UPSTAGE CENTER OF PERFORMING ARTS STAFF
Jenny Griffes, owner/director
Jenny started her dance career 25 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 Dance Studio Owners Association. 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.
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Akire' Rogers
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, Korean and Chinese. She also works as a PreK EC Teacher Assistant at a Charlotte Elementary School.
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Judy Collins
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
Gracie Sisk
Reagan Overby
Aliyah March coming soon
Eva Politis coming soon
