opened in fall of 2003. This past year we completed construction of our new 10,000 sq/ft facility located at 5370 Thompson Mill Road in Hoschton, Ga. Mrs. Heather Graduated from Brenau University in Gainesville Georgia in 1998 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Pedagogy. Upon graduation, Mrs. Heather began teaching at many different dance studios in the Atlanta, Gainesville and Dahlonega areas. In the fall of 2000, she created and started a Dance Program at the Lovett School in Atlanta. This highly regarded college preparatory school embraced her achievement and mandated it as part of their curriculum for the lower school. She also has training in music, choreography, musical theatre, stage set and design and was production manager for many events while at Brenau University. Furthermore, she was a dancer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic Games. Since that time, Heather has taught literally thousands of kids and has choreographed numerous musicals. Although she's trained in most every discipline, her forte is TAP, which in trademark fashion, ends each of her recitals with a rousing piece. In the fall of 2004, she started the Hethaer Wayne's Dance Company with just 8 dancers. In just two years time, the Dance Company has grown to 18 students comprised of Jr's and Petites. Since it's conception, the Dance Company has won over 24 awards between the competitions they have competed in. They've won 4 first place over all awards at the Jump and Access Broadway competitions. Heather has had several of her dancers and actors receive scholarships and offers to attend other competitions or workshops, such as Peter Sklar in New York. In June of 2006, every Dance Company member auditioned and was chosen to dance the opening number of the 2006, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. In July of 2007, they will compete in the National Competition at Disney World in Orlando, Fl. She regularly travels to New York to take master classes at Steps and at the Broadway Dance Center. She has taken master classes from Scott Benson (Jazz) Bob Rizzo (Jazz) Tatiana Jouravel (Ballet) Cindy Ricaldy (Ballet) Mike Minery (Tap) Debbie Dee (Tap) Mia Michaels (Jazz) and Chet Walker (Musical Theatre) just to name a few. Mrs. Heather is delighted you have joined her school and welcomes everyone with open arms, a smile on her face, and a love for the performing arts.
			Renee Hanna Professional Storyteller uses her love for the written word and lots of energy to guarantee an exciting program. She uses stories that allow her to include singing, creative dramatics, costumes, puppets, and props. Her stories come to life before your eyes! Renee's repertoire includes personal stories, folk tales, seasonal stories, fairy tales, fables, poetry, and literary tales from around the world. Renee has performed at many venues throughout the state of Georgia for 10 years, ranging from public and private schools, libraries, festivals, birthday parties, and fundraising events, all of which have received rave reviews. Renee is currently telling stories to over 2,000 children a month in the Uncle Remus Library System, and is featured on Walton County Public Television. She will be the drama teacher for Heather Wayne's Performing Arts Dance Academy for Summer and the 2004-2005 season, as well as taking part in teaching The Storybook Narratives
			Natalie Cruse originally from Dalton, Ga, is a graduate of Brenau Women's College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Education. Natalie began her dance training at the early age of six in Dalton, Ga. She has trained under the direction of Rio Cordy, former director of Dug Gap Studios; Jessie Johnston Cameron, director of the Dalton School of Ballet; Dana Crain, owner of the Woodstock Ballet; and Diane Callahan, director of the Gainesville Ballet. During Natalie's time at the Dalton School of Ballet she received the Holly Johnston Memorial Scholarship and had the opportunity to attend various summer dance intensive programs such as Virginia School of the Arts and Firespark. Natalie was honored to participate in the Governor's honors program during the summer of 1999 at Valdosta State University. While at Brenau Women's College Natalie receive a dance scholarship for all four years of education as well as the Best Freshman Dance award. She also had the opportunity to attend the Southeast Regional Ballet Association as a member of the Gainesville Ballet and American College Dance Festival with Brenau Dance Ensemble. Natalie is currently working with the Atlanta Ballet's Outreach Program as well as dancing in Big House Dance Company, directed by Vincas Greene. She is thankful for her positive experience during her first year here and is looking forward to the wonderful and exciting year ahead!
			Jessie Johnston Carmon began her ballet training at the age of five in Gainesville, Georgia with Diane Callahan, formerly of the Atlanta Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and the National Ballet of Cuba. At the age of nine, Jessie became the youngest member of the Gainesville Ballet Company where she continued to dance and perform until high school graduation in 1982. Miss Johnston spent summers training with the Atlanta Ballet, Washington Ballet, Alabama School of Fine Arts, Ruth Mitchell, Southwest Ballet Center, Virgina Intermont College, and the National Academy of Arts. Jessie Johnston was the first woman to receive a full scholarship to the National Academy of Arts under the directorship of Petrus Bosman and Robert Dicello. After leaving the academy, she became a soloist with the augusta Ballet under the directorship of Ron Colton. In 1988 Miss Johnston returned to Gainesville to enter the Bachelor of Arts program at Brenau College in Dance Pedagogy and Performance. She was selected the Dance Department's Outstanding Student of the Year in the 1989-1990 school year. While attending Brenau, Miss Johnston was a member of the Gainesville Ballet Professional Ensemble where she performed as a principal/soloist with the Gainesville Ballet Company. Jessie received the Gainesville Ballet Company Director's Award and the Company Spirit Award. In addition to school and dancing, Miss Johnston served as Ballet Mistress for the Gainesville Ballet Company and Co-Director of Gainesville Ballet II. "Miss Jessie" has been the Owner/Artistic Director of the Dalton School of Ballet since the fall of '91. While in Dalton, she performed in GUYS AND DOLLS with Dalton Little Theatre and danced the part of "The Rose" in Ballet Tennessee's THE NUTCRACKER. Jessie has choreographed the Artistic Civic Theatre productions of OKLAHOMA, where members of Ballet Dalton also performed, GUYS AND DOLLS, QUILTERS, and BIG RIVER. Ms. Johnston was appointed to the 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997 Governor's Honors Program Dance Audition Team where she interviewed GHP Dance Candidates. In 1996 Jessie was selected to be a member of International Ballet for the Children of the World, a professional ballet company in Atlanta. Miss Jessie will remain on staff at the DSB in the coming years.
			César Augusto Restrepo, baritone/tenor, graduated from Truett McConnell College with a bachelor's degree in music and a concentration in performance. Driven by his love for classical singing and opera, César Augusto began singing under the tutelage of Dr. Sandy Calloway. César Augusto is actively involved at the GSOC (Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra Chorus) where he has performed major choral works. César Augusto is also part of Capricho Español (Spanish Caprice), A truly cultural Project, a group of classical musicians performing folklore Spanish music in venues such as culture festivals, museums, art galleries, etc. In 2008, César Augusto performed with Capitol City Opera Company in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. As a soloist, César Augusto has performed with TMC Choir and GSO Chorus. César Augusto has been involved in different programs such as opera workshops and master classes, and has been featured in different performing arias and duets in Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni, Leoporello), Le Nozze di Figaro (Figaro), La Traviata (Giorgio Germont), among others . His vast repertoire of musical styles ranges from Jazz & Opera to Praise & Broadway. César believes that proper vocal technique should be implemented with all singing styles, and then more focus may be applied to the natural voice.
			Nicole George has been dancing for 16 years. She started dancing at the age of 4. She began her dance training at Primrose Daycare, and took tap and ballet. When she was 7, Nicole joined the Susan Chamber’s Dance Company. She started taking jazz with Heather Wayne in addition to ballet and tap. During her training at Susan Chamber’s, she was introduced to other styles of dance including musical theatre, modern, pointe, lyrical, and hip hop. Nicole also attended Rotaru School of Russian Ballet while still training at Susan Chamber’s. At age 16, Nicole moved on to dance with Pulse Performing Arts Center. She stayed and trained there for her last two years of high school. While in high school, Nicole started choreographing dances for her classmates. One of her dance was recognized as a student choreographer in the National High School Dance Festival in Miami, and was performed along with schools from all over the U.S. After graduating high school, Nicole danced at Dance Arts Centre for her first year of college. While in her first year of college, Nicole was named Teacher’s Assistant for guest choreographing Peachtree Ridge High Schools dance production of Cinderella. Along with her dance training, Nicole has also auditioned for Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship and the Disney College Program and will be participating in the Disney College Program this Fall. She is now attending Brenau University, and is a Dance Education Major and English minor.
			Catherine Daniels at the young age of eight Catherine began singing in her schools choir. She had been involved in choir until she graduated from Valley High School in 2005. During those years she went on to audition and participate in Georgia's All State Choir and was also President of her high schools Show Choir which went on to many competitions in the state of Georgia. At her High School she was runner up for Miss Vallerata in the schools Miss Vallerata pageant and has done some modeling in the past with Madem Moiselle. Currently, Catherine attends Truett-McConnell College as a Christian Studies major which she plans to use as a Biblical Counselor in the ministry field, and she sings with her husband Jeremy Daniels at Lakewook Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia and is a singer in a band called Seveset which is a Christian band that travels and leads people into worship and enjoys being God's hands and feet in this world! Check out the website at www.sevenset.com !
			Lonnie E. Davis Jr.,was introduced to the world of dance by the renowned director/choreographer, Baba Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble-NC. After being granted a scholarship to the American Dance Festival at Duke University, Lonnie was immersed “head first” at age 18 into his professional dance training. His summer months were spent training at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, ADF, and Jacobs Pillow. Soon after, he joined Dayton Contemporary Dance Co. II-OH. There he studied under some of the most noted teachers in the African American Traditions of American Modern Dance. After that incredible experience, Lonnie was invited to join Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. While in Chicago, he honed his jazz dance technique and learned many different jazz styles. He also had the privilege of performing with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Co-Kansas City, MO where he danced leads roles in classic works such as Lester Horton's "The Beloved", Kevin Iega Jeff's "Church of Nations", Rod Roger's "Percussion Suite" & Leni Wylliams' "Sha ta tee" to name a few. Mr. Davis also received training from the Ohio University. He was asked to be a part of NBA history by being one of the first male dancers on an NBA dance team (Atlanta Hawks 96-98). Mr. Davis has had the pleasure of performing in some of the most exciting Broadway and Vegas Revue’s for Carnival, Norwegian, Celebrity and most recent Royal Caribbean International cruise lines. Mr. Davis has taught and choreographed at dance studios and institutions all over the country. Some include; Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education; Georgia Dance Conservatory, Woodstock Ballet-GA, Dalton Ballet-GA, Gainesville Ballet-GA, Morton Street Dance Studio-MD, Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts, Woodward Academy and The Ohio University School of Dance-OH. Mr Davis was also selected to join the faculty of Georgia's 09'; 10' Governors Honors Program. There he had the pleasure of setting works & teaching Georgia's most talented high school dance students. Currently Lonnie is on faculty at The Georgia Dance Conservatory, Pebblebrook Performing Arts High School, Atlanta Ballet, Woodland HS, and The Studio Atlanta Dance. Most recently, Mr. Davis was invited to be featured choreographer for Atlanta's Dance Canvas 09' choreographers showcase. There he presented two world premieres "Velocity" & "Time After Time" to rave reviews. He is also resident choreographer for Atlanta based REFUGE Dance Co.(Pulse & Time After Time). He was honored to have the company perform his work "Pulse" during the 2009 Project Dance in NYC. “The More You Know-The Further You’ll Go”!-Lonnie Davis
			Kendall Grant A 29yr veteran of performing, Kendall Avet Grant currently resides in Atlanta, Ga. Here, she has accomplished many projects such as performing at the tabernacle and opening up for artists such as Lil’ John. Trick Daddy, Sean Paul, Ciara, Ludacris, J. Holiday, and T.I.; working alongside Abstract Rhythms for Gnarls Barkley album release presentation; hosting numerous Bar mitzvahs in the greater part of Atlanta, Tennessee, and Florida; being a host for “H.E.R.O. (Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out) for children” 2007 Charity event; dancing for Russell Simmons Phat Pharm fashion event; Opening up for Ne-Yo and performing alongside Jonelle Monae; and sharing a lead role in “Satin Dolls” a musical production at the Rialto theatre. Her latest project has been performing with Keith Sweat’s “Sweat Hotel” concert and DVD, in stores now, and Trumpet Awards. A native of Chesapeake, Va., Kendall is currently the artistic director of Future Shock Atlanta and an active member of Culture Shock Atlanta, an international non-profit organization of professional hip-hop dancers. Technically trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and lyrical, she recently has extended her studies in ballroom, which includes foxtrot, waltz, salsa, cha-cha, tango, and more. In May 2004, she graduated from Radford University with a Bachelors of Science in both Dance and Sport Medicine. Here, Kendall was able to become head coach of Radford University’s dance team, choreographed and staged a full theatre production, and become a substitute teacher for the Radford University’s dance department, all during her term. Her current projects include, Artistic Director of Future Shock Atlanta, Instructor for The Studio Atlanta Dance Company, and Cardio Instructor at Clayton State University. As a teacher and choreographer, Kendall is appreciative of her experiences and enthusiastic about her future endeavors. her training from the Virginia School of the Arts, Walnut Hill School in Natick, MA, Alabama Ballet, Georgia Governor's Honors program, Gainesville Ballet, Dalton School of Ballet, Woodstock School of Ballet and Ruth Mitchell of Marietta, Ga. She has also worked with such notable instructors as Wes Chapman (Artistic Director of Alabama Ballet and former principal dancer with American Ballet Theater), Shawn Black (former principal ballerina with American Ballet Theater), Petrus Bosman and many more from Boston Ballet and Alabama Ballet. Elizabeth taught for two years in Springfield MO and performed with the Springfield Ballet, choreographed for the Springfield Opera's 25th Celebration Gala and staged and coached the Moscow Ballet's Children's choreography for their touring performance of "The Great Russian Nutcracker." For the past five years she has taught and served as assistant director of dance for the Creative Arts Guild in Dalton, Ga and is the co-production director of Ballet Dalton’s full-length annual ballet, The Snow Queen. Elizabeth also serves as an adjudicator for the Georgia Governor’s Honors program. Outside of teaching she guest choreographs as well. Elizabeth resides in Acworth with her husband Matt and their son Jacob.
			Ashley Johnson is a gradutate from Brenau University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance. She began her dance training at age eight at the Buford School of Ballet, home of the Georgia Christian Dance Theatre under the direction of Bernadette Campbell. As a Senior company member Ashley performed the roles of Snow Queen and Dewdrop in The Nutcracker, Cinderella in Cinderella, Tinker Bell in Peter Pan and Belle in The Beauty and the Beast. She began her teaching career in 2004 with the Buford School of Ballet, teaching ballet, jazz and tap. While at Brenau Ashley received a Dance scholarship for all four years of her education. She also received the Most Outstanding Freshmen in Dance Award as well as Most Outstanding Senior in Dance Award. Ashley was also able to perform with the Gainesville Ballet Company for two seasons under the direction of Diane Callahan. To further her dance training Ashley has had the opportunity to attend several dance workshops in Atlanta and New York City. She has worked with Nicolas Picana, director of Atlanta Festival Ballet; David Parsons, director of Parsons Dance Company; and Robert Swinston, Assistant to the Choreographer with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. Ashley is entering her fourth year as coach of the Buford High School Dance Line, and third year as choreographer to the Theater and Choral departments. This is Ashley's second year with Heather Wayne's Performing Arts Academy, teaching Ballet and Musical Theatre Dance.
			Amy Brown Hi, my name is Amy Brown. I am a 35 year old wife, mother and full time employee. I know what its like to be pulled in a million different directions and left with little time or energy for yourself. I also value health and fitness and have decided to make this a priority for myself and my family. In order to do this, I stay in shape with ZUMBA fitness. By making this a priority for myself each week, I am able to maintain a healthy weight, and feel great. Come join me in a ZUMBA class and I guarantee you will walk out an hour later with your head held a little higher and a bit of pep in your step. If you stick with me, we can transform your life one fun hour at a time. I promise to deliver a fun filled class that everyone will feel comfortable in. In addition, I can help you with other nutritional goals you may be setting for yourself. I'm always happy to stay after class with you and answer any questions you may have. I hope to see you in my class soon!
		Guest Instructors
			Gregg Russell is an Emmy nominated Choreographer and has worked with such stars as: bette Midler, Gene Kelly, The Nicholas Brothers, Michael Jackson and many more! You may have seen him on television in "Even Stevens", "buffy the Vampire Slayer", "The Tonight Show", in the GAP national commercials or his choreography on the hit soap opera "Bold and the Beautiful". He is hosting and producin "Tap into the Network" intensives which will have him traveling to 4-6 different cities throughout the country in the summer of 2011 (www.tapintothenetwork.com) "Gregg brings to tap an eclectic mix of style including hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical, with a traditional base, reminiscent of Gene Kelly and the Nicholas Brothers. It is a joy to watch him dance"- Kenny Ortega, Emmy Award winning Director and Choreographer
			Jessica King is a top contemporary dancer from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She is well known for her top 10 appearance on So You Think You Can Dance and appeared as “The Dreamer”,the lead role in the highly acclaimed show Le Reve in Las Vegas at the Wynn Hotel and Casino for two years. Jessica is also a highly regarded instructor and choreographer of various styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap and ballroom. If you would like to inquire about availability for teaching and choreographing at your studio or convention please visit the “Contact” page at www.jessicakingdance.com.
			Jennifer Tyson began dancing at the age of four and has extensive training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Lyrical. She has performed in “The Nutcracker” with RotaruSchool of Ballet and The Opening Ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. Jennifer has been teaching in the Atlanta area since 1996. In that time she has taught Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Acrobatics and Hip Hop to ages 2 to adult. In 1998 Jennifer began choreographing numbers for dance competitions. Many of her students are title award winners and her groups have won multiple high score and choreography awards both regionally and nationally. Jennifer is a judge for several regional and national dance competitions across the United States and Canada. Jennifer is the Georgia Representative for Dance Teachers Online. In 2004 she developed a coloring book for beginning ballet students that has recently been translated into 3 languages. In 2009 she was awarded GwinnettCountyParks and Recreation Instructor of the Year. Jennifer resides in Auburn with her husband and two kids.
			Allison Kiley began her dance career at the age of three in Illinois. While dancing with Ballet West in Utah, she had the opportunity to perform in the Nutcracker. Allison continued her studies of dance at the Svalander School of Ballet in Northern Illinois. She trained with the Lawrenceville School of Ballet under the direction of Phyllis Allen in ballet, tap, jazz, point and modern. She was a member of the Southern Ballet Theater, formally know as the Gwinnett Dance Ensemble as a Senior Company member for nine years. She has been in such productions as Beauty and the Beast, Jungle Book, Sleeping Beauty, International Celebration, Big City Lights and Enchanted Doll Shop. Allison was also a performer in the Georgia Olympics. For several years, she was a staff member of MADD Week (music, art, dance and drama) at Mckendree UMC in Lawrenceville and was the lead instructor for dance and drama. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. Allison’s desire for teaching is driven by the ability to share her love for dance and seeing the pure excitement in the child’s eyes. Allison resides in Buford with her husband Dan and son Cannon.
			Jan Best-Irish Dance Instructor Jan Best, Irish Dance Instructor, has been involved with dancing all of her life. Her experience includes dance teams, pageants, professional and dance studio performances. She has trained most of her life in ballet, clogging, jazz/dance line, and Irish dance. Her choreography credits include clogging, dance line and Irish dance. She danced professionally as a clogger for eleven years, during which time she performed for dignitaries, at conventions, and at numerous private and public performances. She has trained in Irish dance under the direction of Karl Drake, TCRG of the Drake School of Irish Dance in Norcross, Georgia. During her short competitive career in Irish, Jan was awarded numerous medals and trophies in various Irish dance competitions throughout the Southeast, including qualifying and placing as a Preliminary Champion. She continues to teach and train under Mr. Drake’s direction all levels of Irish dance. All of Ms. Jan’s students are considered students of the Drake School of Irish Dance and participate in Drake’s local events such as semi-annual workshops and the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Atlanta. Her students have competed and placed well at many feisanna (competitions) in solo and figure dancing. Several of her students have qualified to compete at the North American Championships, including one student who has won the regional Oireachtas Championship twice and qualified to dance at the Worlds Championships in Ireland! Jan has been instructing children, teens and adults in Irish dance in various workshops, dance camps, conventions and classes since 2000, including several metro Atlanta dance companies, and all levels and ages of students at the Drake School of Irish Dance. She is married and lives in Buford with husband Bryant, and daughters Rachel and Laura. She enjoys sharing her Irish heritage and love of Irish dance with her students!
			Karen Fitzgerald
			David Rosetti