UPSTAGE CENTER OF PERFORMING ARTS STAFF
Jenny Griffes, owner/director
Jenny started her dance career 30 years ago at a local non-profit, where she grew a small program into a thriving school with a successful competition team. She is a guest teacher at private studios in the Charlotte area. In addition, Jenny also has contracted with high school musical theater productions and City of Charlotte events, receiving awards for her work. Jenny's certifications include Rhythm Works Integrative Dance, which provides the tools to successfully teach dance to kids with Autism, Down syndrome & special needs students, Dance Masters of America and Youth Protection Advocates in Dance. She is also an active member of Discover Dance, Dance Studio Owners Association and Gold DanceLife. A believer in continuing her training, Jenny has attended workshops with Rhee Gold, Anne Green-Gilbert (Brain-Compatible Dance Education), Duane Pitman (Little People's Creative Workshop), Leap N' Learn, Kindermusik, Preschool Dance Teachers Workshop, and Studio Success Formula. Jenny's philosophy is to help students find their own creativity and help them achieve personal goals through movement. She enjoys traveling, cooking and recently completed her 17th half marathon.
Ashley Baker, owner/competition director
Ashley has 16 years of experience in the dance industry as an instructor and manager. She received her BA in dance education and her graduate certificate in arts administration from the University of North Carolina Charlotte, She has received numerous awards as a tap dancer and as a choreographer. Ms. Ashley has extensive experience working with young children in dance as well as in a preschool setting. She grew up as a competitive dancer in Mint Hill and now enjoys managing the competition team for UCPA.
Akire' Rogers, instructor
One of our UCPA alumni, Ms. Akire' is now one of our hip hop instructors. She was a student for 15 years with Ms. Jenny & Ms. Ashley and a member of the competition team. She attended UNC Wilmington, recently graduating with a BA in international studies with a concentration in environmental science. Fun fact: she speaks 3 foreign languages: Spanish and Korean. She also works as a Life Enrichment Coordinator for an adult respite club.
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Judy Collins, customer care specialist
Judy is an experienced customer care specialist with a background in human resources and payroll. She joined UCPA in 2024 and has been a great asset in making all our students and families feel welcome. Judy also takes care of all the details that help us run efficiently. She has two grandchildren who keep her busy in her spare time.(and are two of her favorite people.)
Anna Hancock, instructor
Gracie Sisk, instructor
Gracie has been dancing for 15 years. She has trained in various styles of dance as a competitive dancer as a well as a college student. She is currently pursuing a B.A. in Dance Education at UNC Charlotte. Alongside teaching and taking classes, Gracie has also enjoyed performing in local musical theater productions in the Charlotte area and at UNC Charlotte. She loves getting to share her love for dance with her students and hopes to create a caring environment where every dancer can be themselves and grow in her class!.
Logan Kendrick, instructor
Logan has been dancing since she was 5 years old. She is classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap & modern. Her favorite styles to teach are hip hop and contemporary. Logan has a BA from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. When she's not dancing, she is cooking and creating, working on her business focusing on handcrafted jewelry and accessories Logan is grateful to be with the UCPA family! .
Eva Politis, instructor
Eva has been dancing for over 10 years, with experience ranging from competitive dance to collegiate-level performance. She currently attends UNC Charlotte where she is majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Dance. Throughout her dance journey, she has had the opportunity to learn from talented instructors and professors who have helped shape her growth as a dancer and educator. Eva is currently the Vice President of MOVE Dance Alliance at her university, where she actively dances, choreographs routines, and helps lead the organization. She enjoys sharing her passion and enthusiasm for dance with her students and is committed to helping each dancer reach their full potential and gain confidence along the way. Eva believes in creating a supportive and inspiring classroom environment where dancers can develop strong technique and a life-long love for dance and performance!
Aliyah March, instructor
Aliyah is a senior at UNC-Charlotte, studhing dance Performance, Chroeography and Theory, and Business Human Resource Management. She has been dancing for more than 15 years in recreational, competitive and collegiate programs. She recently completed an internship with Joffery Ballet School. Aliyah is also the President of MOVE Dance Alliance, a student dance group at UNC Charlotte. Aliyah strives to create a positive and supportive learning environment for students.
