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.
Ashley Baker, owner/competition director
Ashley has 14 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.
Photo coming soon!
Paige Lee, Instructor
Ms Paige is a children's fitness, dance, tumbling and yoga instructor. She is also a registered behavior technician serving children with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. Paige embodies kind communication, adaptability, creativity and collaboration in her work with children and adults. We are excited to have Paige as part of our team!
Jasmyn Schettino
We are excited to welcome Ms. Jasmyn (aka Jazz) to our UCPA team. Originally from Leland, NC, Jasmyn is a student at UNC Charlotte, majoring in applied dance and social work with a career goal of becoming a dance therapist. Her specialties are jazz and musical theater. She has also trained in , contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical and ballet.
Aliyah Brewington
Aliyah is also a student UNC Charlotte, majoring in applied dance and psychology. She trained and competed with The Edge Performing Arts Center. In her time at UNC Charlotte, she has performed 2 concert solos, selected by choreographers Audrey Baran and Kim Jones.
Aliyah loves dogs and reading. She hopes to spend time in the mountains this year. She is looking forward to being a part of the UCPA family and working with our dancers.
Elize Helbig
Elize has 14 years of dance experience in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, character and tap. She focused on ballet the past 7 years as a company & ensemble dancer with City Ballet of Wilmington, where she also worked as a teacher and receptionist. Elize also has performed with the UNC School of The Arts Winter Dance Festival and was accepted into the ABT Summer Intensive Program 2020 and 2021. Elize is now teaching with UCPA as a preschool instructor and also at the front desk.
Reese Hunter
Reese is our customer care specialist. A UCPA alumna, Reese has a smile for all of our dancers and parents as she handles adminstrative tasks at our front desk.
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