POWERHOUSE DANCE CENTER STAFF

Allie Steele - Owner/Director

Miss Allie was born in Miami, Florida and started taking dance at the age of two. She studied Ballet from her mother and then moved to Atlanta, Georgia and began performing in the competition world. After winning numerous titles and awards, Allie graduated high school and began her career with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, dancing in the live shows. After performing on ships for three years, she moved to Los Angeles to further her dance career. Living in Los Angeles gave Allie the opportunity to perform and work for many artist including: Avril Lavigne, Matt Goss, Jimmy Fallon, the cast of Glee, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Robin Antin and The PussyCat Dolls, Carmen Electra, and many more. She has danced in music videos, TV shows and live shows such as the VMA'S, and the Grammys.  In 2012, Allie decided to move back to Atlanta and teach dance to give back everything she has learned and accomplished to all the young inspired dancers out there.

Nicole Johnson - Company Director

Nicole Johnson is an Atlanta native and a founding artist of Fly on a Wall.  As a young artist Nicole trained at The Atlanta Ballet Center for Dance Education, and she joined the Atlanta Ballet in 2006. Here she had the pleasure of performing works by a number of choreographers; George Balanchine, Diane Coburn Bruning, Alan Hineline, Stephen Mills, Micheal Pink, Stanton Welch, and Lila York, John McFall and Lauri Stallings.  In 2009 she began to explore more contemporary work with dance maker Lauri Stalling’s and this led to the formation of gloATL, a platform for contemporary movement language and physical gesture. While with glo, she was a part of numerous experiences created for Atlanta and beyond, from Rapt in 2009 to The Social Animal in 2013.  Nicole has had the opportunity to work intimately with a number of artists across many mediums and this has given her the understanding that all work is truly collaborative at heart; a belief that led to the creation of Fly on a Wall in 2014.  Nicole is currently focusing her energy on new creations for Fly on a Wall and exploring the possibilities inside multidisciplinary work. Alongside her career as a performer, Nicole has been teaching dance through various platforms since 2003; primarily focusing on ballet and contemporary technique.  She enjoys sharing what information she has accumulated thus far, and finds the exchange between student and teacher is often a two way street for learning and sharing.  Nicole is grateful for all of the support from her friends, family, and mentors…

​Michael Hebert - Creative Director

Michael Hebert, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, has built an illustrious career in dance, primarily based in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with a significant presence in Kennesaw, Georgia. Throughout his professional journey, he has trained under the guidance of numerous influential instructors, whose mentorship has refined his exceptional artistry and technical mastery. Michael’s competitive record is distinguished, with participation in prestigious regional and national dance competitions, where he has consistently earned top honors, including title recognitions and other notable awards, cementing his status as a leading figure in the dance community.
A pinnacle of Michael’s career came in 1996 when he was selected as one of five featured dancers in the Opening Ceremonies of the Atlanta Olympic Games, a prestigious honor that showcased his extraordinary skill and commanding stage presence on an international platform. During this iconic performance, Michael had the distinct privilege of working directly under the creative direction of renowned choreographer Kennedy Ortega, whose visionary leadership elevated the ceremony’s artistic impact and further enriched Michael’s performance experience. Additionally, from 1999 to 2006, he performed as a dancer for the Miss Georgia Pageant in Columbus, Georgia, demonstrating his versatility and professionalism. His talents have also been sought by major corporations, including Reebok, Nike, and AOL Time Warner, for numerous high-profile industrial productions, underscoring his broad appeal as a performer.
Beyond his dance achievements, Michael is an accomplished vocalist, having performed as an opening act for celebrated artists such as Ashanti, Musiq Soulchild, Ruben Studdard, Sean Paul, and T.I., captivating audiences with his dynamic presence across multiple artistic mediums.
Currently residing in Kennesaw, Georgia, Michael has been a cornerstone of the dance community for over a decade, serving as an instructor and choreographer at Powerhouse Dance Center for the past ten years. His work at Powerhouse has solidified his reputation as an inspiring educator, with classes renowned for their high-energy, fast-paced, and engaging atmosphere. Michael’s teaching philosophy blends technical precision, artistic innovation, and a commitment to student growth, challenging dancers to push their limits and achieve excellence at the highest levels. 

Stacey Turner

Stacey Turner brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the studio, specializing in jazz technique, lyrical, musical theatre, and functional strength training for dancers. Known for her dynamic classes and passion for performance, Stacey blends artistry with athleticism to help dancers reach their full potential. In addition to her studio work, Stacey has been a dedicated Pure Barre instructor for more than a decade and currently serves as the Director of Teacher Operations for seven Pure Barre locations. Her unique blend of technical expertise and cross-training insight makes her a valuable leader and mentor in the dance community.

 Jennifer Cara Clark

Ms. Jenn was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee but grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia. She began dancing at the age of 3, and received her early training from Powerhouse Dance Company. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University(KSU) with a BA in dance as a modern concentration. She studied under artists such as Ivan Pulinkala, Yoram Karmi, and Lauri Stallings and was a member of Nu Delta Alpha, a dance honors society. While at KSU she received scholarships for excellence in dance, and in her senior year her choreography was chosen for the spring concert. Post college, she spent 3 years dancing professionally with gloatl, where she was given the opportunity to dance in New York with the organization Creative Time, and for Cirque Du Soleil in One Night One Drop. She guest taught at multiple summer intensives during her college years, which is where she found the joy of teaching. Jennifer has assisted and substituted at Powerhouse since she was 17 and she's excited to be part of the creative team.

Nicole Nightingale

We are thrilled to welcome Nicole Nightingale back to Powerhouse Dance Center. For eleven years she studied intensely at PHDC and was one of our first students. She started dancing at the age of three. Wanting to pursue dance professionally, Nightingale took initiative to expand into the Kennesaw State Dance intensives where she was able to deepen her training before college. Nicole was accepted and graduated early from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee under the direction of Cathy Young and Tommy Dance Neblett. Her exponential growth as an artist came from immersing herself in the instruction of Diane Arvanites, Joy Davis, Kurt Douglas, Maggie Gorrill, Dean Vollick. She graduated with a BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance with an Emphasis in Pedagogy and received a scholarship for dance education from the founder of the dance program, Jan Veen. Nicole has a passion for teaching and was recruited back to her hometown in Marietta, Georgia to teach and choreograph. Nicole’s teaching and dancing is sculpted through experiences, students, and insights from training with Jennifer Archibald and Zoe Scofield. Nightingale had the privilege of restaging a piece on her fellow colleagues by Catherine Coury performed by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in March of 2020. She graduated with her BFA in December of 2019 to pursue her artistry and continue making a positive impact on her students.
Jimmy Joyner
Bio Coming Soon.

Erin Wolf

Ms. Erin brings a wealth of knowledge to the PHDC staff.  Her dance training began at the age of 4 in her home state of Michigan.  She was a founding member of the Dynamic Dancers Performing Company through which performed for a number of years.  While receiving a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Dance at Michigan State University, Erin performed with the MSU Repertory Dance Company.  She continued her dance training upon moving to Orlando, Florida.  Erin worked in the Entertainment Department at Walt Disney World, becoming very close friends with several  Disney Princesses (Ariel, Cinderella, Belle and Aurora). She performed in shows and parades and toured with the company.  Erin has trained at a number of Dance Conventions and taken Master Classes in New York City.  Outside of dance, she worked as a TV News Reporter in both Michigan and Florida, and is a former titleholder in the Miss America Scholarship Organization.  She is the mother of four  dancers and is celebrating her 17th year with Powerhouse Dance Center. She is also a Parapro for Cobb County Schools and has extensive experience with Special Needs students.

Jaye Huggett

Miss Jaye was born and raised in London, England where she started dancing at the age of 3 and hasn’t ever stopped. After studying the Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus and competing in many dance competitions she was awarded a scholarship to study Dance and Musical Theatre at the London Studio Centre. There she completed her I.S.T.D teaching qualifications, toured with The Seedtime Musical Theatre Company around the UK and had the honor of performing for The Queen, Prime Minister and other heads of states at Westminster Abbey.

 After graduation Miss Jaye toured the world as a dancer/ vocalist and dance captain onboard Cruise Liners for Openwide International and Suncruises . Her other experience includes singing backing vocals on the soundtrack for a new musical, performing in many Pantomimes, Theatre in Education Programs, UK tours, Repertory Companies and West End theatres as an actor, singer and dancer. Miss Jaye has had the opportunity to work as a character dancer/actress with the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet and Mariinsky Theatre on numerous occasions at The London Coliseum, Royal Albert Hall and Royal Opera House in London.

 Teaching has always been close to her heart since starting out as a teacher’s apprentice at the age of 15. Since then Miss Jaye has taught all styles of dance and musical theatre to all ages and has choreographed for recitals, competitions and corporate shows. She is now enjoying raising her 2 young children and sharing the joy of dance and performance with not only them but all her young energetic students.

Mary-Evelyn Kirkland

Mary-Evelyn Kirkland (Atlanta, GA) began her dance training at The Georgia Ballet and Powerhouse Dance Company where she extensively studied ballet, jazz, and contemporary. She graduated with a BA in Mass Communication and a Dance Minor
from Georgia College and State University. She danced principle roles including Giselle and the Sugarplum Fairy with the Georgia College Community Dance Program. She obtained her MFA in Choreography from the University of North Carolina Greensboro
where she received the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. She was a 2018-2019 ImmerseATL Artist and has danced for many independent choreographers in Atlanta. She is currently on faculty at Agnes Scott College and dancing with Kitmodus under the direction of Jillian Mitchell.

Devan Raines

Devan began dancing at two years old at The Dance Factory, Inc. in Austell, GA. There, she trained in tap, jazz, ballet, and lyrical. While in middle school, Devan choreographed and led rehearsals for PRIDE, a performing group promoting a drug-free lifestyle in her middle school. She then choreographed numerous other middle schools’ PRIDE shows throughout Georgia. Devan auditioned and was chosen to attend Pebblebrook High School’s Excellence in Performing Arts Magnet School Program. There Devan found a love for modern, contemporary, and musical theatre! She became a teaching assistant to Ms. Debbie Wells, owner of The Dance Factory, in her freshman year. Shortly after, Devan began choreographing routines for competition and won her first overall competition choreography award when she was only 15 years old! She knew she had found her calling! Devan has performed with and choreographed for many studios all over Georgia. She has performed on Carnival Cruise lines and danced with many well-known tap dancers from all over the country! We are so excited to have Devan share her tap expertise with the PHDC students.

Monica Gardner

Monica Gardner has been teaching dance in Georgia for over 20 years. She has taught all levels and ages (2-adult) at various dance studios across the state. She specializes in tap, but
also has extensive training in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and lyrical. Monica’s tap choreography has been awarded at dance competitions, and her students regularly achieve high scores, often additionally receiving special tap technique and performance awards. Monica’s tap classes stand apart from others because in addition to providing solid technique, she creates well-rounded tap dancers by educating her students on tap history, culture, and music theory in relation to tap dance. She approaches tap dance with a zealousness that can’t help but inspire an appreciation for the art form in all her students.

Monica danced professionally as a member of the tap company “Atlanta Tap Project”. She also performed with “ViZion Dance Company” as their featured tap dancer at many events including televised Gospel Superfest 2013. Her pre-professional performances include Jazz on Tap, Ballet Fest, Atlanta Hawks half time shows, the Carnival Cruise Line, several lead roles in
Studio 1 Ballet Productions, and 10 years of regional and national dance competitions.
​
​She has taken classes from the current biggest names in tap such as; Chloe Arnold of “Syncopated Ladies”, Sarah Reich of “Sarah Reich’s Tap Music Project”, Mark Goodman Director of “Totally Tap”, Ayodele Casel “Funny Girl” Broadway choreographer, Mark Yonally of “Chicago Tap Theatre”, Jumaane Taylor of “M.A.D.D. Rhythms”, Melinda Sullivan of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “La La Land”, Jason Kalish of the “Tap Dogs”, Ted Levy of Broadway’s “Jelly’s Last Jam”, Lisa La Touche of Broadway’s “Shuffle Along”, Derick Grant, Bril
Barrett of “M.A.D.D. Rhythms”, and many more. She has also spent time studying at “The Georgia Ballet”, “Broadway Dance Center” in New York, and “The Edge” in LA, California.

Kaya Waller

Kaya Waller has focused on creating and interpreting choreography in a passionate way. Starting dance at the age of ten, she has grown up in a competitive studio training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Modern, Musical Theater, and Contemporary. As a dancer, Kaya is currently a member of RISK Contemporary Dance Company in Atlanta, GA as well as the President of the Kennesaw State University Club Dance Team. Previously, Kaya has also assisted with ASH convention during the 2021-2022 season as well as competed and performed with Heather Waynes Dance Company from 2017-2022. As a teacher and choreographer, Kaya currently teaches at three different dance studios in the Kennesaw and Woodstock area, Powerhouse Dance Center, Dancentre South, and Duet Dance Academy, teaching styles such as Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. Kaya also sets works in Jazz and Contemporary for students going to compete from studios all around the Atlanta area. Kaya is currently a dance major at Kennesaw State University, concentrating in Modern dance with the goal of gaining as much knowledge as possible before entering into professional industry to choreograph and own her own studio.
Miranda Thomas
Miranda Thomas was born and raised in North Carolina, where she began dancing at the age of 3. She first danced at a small competition studio, but later decided to focus on ballet and grow her skill level in contemporary as well at International Ballet Academy. A few years later, she began training with Miguel Campaneria, and performed many roles from Clara to a summer fairy in Cinderella. The last studio Miranda went to before entering her professional career was Cary Ballet’s PTP program, where she performed her favorite piece, Balanchine’s Serenade set by Susan Farrell. Miranda then moved to Jacksonville, Florida to complete a 2-year trainee program with the Florida Ballet. Now, Miranda is living in Kennesaw, Georgia and is an apprentice with the Georgia Ballet.
Wren Shinliver
Wren Shinliver is a proud alumni of Powerhouse Dance Center. She has been dancing since the age of 3 and was a dedicated member of the award winning Powerhouse Dance Center Company for 12 years. She has trained in a wide range of styles, with a particular love for contemporary and hip hop, and has competed at both the regional and national levels. Now, she has come full circle, bringing her passion and experience back to the studio. Wren is currently pursuing a degree in Business and Marketing at Kennesaw State University. She is excited to share her amazing energy and love of dance with the next generation of Powerhouse dancers.  
Anniston Wolf
Bio Coming Soon.
Haley Shinliver - Studio Manager
Haley is the Studio Manager here at Powerhouse Dance Center, where she oversees daily administrative operations to ensure smooth studio functioning. She has a passion for the arts, music,  and costuming, coupled with excellent multitasking and organizational skills, Haley always tries to foster a welcoming environment for our dancers, families, and staff. 

Office Team

Haley Shinliver- Studio Manager
Anniston Wolf- Front Desk
Wren Shinliver- Front Desk

Home of the National Award Winning Powerhouse Dance Company

Powerhouse Dance Center ~1483 Kennesaw Due West Rd., Kennesaw, GA 30152~ PHDC@powerhousedanceatl.com~ 770.795.9095