Meet The Faculty at DESPA!
Our dedicated faculty at DESPA not only provides top-notch dance training to your child but also imparts valuable life lessons. With over 180 years of combined dance experience, our instructors are committed to offering the best guidance and support to your little dancer. You can find pictures of our faculty below, and by clicking on each headshot, you can read a detailed biography of the teacher who will be guiding your child.
DESPA Faculty 2024-2025
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
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Artistic Director
Competition Team Director
Instructor
(2014-Present)
Melanie Vaughn
Specializes In
PK Dance, Elementary Program, Middle School Program, High School Program, Competition Team
Competition Team Co-Director
Instructor
(2014-Present)
Jillian Ratledge
Specializes In
Lyrical Dance (all levels), Competiton Team, Contemporary Dance, Improv, Choreography
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Instructor
(2021-Present)
Jake Stainback
Specializes In
Jazz/Funk, Contempoary, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Circus Work, Contortion
Instructor
(2025- Present)
Chloe Webster
Specializes In
Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet
Instructor
(2025-Present)
Christina Foster
Specializes In
Tiny Tot Tumble, Acrobatics/Tumbling, Competition Team
Instructor
(2025-Present)
Emmy Reams
Speicalizes In
Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Competition Dance
Artist In Residence
(2025-Present)
Harper Leggett
Specializes In
Leaps and Turns Technique, Ballet, Generalized Technique
Artist In Residence
(2021-Present)
Cara Burke
Specializes In
Contempoary, Tap, Competition Team
Artist In Residence
(2025-Present)
Sam Jones
Specializes In
Master Class Leaps and Turns, Technique Class, Placement
Artist In Residence
(2024-Present)
Ryann Perry
Specializes In
Musical Theatre, Competition Team