DIRECTORS

RITA TAYLOR, Founder, CEO and Executive Director. Rita oversees all aspects of the company and is the vision for the overall mission. Rita has a BFA in performance & choreography and a BA in psychology, Graduate studies in clinical counseling and has been a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director for the past 30 years. With a diverse background in the performing arts and over 100 productions in classical ballet and musical theatre, she is a respected member of the arts community.

GARY TAYLOR, Artistic Director and Choreographer. Gary takes a very active interest in the company and is the creative force behind the performances. He visits classrooms and consistently teaches master classes to upper level ensemble students. Considered a premiere expert in ballet and partnering training, students also experience the mastery of his choreography in the Nutcracker as well as his original works.

FACULTY AND STAFF

ELIZABETH FOWLE, Ballet Master

ELIZABETH FOWLE, Ballet Master, Faculty. Elizabeth, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a BFA in Contemporary Dance focusing on contemporary, ballet and composition. Elizabeth has a diverse training background in ballet, pointe, partnering, contemporary, ballroom, jazz, hip hop, music, and was a High Point Ballet Performing member.

CALLI MCINTYRE, Faculty

CALLI MCINTYRE shares her expertise, diverse training, and experience in the classroom teaching all ensemble levels. A native of North Carolina, she started dancing with Gary Taylor Dance at age 3. She continued with dance as well as participating with Imagine Youth Theatre until graduating high school. She earned her BFA in musical theatre from Point Park University, and also minored in jazz dance. Since graduating, Calli has worked in the theatre industry professionally, and is actively auditioning for roles across the country.

callibrielle.com

RYAN TAYLOR, GUEST FACULTY

RYAN TAYLOR, Guest Faculty, Ryan, a graduate of UNCSA in contemporary dance, has a diverse training background in ballet, partnering, contemporary, ballroom, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, Tap, and aerial work. He performed with the pre-professional company, High Point Ballet and also performed professionally with Momix and Royal Carribean Cruise Lines.  He has recently worked with RWS NYC and Holland America touring worldwide.

LEVIZADIK BUCKINS, Guest Faculty

LEVIZADIK (Shadeek) BUCKINS, is a graduate of University of North Carolina School of the Arts, in contemporary dance. During his professional career he has traveled with River North Chicago and danced professionally with High Point Ballet and Winston-Salem Festival Ballet.

CAROL JOHNSON, Guest Faculty

CAROL JOHNSON holds a BS degree in Dance from Radford University and also studied with the Eglevsky School of Ballet and Point Park College in Pittsburgh, PA. Carol has choreographed numerous musicals and industrials for theater companies, schools, and businesses in North Carolina and Virginia.