Teachers

Kim Haight

Kim Haight began teaching dance in 1985 with the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association.  1986-1990, Kim joined the Gilmer Arts Council and Towns County Recreation Department and opened studios in Blairsville, Ellijay, Hiawasee, and Blue Ridge. By 1991 , the multiple studios were too large so all were consolidated into one studio in Blue Ridge, Ga which became known as "Studio 1".  Kim is a former Atlanta Hawks Dancer, a choreographer, competition judge, and instructor . Her students have performed for Disney, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, 1996 Summer Olympics, television, and videos. Many have gone on to professional careers in dance.  Kim's students have held multiple National and Regional titles in dance over the last 30 years. 

Andrea Childers

Andrea has been teaching dance for 19 years. She attended Brenau University on a dance scholarship and was invited to dance with the Gainseville Ballet. She was a former high school majorette and won state titles as a competitive twirler. Andrea has trained with the Academy of Dance Arts, Studio 1, Broadway Dance Center in NYC, The Georgia Ballet and Brenau University. She has recieved many regional and national dance awards. Andrea enjoys teaching dance at Studio 1!

Marissa Seymore

Marissa has been dancing for 18 years and has been teaching for Studio 1 for 7 years. She has trained with Broadway Dance Center in NYC, Tremaine Dance Convention, Excel Dance Convention and many other places. She has performed pre-game and halftime for the Atlanta Hawks. Performed as a back up danceer in Palmer Miray's music video "Spark." Has trained under Marty Dew,  Jason Kalish, Alex Wong, Twitch, Brian Henniger, Casie Goshow, Kent Boyd and many others. Played top roles such as Clara and Sugar Plum in the Nutcracker, Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Sebastian in the Little Mermaid and Step Sister in Cinderella. She performed at Disney in 2013, performed at light up Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Jazz on Tap & Ballet Festival. She has competed at many National and Regional competitions and holds many top awards and has received many scholarships. Marissa is in the nursing program and is on her way to being an RN. She enjoys swimming, camping and spending time with her husband Evan Seymore. Marissa loves to teach at Studio 1 and loves watching all her dancers grow and enjoy the same passion she has. 

Kennedi Haight ( Guest Teacher ) 

Kennedi began dancing at age 2 1/2 and has trained with her Mom and Studio 1 in all dance forms.  She was a Company Dancer from age 5-18.   Kennedi was an Atlanta Falcons Junior Cheerleader for 2 seasons and has danced multiple times for the Atlanta Hawks through Clinics and as part of her Studio 1 Dance Company. Kennedi has taken classes at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in New York several summers as well as Gotta Dance Studio in Atlanta. She has attended many master classes and workshops with Dancers from "So You Think You Can Dance" including Twitch, Travis Wall, Sonya Tayeh, Kathryn McCormick, Jaimie Goodwin, and more. Kennedi is currently a member of  the Valdosta State University Red Hots Dance Team. 

Arianna Standrige -  Bio and photo coming soon.   Ballet, Pointe, Tap Instructor. 

Jessica

Jessica has been a certified Zumba instructor since 2012.  She teaches 3 hours of Zumba per week at Studio 1 and hosts Zumbathon fund raising events for charity throughout the year.  She enjoys helping others to improve their fitness and reduce their stress through dance.  Her dance education started in childhood when she took ballet, jazz and gymnastic classes.  In high school she performed on the drill team which included performing dance and flag routines during sporting events and in parades.  She received her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Georgia State University.  She graduated from Emory University with a Master's Degree in Medical Science in 2004. Currently Jessica works as a Physician Assistant at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates here in Fannin County.  Her hobbies other than dancing include horseback riding, reading, camping, swimming, and spending time with her husband William Collins and family.  She is a proud mother of two Star South Dance Company dancers at Studio 1.