Instructors

"Ms. Kim-Lan" Carlson, Owner & Executive Director

Kim-Lan's dance experience spans over 25 years.  Kim-Lan has trained at Betty Johnston's Dance Studio and Performing Arts Academy in Michigan, as well as at Broadway Dance Center and the Joffrey Ballet Dance Studio in New York, NY.  Kim-Lan has received her Grade III Cecchetti certification and holds a B.A. in Dance from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI.

Kim-Lan has danced professionally with Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, Ging Production, Mopo Bears Production, Center Dance Ensemble and "5 Degreez of Danze" Modern Dance Company.  Kim-Lan was also featured in the 2002 Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Half-Time Show and most recently on the 4th of July in the 2006 Frisco Freedom Festival at Pizza Hut Park, home of the FC Dallas Soccer team.

Kim-Lan's awards include first recipient of the Jim Rixie Memorial Dance Scholarship from Performing Arts Academy, Oakland University Dance Scholarship, Nominee for the Ririe/Woodberry Scholarship from the American College Dance Festival Association and Outstanding Dance Major at Oakland University by the National Dance Association.

Kim-Lan has choreographed and performed in dance ministry productions at Faith Church, Hope Church, Woodside Bible Church, Kensington Community Church to Christian artists including Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Kathy Tricolli, Twila Paris, Michael W. Smith, Rich Mullins, Mercy Me, Mary Mary, and many others.

When Kim-Lan isn't dancing, she enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing her love of photography.

"Ms. Melissa" Clemons

Ms. Melissa has been teaching for over 20 years. She has experience in tap, jazz, and ballet. Ms. Melissa pursued a dance concentration in classical ballet at Classical Ballet Academy in Norman Oklahoma under Julie Rutherford Blacksten, then later at the University of Oklahoma under the teachings of Miquel Terekov and Mary-Margaret Holt.

Ms. Melissa has danced and performed with Norman Dance Theatre, as well as the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, a school for aspiring ballet dancers and other artists.

She discovered her true love for teaching dance at an early age and, instead of seeking a career in performing, she immediately began teaching during college. She has run a Christian dance program at church and has choreographed for competitions, countless dance concerts, and for The South Tulsa Children's Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.

While living in Tulsa, Ms. Melissa enjoyed her membership in the Tulsa Ballet Association of Dance Educators, where she attended many classes, workshops, and rehearsals of some of the world's most famous ballets.

Ms. Melissa has a Bachelors degree from the University of Oklahoma. She has been married for over 20 years and has three children. She is also an active volunteer at her church. Her mission is to provide students with a quality dance education with a solid foundation in classical ballet and to teach students to use their talents for the glory of God.

"Ms. Hanna" Moore

Ms. Hanna began teaching dance in high school and was an officer of her dance team. She has many years of dance experience and has taught master classes in all dance styles.

She is currently attending Texas Woman’s University where she will earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance along with a Teacher Certification. While at TWU, she has performed in two adjudicated concerts (“Dance UpClose” and “Dance 208”).

Previously, Ms. Hanna attended Collin County Community College and was an active member of Collin Dance Ensemble, where she participated in master classes, took part in the student choreographers’ showcase, and choreographed and performed in her own piece.

Ms. Hanna has participated in dance residencies with Elledanceworks Dance Company, Cheryl Chaddick Dance Theater and John R. Stonks. Ms. Hanna has also performed at American College Dance Festival.