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
Melissa Angley
Art Instructor
Name: Melissa Angley
Classes You Teach: Art
Birthday: August 28th
A few facts about your background:
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Some of my earliest memories were of spending hours learning how to use charcoals to create realistic drawings on my bedroom floor. I have always had a love for the visual arts.
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I attended the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) to earn my Middle Grades Education degree with a math/science focus and launched the S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) program at Newnan Presbyterian School.
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I strongly believe that our children must be creative and analytical to succeed in a future global economy.
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Creating art is a fun way to engage both sides of the brain in a judgment-free environment. I'm particularly proud of a 9'x9' Van-Gogh-inspired mural created with my students ages 3 to 8 last year. It is on display at Newnan Presbyterian School.
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I am enamored with watercolor. Architectural portraits launched my career as an artist outside of the classroom.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: “The artist is not a special kind of person; rather each person is a special kind of artist.” -Ananda Coomaraswamy
Fun Fact: My current favorite color is purple, but it has been blue most of my life. I love blue because it reminds me of the Caribbean Ocean. Seaside is my favorite place to be.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? Ha! It's probably not sitting down. I am a wife and a soccer mom of two very active elementary school kids, and an animal mom to 2 dogs, a kitten, and some fish. I teach technology at Newnan Presbyterian School and volunteer in the community through several non-profit organizations. When I make some time for myself, you'll find me in the garden or working on my next watercolor portrait.
Melissa Angley
Name: Ashlynn Cox
Classes You Teach: Studio Manager, Pre-Ballet, Ballet & Jazz
Combo, Ballet & Tap Combo, Acting, Mini-Acro, Musical Theatre
Birthday: February 18th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching
Background:
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My first role ever was as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.
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I've been dancing nonstop since my first ballet class at 4 years old.
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I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance and Acting in 2021.
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While I love all dance, ballet is my favorite and the one I have been dancing for the longest.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: My favorite movie is The Importance of Being Earnest, which is based on the play by Oscar Wilde. My favorite song is Bennie and the Jets, by Elton John.
Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that one time at the zoo a giraffe licked me up the whole side of my face and its tongue was purple.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? When I'm not at SOPA you can find me acting in film projects around the Atlanta area, walking on The Linc trail, or playing with my cat, Crunchy.
Ashlynn Cox
Ashlynn Cox
Instructor
Rachel Denton
Instructor
Name: Rachel Denton
Classes You Teach: Hip-hop I and II
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: Lady and the tramp or any songs by Sam Hunt
Fun Fact: My husband and I run an online coffee shop.
When not at SOPA, what are you doing? When I am not running around with my toddler and 2 dogs, I sell coffee and work part-time as a veterinary technician.
Rachel Denton
Name: Carly Force
Classes You Teach: Mini-Acro, Tumbling & Parent & Tot Tumbling
Birthday: December 21st 198something
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
Carly Force
Instructor
Amanda French
Instructor
Name: Amanda French
Classes You Teach: This season I will be taking a different role on staff supporting all our events and performances behind the scenes, including some of our community outreach in the school system!
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
Name: Michelina Ryan
Classes You Teach: Ballet, Combo classes, and Musical Theatre
Birthday: January 24th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I have trained with Cincinnati Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Miami City ballet instructors.
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Along with ballet I have also trained in tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, musical theater, and ballroom.
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I have assisted summer camps and classes since middle school, and I have substituted for classes, but this is my first year teaching my own class! This past summer I trained with Ballet Magnificat, and it was life-changing.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: “Don’t wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain.”
Fun Fact: I am a huge Disney fan, and my favorite Disney princess is Rapunzel!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am attending high school at Trinity Christian School. I’m constantly taking classes, so I’m always training!
Michelina Ryan
Michelina Ryan
Instructor
Deanna Saunders
Instructor
Name: Deanna Saunders
Classes You Teach: Pre & Beginner Pointe, Ballet I, Ballet II, and Ballet III
Birthday: August 7th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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In 2022, I traveled to Florida State University to represent the Kennesaw State University's Dance Company at the American College Dance Association Conference.
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I have been dancing for seventeen years, and I have danced competitively for eleven of those years. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance at Kennesaw State University.
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I have been choreographing and teaching dance for many years. One year, I choreographed and performed in a competitive dance piece with my little sister, which earned many regional and national awards.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: My favorite movie is Mamma Mia!
Fun Fact: My dream job is to be a Walt Disney World Performer.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? When not at SOPA, you can find me teaching local dance classes, hanging out with my friends and family, and, now, applying to physical therapy grad schools.
Deanna Saunders
Name: Heather Maddox Tag
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.
Heather Maddox
Heather Maddox
Piano & Voice Instructor
Megan Terry
Instructor
Name: Megan Terry
Classes You Teach: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Parent & Tot, and Cheerleading
Birthday: January 11th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I have danced and cheered for many years in my youth.
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I am trained in ballet, tap, and jazz.
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I have been teaching at Steppin’ Out since July 2021.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: My favorite song is Breakthrough by Red Rocks Worship
Fun Fact: I’m a proud Air Force veteran!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? When I’m not at SOPA, I am hanging out with my husband, 3 kids, and my cat!
Megan Terry
Name: Rachel Thompson
Classes You Teach: Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Conditioning
Birthday: August 22nd
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I was a competitive dancer for over 5 years.
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I started dancing when I was 11.
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I have been teaching dance for almost 5 years!
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: My favorite movie is Matilda.
Fun Fact: I used to have 2 pet pigs!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? Going to school to become an elementary teacher and competing.
Rachel Thompson
Rachel Thompson
Instructor
