Our mission is to train the entire dancer by enabling them to reach their highest potential, both technically and artistically. We inspire our students to embrace diversity, creativity & expression, academic achievement, and a sense of community. The FDA difference is that beyond just learning steps in the classroom, we want to elevate our students, the art form of dance, and the experience of our audience through our professional performance productions. We cultivate our dancers into well-rounded individuals who don’t become alumni but rather family. Our mantra is to ignite our dancers’ passion and enrich their lives.
Forest Dance Academy, Lynchburg, Virginia’s most cutting-edge performing arts studio, focuses intensely on its mission of excellence in dance education. Over the past 40 years, FDA Directors, Faculty, and Staff have transformed this small regional academy of dance into a nationally acclaimed dance institution.
The unprecedented success in the arts & entertainment industry of our faculty’s past students speaks to the level of dance education the FDA offers. Our former students’ artistic achievements and thriving careers include; Radio City Rockettes, Cruise Ships, Ailey II, Professional NFL dancers coast to coast, and NYC to LA. In addition, FDA graduates choosing careers unrelated to the arts and entering the world remarkably enhanced with the self-confidence, poise, passion, dedication, and most importantly, the integrity deeply rooted in the foundation of an FDA dancer.
To date, FDA consistently brings amazing dancers and Broadway-quality performances to Lynchburg and the surrounding area. With an extraordinary faculty of professionally trained and certified instructors, Forest Dance Academy offers prestigious dance education designed to develop the joy of movement, the benefits of discipline and focus, and the opportunity to experience various dance styles. We aim to inspire and shape our students to be better people both inside and outside of the academy. Whether you take on the role of student, dance mom, or prop dad, it is with great honor that we call you Lynchburg and the surrounding area’s finest FDA dance family!
Throughout its history, FDA has sustained a remarkable reputation as an institution committed to dancers of all ages and abilities since its beginning in 1983 by co-founders Sue Dail and Pam York. Four decades later, acclaimed for its devotion to the consistent growth and evolution of dance education, FDA still serves an ever-growing community of dance artists of all ages.Since her 1999 arrival to Lynchburg, Virginia, Michelle Thomas has implemented numerous programs at FDA that have propelled the school to the forefront of the community’s dance scene. As the Artistic Director and Owner of Forest Dance Academy since 2005, Michelle strives to maintain the school’s core family values and commitment to quality dance education, artistry, and passion for the art form.
Artistic Director, Faculty, Choreographer
Michelle is the Artistic Director and Owner of FDA and Founder of the FDA Performance Company. A certified member of the Cecchetti Council of America, Michelle has trained students who have earned top honors at national ballet programs.
She holds professional certifications in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and acrobatics, and has been a Dance Masters of America member for many years, serving as a National Examiner. Her training includes work with Broadway Dance Center, The EDGE in L.A., and instructors like Luigi and Savion Glover.
Michelle’s choreography has earned regional and national awards, and her former students have gone on to perform with Ailey II, the Rockettes, cruise lines, NFL teams, and shows like World of Dance.
Honored with the Presidential Citation for Outstanding Educator, Michelle remains most proud of the confident, compassionate dancers she’s mentored—many of whom now return to FDA with their own children.
Faculty, Company Choreographer
Heatherly s a dedicated dance educator with 19 years of professional teaching experience, specializing in competitive students across all age groups. With a foundation in ballet developed over 22 years, she has also extensively studied jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, modern, and belly dance.
She earned her Associate of Arts in Physical Education (K–12) from the College of Southern Idaho in 2011, where she was awarded a dance scholarship as a member of the CSI Golden Girls Dance Team.
Heatherly continued her education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, supported by a dance scholarship. While at UNL, she participated in a variety of prestigious master classes, including those led by the Russian National Ballet Theatre, the Martha Graham Dance Company, Momix, and touring companies from Chicago: The Musical and Memphis. A standout moment in her college career was collaborating with renowned artist Elizabeth Streb on choreography for the STREB pre-show in her senior year.
She also gained professional experience with Acapriccio Dance Company in La Vista, Nebraska. After graduating in May 2014, Heatherly relocated with her family to Okinawa, Japan, in 2015, where she became the manager and Team Director at FootLoose Dance Studio. Under her leadership, her performance teams earned multiple awards and recognition, including honors at the Ryukyu International Ballet Competition.
Heatherly has also served as a visiting adjunct professor at Randolph College, where she taught musical theater dance. She currently enjoys teaching and inspiring young dancers in the Lynchburg area.
Studio Manager, Faculty, Company Choreographer
Shelagh, originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, began her dance journey under the tutelage of her mother, the esteemed Miss Trixie Hardy. With a passion for dance spanning decades, Shelagh owned and directed a highly successful studio for over 25 years before relocating to Lynchburg, Virginia, following her marriage to Lenford Hatcher.
Her extensive training across multiple dance disciplines has taken her throughout Canada, the United States, and abroad. Shelagh has studied with some of the most respected names in the dance industry, including Gus Giordano, Marcus Alford, Jackie Sleight, and Liz Imperio. Her professional development includes time with the Giordano Dance Company, EDGE Performing Arts Center and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, as well as London’s renowned Pineapple Dance Studios.
Shelagh currently serves on the faculty of Forest Dance Academy as an instructor, office manager, and choreographer for the FDA Performance Company. Through both her teaching and administrative leadership, she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers.
An active leader in the international dance community, Shelagh is a Trustee and Past President of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D.). She is a Fellow and Examiner in the Stage, Ballet, and Freestyle branches, and was instrumental in the creation and rollout of the B.A.T.D. 's new Jazz syllabus in both the United Kingdom and Canada. As the North American Coordinator for the Stage and Ballet branches and a member of the B.A.T.D. Stage & Ballet Committee, Shelagh plays a vital role in shaping global dance education standards.
She is also a certified and active member of several other prestigious organizations, including Dance Masters of America, Mid-Atlantic Dance Masters Chapter 17, Dance Educators of America, and Acrobatic Arts. Her certifications span all major dance genres, reflecting her deep and comprehensive expertise.
In addition to studio instruction, Shelagh has taught at workshops and conventions across the U.K., Canada, and the U.S., and has contributed to public school dance education initiatives. Her adjudication experience includes engagements throughout North America and internationally, including work with the Theatre Dance Council International in Blackpool, England.
Academically, Shelagh holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement and an Associate Certification in Substance Abuse Counseling. Her diverse background supports her holistic and inclusive approach to dance education.
Shelagh encourages dancers to look beyond technique, emphasizing the importance of connection, teamwork, and personal growth. As she passionately believes: Dance is a universal language.
Faculty
Holly Clark began dancing at Forest Dance Academy at age three, spending eight years
as a member of its Performance Company. During her time with the company, she
earned regional titles, special awards, top scores, and scholarships. In 2025, she had
the opportunity to choreograph her own solo, which earned choreography awards and
top scores. She also received Forest Dance Academy’s Shining Star Award in 2020 and
Sue Dalel Technical Achievment Award in 2025. At age twelve, she began volunteering
as an assistant in the academy’s special needs dance program and continued until
graduating in 2025. Holly graduated from Brookville High School, where she was also a
cheerleader, before continuing her dance studies at Radford University. She is currently
studying dance at Liberty University with a minor in special education. She hopes to
share her love of movement while helping students of all abilities find confidence and
joy through dance.
Alumni, Faculty, Administration, Company Choreographer
Kyleigh began her dance journey at Forest Dance Academy (FDA) at the age of three and became a dedicated member of the Performance Company at age 10, continuing her dance education and performance career throughout her high school years. Her time at FDA shaped her foundation as a dancer, where she not only honed her technical skills but also developed a deep passion for performance and choreography.
After graduating from Brookville High School, Kyleigh furthered her dance studies in college, where she focused on a variety of dance genres, including ballet, jazz, and modern. Throughout her time at Old Dominion University (ODU), Kyleigh continued to foster her love for dance, returning home over the holidays and each spring to assist with FDA productions and contribute behind the scenes to planning and executing events.
Kyleigh graduated with honors from ODU with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, showcasing her academic dedication alongside her artistic pursuits. During her time at ODU, she served as Executive Vice President of Alpha Phi Sorority, where she was responsible for overseeing the health, wellness, and accountability of the chapter. Under her leadership, the sorority also won the coveted Sororities Best Dance Crew title during the annual dance-off competition, reflecting her leadership and dance talents beyond the studio.
Since graduating, Kyleigh has returned to FDA full-time, where she now works as a choreographer for the Performance Company, a dance instructor, and an office assistant. She enjoys being involved in all aspects of FDA, from creating choreography to helping bring Michelle’s artistic visions to life. Kyleigh’s passion for both the creative and organizational sides of dance makes her a vital part of the FDA team, where she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers.
Faculty, Company Choreographer
Natalie is a passionate dancer, educator, and choreographer originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her dance journey began at the age of four when her mother recognized her natural instinct to move and enrolled her in classes at a small local fitness studio. From that early spark, Natalie’s love for dance quickly grew, leading her to join Studio 19 Dance Complex, where she began training and competing at a more advanced level.
In 2011, Natalie’s family relocated to Roanoke, Virginia, where she immersed herself in the broader dance world by attending major conventions such as Dance Makers, Artists Simply Human, Tremaine, and Jump. These experiences were pivotal in shaping her artistry and expanding her technical and creative foundation. Summers were filled with intensives and national dance competitions, further fueling her dedication to the craft.
After graduating from Cave Spring High School in 2016, Natalie moved to Philadelphia to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at The University of the Arts, under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. Her time at UArts was transformative—she performed in works by acclaimed artists including Andrea Miller, Annie Rigney, Sidra Bell, and Helen Simoneau, and received mentorship from influential faculty such as Tommie Waheed-Evans, Bobby Jene Smith, and Katie Swords-Thurman.
Outside of her academic training, Natalie danced with Philadelphia’s Creative Reaction Company and performed at World of Dance in New Jersey. She also used her summer breaks to assist her mentor, Brien Rich, teach her own classes, and participate in renowned intensives such as Soulescape Professional Intensive and The Galen Hooks Method.
Following her graduation in 2020, Natalie joined the faculty at Dance Tech Performing Arts Studio, where she continued to nurture her passion for teaching. In 2023, she achieved a major personal goal by becoming a judge with Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, traveling across the country to critique, score, and inspire dancers of all ages and styles. This role allows her to positively impact young artists, and she looks forward to continuing this work for many years to come.
In March 2024, Natalie relocated to Lynchburg, Virginia, and proudly joined the faculty at Forest Dance Academy. She is thrilled to share the valuable lessons she's gained throughout her dance career and remains dedicated to cultivating growth, confidence, and joy in every student she teaches.
Alumni, Faculty, Company Manager, Company Choreographer
Jordan began her dance journey at the age of four with Forest Dance Academy (FDA), where her natural talent and passion for movement quickly set her apart. By eleven, she earned a coveted spot in FDA’s prestigious Performance Company, launching a promising performance career. Her dedication and technical excellence were soon recognized with awards such as the Shining Star Award in 2013 and the Sue Dail Technical Achievement Award in 2018 —honors that reflected her outstanding commitment and skill.
In 2016, Jordan was named Teen Miss Dance of Virginia, a distinguished title that led her to represent her state on the national stage in Nashville. Following her graduation from Liberty Christian Academy in 2018, she enrolled at Liberty University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime Scene Investigation. While balancing her academic studies, Jordan remained deeply engaged in the dance community as a member of the Liberty Flamettes, the university’s elite dance team, performing at high-profile events and continuing to grow as both an artist and a team leader.
After earning her degree in 2022, Jordan relocated to Los Angeles, California to immerse herself in the professional dance industry. While in LA, she broadened her experience through advanced training, assistant work with notable choreographers, and performances on acclaimed stages such as Choreographers Carnival and Jete. She trained at some of the nation’s top institutions, including Millennium Dance Complex, Playground LA, TMilly, Broadway Dance Center, and Joffrey Ballet School. These experiences not only sharpened her technical and creative abilities but also deepened her understanding of the art form and its educational value.
Now back in Virginia, Jordan has returned to her roots at Forest Dance Academy, where she is excited to share her knowledge, passion, and industry experience with the next generation of dancers. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of dance, and the enduring value of mentorship, discipline, and artistic dedication.
Alumni, Faculty, Special Needs Faculty, Company Choreographer
Alanis began her dance journey at the age of three in Freeport, Grand Bahama, where she trained in classical ballet at the Lois Seiler Academy of Dance. After relocating to Lynchburg, Virginia in 2009, she continued her training at Forest Dance Academy and became an active member of the Performance Company. She has completed examinations in the Cecchetti Method (Grades 1–5) and has experience as a Teacher’s Assistant, supporting both instructors and young dancers in the classroom.
A graduate of Liberty Christian Academy, Alanis was recognized with the Spirit of FDA Award for her dedication and passion for dance. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Liberty University, graduating Cum Laude with a focus in Strategic Intelligence and Arabic. Alongside her academic pursuits, she gained valuable experience in early childhood education, earning certification in preschool care and education.
In 2024, Alanis founded On Pointe, a community-centered dance initiative in The Bahamas designed to provide accessible, engaging dance education across a variety of styles and age groups.
In 2026, she joined the Performance Company team as a feature choreographer. She found the experience to be both a beautiful and rewarding process, taking pride in developing meaningful pieces and mentoring dancers through each stage of performance.
Today, Alanis continues to share her love for dance as an educator and choreographer, bringing a thoughtful and nurturing approach to her work. Her teaching is shaped not only by her technical training and diverse experiences, but also by her role as a mother, inspiring her commitment to fostering creativity, confidence, and discipline in every student she teaches.
Faculty, Company Choreographer
Catherine Langley grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and began dancing at the age of four. From an early age, she developed a strong passion for tap and performance, eventually becoming a member of the Rhythmic Souls Tap Company under the direction of Katelyn Harris and Meghan Way Stinson. Her years in company helped shape her as both a performer and leader, while building a deep appreciation for musicality, teamwork, and storytelling through movement.
In 2022, Catherine moved to Virginia to pursue her degree in Elementary Education at Liberty University, along with a minor in Dance. She graduated in May 2026 and is currently in her first year as a 3rd grade teacher. Catherine’s love for working with children and her passion for dance blend naturally, allowing her to create an encouraging and energetic environment for every student she teaches.
Catherine joined the Forest Dance Academy faculty in January and has quickly become a part of the FDA team. She currently teaches Primary 1 and Elementary Tap, bringing strong technique, energy, and a supportive teaching style to each class. She also assists with the special needs class and loves being involved with dancers of all ages and abilities. In addition, Catherine loves getting to choreograph for the Performance Company and is excited about all that is in store for the competition season coming up!
Catherine is excited to continue growing with FDA and is passionate about inspiring young dancers to work hard, have fun, and shine on stage.
Alumni, Faculty
Lisa grew up in the Washington, DC area and began formal dance training at the age of three. Throughout her career, she has danced with several notable companies and competition teams, including C&C Dance Company, The Classical Ballet Company of Fredericksburg, and Forest Dance Academy. In addition to being a dance instructor and choreographer at FDA, Lisa is trained in a variety of dance genres and holds certification from Dance Teachers of America. Her passion lies particularly in jazz, ballet, and pointe.
Lisa has been nationally recognized for her exceptional talent, earning numerous top scores and titles in both dancing and choreography at various competitions. She has also attended prestigious workshops and intensives, such as those with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, NYC Dance Alliance, Tremaine Dance Conventions, and West Coast Dance Explosion. Lisa’s performance experience includes roles in ballets like The Nutcracker and Peter and the Wolf.
In 2016, Lisa earned her Associate’s Degree in Business from Liberty University. After college, she took a brief break from teaching dance to focus on other career goals, but she is thrilled to return to the performing arts community. During the day, Lisa works as a Technical Training Manager at Genworth Financial, specializing in long-term care customer service.
Lisa has been married to her husband, Will, for six years, and together they have five children, one who will be performing in the mini showcase. Lisa’s favorite quote about dance and life is: “I do not try to be better than anyone else. I only try to be better than myself.”
Alumni, Senior Faculty, Company Choreographer
Caitlin has been a part of Forest Dance Academy (FDA) for nearly her entire life, with FDA serving as a second home since 1990. As a student at FDA, Caitlin was a dedicated member of the Performance Company, where she received the prestigious Exemplary Student Award. She also participated in numerous festivals, competitions, and study trips, and was selected several times to perform in the Virginia School of the Arts Gala. Caitlin credits her comprehensive dance education to the talented staff at FDA, whose guidance shaped her into the dancer and educator she is today.
After graduating from Jefferson Forest High School in 2003, Caitlin continued her studies at Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg), where she discovered her passion for teaching. She earned a degree in Human Development and Learning, with an emphasis on Elementary Education, graduating in 2007. During her time at Lynchburg College, Caitlin danced with LC Dance Works, choreographed multiple pieces, and performed in the play Journey Through the Years, which highlighted the history of the college.
In her Junior and Senior years at Lynchburg College, Caitlin returned to FDA, beginning her teaching career. She joined the FDA staff as a teacher and choreographer for the Performance Company. She is also a certified dance instructor through Dance Masters of America and a member of the Dance Teachers Association of Virginia.
In addition to her work at FDA, Caitlin has spent the past 19 years teaching at Robert S. Payne Elementary School. Throughout her tenure, she has taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade. In 2019, Caitlin earned her Master’s in Reading from the University of Lynchburg, and she now serves as a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach at RSP, where she teaches Reading and Literacy to K-5 students and coaches teachers. Caitlin’s goal as a teacher has always been to inspire her students—whether in the classroom or the studio—to discover the joy of learning and the importance of creative expression.
Outside of teaching, Caitlin enjoys cooking, reading for enjoyment, cross stitch, and shopping. Whether in the classroom or the studio, Caitlin continues to inspire those around her with her passion for education, dance, and helping students of all ages achieve their potential.
Alumni, Faculty, Company Choreographer
Caroline began her dance journey at Forest Dance Academy at the age of 4. She competed in dance throughout her younger years and later transitioned into cheerleading during middle school. Throughout high school at Jefferson Forest, Caroline performed on both the sideline and competitive cheer teams while continuing her dance training at FDA. In 2017, she was honored with the FDA Exemplary Student Award.
After graduating in 2018, Caroline continued her passion for dance by joining the Virginia Tech Dance Company, where she danced for four years and choreographed four of the company’s routines. She also held leadership roles, serving as the Costume, Social, and Merchandising Chair for the company.
Caroline graduated from Virginia Tech with a double major in Fashion and Marketing. After graduation, she moved to Arlington, where she worked for an event technology company for a year. While in Arlington, Caroline continued to pursue her love of dance, training regularly at Born 2 Dance Studios in Vienna.
In 2023, Caroline returned to her hometown of Forest, Virginia, where she began working as the Assistant Manager at Seven & James Boutique in River Ridge Mall. In September 2026, she started a new chapter as a Consumer Communications Specialist at Prestige Consumer Healthcare. She is thrilled to be back home and have more time to teach dance!
Caroline has been teaching at Forest Dance Academy for the past four years, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. She loves sharing her passion for dance with her students, helping them grow in their skills and confidence, and watching them shine on stage. She looks forward to continuing to make memories and inspire her dancers for years to come!
Alumni, Faculty
Cooper began her dance journey at Forest Dance Academy at the age of 7, and by the age of 9, she was already competing in various dance competitions. Throughout her competitive career, Cooper earned multiple titles, special awards, top scores, and scholarships, which served as a testament to her dedication, talent, and hard work. Her passion for dance also took her around the country, where she had the privilege of studying with some of the most renowned choreographers and instructors in the industry, further enhancing her skills and expanding her artistic horizons.
In addition to her dance training, Cooper was involved in cheerleading for four years at Jefferson Forest High School, where she participated in both the sideline and competitive cheer teams, gaining valuable team-building and leadership experience. This helped to shape her versatility as a performer, as she thrived in both the individual expression of dance and the collaborative spirit of cheerleading.
After relocating to Northern Virginia, Cooper continued her journey as a dance educator. She taught at Creative Dance Center, where she not only taught various dance genres but also choreographed for the all-star team, competition team, and studio classes. She also was a lead instructor for the preschool programs, nurturing young dancers and helping them develop a love for the art form from a young age.
Cooper’s training spans a wide range of dance styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Acrobatics, which she blends into her teaching and choreography. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong ability to adapt and teach multiple dance styles, instilling a solid foundation of technique and creativity in her students.
While pursuing her passion for dance, Cooper also earned her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University, and she currently works as a Jr Underwriter in life insurance. This balance between her artistic pursuits and professional career allows her to continue fostering her love for dance while pursuing new opportunities.
Faculty, Company Choreographer
Shania was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where her love for choreography began at the age of 15 when she founded the first-ever dance/step team at her high school. This early experience sparked her passion for teaching and creating, setting the stage for a career dedicated to movement and performance.
Over the years, Shania has made a significant impact in the world of musical theater, both on stage and behind the scenes. She has starred in and choreographed a number of well-known productions, including Hairspray, In the Heights, Tarzan, The Little Mermaid, Moana Jr., and West Side Story. Her versatile skill set and ability to bring stories to life through movement have earned her recognition across a variety of performance spaces.
Shania holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communications and has recently completed an MBA in Leadership from Averett University, where she also served as the head cheer and dance coach. During her time at Averett, she developed her leadership skills and worked closely with student-athletes to help them reach their full potential. In 2024, Shania’s leadership abilities were further recognized when she was appointed the inaugural head coach for the women’s STUNT team at Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA—a new and exciting chapter in her coaching career.
In addition to coaching and teaching, Shania is a sought-after choreographer for dance studios and competition teams. She travels along the East Coast, conducting workshops and creating routines for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Her work extends beyond the traditional dance world, as she is also a featured choreographer for Lynchburg Dance Connections and offers her services for events such as weddings, girls’ night out parties, and quinceañeras. Through her choreography business, ‘Shania Lee Choreography’, Shania continues to bring creativity, fun, and expertise to every project, whether it's a professional dance performance or a private celebration.
Whether it’s teaching, coaching, or dancing, Shania is constantly on the move, traveling to different cities throughout the week to share her passion for dance and choreography. Her dedication to both artistic expression and leadership continues to inspire dancers and athletes everywhere.
Faculty
Melissa brings an energetic, encouraging, and positive spirit to every Acro class she teaches. Her passion for working with young dancers, combined with her extensive training and experience, creates an environment where students feel motivated, challenged, and supported as they develop new skills.
Melissa began training in both dance and gymnastics at the age of three, building a strong technical foundation in flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness. Her well-rounded background allows her to seamlessly blend the artistry of dance with the athleticism of acrobatics, helping students develop proper technique while emphasizing safe progression and injury prevention.
Prior to joining Forest Dance Academy, Melissa taught at a dance studio in North Carolina, where she worked with competitive dancers in both group classes and private lessons. In addition to coaching competitive students, she instructed recreational tumbling classes several days each week, providing individualized instruction to students of varying ages, abilities, and experience levels. This diverse teaching experience has equipped her with the skills to meet each dancer where they are while encouraging continual growth and achievement.
Melissa is passionate about helping every student build confidence, develop strong technical skills, and discover the joy of accomplishing goals they once thought were out of reach. She believes that every dancer can succeed through patience, consistency, and positive encouragement. Her classes are designed to foster discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence while creating a fun, uplifting atmosphere where students are excited to learn and celebrate one another's progress.
Alumni, Senior Faculty, Stage Manager, Company Choreographer, Financial Team
Brittany was born and raised in the Lynchburg/Forest area, where her dance journey began at Forest Dance Academy (FDA) at the age of 4. She trained there for 14 years, becoming a member of the Performance Company and serving as a Teacher’s Assistant—one of her fondest memories at FDA, which inspired her dream of becoming a dance teacher. During her time at FDA, Brittany received both the Christopher Cole Hemley Scholarship and the Pamela K. York Scholarship in recognition of her dedication and passion for dance.
Throughout high school, Brittany was a founding member of the Brookville Dance Team, serving as its President and choreographing many of the team's performances. After graduating with honors from Brookville High School, she attended James Madison University (JMU), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Dance. At JMU, Brittany was an active member of the Contemporary Dance Ensemble, where she performed lead roles in several productions. She also contributed choreographically to the Associate Dance Ensemble, with her student choreography being showcased in multiple performances. Additionally, she served as the Head Lyrical Choreographer on the executive board of Madison Dance, a student-run organization.
While at JMU, Brittany began her teaching career at Lexington School of Dance and Dance & Co. She also expanded her professional experience by attending auditions, summer intensives, and apprenticeships with renowned companies such as River North Dance Chicago and Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago and New York City. Brittany was offered a contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line upon graduation but decided to return home to teach at FDA instead.
Brittany has taught at FDA for the past 15 years. As a teacher and choreographer, she has worked with dancers of all ages, creating pieces for the Performance Company, as well as organizations such as Lynchburg College and Lynchburg Dance Connection. In 2013, Brittany became certified through Dance Masters of America in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. Brittany’s choreography has received numerous awards and top scores at regional and national competitions, and her soloists have competed for titles at these events.
Brittany’s life is filled with love and support from her husband Justin Wood, whom she has been married to for 14 years, and their two beautiful daughters, Blakely & Emery, ages 9 & 6 whom you can find onstage in both the Mini Showcase and Classic Production. Outside of dance, Brittany and her family enjoy camping and spending time with their horses.
Dance has always been a special part of Brittany’s life, nurtured by her mother’s love and constant support. After the loss of her mom, continuing her journey teaching and choreographing has become one of the many ways she honors her mother’s memory. Brittany is also deeply inspired by her late dance instructor, Pam York, who instilled in her a passion for dance that Brittany now shares with her own students.
As a choreographer, Brittany’s goal is to help dancers grow not just as performers, but as true artists—encouraging them to express themselves with creativity, passion, and purpose.
Alumni, Faculty, Administration, Company Choreographer
Hannah began her dance journey at FDA at four years old. By age seven, she had joined The Performance Company, where she trained and competed in a variety of dance genres. Under the guidance of Michelle and the talented FDA staff, Hannah developed a lifelong love for dance, performance, and, of course, putting counts to the music!
During her time at FDA, Hannah was honored to receive the Sue Dail Technical Achievement Award and served as a Teacher’s Assistant, an experience that allowed her to learn the art of teaching dance firsthand by observing and assisting the studio’s talented instructors. She also served as captain of the Jefferson Forest High School dance team, where she continued to develop her leadership and choreography skills for her team.
After graduating in 2015, Hannah attended the University of South Carolina, where she initially pursued other studies before discovering that her love of teaching dance was leading her in a new direction. While teaching at Palmetto Performing Arts and The Academy of Lexington Youth Ballet in Columbia, her experience inspired her to change her major to Elementary Education. This allowed her to pursue a career that combined her love of teaching with her desire to make a difference in the lives of young learners!
Since earning her degree, Hannah has worked as a kindergarten school teacher in both North Carolina and Virginia. However, her favorite title is Mom to her two daughters, Andi and Kennedy, whom she shares with her husband, Brett.
Now back where it all began, Hannah is thrilled to be part of the FDA family once again! She loves combining her passions for dance and education as she helps inspire the next generation of dancers, while also supporting the studio in an administrative role. This season is especially exciting as Hannah's oldest daughter takes the stage for the very first time in Ms. Shelagh’s Tiny Tots class! She couldn't be happier to share her love of dance with her own daughters and watch them begin creating special memories of their own at the studio that means so much to her.
Production Manager, Assistant Stage Manager
Maria was born in Santa Barbara, California, but spent much of her childhood in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area before relocating to Lynchburg over 22 years ago, where she has since made her home.
With a lifelong passion for the performing arts, Maria has been involved in theatre, dance, and music both on and off stage since the age of 6. Her career spans a variety of roles, leveraging her expertise in performing arts, nonprofit management, and operations management. Over the years, she has contributed her talents to organizations such as JRP Philadelphia, Endstation Theatre Company, The Outthink Group, and Humankind. Currently, she serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Motherhood Collective.
Maria is a passionate advocate for women’s voices and believes deeply in the power of stories to shape lives. She is committed to empowering others by equipping, educating, and strengthening individuals on their personal journeys. As an active member of the Lynchburg community, she has served on the boards of several local nonprofits, including The James River Arts Council and the Academy Center of the Arts.
A strong believer in the transformative power of arts education, Maria finds great joy in supporting students and individuals who are pursuing their dreams. She has been involved in various capacities with Forest Dance Academy since 2015, and particularly enjoyed stepping into her role as Production Manager, where she has been able to blend her love of theatre with her organizational skills.
Outside of her professional and community commitments, Maria enjoys spending time with her husband, Lucas, daughter Evie, and their golden retrievers, Aspen and Baxter. She loves exploring local businesses, curling up with a good book, and going on new adventures with her family.
Wardrobe Manager, Seamstress
Julia grew up in Arlington, VA, and later settled in Central Virginia after graduating from James Madison University with a degree in Music Education. She spent several years teaching bassoon and guitar privately and in small group settings before embarking on a 26-year career with the U.S. Postal Service, where she worked primarily in Training & Development and Human Resources.
Following her time at the USPS, Julia transitioned to working in various childcare settings. In 2016, she became part of the FDA family as a dance mom to her daughter, Allison, and continued to be involved until Allison's graduation in 2019. Julia is thrilled to remain an active part of the FDA community, assisting in the office and serving as the studio's resident seamstress.
In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, sewing, researching her genealogy, and spending time with her family, which includes 2 cats and their beloved dog, Solo.
Alumni, Financial Manager
Kristen began her dance journey at Forest Dance Academy in 1986, where her love for dance blossomed throughout her adolescent years. Her recital performances over the years included everything from a Bumblebee to Minnie Mouse, and even “cooking” with pots and pans — her culinary skills for many years! Her dance career came to a close in 2000, with a memorable mix of being a Ragtime girl by day and a Space girl by night.
After graduation, Kristen stayed connected with FDA by supporting recitals and taking a few adult dance classes. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Longwood University in 2004, and later completed her Master’s in Business Administration from Liberty University in 2015.
For nearly 23 years, Kristen has worked at Framatome Inc., a global nuclear fuel and services provider. Starting as a contract analyst in the finance organization, she transitioned into a financial analyst role, which she continues to excel in today. Throughout her career, she has supported various business units at Framatome, and her passion for spreadsheets and numbers has earned her the affectionate nickname of “number cruncher” or “bean counter.”
In her free time, Kristen enjoys staying active with Peloton, spending extended stays at the beach, using baking as a stress reliever, and cherishing time with close family and friends.
