ANALAY SAIZ

Principal | Center for Dance Education

Classes Taught: Ballet 2C • Ballet 3C

With decades of experience as a dancer, educator, and school leader, Analay is dedicated to helping every student reach their fullest potential through exceptional dance education. She fosters an environment where technical excellence, artistry, discipline, and character are equally valued, encouraging students to grow with confidence both in and beyond the studio.

What do you hope every student gains during their time at Ballet Spartanburg?

"I hope every student develops confidence, resilience, discipline, and a genuine love for dance. Ballet teaches much more than steps—it teaches perseverance, respect, responsibility, teamwork, and how to overcome challenges."

MAIA BLAKE

Classes Taught: Ballet 1B • Ballet 2B • Contemporary • Adult Contemporary • The Nutcracker Student Cast Rehearsals

Maia loves helping students discover what they're capable of through dance. She creates a classroom that is encouraging, engaging, and fun, where students feel empowered to challenge themselves, celebrate their progress, and enjoy the learning process.

What do you hope students gain from your classes?

"I hope my students gain confidence that extends beyond the studio and into their everyday lives. I also want them to have fun while developing a genuine love and respect for dance."

AVA GRAY BOBBITT

Classes Taught: Pre-Professional Technique • Pointe • Variations

Ava is passionate about preparing the next generation of dancers by helping students grow in both technique and artistry. She encourages dancers to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop the artistic expression needed to transition from dedicated students to emerging professionals.

What advice would you give a student just beginning their dance journey?

"Focus on becoming the best version of yourself and embrace your unique strengths. Don't try to be someone else or compare yourself to those around you. When you lean into who you are, you'll truly flourish."

Lorian Chapelle

MING DILLER

Classes Taught: Ballet 3A • Ballet 3B • Ballet 4B–6 • Adaptive Dance (Ages 5–18)

Watching young dancers discover their own love for dance is one of Ming's favorite parts of teaching. She creates a supportive and encouraging classroom where students are inspired to explore, grow, and develop confidence and curiosity through dance while reaching their fullest potential.

What advice would you give a student just beginning their dance journey?

"Enjoy the journey and always remember what made you want to start dancing in the first place. Be patient with yourself, celebrate the small wins, and never lose sight of how far you've come."

MIKAELA GUIDICE

Classes Taught: Creative Movement • Pre-Ballet • Ballet 1A

Mikaela is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging classroom where young dancers feel supported as they learn, grow, and discover the joy of ballet. She celebrates each student's progress while helping them build confidence, express themselves through movement, and make the ballet studio a place they look forward to each week.

What advice would you give a student just beginning their dance journey?

"Everyone's dance journey looks different, so try not to compare yourself to others. Always be open to learning, don't be afraid to make mistakes, and never lose sight of why you started dancing in the first place."

Kara Hunter 

JESSE JOINER

Classes Taught: Boys' Program • Ballet Levels 4–6

Jesse brings energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for helping students reach their potential. He encourages dancers to work hard, embrace corrections, and challenge themselves while creating a classroom where discipline and enjoyment go hand in hand. Watching students grow stronger and more confident throughout the season is one of his favorite parts of teaching.

Why should boys take ballet?

"Ballet teaches discipline, hard work, and confidence while creating lifelong friendships."

SOPHIA MAGLIOCCO

Classes Taught: Ballet 3C

Sophia is passionate about helping young dancers grow by creating a classroom that is both supportive and challenging. She encourages each student to work hard, build strong technique, and reach their individual potential while reminding them that there is always something new to learn and improve.

What advice would you give a student just beginning their dance journey?

"Work hard, stay determined, and be consistent. Find inspiration anywhere you can, whether through music, performances, or the professional dancers you admire."

NATE NETTLES

Classes Taught: First Position Initiative

Nate believes every child deserves a place where they feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. Through the First Position Initiative, he uses dance to help students build confidence, discover a sense of belonging, and experience the positive impact of mentorship, community, and the arts. He strives to create a welcoming environment where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed.

What do you hope students gain from your classes?

"I hope every student leaves knowing they belong, believing in themselves, and carrying the confidence to take on challenges both inside and outside the studio."

SOFIA NIEBUHR

Classes Taught: Ballet 2A • Ballet 3A • Ballet 3B • Ballet 4A • Ballet 4B–6 • Lyrical • Adult Ballet

Sofia believes lasting progress begins with a strong foundation. She creates a supportive and challenging classroom where students are encouraged to master the fundamentals, embrace mistakes as part of learning, and continue growing with confidence. By adapting to each student's individual needs, she helps dancers develop both technical excellence and a strong work ethic that extends beyond the studio.

What do you hope students gain from your classes beyond technique?

"I hope my students gain a strong work ethic that stays with them in dance and in life."

Anna Patterson

Bio Coming Soon

MICHELLE SCHULTZ

Classes Taught: Adult Tap (Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced) • Adult Jazz

Michelle believes dance is for everyone, no matter when their journey begins. For more than 10 years, she has created a welcoming and encouraging environment where adults of all experience levels can learn, have fun, and enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of dance. Whether stepping into the studio for the first time or returning after years away, Michelle strives to make every class a place where students feel inspired, supported, and part of a community.

What would you say to someone who's thinking about taking their first dance class as an adult?

"It is never too late to start dancing, and you are never too old to dance! Dance is a release, it's therapeutic, it's healing, it creates a community, and it builds lifelong friendships."

GABRIEL WEINER

Classes Taught: Boys' Program (Ages 6–8) • Ballet 3C Partnering

Gabriel believes great teaching goes beyond technique, helping students build confidence both as dancers and as individuals. He creates an environment where clear instruction, discipline, and artistic expression work together, encouraging students to develop strong technique while discovering the joy and artistry of movement.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

"Helping children find confidence in their dancing often means helping them find confidence in who they are. Sometimes, when teaching, you get small glimpses of who a child may become in the future, and I think that is a beautiful thing."

SUSAN WOODHAM

Outreach Coordinator

Classes Taught: Pre-Ballet A • Ballet 1B • Parkinson's and More

For more than 30 years, Susan has inspired dancers of all ages through a teaching philosophy that combines high expectations with encouragement, creativity, and genuine care for every student. She believes dance education extends beyond technique, helping students build confidence, artistry, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for movement while discovering their own creative potential.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

"I love helping young dancers develop the skills that become the foundation of their technique, discover creativity within themselves, and experience the satisfaction of accomplishing something they once thought was difficult."