MARY MCGEHEE - FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL
MARY MCGEHEE WORKED AS A VOLUNTEER IN THE DOMESTIC PEACE CORPS WHEN SHE WAS ACTING DIRECTOR OF BALLET FOR THE THREE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.
SHE HAD HER UNDERGRADUATE TRAINING AT THE ACCLAIMED BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN COLLEGE DANCE PROGRAM, WHERE SHE JOINED A PROFESSIONAL COMPANY, AND SHE EARNED HER MASTERS OF FINE ARTS IN DANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, GREENSBORO. MARY RECALLS DANCING WITH MADONNA AT THE AMERICAN DANCE FESTIVAL BEFORE MADONNA BECAME FAMOUS.
MARY RECEIVED FURTHER INSTRUCTION IN NEW YORK WITH DAVID HOWARD (BALLET), LUIGI (JAZZ) AND MERCE CUNNINGHAM (MODERN DANCE).
MARY LEARNED HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS BY BECOMING A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER AND TOP PRODUCER AT BANK OF AMERICA. SHE WAS ABLE TO TAKE EARLY RETIREMENT AND PURSUE HER DREAM OF BUILDING A DANCE COMPANY IN THE SUMMER OF 2000. HER STUDENTS HAVE GONE ON TO PEBBLEBROOK, BROADWAY AND MAJOR DANCE COMPANIES. MARY HAS TAUGHT FOR THE CITY OF SMYRNA AND SMYRNA SCHOOLS FOR THE PAST FIFTEEN YEARS.
MARY ENCOURAGES HER TEACHERS TO FOCUS ON THE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR STUDENTS, AND CLASSES AIM TO ENHANCE SELF CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM IN STUDENTS.
MARY MCGEHEE WORKED AS A VOLUNTEER IN THE DOMESTIC PEACE CORPS WHEN SHE WAS ACTING DIRECTOR OF BALLET FOR THE THREE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.
SHE HAD HER UNDERGRADUATE TRAINING AT THE ACCLAIMED BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN COLLEGE DANCE PROGRAM, WHERE SHE JOINED A PROFESSIONAL COMPANY, AND SHE EARNED HER MASTERS OF FINE ARTS IN DANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, GREENSBORO. MARY RECALLS DANCING WITH MADONNA AT THE AMERICAN DANCE FESTIVAL BEFORE MADONNA BECAME FAMOUS.
MARY RECEIVED FURTHER INSTRUCTION IN NEW YORK WITH DAVID HOWARD (BALLET), LUIGI (JAZZ) AND MERCE CUNNINGHAM (MODERN DANCE).
MARY LEARNED HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS BY BECOMING A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER AND TOP PRODUCER AT BANK OF AMERICA. SHE WAS ABLE TO TAKE EARLY RETIREMENT AND PURSUE HER DREAM OF BUILDING A DANCE COMPANY IN THE SUMMER OF 2000. HER STUDENTS HAVE GONE ON TO PEBBLEBROOK, BROADWAY AND MAJOR DANCE COMPANIES. MARY HAS TAUGHT FOR THE CITY OF SMYRNA AND SMYRNA SCHOOLS FOR THE PAST FIFTEEN YEARS.
MARY ENCOURAGES HER TEACHERS TO FOCUS ON THE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR STUDENTS, AND CLASSES AIM TO ENHANCE SELF CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM IN STUDENTS.
JULIE SEGAL - ARTISTIC AND STUDIO DIRECTOR
JULIE BEGAN DANCING AT THE AGE OF FOUR, AND HAS FOND MEMORIES OF HER TEACHER, KIP WATSON, BANGING THE FLOOR WITH HIS CANE TO KEEP TIME WITH THE LIVE PIANO MUSIC. JULIE’S DANCE EDUCATION FOCUSED ON BALLET, POINTE, TAP AND JAZZ, AND SHE COMPETED AT DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA AND DANCE EDUCATORS OF AMERICA.
JULIE HAS PERFORMED AT THE FOX THEATER AND ALSO HAS EXPERIENCE IN FILM. SHE CONNECTS AS A TEACHER WITH ALL AGES, INCLUDING ADULTS, AND HER ADULT CLASS JOINS HER CLASSES OF ALL AGES IN PERFORMING IN THE ANNUAL SMYRNA DANCERS RECITAL.
JULIE BEGAN DANCING AT THE AGE OF FOUR, AND HAS FOND MEMORIES OF HER TEACHER, KIP WATSON, BANGING THE FLOOR WITH HIS CANE TO KEEP TIME WITH THE LIVE PIANO MUSIC. JULIE’S DANCE EDUCATION FOCUSED ON BALLET, POINTE, TAP AND JAZZ, AND SHE COMPETED AT DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA AND DANCE EDUCATORS OF AMERICA.
JULIE HAS PERFORMED AT THE FOX THEATER AND ALSO HAS EXPERIENCE IN FILM. SHE CONNECTS AS A TEACHER WITH ALL AGES, INCLUDING ADULTS, AND HER ADULT CLASS JOINS HER CLASSES OF ALL AGES IN PERFORMING IN THE ANNUAL SMYRNA DANCERS RECITAL.
NICHOLE JORDAN - BALLET SPECIALST
NICOLE ATTENDED HORIZONS PERFORMING ARTS SCHHOL AND WAS TRAINED IN DANCE AT THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED BALLET ROTARU. SHE EXCELLED RAPIDLY AT BALLET ROTARU AND ADVANCED TO POINTE AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS OF TRAINING.
NICHOLE HAS BEEN DANCING FOR 25 YEARS AND TEACHING DANCE FOR 12 YEARS. SHE HAS PERFORMED IN THE NUTCRACKER AND DON QUIXOTE AT THE FOX THEATER. AT HORIZON PERFORMING ARTS SHE STUDIED THEATER, AFRICAN DANCE, HAWAIIAN DANCE, CHOREOGRAPHY AND DRAMA.
NICHOLE HOLDS A BACHELOR DEGREE IN MINISTRY AND WAS ORDAINED INTO THE MINISTRY IN 2009.
NICOLE ATTENDED HORIZONS PERFORMING ARTS SCHHOL AND WAS TRAINED IN DANCE AT THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED BALLET ROTARU. SHE EXCELLED RAPIDLY AT BALLET ROTARU AND ADVANCED TO POINTE AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS OF TRAINING.
NICHOLE HAS BEEN DANCING FOR 25 YEARS AND TEACHING DANCE FOR 12 YEARS. SHE HAS PERFORMED IN THE NUTCRACKER AND DON QUIXOTE AT THE FOX THEATER. AT HORIZON PERFORMING ARTS SHE STUDIED THEATER, AFRICAN DANCE, HAWAIIAN DANCE, CHOREOGRAPHY AND DRAMA.
NICHOLE HOLDS A BACHELOR DEGREE IN MINISTRY AND WAS ORDAINED INTO THE MINISTRY IN 2009.
MESHA HIGHTOWER - OPERATIONS/SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
MESHA IS A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO OUR STAFF BRINGING A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO OUR STUDENTS. HER DANCE AND FITNESS PASSION STARTED AT A YOUNG AGE WHEN SHE JOINED HER MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE TEAM AND HAS CONTINUED EVER SINCE - SHE UNDERTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF INSPIRING YOUNG DANCERS. AS MESA'S CAREER CONTINUED SHE HAS EARNED ACCOLADES BOTH AS A PERFORMER AND A TEACHER. IN ADDITION, HER CHOREOGRAPHY HAS BEEN SOUGHT AFTER BY MANY COMMUNITY THEATERS THROUGHOUT THE AREA.
MESHA HOLDS A BACHELOR AND MASTERS DEGREES IN SPORTS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT. IN ADDITION TO TEACHING AND CHOREOGRAPHING DANCE SHE SERVES AS A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR IN SEVERAL ATLANTA AREA LOCATIONS.
MESHA LIVES BY THE MOTTO:
"A DANCE TEACHER HELPS STUDENTS FIND THE SONG IN THEIR HEART, THE BEAT IN THEIR FEET AND A PASSION FOR LIFE!"
MESHA IS A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO OUR STAFF BRINGING A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO OUR STUDENTS. HER DANCE AND FITNESS PASSION STARTED AT A YOUNG AGE WHEN SHE JOINED HER MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE TEAM AND HAS CONTINUED EVER SINCE - SHE UNDERTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF INSPIRING YOUNG DANCERS. AS MESA'S CAREER CONTINUED SHE HAS EARNED ACCOLADES BOTH AS A PERFORMER AND A TEACHER. IN ADDITION, HER CHOREOGRAPHY HAS BEEN SOUGHT AFTER BY MANY COMMUNITY THEATERS THROUGHOUT THE AREA.
MESHA HOLDS A BACHELOR AND MASTERS DEGREES IN SPORTS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT. IN ADDITION TO TEACHING AND CHOREOGRAPHING DANCE SHE SERVES AS A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR IN SEVERAL ATLANTA AREA LOCATIONS.
MESHA LIVES BY THE MOTTO:
"A DANCE TEACHER HELPS STUDENTS FIND THE SONG IN THEIR HEART, THE BEAT IN THEIR FEET AND A PASSION FOR LIFE!"
AIDAN ALFORD - STAFF INSTRUCTOR & PRIVATE LESSONS
SMYRNA DANCERS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF AIDEN TO OUR FACULTY. ORGINALLY FROM BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, AIDEN DANCED WITH THE BIRMINGHAM BALLET AS WELL AS BEING INVOLVED WITH THE RED MOUNTAIN THEATER. SHE RECALLS HER FAVORITE ROLES IN PRODUCTIONS SUCH AS FIDDLER ON THE ROOF AND BAND GEEKS.
AIDAN RECEIVED A B.F.A. IN MUSICAL THEATER FROM RIDER UNIVERSITY AND SPENT OF YEAR TEACHING IN FRANCE. SHE JOINS SMYRNA DANCERS IN THE POSITION OF MASTER CLASS DIRECTOR.
SMYRNA DANCERS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF AIDEN TO OUR FACULTY. ORGINALLY FROM BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, AIDEN DANCED WITH THE BIRMINGHAM BALLET AS WELL AS BEING INVOLVED WITH THE RED MOUNTAIN THEATER. SHE RECALLS HER FAVORITE ROLES IN PRODUCTIONS SUCH AS FIDDLER ON THE ROOF AND BAND GEEKS.
AIDAN RECEIVED A B.F.A. IN MUSICAL THEATER FROM RIDER UNIVERSITY AND SPENT OF YEAR TEACHING IN FRANCE. SHE JOINS SMYRNA DANCERS IN THE POSITION OF MASTER CLASS DIRECTOR.
ALYSSA BABAYAN - STAFF INSTRUCTOR & PRIVATE LESSONS
Alyssa grew up as a competition dancer in Hamilton, NJ. She has trained in all genres of dance and won numerous titles. Additionally, Alyssa attended multiple summer intensives including American ballet Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, and Ballet Hispanico. She has performed in lead roles in productions such as The Nutcracker, Grande Pas Classique, Serenade, Esmerelda, and more, including original works by Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s Dwight Rhoden and 4x World Ballroom Champion Vivienne Ramsey. Additionally, Ayssa was accepted into the professional training programs at both Miami City Ballet and Ballet Hispanico.
Alyssa has taught at both studios and competition workshops throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York City. Alyssa has choregraphed audition pieces, solos, and group dances for competitions and performances alike. In 2016, Alyssa began working in the work study program at Steps on Broadway in NYC where she furthered her training under highly respected dance figures like Wilhelm Burmann, Nancy Bielski, Heather Hawk, Daniel Catanach, John Leggio, Matt Lopez, and many more.
In 2019, Alyssa made it through the final round and bootcamp of the NFL Patriots Cheerleaders before going on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Hillsdale College. She is currently in graduate school at Life University and is expected to receive her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2026.
Alyssa grew up as a competition dancer in Hamilton, NJ. She has trained in all genres of dance and won numerous titles. Additionally, Alyssa attended multiple summer intensives including American ballet Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, and Ballet Hispanico. She has performed in lead roles in productions such as The Nutcracker, Grande Pas Classique, Serenade, Esmerelda, and more, including original works by Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s Dwight Rhoden and 4x World Ballroom Champion Vivienne Ramsey. Additionally, Ayssa was accepted into the professional training programs at both Miami City Ballet and Ballet Hispanico.
Alyssa has taught at both studios and competition workshops throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York City. Alyssa has choregraphed audition pieces, solos, and group dances for competitions and performances alike. In 2016, Alyssa began working in the work study program at Steps on Broadway in NYC where she furthered her training under highly respected dance figures like Wilhelm Burmann, Nancy Bielski, Heather Hawk, Daniel Catanach, John Leggio, Matt Lopez, and many more.
In 2019, Alyssa made it through the final round and bootcamp of the NFL Patriots Cheerleaders before going on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Hillsdale College. She is currently in graduate school at Life University and is expected to receive her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2026.
CYNTHIA PRYOR - PRIVATE LESSONS
Cindy started tap and ballet lessons at the age of 3 at the Mary Hiatt Dance Studio in Dayton, Ohio. Adding jazz, baton, and hula to her studies at the age of 8, she joined the dance company and drill team, traveling as far as Hawaii for competitions.
Cindy began teaching at the age of 17. She attended the 3-year Dance Masters of America Teacher Training Program graduating with certification to teach tap, ballet and jazz. Cindy opened That's Dancing, a Professional Technique Studio, in Florida at the age of 26 which she owned and managed until she moved to Atlanta.
Cindy started tap and ballet lessons at the age of 3 at the Mary Hiatt Dance Studio in Dayton, Ohio. Adding jazz, baton, and hula to her studies at the age of 8, she joined the dance company and drill team, traveling as far as Hawaii for competitions.
Cindy began teaching at the age of 17. She attended the 3-year Dance Masters of America Teacher Training Program graduating with certification to teach tap, ballet and jazz. Cindy opened That's Dancing, a Professional Technique Studio, in Florida at the age of 26 which she owned and managed until she moved to Atlanta.
KEELY OGBURN - STAFF INSTRUCTOR
Keely is thrilled to be back with Smyrna Community Dancers! Keely began her dancing career at the age of three at Becky Jones School of Dance in Smyrna. In 2005 she began teaching under Mary McGehee with Smyrna Community Dancers. She attended the University of Richmond where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Dance and Rhetoric and Communications Studies. While at UR she had the privilege of working with choreographers such as Robert Battle, Doug Varone, Billy Siegenfeld and Jessica Lang through her time with University Dancers. In 2011 and 2012 Keely received research grants to travel to the Mid-Atlantic American College Dance Association Festivals. When not in the studio you can find Keely volunteering at her children’s school, reading her latest book for book club or in the kitchen cooking and there is a high likelihood she'll be dancing there.
Keely is thrilled to be back with Smyrna Community Dancers! Keely began her dancing career at the age of three at Becky Jones School of Dance in Smyrna. In 2005 she began teaching under Mary McGehee with Smyrna Community Dancers. She attended the University of Richmond where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Dance and Rhetoric and Communications Studies. While at UR she had the privilege of working with choreographers such as Robert Battle, Doug Varone, Billy Siegenfeld and Jessica Lang through her time with University Dancers. In 2011 and 2012 Keely received research grants to travel to the Mid-Atlantic American College Dance Association Festivals. When not in the studio you can find Keely volunteering at her children’s school, reading her latest book for book club or in the kitchen cooking and there is a high likelihood she'll be dancing there.
CHRISTIANI PITTS - MASTER DANCER/INSTRUCTOR
Christiani Pitts is a professional dancer, actor and singer from Atlanta Georgia. She began dancing at the age of 5 and is trained in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, African and Contemporary. She studied dance at North Atlanta Highschool and trained in various disciplines before attending Florida State University. From there, she received her BFA in Music Theatre before making her Broadway debut in A Bronx Tale. She then went on to star as Ann Darrow in King Kong on Broadway. Christiani has worked with Tony Award winning choreographers and has taught master classes all around the country. As she continues to perform in theatre, film and television, her passion is to train the next generation of artists with the knowledge she is gaining. “I want to ensure young artists are equipped to tackle the industry with technique, confidence and community.”
Christiani Pitts is a professional dancer, actor and singer from Atlanta Georgia. She began dancing at the age of 5 and is trained in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, African and Contemporary. She studied dance at North Atlanta Highschool and trained in various disciplines before attending Florida State University. From there, she received her BFA in Music Theatre before making her Broadway debut in A Bronx Tale. She then went on to star as Ann Darrow in King Kong on Broadway. Christiani has worked with Tony Award winning choreographers and has taught master classes all around the country. As she continues to perform in theatre, film and television, her passion is to train the next generation of artists with the knowledge she is gaining. “I want to ensure young artists are equipped to tackle the industry with technique, confidence and community.”
