INSPIRE. CONNECT. SHINE.
INSPIRE. CONNECT. SHINE.
Newnan, Georgia
Steppin’ Out Performing Arts (SOPA) GA is an all-encompassing performing and fine arts studio. Our mission is to train and nurture our students, build confidence, teach essential life skills, and develop lasting relationships in a safe and loving environment.
Meet Our Directors
Cassie Jackson
Founder, Owner, Director
Lindsey Archer
Owner, Director
Name: Cassie Jackson
Classes You Teach: Ballet, Tap, Acro combo classes, Acrobatics, Jazz, Tap, and Hip-Hop
Birthday: August 17th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I began dancing at the age of 5 years old; Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Pom. I studied Ballet, Modern, and Dance Theory at ASU.
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I started an afterschool program during college and eventually began a recreation program after graduating.
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In 2008, I opened the first Steppin' Out Studio with my best friend in Arizona. When I moved to the East Coast and settled down, I began teaching in our new town of Newnan, GA in 2017.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "What is impossible with man is possible with God" Luke 18:27
Fun Fact: I love sandwiches, cocktail shrimp, avocados, and chocolate! I used to teach a cadaver lab class at GCU.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am snuggling on my couch with my kiddos, eating popcorn, watching movies, going on date nights with my hubby, nights out with friends, and serving in our church community.
Cassie Jackson
Name: Lindsey Archer
Classes You Teach: I’ve taught a little of everything but mostly Musical Theatre, Tap, Music Together, Acting, and Combo classes.
Birthday: October 25th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I came out of the womb singing “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and started dancing at age 2.5.
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I graduated from Valdosta State University with a BFA in Theatre Performance and met my husband getting said degree.
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I’ve traveled all over the US with my husband performing and teaching.
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When I lived in NYC, I was an entertainer for children’s birthday parties.
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My favorite past shows that I performed in are Xanadu (yes, the roller-skating musical), 1940’s Radio Hour, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and A Year with Frog and Toad.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” Ecc. 3:1
Fun Fact: My favorite place is the beach; I LOVE cheese and Kermit the Frog!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I’m spending time with my family watching movies, doing puzzles, and playing games! We love to go to the pool and the beach in the summer. When I have time, I love to read and try new recipes!
Lindsey Archer
Meet Our Team
Lanie Allen
Instructor
Name:
Classes You Teach: Upper Ballet Technique, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary I, Contemporary II, Contemporary III, & Leaps/Turns/Conditioning
Birthday: Sept 11th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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In 2023, I received the Porter Award in Dance from the Hixon-Lied College of Fine & Performing Arts for demonstrating the highest level of achievement and excellence in dance.
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I have been dancing since the age of five.
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I have choreographed three high school musicals and coached a high school cheer team for four years.
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I participated on the competitive hip-hop team for three years at Legacy Dance & Gymnastics in Nebraska.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: The Princess Bride
Fun Fact: Even though she grew up in rural Nebraska between cows and cornfields, Lanie was actually born in Minnesota.
When not at SOPA, what are you doing? After graduation, I was bitten by the reading bug. Now between dance and work, you can usually find me with my nose in a book.
Lanie Allen
Name: Ashlynn Cox
Classes You Teach: Ballet/Tap, Hip-Hop, Acro, Dance Team Technique, Pom/Acro, Jazz/Acro, Little Cirque, & Company
Birthday: May 24th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I was one of the co-captains on Georgia Southern University’s Dance Team my senior year. I graduated with my Bachelors in Accounting and Minor in Marketing.
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The first dance I choreographed was in 4th grade for our school talent show with 3 of my friends. This was the start of my passion for choreographing.
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I am trained in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, & Ballet. I have competed on and off throughout my childhood, as well as an adult with Georgia Southern's Dance Team. I also have experience in hula, pom, and pointe.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote:
I love almost every genre of music, and my favorite movie is Soul Surfer.
Fun Fact:
I am from La Palma, California and moved to Hogansville, Georgia in the middle of my sophomore year of high school.
When not at SOPA what are you doing?
I am most likely spending time with family and friends.
Saresa Berry
Saresa Berry
Instructor
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Celeste Boullion
Instructor
Name: Celeste Boullion
Classes You Teach: Ballet/Jazz/Acro, Parent & Tot, Cirque, Beginner Ballet, Ballet Technique/Pointe prep 1, Ballet Grade 1,2 & 3, Dance Team Prep, SBC Choreographer
Birthday: Sept 17th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I danced in professional ballet productions at both Oklahoma City Ballet & Texas Ballet Theatre in Fort Worth. As well as a freelance role at Kauai Ballet Academy.
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I have attended Broadway Artists Alliance as a vocal major (Ariana Grande once also attended this program too!!)
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I trained and was taught to teach at Oklahoma City Ballet School.
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I have taught dance in the states of Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Hawaii.
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I also currently teach and am a choreographer at NTC (Newnan Theatre Company) as well as a professionally perform at the Georgia Renaissance Festival.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote:
“Life is short, and Art is long” Hippocrates
Fun Fact: I love animals. I have two cats and two dogs!!!
When not at SOPA, what are you doing? I'm usually busy with other theatre/dance commitments, spending time with my boyfriend/friends/and animals, and enjoying nature.
Celeste Boullion
Name:
Classes You Teach: Musical Theatre, Jazz I, Tap I, Acting I, Company, & Musical Theatre Ensemble
Birthday: April 25th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I started dancing ballet, jazz, and tap when I was 3 years old.
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I was a Theatre major at the University of Southern California.
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Much of my career has been on-camera (tv and commercials), but theatre is my favorite!
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: I love classic 1940s movie musicals! Pretty much anything starring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, or Danny Kaye.
Fun Fact: I was named after the Jensen Healey, which is an English Sports Car and my favorite ice cream in the world is Moose Tracks.
When not at SOPA, what are you doing? When I’m not at SOPA, you can find me hanging out with my husband and 2 kids or performing on stage!
Jensen Bush
Jensen Bush
Instructor
Samantha Clayton
Instructor
Name: Ashlynn Cox
Classes You Teach: Tap I
Birthday: December 28th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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​I began dancing at the age of 7, and primarily trained in tap, hip-hop, and jazz. I also have some experience in Ballet, Lyrical, & Belly Dance.
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I took a class with the Rockettes and instantly fell in love with their style!
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My favorite style of dance is Tap.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "Let all that you do be done in love." Corinthians 16:14
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am spending time with my family, watching Jeopardy with my husband, playing Barbies with my daughter, and doing anything silly to make my son laugh.
Samantha Clayton
Name: Rachel Denton
Classes You Teach: Acting II, Actor's Studio
Birthday: December 30
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre
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I was in radio ads and educational films about bullying as a kid actor
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I have done theatre regularly since the 4th grade
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I have performed and been awarded at IPOP (International Presentation of Performers), including the award for Best Actor
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I have performed with NTC on numerous occasions and helped with NTC Academy shows
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera
Fun Fact: I am currently working towards my Master’s in elementary education with Western Governor’s University
When not at SOPA, what are you doing? Working at the Joseph Sam’s School for children with special needs as a paraprofessional and singing everywhere I go!
Matthew Cote
Matthew Cote
Instructor
Rachel Denton
Instructor
Name: Rachel Denton
Classes You Teach: Hip-Hop, Hip-hop/Acro, Hip-hop/Break dance
Birthday: July 1st
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I have been a dancer ever since I was a little girl.
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I was born and raised in Colorado, where I attended an all-hip-hop dance studio and began dancing hip-hop exclusively in my sophomore year of high school. Through them, I was in 5 different troupes, including “elites.” I was given the opportunity to take my first breakdance classes from Ray Ray of the Jabbawockeez.
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I have performed at conventions including the Denver Parade of Lights. I have been a hip-hop dance instructor since 2011. Since then, I have taught various ages, styles, and levels, including some adult fitness.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: I love country music! My favorite songs tend to change depending on the week and mood.
Fun Fact: My family owns and operates L&L Hawaiian BBQ in Peachtree City.
When not at SOPA, what are you doing? I am spending time with my husband, 2 children, and dogs, homeschooling, reading, or baking lots of goodies!
Rachel Denton
Name: Rachel Denton
Classes You Teach: SBC Artistic Director, Ballet Grade 4, 5, Pre Pointe/Pointe
Birthday: August 23rd
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I’ve taught dance in Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
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I’ve taken class and performed in England.
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In Virginia I was lucky enough to teach musical theatre with my childhood best friend, something that we dreamed of doing ever since we were little.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” CS Lewis
Fun Fact: I love to travel. I’ve been to 19 countries and 2 US territories.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am constantly chasing around my 2 energetic little boys.
Erica Donovan
Erica Donovan
Instructor
SBC Artistic Director
Carly Force
Designer
Name: Carly Force
Classes You Teach: Graphic Design Support & Master Textile Creator
Birthday: December 21st
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I have a BS In Early Childhood Education from The University of West Georgia
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My dance training comes from the University of Steppin’ Out
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My passion is helping kids stay active and strengthen their bodies while having fun
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: Measure twice, Cut once.
Fun Fact: I was able to do headstands at 38 weeks pregnant with my third child. Susie, one of my fur babies, and I recently ran a marathon around Newnan on our own.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? Running with my dogs or volunteering at my kids’ school.
Carly Force
Name: Deanna Saunders
Classes You Teach: Movement Inclusive Class
Birthday: August 2nd
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I was privileged to begin my dance career classically trained under Dorris Russell (an original Rockette!)
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I spent most of my childhood dancing on several teams and in studios. I even got to experience dancing for the Hawks at halftime!
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I have enjoyed teaching over the years and have been SO blessed to have found the Steppin’ Out family! A breath of fresh air to the dance community!
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: I love comedies and silly movies! I am obsessed with all things 2000s Pop music! "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." -Judy Garland
Fun Fact: I have never flown on an airplane!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am a mom of two amazing boys and also a Special Education Support for Coweta's school system. Currently pursuing a dual Certification at Mercer University!
Amanda French
Amanda French
Instructor
Grace Harbin
Instructor
Name: Deanna Saunders
Classes You Teach: Ballet/Jazz & Ballet/Tap Combo
Birthday: November 26
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:​
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I absolutely LOVED teaching camps this summer!
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I have danced at Compass Dance Academy for ten years studying ballet and other several other styles.
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I have enjoyed being a cheerleader for several years.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
Fun Fact: I’ve traveled to six countries and want to continue adding to the list!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I attend Trinity Christian School. I love to bake, play soccer, cheer, and I dabble in golf and pickleball.
Grace Harbin
Name:
Classes You Teach: Ballet/Tap, Ballet/Jazz/Acro, Mini Acro/Little Cirque, Acro I
Birthday: December 18th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I spent my entire childhood from rec to high school as a cheerleader and have coached recreation teams over the years.
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I received my master cosmetology license in 2008 and spent the last year as an instructor at a cosmetology school teaching theory.
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I enjoy all aspects of performing/fine arts and am passionate about encouraging kids to grow in their confidence and ability to be creative, unique, and proud of who they are and what they’re capable of.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "Do good and good will come to you”
I like all genres of music and my favorite movie is Beauty and the Beast.
Fun Fact: I am a homeschooling Mama!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? You can find me hanging out with my husband and three kids, drinking coffee or taking pictures!
Rebecca Hudson
Rebecca Hudson
Instructor
Myesha Jackson​
Instructor
Name:
Classes You Teach: Pre-Primary & Primary Ballet, Grade 1 Ballet
Birthday: January 4th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I began dancing at 10 years old and quickly fell in love with it.
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While I started with ballet, I eventually added jazz, hip hop and a little bit of lyrical.
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I’ve been a lead dancer in several original ballets.
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​While this is my first year teaching, my experience with raising my children will help out.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: “The true definition of a man is not defined in times of comfort and convenience but in times of conflict and controversy.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Fun Fact: Each one of my grandparents is from a different country.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? Working out at the gym.
Myesha Jackson
Name: Carly Force
Classes You Teach: Arts and Photography
Birthday: October 23rd
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I have taught arts in 3 different states
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My personal artwork has been displayed at the High Museum of Art
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My favorite thing to paint are landscapes
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: Megamind is my favorite movie.
Fun Fact: I played soccer for 17 years!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I like to read, paint, and draw. I also love to get outside hiking and playing sports.
Jordan Ledford
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Jordan Ledford
Instructor
Heather Maddox
Piano & Voice Instructor
Heather Maddox
Name:
Classes You Teach: Piano & Voice
Birthday: June 12th
A few facts about your Background:
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Was a Music Major at Atlanta Christian College.
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I have released one album and a single.
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I have occasionally performed on Atlanta Live.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: You’ve Got Mail
Fun Fact: I took figure skating lessons for a bit when I was younger.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I love playing and singing for churches. I love to write my own music and have led worship and been a part of Christian artist concerts all over GA.
Name:
Classes You Teach: Director of Marketing/Communications
Birthday: January 10th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I grew up dancing in ballet, tap, and jazz classes and on dance teams. I have been singing for as long as I can remember.
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I have a degree in Musical Theatre from Birmingham-Southern College.
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After graduating college, I spent almost 10 years living in NYC. I've performed all over the country in various national tours and regional productions.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: My favorite movie is Steel Magnolias.
Fun Fact: My stage debut was in a community production of Fiddler on the Roof, playing the role of "baby" at the early age of two months old!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? While part of the SOPA instructor team for three years, my family and I recently moved to the Netherlands! When I'm not working to help share the greatness of SOPA from across the pond, you'll find me exploring our new city, biking, planning our next travel adventure around Europe, spending time with my two girls and husband, and missing my former SOPA students and being in the same room with the incredible SOPA staff!
Paige Monti
Paige Monti
Director of Marketing/Communications
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Kelsey Phillips
Studio Coordinator
Name: Deanna Saunders
Classes You Teach: Studio Coordinator
Birthday: June 8th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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Theatre has been a passion of mine since elementary school, and I love being able to share that passion with my children now.
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I enjoy working backstage and seeing all the hard work and creativity that go into bringing a production to life.
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Helping kids explore their creativity and express themselves through the arts is one of my greatest joys.
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I have stage managed quite a few shows with many different ages at the local theater over the years.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "Feel the fear, and do it anyway."​
Fun Fact: Fellowship of the Ring is my favorite movie!
When not at SOPA what are you doing?: I love to read, I will read anything and everything. I love spending time with my two kids and husband. I never pass up going into a book store or coffee shop. I love to travel and exploring new places.
Kelsey Phillips
Name:
Role at SOPA: Acting, Musical Theatre Ensemble, Sewing, Voice, & Guitar
Birthday: August 25th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I taught high school chorus and theatre for three years.
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I have a B.M. in Music Education from the University of West Georgia, at which I performed in ensembles such as the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Opera Workshop through all four years of my degree program.
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​ I have been a Staff Singer at Central Baptist Church in Newnan for two years, where I sing in the Chancel Choir and occasionally assist the music minister with the community youth choir.
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I have many years of experience directing, music directing, and stage managing plays and musicals with various age groups, both at the community and educational level.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "Feel the fear, and do it anyway."​
Fun Fact: I enjoy rock climbing when I can, and was once a certified belay! (The person who attaches to your rope at the bottom of a climb and catches you if you fall).
When not at SOPA what are you doing?: I am a serial hobbyist, so I spend most of my time doing any combination of my one million hobbies. Currently, my main ones include reading, sewing, junk journaling, and playing board games/video games. I am also newly married to my husband, Coleman, as of October 2024. So, we make sure to spend a lot of our free time with each other.
Alyssa Ryan
Alyssa Ryan
Instructor
Laell Tucker
Office Manager
Backstage Manager
Name:
Classes You Teach: Front desk, backstage recital organization, emails and phone calls, anywhere that I need to step in and assist.
Birthday: January 20th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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My daughters have danced at Steppin' Out since 2017. We started with my third daughter in the fairytale ballet class at the rec center at age 2.5. Now my oldest, Lilly, takes Musical Theatre, Jazz 3, Contemporary, Acro 2-4, and Ballet 3. My second, Lillah, takes Hip Hop and Tap. My third, Lorellei, is taking Ballet 2 and Acro 2-4. This year my youngest, Langley, will join a Ballet/ Jazz/ Acro combo class.
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I have been involved with Steppin' Out since the first Newnan studio was opened. I have always been backstage helping manage the chaos.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light"
Fun Fact: I can not dance to save my life!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am with my four girls, husband, and three dogs. We love traveling as much as we can. I am also an avid reader and always have some kind of book I am currently reading.
Laell Tucker
Name:
Classes You Teach: Ballet/Tap, Hip-hop/Jazz, & Mini Pom/Acro, Acro I
Birthday: January 16th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I have been training in dance since I was 8 and started assisting at age 12.
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My favorite styles of dance are Acro and Jazz.
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I have performed in many productions with SOPA such as Willy Wonka and Frozen.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: My favorite movie is Alice in Wonderland.
Fun Fact: I love to crochet and knit when I am not dancing.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am probably Newnan HS either learning or training with the Cougarettes: Newnan's High School Dance Team.
Lilly Tucker
Lilly Tucker
Instructor
Kayln Washington
Instructor
Name:
Classes You Teach: Ballet/Jazz/Acro, Ballet/Tap, Hip-hop/Jazz, Hip-hop I, Lyrical, Company & Crochet
Birthday: June 22nd
A few facts about your Background:
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I trained in just about every style growing up, but Modern/Contemporary was always my favorite.
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I left the world of dance for a while but found my passion for it again through teaching.
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I wanted to be a choreographer when I was younger, and I love getting to use that creativity again!
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "You have to be the bravest you’ve ever been." -Bluey
Fun Fact: I was homeschooled.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am crocheting or reading a book.
Kayln Washington
