KSU Dance Company

Faith is a sophomore at Kennesaw State University pursuing a BA in Dance with a ballet concentration as well as a BE in Exercise Science. She hopes to incorporate her passion for both dance and sports medicine as a physical therapist focused on injury prevention. Her dedication to the arts began in middle school when she joined Impact Dance of Atlanta's Conservatory program, and since then has trained at Orlando Ballet School, The University of Alabama, and Gus Giordano Dance School in Chicago. She is so excited to expand her artistry throughout her time at KSU! 

Emily is a Sophomore dance major with a modern concentration. This is her fourth semester as a KSU dance company member. She is from Newnan, Georgia, danced at Carrollton Academy of Dance, and was a member of Parker Dance Company. She’s danced for 17 years and was a competitive dancer for 15 years, receiving many accolades through the years. She was also the recipient of the Marti M. Graham Memorial Outstanding Freshman scholarship in 2021 and is the current Vice President of the KSU Dance Company. Outside of her dance education at KSU, she now teaches at a studio in the area! She has a desire to learn and is eager to explore the endless possibilities of artistic expression through dance. She feels as though dance is her safe place and it has shaped her into who she is today. She is further pursuing her dance education at KSU in hopes to one day fulfill her dream of owning her own dance studio. She is honored to have been chosen to be in two pieces for the spring show and is so excited to continue this journey! 

Hi! My name is Coreá Batey. This is currently my second year at Kennesaw State University, majoring in Dance. I joined the Dance department because Dance is my true passion and I plan to make it my future career. I hope to become more versatile from this experience as it allows me to explore the different functions and aspects of working with the Dance Company. 

Loran is a third-year Nursing major and Dance minor here at Kennesaw State University, this is her first semester with the KSU Dance Company. Previously, Loran had trained with Sugarloaf Performing Arts and Collins Hill High School Dance Company in Suwanee, GA. Alongside her future nursing career, Loran hopes to teach dance classes at a studio local to her. She is extremely grateful for this opportunity and is excited for the experience to come! 

Serena is a Senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Dance. She started dancing at 3 years old and graduated from Bravo Dance Center. She is very excited for this upcoming semester and is looking forward to all that she will experience and learn. 

Hello ! My name is Natalie Brown . But I go by Tani . I am 18 years old and from Douglasville , Ga . I am a freshman majoring in dance and business management . I have been dancing since I was 6 years old and have curated a love and passion for dance . I am attending the KSU dance department to further develop my skills to one day be a great addition to a dance company , travel around the world and eventually move on to open up my own dance studio. 

Ifeanyi began dancing at age 7 with Umojaa African Dance Company instruction by Linda Kabibi Johnson out of Oakland California. Ifeanyi found her passion and desire for dance by immersing herself in many different dance disciplines such as Jazz, Modern, West African, Contemporary, Lyrical, Liturgical, Ballet and Freestyle. Ifeanyi joined many theater and dance groups throughout the years traveling to different artist conventions and teaching young children the art of dance. Ifeanyi is a member of the KSU Dance Company Fall 21 and her most recent work is Forces of Grace choreographed by Lisa K Locke, Choreo Lab and Lift Every Voice with Kennesaw State University Dance Department. Ifeanyi is eager to explore movement and the art of dance and inspire others with her gift and passion for the arts! 

Jordan is a junior here at Kennesaw State University majoring in dance and minoring in sociology. She has been dancing passionately for the last 14 years, expanding her knowledge in not only dance, but choreography as well. This is her third semester in the KSU Dance Company and she couldn’t be more elated to work with everyone this year! She is so excited for the semesters to come! 

Gabi is a sophomore at Kennesaw State University majoring in both business and dance. Gabi is from Macon, Georgia where she trained at Peacock’s Performing Arts Center and Dance Dynamics Studio. After her studio training she began to widen her horizons by taking class in Atlanta as well as being a part of the KSU dance company two times already. She is so excited to be a part of company for the third time this semester! 

My name is George Chavez I am a Freshmen Dance and Evironmental Science Major here at KSU. I am originally from Orlando, Florida but moved to Atlanta in 2016 and I have been dancing ever since. I am trained in several styles such as Ballet, Modern, Hip-hop and Jazz. I have worked along side major artists like Kanye West and performed with local companies in Atlanta like the Admix Project. I hope to inspire other queer and non-binary artists to be unapologetically themselves and go for their dreams. 

Amanda is a junior, double majoring in nursing and dance with a modern concentration. It is her second semester in KSU's dance company. She is from Acworth, GA. Amanda began her dance education at Impact Dance of Atlanta, there she was prepared for a successful dance career and encouraged to explore her own artistic voice. Amanda is incredibly excited for this opportunity to be a part of the KSU dance company and can't wait to see how this semester will help her grow! 

Maya Dubuc was born in Montréal, Québec, Canada. She started dancing at the age of two and trained at Bravo Dance Center. She danced in the company for nine years under Carolyn Crumpton Perry and is currently in the Bravo Professional Dance Company. She is currently attending Kennesaw State University as a Dance Major and has a concentration in ballet. 

Jewel is a senior at Kennesaw State University pursuing a bachelor’s in Public Health Education with a minor in dance. She began her dance career at the age of 3 training with Northeast Atlanta Ballet. She further continued her training at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Today, she is a freelance model and artist performing at exclusive weddings/events as well as working with major companies such as MIELLE Organics and LYS Beauty. Jewel also spends her remaining time working as the head dance instructor at Wieuca Road Baptist Church. Jewel is honored to be a part of the KSU Dance Company and is excited to see what the future holds. 

Haley is a sophomore nursing major with a dance minor. She is from Peachtree City, Georgia where she trained at Georgia Academy of Dance and Performing Arts for 16 years. She was a part of their company for 6 years. She is very excited to continue her passion in both dance and nursing while at KSU. 

Deonna is a junior at Kennesaw State University majoring in Dance with a minor in Spanish. She began dancing at six years old and studied at Dancentre South in Woodstock, Georgia for eight years under the direction of Annie Day and Marcus Alford. She is thankful for the opportunity to study and advance her passion with the KSU Dance Company. 

Jahari is freshman at Kennesaw State University studying under the Ballet Concentration within the Department of Dance. Born in the state of Georgia, Jahari has studied with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre under Wade Walthall while also performing with the Georgia Thespian Society working with instructors across musical theatre, jazz and ballet backgrounds. Debuting this semester, Jahari hopes you all enjoy what we have to offer this year and thank you for continuing to support the arts. 

Hadiyah is a 3rd year modern concentration. She began her freshman year in company in Professor Lisa Locke’s piece for the Presidents concert. She has done back up dancing and music videos for modern Pop/Hip-Hop artist such as Miss Mulatto, Lil Yatchy, and producer Zaytoven. Hadiyah is pursing her BFA in dance and is hoping to be a traveling choreographer after she travels with a tour dancing for a few years. 

Rosalynd is a freshman dance Major with a modern concentration.She is from Sandy Springs, Georgia,danced for Dream Big Dance Company, and is a dance alumni from the performing arts program of North Springs high school. She has been dancing for 5 years, and has done numerous professional performances for major events, festivals, and charities.This is her first semester in company but is excited to further her experience within the dance department. She feels that dance is where she really thrives and it’s a comfort for her. She’s ready to expand her mind in the world of dance and grow as an open minded and artistic human being.She hopes to be a choreography and an all around entertainer, and she can’t wait to connect with other creative beings that will help her grow and become who she wants to be later in her dance career. 

Hannah is a freshman dance major with a concentration in ballet. She danced and competed at Rhythm Dance Center for 9 years where she was trained in jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, and musical theatre. This is her first semester as a KSU Dance Company member and she is looking forward to the experience to learn and grow alongside talented artists.   

Emma is a sophomore at Kennesaw State University majoring in dance, concentrated in ballet, and exercise science. Emma is from Kennesaw and has danced for seventeen years and attended summer programs at both Orlando Ballet and Nashville Ballet. Over the years she has enjoyed performing roles such as the Snow Queen and Arabian Princess. She is very excited for this opportunity, to not only learn and grow as a dancer, but to take the knowledge of movement and apply it as she pursues a career in physical therapy. 

Tyler is a second semester sophomore at Kennesaw State University. She is pursuing her undergraduate degree in Dance with a concentration in modern, as well as Exercise Science. Tyler is originally from Rome, Georgia where she trained with Rome Civic Ballet for 13 years. There she practiced in tap, jazz, ballet, modern, and contemporary technique and choreography classes. This will be her third time in the KSU Dance Company. Tyler looks forward to broadening her training further and can’t wait to perform again! 

Hi! My name is Eunice Hwang and I am a freshman at KSU majoring in dance with a Modern concentration. I have been dancing for almost 16 years and have had the great privilege to delve into many different styles of dance with many amazing artists. Through my experiences, I have grown a deeper passion for dance and a drive to dive into choreography. I hope to take this opportunity to grow after being unable to dance for a year in recovery and enjoy being a part of KSU Dance Company. 

My name is Emma Joninas and I am a freshman dance major with a concentration in modern. I am from Cumming, GA and danced at Cumming Dance Academy for 15 years. I trained in styles such as Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Hip Hop. I also competed with my studio for 6 years. This will be my first semester in company and I am so excited to work with such talented people! 

Autumn is a freshman dance major with a modern dance concentration. This is her second semester as a KSU dance company member. She is from Dallas, Georgia, danced for Carrollton Academy of Dance, and was a member of Parker Dance Company. She has danced for almost 16 years and was a competitive dancer for 14 years. Autumn is excited to continue her education of dance at KSU and cannot wait to see what the KSU Dance Department brings her in the future. 

Skie is a freshman at KSU, she is a dance major and her concentration in modern. This is her second semester in the dance company at KSU. She is from Dallas, Georgia, she is from Carrollton Academy of Dance and was part of the Parker Dance Company. She has been dancing for 16 years and competed for 14 of those years. Skie is very excited to continue here education in dance here at KSU and she cannot wait to see what the future holds for her at the KSU Dance Department.  

Olivia is a junior dance major with a concentration in modern. This is her fifth semester with the KSU Dance Company. She started dancing at the age of 3, spending most of her time at Becky Jones School of Dance where she joined the performance company at age 12. Growing up, Olivia trained in contemporary, ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theater. She is excited to be a part of company again this semester and is looking forward to growing with KSU dance. 

Jillian is a freshman here at Kennesaw state university. She is working towards receiving her degree in both dance with a concentration in ballet as well as her degree in exercise science. Jillian is originally from snellville Georgia where she found her love for dance at A Step Ahead Performing arts. She has also been dancing for 14 years and looks forward to continuing her growth in dance as well as learning from new artist.This is her first time being part of KSU dance company and is very excited to expand her passion for dance. 

Ryann is a Sophomore Dance major with a Modern concentration. She began her dance training at the age of eight at Renaissance International School of the Performing Arts located in Milton, GA, where she studied hip hop, jazz, musical theater, and ballet. This will be her second semester with the KSU Dance Company, and she is looking forward to the experience. 

Mackenzie is a sophomore dance major from Dallas, GA, with a modern concentration here at KSU. She has been dancing for 14 years and has trained at CK DanceWorks where she was a competition dancer for five years. She has been trained in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop and enjoys the storytelling side of performance. This is her second semester in the KSU Dance Company and is excited to continue her dance journey. 

Madison is a junior dance major with a modern concentration. She began her dance training at the age of 11 at Studio 23 and was a member of the dance company for 7 years. This will be her fifth semester participating in the KSU dance company and she is looking forward to the experience. 

My name is Cheyenne Massengill, I've been dancing since age three and fell in love with the art at age 13. I'm a KSU dance major and my experience here has been so amazing that I can't wait for what the future has to hold. 

Sicily is a third year student with a double major in exercise science and dance with a ballet concentration. This will be her second semester in the KSU Dance Company. She began her dance career at Jacobs Dance Academy in Atlanta, GA at age 5. After 5 years of instruction there, she received a scholarship to the renowned Atlanta Ballet where she studied ballet for 4 years. In 2014, she joined the dance company of Eagles Landing Dance Center where she studied until graduating high school. Sicily is excited about this opportunity and open to what is in store for the future! 

Abi is a first-year dance major with a ballet concentration. She trained and performed with Flint River Dance Art’s company, Dance Theatre South, for fourteen years prior to her time at Kennesaw State University. She was also awarded Master 4-Her status in 2019 in the Performing Arts Dance project, performed at the 2019 National 4-H Congress Gala, and performed as a dancer for four years with Georgia 4-H's performing arts group, Clovers and Company. She is very excited for the opportunity to be a part of this program! 

Sydnee is a freshman dance major with a concentration in ballet. This is her first semester as a KSU dance company member. She has been dancing for 15 years. For the last 6 years she danced with Dancentre South, where she performed in many shows including The Nutcracker of Cherokee County. Sydnee is excited to continue her education with KSU and be a part of the company! 

Ryley is a sophomore dance major with a ballet concentration. She trained at Bravo Dance Center from ages 3-18 and was a member of their company for 12 years. She also attended Pebblebrook High School where she was in the magnet program for Performing Arts. There she was part of their select group of performers to perform in regional theaters in the Atlanta area and live television. Ryley is now a teacher and choreographer for studios and programs such as Bravo Dance Company and City Springs Conservatory. She hopes to continue perusing a career in dance performance and choreography. Ryley has been blessed to be chosen for a piece in the spring show and is thrilled to be a part of KSU Dance Company this semester! 

Kaitlyn Podawiltz is a sophomore dance major with a modern concentration. This is her second semester in the KSU Dance Company. Kaitlyn is originally from Mishawaka, Indiana, but has been in Georgia for 7 years. She danced at Dancentre South for 7 years, where she performed in multiple showings of The Nutcracker of Cherokee County. Kaitlyn has been dancing for 17 years, and plans to continue her dance education at KSU to hopefully own her own studio. Outside of KSU, she teaches back at her home studio, Dancentre South. 

Breanna is a sophomore at Kennesaw State University. She is majoring in both psychology and dance with a concentration in modern. She is originally from Leesburg, Georgia and has been dancing for over 10 years. Since living in Kennesaw she has enjoyed expanding her dance knowledge by taking a range of new styles as well as teaching with Expressions in Motion Dance Company. She is extremely thankful and excited to be a part of Spring Company and perform on stage again. 

Casey is a junior double majoring in Exercise Science and Dance with a concentration in Modern. She has been dancing since she was three and was a member of Bravo Dance Center’s Company participating in competitions, conventions, intensives, and performances. There she focused on training in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, and musical theater. She has loved furthering her training at Kennesaw State’s Dance Department. This is Casey’s first-time being part of the KSU Dance Company and she is so appreciative of the opportunity to work with many talented dancers. 

Sierra is a freshmen dance major with a modern concentration. She has danced for 17 years and competed for 9 years. Most of her training was at Michelle’s Academy of Dance by Lindsey, where she currently teaches. Sierra is overjoyed to be continuing her dance education at KSU and is eager to see where her journey in the dance department takes her. 

Madi is a sophomore history education major with a dance minor at KSU. She has been dancing for 18 years competing with Kehl School of Dance in Madison Wisconsin. Her main focuses are on ballet and modern. This is her second semester in KSU Dance Company, and she is so excited to learn and create with this amazing cast!

Madison is a junior dance major with a modern concentration. She began her dance training at the age of 11 at Studio 23 and was a member of the dance company for 7 years. This will be her fifth semester participating in the KSU dance company and she is looking forward to the experience. 

Mattie is a senior with a major in public relations and a minor in dance. She has had a wonderful experience within the dance department and is excited to return to company this semester. This is her fourth semester as a KSU company member. She has had some changes in her career path but has always returned to her passion of dance. She can't wait to see what will come of being in company this semester! 

Kinley is a freshman at KSU with a double major in Dance, with a concentration in modern and Construction Management. This is her first semester with the KSU Dance Company. She is from Acworth, Georgia and started her dance journey at the age of 3 with Georgia Ballet. Kinley’s dance background also includes competitive dance with CK DanceWorks and Studio Dance Inc. She also attended Pebblebrook High School, where she was in the magnet program, The Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA) in Cobb County, Georgia for 4 years studying dance, voice and drama. Kinley is grateful to be selected to study in the KSU Dance Company for the spring semester and is excited at the upcoming challenges and opportunities this represents. 

Jazmyn is a freshman dance major at Kennesaw State University. During the last few years, dance has been her life and savior. She trained in all styles of dance, but enjoys hip-hop, jazz, modern, contemporary, and African. During high school., she has been in numerous programs and clubs like National Honors Society of Dance at Westwood High School and Discovery High School advanced program. She was recently in a dance studio called Mrs. Jenkins Dance Academy for 10 years. By transitioning in a new school and new dance studio,  
Jazmyn Wright solidifies her love for dance. She recently got on the cover of a Discovery High School Magazine Celebrating Class of 2021. Throughout school, she received honor roll, academic excellence award in the Area of Dance, and lastly a high school diploma with the highest GPA along with advanced dance courses. She has been working in workshops and small intensives like Kennesaw State Summer Intensive and Fly on a Wall. Jazmyn Wright is inspired to be a professional dancer and now she is continuing her dream as she finished college and working her way up in the dance industry. 

Amie is a freshman dance major with a concentration in ballet. She in from Woodstock, Georgia and has danced for 13 years at Dancentre South where she was trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop and acrobatics. This is her first semester with the KSU Dance Company, and she is looking forward to growing as an artist at KSU Dance.