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.
Studio Manager, Faculty, Company Choreographer
Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Shelagh began her dance training with her mother, the esteemed Miss Trixie Hardy. She owned and directed a successful dance studio for over 25 years before relocating to Lynchburg, Virginia, with her husband, Lenford Hatcher.
Shelagh’s extensive training spans North America and the U.K., including study with legends like Gus Giordano, Marcus Alford, Jackie Sleight, and Liz Imperio. Her professional development includes time with the Giordano Dance Company, EDGE Performing Arts Center, Millennium Dance Complex, and Pineapple Dance Studios in London.
Now serving as faculty, studio manager, and choreographer at Forest Dance Academy, Shelagh mentors and inspires the next generation of dancers. She is a Trustee and Past President of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D.), a Fellow and Examiner in Stage, Ballet, and Freestyle, and was key in launching the B.A.T.D. Jazz syllabus in the U.K. and Canada.
She’s also affiliated with Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, and Acrobatic Arts. Her diverse certifications reflect a deep commitment to dance education. A seasoned adjudicator and workshop instructor, Shelagh encourages dancers to grow as artists and individuals—reminding them that dance is a universal language.
Faculty, Company Choreographer
Heatherly is a passionate dance educator with 17 years of teaching experience, specializing in competitive students of all ages. With 22 years of ballet training, she is also well-versed in jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, musical theater, and belly dance.
She earned her A.A. in Physical Education from the College of Southern Idaho, where she danced on scholarship with the CSI Golden Girls. At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, she continued on scholarship toward a B.A. in Dance, studying under prestigious companies like the Russian National Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Momix. A highlight was choreographing with artist Elizabeth Streb for a STREB pre-show.
Heatherly danced professionally with Acapriccio Dance Company and later directed award-winning teams in Okinawa, Japan, as Manager and Team Director at FootLoose Dance Studio. She also served as a visiting adjunct professor at Randolph College and now enjoys mentoring young dancers in the Lynchburg area.
Faculty, Company Choreographer
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Natalie began dancing at age four and trained competitively at Studio 19 Dance Complex. After relocating to Roanoke, Virginia in 2011, she expanded her training through national conventions such as Dance Makers, Artists Simply Human, and Jump.
Natalie earned her BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she performed works by renowned choreographers including Andrea Miller, Sidra Bell, and Helen Simoneau. She also danced with Creative Reaction Company and performed at World of Dance New Jersey.
Her training includes Soulescape Professional Intensive and The Galen Hooks Method. Natalie has assisted her mentor, Brien Rich, and taught classes during summer intensives.
After graduating in 2020, she joined the faculty at Dance Tech Performing Arts Studio. In 2023, she became a judge with Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, traveling nationwide to inspire young dancers. In 2024, she joined Forest Dance Academy, where she continues to share her passion and expertise.
Alumni, Faculty, Company Choreographer, Company Manager
Jordan began dancing at age four at Forest Dance Academy (FDA) and joined the FDA Performance Company by age eleven. She was honored with the Shining Star Award (2013) and Sue Dail Technical Achievement Award (2018), and was named Teen Miss Dance of Virginia in 2016, later representing the state nationally in Nashville.
After graduating from Liberty Christian Academy in 2018, she pursued a B.S. in Criminal Justice at Liberty University while dancing with the Liberty Flamettes. In 2022, Jordan moved to Los Angeles to train professionally, working with leading choreographers and performing at events like Choreographers Carnival and Jete. She trained at Millennium Dance Complex, Playground LA, TMilly, Broadway Dance Center, and Joffrey Ballet School.
Now back in Virginia, Jordan has returned to FDA as faculty, choreographer, and Company Manager. She’s excited to share her industry experience and inspire the next generation of dancers.
Alumni, Special Needs Faculty
Amani began dancing at age three in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and joined Forest Dance Academy in 2010 after moving to Lynchburg. She was a member of the FDA Performance Company from 2011 to 2013, developing strong technique and a lasting love for dance.
A 2018 Brookville High School graduate, Amani earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Special Education from Old Dominion University. She currently works as an Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional and plans to pursue a master’s degree. Amani is thrilled to return to FDA as an instructor and mentor.
Alumni, Special Needs Faculty
Amani began dancing at age three in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and joined Forest Dance Academy in 2010 after moving to Lynchburg. She was a member of the FDA Performance Company from 2011 to 2013, developing strong technique and a lasting love for dance.
A 2018 Brookville High School graduate, Amani earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Special Education from Old Dominion University. She currently works as an Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional and plans to pursue a master’s degree. Amani is thrilled to return to FDA as an instructor and mentor.
