Rachel Griffin
Owner & Director
Rachel has been in the arts for as long as she can remember and is well known for being a professional dance instructor and youth technique coach. She grew up in Augusta, GA and began classes with Frances & Sandra Stevenson in North Augusta, SC. From there she trained with a variety of local teachers and took class with studios that left an impression on her, such as Bon Ellis and Peter Powlus at The Augusta Ballet (1991 - 1996) Pam Gadapee Tabor and Mickey Lubeck at The Dance Shoppe (1995 - 2001). While still in high school, it was Pam Gadapee Tabor that introduced to her to the art of assisting & teaching dance, along with an introduction to competitive dance. It wasn't until several years later after graduating that a close cousin, Nico Price and several teachers at The Ballet School in Valdosta, GA - Kathy Turner and Kelly Smith, in addition to several Valdosta State University Professors who taught her the skills to help students on a technical level and molded her into the teacher she is today. A special group of dancers in Valdosta, Ga also gave her the training and experience to teach dance to groups with special needs. She later moved back to Augusta, Ga where she taught at local studios in addition to teaching in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Augusta, Ga. Columbia and Aiken, SC. Through the years Rachel has gained experience with not just dance but live theater, pageants, costuming, prop production, show management and event marketing. Some of these programs included an internships with Disney in 2002, a Carowinds - Paramount project in 2003, competition & convention history. In addition to dance, she has a background in graphic design along with extensive cosmetology experience. With over 25+ years experience teaching in a classroom, she has served as a dance and cheer adjudicator, coached dance teams and donated her time in the community. In 2014 she opened The North Augusta School of Dance in addition to continuing her work with live shows, traveling, event production and help with youth organization management in the dance world. Rachel loves working within her community and was awarded the WRDW News 12 Time to Care Award in May 2016.
Rachel takes a great deal of pride in the relationships she builds with her students and is recognized for developing dancers to reach their highest potential. She finds it fulfilling to help dancers realize what they are truly capable of accomplishing.
She’s incredibly grateful to be able to do what she loves and it’s evident in her students’ adopted passion and talent. Outside of the dance studio, you can find Rachel keeping tabs on just about every Broadway show ever created, enjoying married life with her husband Daniel and her daughter Mia.
Elle Starzec Donner
Performing Arts Director
Elle Starzec’s training began at Mrs. Betsy's School of Dance in Franklin, North Carolina. Her training included all types of dance as well as musical theater. As an advanced dancer she was invited to participate in the studios company where she performed in various locations. Because of this benefit she was able to attend many theaters and dance structured workshops, master classes, and intensives all over the United States. She also found, at an early age, not only did she enjoy dance but the theater as well. She has performed in many productions and choreographed many as well. She has also been trained in all areas of the theater from center stage to backstage. A few shows she has choreographed include: “White Christmas;” “Into the Woods;” and “25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Her specialty includes choreography in musical theater and various types of dance all over Georgia, South and North Carolina. She moved to Augusta Georgia in 2011 to attend Augusta University in that same year she began teaching around Augusta as well. As a performance arts director she teaches performance groups, beginner classes to advanced classes. She is also one of the founding teachers of The North Augusta school of Dance. Elle cannot wait to continue sharing her love for dance with others.
Now booking private lessons & coaching - Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz & Jazz Theater: ellestarzec@gmail.com
Jessica Bailey
Ballet Director
Jessica Bailey has performed professionally as a classically trained ballerina with the Augusta Ballet, Dance Augusta, and the Ballet Theatre of Maryland. Her choreography includes work for companies such as Augusta Preparatory Day School, AU’s department of Communications, AU’s Opera Ensemble, the Augusta Opera, and Le Chat Noir. She is a certified Pilates Mat Instructor, and is a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Augusta University.
The North Augusta School of Dance is proud to have her share her love and dance knowledge teaching our ballet classes!
Sharon Skepple Mayfield
Artist-In-Residence
“Sharon Skepple’s gloriously weighted solo dancing are pungent reminders of the electrifying revolutionary contributions modern dance made to the human expression during the period in which Graham was it’s chief exponent.”
-D.J. McDONALD, Berkshire Eagle
(Principal Soloist/ Instructor/Bessie Award Winner) was born in Antigua, West
Indies and raised in St. Croix US Virgin Island where she began her studies in dance with the Caribbean Dance Company under the tutelage of Monty Thompson. She studied as a scholarship recipient and graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts (NCSA) in 1989 under the guidance of Dianne Markham, Mable Robinson, Richard Kuch and Richard Gain. During her final year at NCSA, Skepple attended a summer workshop conducted by Garth Fagan Dance and caught the attention of Garth Fagan as a promising dancer. Impressed by her energy, Fagan offered her a position with Garth Fagan Dance in 1988. After studying the Fagan technique, Skepple was promoted to a principal soloist in 1990. Fagan has created major roles for her, including Telling a Story, Moth Dreams, Two Pieces of One: Green, which won Skepple a New York Dance and Performance Award “Bessie” in 1999. As a principal soloist with Garth Fagan Dance,
Skepple has performed with Don Pullen, Keith Jarrett, D.D. Jackson, Carlos Ward, and Billy Bang. Skepple also appeared on the worldwide premier of Griot New York, aired on PBS’s Great Performances: Dance in America Series with Wynton Marsalis and the Wynton Marsalis Septet. In addition to being a principal soloist, Skepple taught company classes on tour and at the Garth Fagan Dance School in Rochester, New York beginning in 1994. During the choreographing of the “Lion King”, Mr. Fagan entrusted Sharon to oversee all company classes, master classes, company rehearsals, and lecture demonstrations. She taught master class workshops for Garth Fagan at universities such as: University of North Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina School of the Arts, Winthrop College Rock Hill, South Carolina, Skidmore College, Florida State University, Wayne State University, Maui Fine Arts Center, and other schools and universities throughout the United States and abroad. In 2006, Mayfield had the opportunity to give a two week
master class session to the cast of dancers at the Celine Dion’s Las Vegas show “A New Day. ”
In 2006, After eighteen years, Skepple-Mayfield retired from Garth Fagan Dance to pursue a career in dance education. After relocating to Augusta, Georgia, Sharon Skepple Mayfield worked as a freelance dance instructor for local dance programs teaching modern dance technique for all levels and ages. She became a faculty member for the Richmond County Board of Education’s Arts Infusion Program at Windsor Spring Elementary School were she taught K-5 students basic dance technique and theater etiquette. In 2008, Mayfield became a faculty member at John S. Davidson Fine Arts High School teaching and choreographing for beginner, intermediate, and advance level modern dance, advanced men’s dance classes, and was the teacher director of Davidson's
Annual Black History Show from 2008-2015. In 2007, Mrs. Mayfield became a member of the Florida Dance Association and gave master classes at the
University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College from 2007-2009. Mayfield created, in 2016, The Mayfield Dance & Music LLC, to provides modern dance classes in a structured, motivational environment where movement invention is deeply explored and a higher level of discipline and self-confidence is encouraged. This technical training hub provides safe healthy challenges for the developing dancer by preparing them for life, college, and the artistic process of being marketable. The North Augusta School of Dance is honored to have her oversee modern classes as well as experience her professional presence.
Hannah Walden
Hannah Walden has been singing all her life. Coming from a musical family, she was raised from an early age surrounded by music and rehearsals. Her performance and choir experience started at the age of 3 and has continued throughout her life. Hannah began classical choral training at 11, attending Davidson Fine Arts School. She was an auditioned Georgia Music Educators Association All State Chorus participant for seven years. She continued her training with several gifted instructors throughout high school and college. She has been a featured soloist and worship leader at Warren Baptist Church. Also, she worked as a professional vocalist and actor for The Singing Princesses, a party and events company where she loved using songs to bring a little magic to children’s special occasions. Hannah has been leading preschool worship for several years and began leading a preschool choir at Warren Baptist in 2018. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and has experience as a classroom teacher.
Hannah has a passion for singing and loves helping each new singer reach their goals. Students in her class will learn fundamentals of correct singing that will help them have a solid foundation as future musicians. She loves working with young students who are interested in growing their vocal abilities and reaching their full potential. She believes it is very important to teach children to protect their voices and uses exercises and songs to help them sing in a developmentally appropriate way. Singing exercises your heart and lungs and releases endorphins which make you feel good. Voice lessons are also a great way to build confidence. Learning the basics of music theory in voice class will help make students well rounded musicians.
Hannah is married to her wonderful husband Kevin and they have two budding musicians, Aria and Kaydence. Hannah loves serving at her church, spending time with her family, and singing along with musicals. She is excited to be part of growing this new aspect of the arts at North Augusta School of Dance.
Mrs Hannah is available for private lessons - Please contact our office for booking info.
Ana Carolina Morandini
Brazilian dancer Ana Carolina Morandini started her ballet training at the age of 6. Morandini grew up in Brazil and trained at the Sigma Dance School in Bauru, São Paulo. While at the School, she also trained in Jazz dance and Contemporary. Among her performances as a student and later with the company, she performed in productions of Romeo and Juliet, Copellia, Paquita, Le Corsaire, The Nutcracker and Carmen pas de deux. She danced leading roles in much of the company’s repertoire. She went on with her training at the Petite Danse School in Rio de Janeiro and she has participated in numerous workshops and International Dance competitions such as Cuballet in 2004 and New York City Dance Alliance in 2009. Prior to joining North Augusta School of Dance, she has been a dancer at the Alonzo King Lines Ballet Studio in San Francisco, California where she has taken classes with Christina Johnson, Eric Wagner, Brett Conway and CharlesTorres.
Donald Raymond Strogonoff
Artist-In-Residence
Donald Raymond Strogonoff, also known as "Mr. Don," is an experienced gymnastics coach and artist-in-residence. He has dedicated over 40 years of his life to coaching gymnastics and has owned and coached at three successful gymnastics gyms since 1975, starting in Ohio.
Throughout his coaching career, Donald has had the opportunity to coach and judge at national and international levels. He has traveled to countries such as Canada, Germany, Poland, and Russia for coaching and judging gymnastics competitions. His educational background in Biomechanics, Sports Psychology, and Sports Medicine has equipped him with technical knowledge that enhances his coaching abilities.
Donald considers his most significant coaching achievements to be having eight girls on the National Team and supporting ten girls in pursuing college education through gymnastics. These accomplishments highlight his dedication to nurturing talent and empowering young athletes to achieve their goals both in sports and academics.
After retiring from full-time coaching, Donald got married and relocated to Thomson, Georgia. However, his passion for coaching led him to become the "Coaches' Coach" at a Competitive Cheerleading Facility in Thomson. He immersed himself in the world of cheerleading, coaching tumbling and cheer for two National Cheerleading Championship Teams in Martinez.
In 2006, Donald was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, which has unfortunately limited his ability to coach as extensively as he would like. However, despite this challenge, he has continued to contribute to the local community by designing and teaching an Acro-Tumbling program. This program aims to help dance companies in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) region incorporate acrobatic skills into their competitive dance routines. Donald provides private and semi-private lessons, sharing his expertise and assisting dancers in enhancing their performances with acrobatic elements.
Donald Raymond Strogonoff's dedication, technical knowledge, and coaching accomplishments have made him a respected figure in the gymnastics and cheerleading communities. Despite facing personal challenges, he continues to make a positive impact on aspiring athletes and dancers through his Acro-Tumbling program.
Alexandria Krumme
Artist-In-Residence
lexandria Krumme, known as Alex, is a dedicated cheerleading and tumbling coach with 10 years of experience in the field. Her expertise lies in cheer-dance choreography, jumps, and strength and flexibility training.
Alex's journey in cheerleading began in 2008 when she started competing at a facility in Thomson. In 2009, she achieved her first Cheersport National Championship title, marking a significant milestone in her cheerleading career. Inspired by her passion for the sport, she transitioned to coaching in 2010 and established her own satellite cheerleading program. Through her program, she traveled to various competitions, sharing her knowledge and skills with her students.
In 2010, Alex organized and executed her own tumbling and stunt clinic, demonstrating her commitment to teaching and mentoring aspiring cheerleaders. She continued competing until 2011, further honing her skills and staying actively involved in the cheerleading community.
In 2011, Alex joined a gym in Martinez, where she had the opportunity to coach a Cheersport national championship team. Alongside coaching the championship team, she also led tumbling and flexibility classes and clinics, imparting her expertise to aspiring cheerleaders at various skill levels.
Her dedication to coaching led her to new opportunities in 2019 when she coached at a Department of Defense (DOD) high school in Wiesbaden, Germany. This experience allowed her to expand her coaching horizons internationally.
Currently, Alex is thrilled to be teaching Acro-tumbling at NASD (presumably referring to a specific institution). Her role as an artist-in-residence involves instructing students in the art of acrobatics and tumbling, allowing them to develop their skills and enhance their dance routines.
With her wealth of experience, passion for coaching, and dedication to the sport, Alexandria Krumme continues to make a positive impact on the lives of cheerleaders and aspiring acro-tumblers. Her expertise and commitment to her students make her an invaluable asset to the NASD community.
Coach Alex is available for private lessons. Please contact our office for booking info.
Josie Moore
Josie is a versatile and emerging artist from Newberry, South Carolina. In her early years of dance training, she attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. During her summers she has trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Josie’s dancing experience ranges from Classical ballet and Modern all the way to musical theatre. She is a graduate of The University of North Carolina School for the Arts majoring in contemporary dance. During her time at UNCSA she has performed a variety of works including, Robert Battles’, Battle Field. She has also worked in collaboration with Ashley Lindsey and Garen Scribner on separate short film projects.
Aside from her dance courses, Josie enjoys teaching dance to younger students, and gaining experience as an emerging choreographer. Upon graduation, Josie is interested in a deeper exploration into dance on film as the pandemic has forced us to look at the art form in different ways.
Josie prioritizes creating a safe space for all dancers when approaching work. She brings elements from her classical, modern, and contemporary training experience forward within each class. Exploring energetic pathways through space is an important principle as well in her class. Josie’s main goal is to allow dancers to feel comfortable with making artistic choices while forming a strong technical foundation.
Jamie Jimenez
Jamie began her dance training at eleven years old and quickly fell in love. Jamie began ballet, modern, tap, and jazz classes at Davidson Fine Arts and continued her education at Georgia College and State University. While in college she took part in several programs for dance pedagogy and choreography as well as attending the American College Dance Association conference. She graduated in 2022 and earned a Bachelor of Science studying psychology with a minor in dance. Jamie is excited to be back in Augusta to help the next generation of dancers on their journeys
Rhiannon English
Rhiannon has lived in Augusta the majority of her life, with only short stints in Atlanta and Gainesville, Florida. She grew up taking gymnastics with Jim Mousseau (Gymnastics Gold) and Tanya, Dennis & Daniel Hayden (Hayden's Gymnastics) as well as Ballet, Tap and Jazz at the Augusta Ballet School (Colton Ballet) with Bon Ellis, Zanne Colton & Peter Powlus. She owes the majority of her competition-level Gymnastics/Tumbling training to Krystal Abrille, Gerson Ramirez, Grisha Gutkin, Meike Guzenrodt and Denise Kell of Atlanta North Stars Gymnastics in 2018-2019.
Rhiannon has a Degree in Theatre from Augusta University and has used her on-stage, technical and leadership skills to work with local arts organizations over the last twenty years including: Behind the Masque; Cutno Dance; DSBC; 5,6,7,8 Studios; Le Chat Noir; Ed Turner & Number Nine; Musical Theatre Workshops; Storyland Theatre; Wages of Cine; returning to Augusta University as an Alumni Stage Manager; and many other area Arts efforts. Rhiannon has been a featured Workshop Presenter at the Georgia State Theatre Conference in 2016 as well as the Florida State Theatre Conference in 2016 & 2017 and the South Carolina State Theatre Conference in 2017.
Rhiannon enjoys coaching and teaching at high performance levels but also finds real joy in recreational participants, adults and anyone who wants to incorporate Dance, Theatre and Performance of all styles into their activities of daily life.
She is certified with Acrobatic Arts.
Anna Kay Merks
Anna Kay Merks has as far back as she remembers loved performing, dancing and music! At age 5, she started lessons in ballet, tap and jazz. She competed in many talents, showcases and always loved the stage. She is one of six children and grew up with four other sisters who all danced together. They performed as a team and made some of her fondest memories with them by her side! She was also a story teller in her primary and elementary school years. Throughout her childhood and teen years, she narrated theatrical performances and acted in plays (to name a few Nick at Nite, Wind in the Willows, The King & I). At age 7, she became skilled and more involved with baton twirling and by 12 started competing. Through high school she was Captain of the majorette team, performing in many halftime shows such as the Sugar Bowl. Her competitive majorette team won several titles including Halftime Champions and State. She still enjoys twirling and dance.
Now with four children of her own, she enjoys participating in their hobbies. Of course, dance being one of them! Recently relocating to North Augusta, SC from Athens, Georgia, she’s very thankful for this opportunity to be at this studio to teach and to get to know my students and meet new friends.
Avery Phillips
Avery Phillips began dancing at the age of 2.5 when her mom thought it would be a “fun summer activity”. She fell in love instantly and hasn’t stopped since! Avery has a deep passion for dancing and performing and aims to allow all people, regardless of age, background, or level, the tools and space necessary to develop their own passion. She has trained in many styles including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, and more. She also has experience teaching all levels of dancers from 2 years old through adults, beginner through advanced. In her classes, she focuses on building a strong technical foundation alongside performance quality, artistry, and joy. Avery is new to Augusta but so excited to be here and to start her journey at NASD!
Eryn Benz
We are honored to have the beautiful Eryn Benz join us at many of our events through the year. She is available for private voice coaching at our facility, in addition to many other talents.
To contact her, please email: eryneeb@gmail.com
Rachel Peters
Rachel has been trained in ballet since she was eight years old and has since pursued several different dance styles including lyrical, modern, and theater. She has performed in the pre-professional and professional levels, most notably being contracted for the Logos Theater’s The Scarlet Pimpernel in 2023. Rachel loves investing in young dancers to give them a solid foundation in dance, in addition to teaching them teamwork, respect, and a love for the arts. Currently, she is a trainee with Renovate Ballet in Augusta, GA and is excited to be pursuing a professional performance career as well as a teaching career with NASD. Rachel is passionate about her Christian faith, and enjoys spending time with her church, her friends, and her family.
Gabriel Hughes
Gabriel Hughes brings a rich and diverse background in dance to North Augusta School of Dance, with over two decades of training and performance experience across multiple disciplines. Beginning his ballet training at age 5, Gabriel later performed professionally as a ballet dancer and now directs his family’s ballet company based in Evans, Georgia.
He studied modern and African dance under the renowned Sharon Mayfield for five years, grounding his movement in both tradition and expressive freedom. Gabriel has also trained in ballroom dance for two years and has traveled extensively across the country attending classes and workshops in hip hop—learning directly from some of the most respected names in the industry.
With a commitment to discipline, artistry, and personal growth, Gabriel brings a dynamic, inclusive, and high-expectation energy to every class. His mission is to help dancers unlock their full potential, refine their technique, and express their unique voice through movement.
He’s honored to join the team at North Augusta School of Dance and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of artists.
Julie Hughes
Julie Sierra Hughes started her training when she was 4 years old with the Augusta Ballet School (now the Colton Ballet School) where she trained as a scholarship student with Ron Colton, Zanne Colton and Peter Powlus. At age 15, she first went to NYC as a full-scholarship student with the Joffrey Ballet School American Ballet Center for their Trainee Division. She was recognized as one of their top 3 dancers and awarded for completion of course in Ballet Technique from July 1996 - June 2001. Before perusing her 7 year career as a ballerina and Broadway dancer, Julie also was awarded full-scholarships with SC Governor’s School for the Arts in 1994 & 1995, Gelsey Kirkland Workshop in 1996 and M&M ADT Workshop in 1998. She trained with various world-renowned teachers while in NYC @ Broadway Dance Center, STEPS on Broadway and Hop Swing & A Jump.
She performed on Broadway with New York Ballet Group 2000-2001 and was also pictured on NYC’s Times Square billboard located on Broadway with The Metropolitan Opera. She has been seen in NYU’s film productions and modeled in NYC for various agencies including Wilhelmina print as well as Art Stone Dance Catalog from 1997-2003.
While in NYC she was Director of Dance @ The Point CDC in Hunts Point, Bronx where she had Crazy Legs among other famous hip-hop and b-boy teachers teach for her studio. She also worked with Cirque du Soleil’s inner-city program Cirque du Monde where she taught circus arts such as acrobatics, silks, stilts, tightrope, toss juggling, trapeze, Lyra and acro balance. After being swept off her feet by her husband, Stephen, in 2003 she retired from dance. They created Franklinton Dance Theatre near Raleigh, NC while Stephen completed his MDIV to become a pastor/Chaplin. Their performing company toured the southeast & Texas.
Some of her professional performing experience includes performing with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet @ Lincoln Center, Contemporary Ballet Theatre of the Bronx, Dance Theatre in Westchester and the Albany Berkshire Ballet where she toured New England. She also was a Guest Artist with American Ballet Theatre @ Lincoln Center in their 2001 ballet Cinderella and also was 1 of 2 American dancers selected to perform with the Kirov Ballet @ Lincoln Center in their 2002 ballet La Bayadere. After dedicating her life to Christ, Calvary Baptist Church of NYC sent her and her dance partner to dance on a 10 day mission trip to Sal Paulo, Brazil.
In 1994, Julie started as an Apprentice with the Augusta Ballet Company (formerly Dance Augusta and now Colton Ballet) and in 1999, she performed as Principal Ballerina her dream role of Sugar Plum Fairy. She performs in their Nutcracker every year @ the Imperial Theatre Thanksgiving weekend. In 2015, she played Francesca in the Augusta Players West Side production.
Julie and Stephen are proud parents of Aunica, born in 2009, and Aiden, born in 2015. Julie loves serving in her church and community and is excited to share her love of dance with NASD students.
Kayleigh Atterton
Kayleigh is an aspiring dancer who hopes to pursue a career in the commercial industry. She started dancing at the age of 5 and at age 11 began training at pre professional studios in the Columbia, SC area. She has trained for the last 3 years under Dale Lam at CCJ Conservatory. In addition, she has also trained with Farfalla Stretch Method, Details Elite Coaching, Jordan McNichols, and Blake Stanley. Her dedication has earned her numerous scholarships to prestigious programs including Steps on Broadway, Royal Flux, Ballet Hispánico, CLI Conservatory, and the Ohio State Dance Clinic. She also received an invitation to perform with Royal Caribbean, a milestone opportunity in her journey toward a professional career. Kayleigh has attended countless competitions, receiving many top 3 placements and was honored to place Top 23 teen at The Dance Awards in 2023. She’s also attended summer intensives where she worked with renowned choreographers and educators including Francisco Gella at the Preprofessional Dance Institute in Santa Fe, Jaclyn Royal at the Royal Flux in Los Angeles, and Blake McGrath in his summer pre professional mentorship program. In addition, Kayleigh has also been invited to film training videos for Farfalla Go, modeled for Weissman Dancewear, participated in Julianna D. Photography’s Model Club, and walked in the Tiger Friday Runway Show for two consecutive years. Kayleigh’s drive, versatility, and love for dance continue to shape her as she works towards her dream of performing and inspiring others in the dance world.