Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts is a 501(c) non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering our community through classical ballet and the Performing Arts. I took on HBPA in 2018 to pursue my passion for arts education. I see on a daily basis how the arts change lives and make us better humans.

Two important things separate HBPA from other studios in the area. First, we don't do recitals or competitions. We prefer to focus on the craft itself and do four productions every season. Frequently, our students also have the opportunity to perform with other organizations, such as the Hickory Choral Society or the Hickory Museum of Art.

Second, we have a very strong and active outreach program to help bring the arts to as many people in our community as possible. This includes free performances at Southwest Primary, the ComScope Stage, a sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker, Books to Ballet, and Books to Broadway, among others. 

As a teacher of the performing arts, I see the best results when children and young people are praised and encouraged on their work ethic. Praising talent or a finished result can lead to frustration when they hit the inevitable roadblock. Encouraging diligence and tenacity to continue even when it's "not fun" helps them through challenging times in their training and gives them the experience that consistent effort will get them where they want to be.

I grew up in the beautiful Bay area of Northern California. I moved to Hickory fifteen years ago and have two lovely daughters.

I fell in love with dance as a young child, which quickly expanded to theatre. That led to my professional debut as Maggie in A Chorus Line at age 17, which was the stepping stone to a respectable 15-year career in the theatre. I performed in the Broadway touring companies of Jerome Robbin's Broadway, Cats, and Grease, in addition to numerous regional, summer stock, and dinner theatre productions. I discovered my passion for teaching and arts education after my first daughter was born, and I have been bringing technique and artistry to HBPA since 2018.

116 3rd St Nw, #66

Hickory, NC, 28601

(828) 294-8438