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MEET THE STAFF
Makenzie Collier is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor with a passion for sharing the joy of movement with others. Born and raised in Georgia, Makenzie began her dance journey at age 13 and quickly discovered her calling. She honed her craft through years of competitive dance, training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, and pointe
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Makenzie's talent and dedication have led to an impressive career performing with renowned artists such as Kanye West, Kelly Clarkson, Keke Palmer, Ashanti, Jagged Edge, Tevin Campbell, Arrested Development, Naughty By Nature, Da Brat, Avery Wilson, Lil Mama, and the legendary Chuck Berry. She has also brought her energy to the television screen with appearances on popular TV shows like "Love Story," "Legacies," "The Vampire Diaries," "Insatiable," "Step Up: High Water," "Superstition,”, “Don’t”, “Doom Patrol” and “Very Scary People”. Her film credits include "Senior Year" and "The Darkest Minds." When she is not working on industry jobs, she is found leading her competitive dance team to regional and nationals 1st place wins and, also, choreographing for Mary Persons High School and Monroe County Middle School's drama programs. Makenzie's most recent choreographic work for the school system was "Fiddler on the Roof", "The Addams Family", and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat".
Makenzie's impact extends beyond the stage and screen. She holds a B.A. in Clinical Psychology and an M.S. in Criminal Justice, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and community service. Her ultimate dream is to open her own dance studio, where she can provide the next generation of dancers with the training and opportunities she was fortunate to receive.
In addition to her performance career, Makenzie frequently travels across the United States to judge dance competitions and teach masterclasses. She shares her expertise with aspiring dancers, providing valuable feedback and inspiration to help them grow in their craft.
Through her teaching and mentoring, Makenzie aims to inspire young dancers to pursue their passions, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of the arts. With her extensive experience, educational background, and infectious enthusiasm she strives to share her knowledge of dance with those in her community.
MEET THE STAFF
Lauren Savelle's is a dancer and educator who has been marked by a lifelong passion for the art form. With a comprehensive background in ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, and pointe, Lauren has dedicated herself to sharing her expertise with students of all ages.
As a dance instructor, Lauren takes pride in her ability to teach students of diverse skill levels and backgrounds. Her expertise in ballet and pointe is particularly noteworthy, as she has a keen understanding of the technical requirements and artistic nuances that define these styles. When teaching, Lauren's primary focus is on fostering a deep appreciation for the art form, as well as providing students with the technical skills necessary to excel.
A quote from an old movie has served as a guiding principle for Lauren: "They ask why I dance. So in return I ask, 'Why do you breathe?' Their answer is always the same: 'I don't know, I just must.' They think they've answered my question, but in reality, they've answered both." This poignant phrase, shared with Lauren by one of her earliest mentors, underscores the intrinsic value of dance as an essential aspect of human expression and connection. As an educator, Lauren is committed to conveying this understanding to her students, inspiring them to approach dance as a vital means of self-expression and communication.
Ella Vinson is a vibrant and energetic dancer who has honed her craft in a variety of styles, including jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, pointe, and hip hop. With a passion for teaching and sharing her love of dance with others, Ella delights in spreading joy and inspiration to her students.
As a versatile performer, Ella has showcased her talents through numerous solos, earning several overall awards and the esteemed titles of Miss Inspire and Miss Star Systems. She, also, claimed a finalist spot in Celebration's Dancer of the Year competition in Jacksonville (2024).
While contemporary dance holds a special place in her heart, Ella's enthusiasm knows no bounds - she has fun in every class she teaches and is always eager to share her energy with her students. Her dedication to continuous growth and improvement has led her to attend multiple workshops and classes to further refine her skills.
With a warm and encouraging approach, Ella's teaching style is designed to empower her students to find their own unique voice and expression through dance. Whether she's guiding beginners or seasoned performers, Ella's infectious passion and expertise ensure that every student leaves class feeling inspired and motivated.
Ava Taylor is a dedicated dancer with six years of experience and three years of competitive dance experience under the guidance of Makenzie Collier. Throughout her competitive career, she has been honored to receive numerous awards, including the Outstanding Senior Dancer of Jacksonville in 2024, multiple judge's choice awards, costume awards and invitations to national competitions for her solos. She has also received scholarships from the Titans of Dance convention and achieved overall placing awards in various dances routines.
As a dance instructor, Ava has had the privilege of sharing her love for dance with students of all ages – from 3 to 12 – for the past three years. She specializes in teaching upbeat classes like hip-hop and jazz, and she has always known that she wanted to become a teacher since elementary school. What drives Ava is not just teaching dance moves, but helping her students grow as individuals. She takes pride in being more than just a dance instructor – she's a mentor, a role model, and a friend.
The most rewarding aspect of Ava's teaching journey is hearing heartfelt comments from students and parents, such as "You are my favorite teacher, Miss Ava," "You've helped my child more than you know," and "Thank you for being my friend, Miss Ava." These words remind her that teaching is not just about imparting technical skills, but about making a positive impact on people's lives.
Gema Hancock, originally from the vibrant city of Cancun, Mexico, relocated to the United States at the age of 18 for college and has since lived in several states, including Utah, Florida, and her current residence in Georgia.
Dancing has always been a passion of hers, starting at a young age. She has performed in various shows across different dance styles such as Salsa, Cumbia, Bachata, Merengue, Banda, traditional Mexican cultural dances, and even Polynesian dances.
Her journey as a ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network) member began in 2019 in Utah, just before the pandemic hit. During the shutdown, she utilized the extra time at home to promote wellness through virtual Zumba classes from her own living room.
By 2024, she seized the opportunity to introduce Zumba to Macon, Georgia, establishing the first Zumba class at a local gym. Starting with just a few participants, many of whom were new to Zumba, the class has grown into a vibrant and passionate community of dancers who have all benefited from the wellness that Zumba promotes.
Today, Gema continues to teach Zumba and share her love for dance and fitness locally, contributing to the wonderful community that Zumba creates.
Gina Hunter, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience as a choreographer, judge, coach, and teacher with the National Dance Council of America (NDCA), is proud to bring ballroom dancing to Forsyth, Georgia. With her extensive training in both American Smooth/Rhythm and International Styles of Latin/Ballroom Dance, Gina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the dance floor.
The comprehensive classes will delve into a range of topics, including dance floor etiquette, rhythms, history of the dances, and technical techniques in popular styles such as Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Bolero, Mambo, Paso Doble, and Swing. With Gina's guidance, students will gain a deeper understanding of the art of ballroom dance and develop the skills needed to become a ballroom pro!
As Ballroom Dancing (Dance Sport) has been officially recognized by the Olympics, Gina notes that there is a renewed interest in the sport. The popularity of TV shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing with the Stars" has also contributed to its growing appeal. As a result, Georgia Dance Lab’s Ballroom Dance Class Series offers an excellent opportunity for individuals to learn from a seasoned expert and potentially discover a new passion..
Jessica Fake is an engaging team player and leader who inspires others to perform at their best. A warm and friendly communicator, she is poised, elevating, and professional, embodying a down-to-earth and positive mentality. Her impeccable approach to creating and maintaining the integrity of quality sets her apart in every endeavor.
As an organized multi-tasker, Jessica is innovative and excels at problem-solving with quick thinking. Her method of customer and client service is characterized by a gentle and calm demeanor, making her welcoming to even the most diverse individuals.
Jessica's greatest passion in life is to help motivate others to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors and start living the lives they deserve. She believes in the power of intuition as a guiding force in the human experience. As both an artist and a coach, Jessica understands that creativity and clear communication in self-expression are fundamental tools for discovering one’s true self and desires.
She offers a variety of services, including guided meditation classes, individual coaching, Reiki energy healing, spiritual reconnection, life and success coaching, and consulting for individuals seeking to explore and create the lives of their dreams. Currently, Jessica is studying hypnotherapy and breath work for certification.
Utilizing various coaching techniques and healing modalities, she provides guidance in shifting mindsets, surrendering, regulating emotions, and mapping goals to help clients navigate through stuck points. Jessica firmly believes that each person is their greatest healer.
In addition to her coaching practice, Jessica is also an artist and designer of creative jewelry, as well as natural skin and hair care products. She seeks to bring balance and wholeness to her creations. Jessica believes that unity begins with oneself, advocating for bridging gaps to establish a sense of community both within oneself and with those in the world around us. Love is considered her driving force.
As a multi-passionate individual who is driven, innovative, and highly solution-based, Jessica acts with enthusiasm and operates logically with purpose in all things.
She looks forward to connecting and collaborating with others!