Stephanie Simpkins is a dance educator, choreographer, and competitive coach with over 30 years of dance training and extensive experience teaching recreational and competitive dancers. She began her formal training at The Venettes Cultural Workshop in New York and later relocated to Georgia, where she continued her training at The Spirit of Dance Company. She later expanded her studies in Atlanta under respected choreographers and instructors including Cici Kelley, Allyne Gartrell, Peter Poulos, and Daryl Foster. Her training includes Ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, and Hip Hop, with Jazz and Lyrical remaining her primary specialties. Stephanie teaches dancers from preschool through high school levels in both recreational and competitive programs, with a focus on technique, musicality, and stage performance. As a competitive choreographer and coach, Stephanie’s routines have consistently earned Top Overall placements at both regional and national levels. Her dancers have also received numerous judges’ special awards and adjudication honors for performance quality and stage presence. In addition to studio instruction, Stephanie has choreographed for multiple studios, dance programs, and performance groups throughout the Atlanta dance community.
Stephanie Simpkins
INSTRUCTOR
Dominique Leonard
INSTRUCTOR
Dominique Leonard discovered her passion for dance at the age of two, beginning her formal dance education in New York. After relocating to Georgia with her family, she continued her training under Erica Keating at Carla’s Dance Factory (CDF) in Fayetteville, Georgia, where she joined the Junior and Teen Competition Company at age ten. During her time at CDF, Dominique competed annually in tap, jazz, and lyrical dance styles, developing a strong technical foundation and performance presence. In high school, Dominique served as Choreography Captain for the McIntosh High School Chiefettes Dance Team. In this leadership role, she choreographed the team’s award-winning UDA Jazz Home Routine. The Chiefettes competed through the Universal Dance Association (UDA) at the state, regional, and national levels, earning numerous state titles in both Pom and Jazz during her tenure. In 2019, Dominique was named First Place Teen Soloist at the Georgia State Championship among more than ten competitors, performing a self-choreographed solo. As a choreographer, Dominique has created award-winning jazz, hip hop, and lyrical routines that have earned first-place overall placements at both regional and national competitions. Her hip hop choreography has also received multiple “Choreographer Awards” for creativity, execution, and performance quality. Before leaving her hometown to pursue higher education, Dominique began her career as a studio instructor. She is passionate about mentoring young dancers, building meaningful relationships with her students, and fostering both technical excellence and artistic confidence. Dominique graduated in Spring 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and a minor in Dance. She is committed to training dancers with precision, discipline, and intentionality, equipping them with the tools needed to become strong, versatile, and technically skilled performers.
Michaela Thomas began dancing at the young age of 3, training under the esteemed instruction of A.D. West Dance Company in Douglasville, Georgia. Over the years, Michaela expanded her craft in a wide array of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, modern, clogging, contemporary, and jazz funk. Competing with ADW from 2009 to 2021, she achieved numerous national championships, solidifying her reputation as a dedicated and accomplished performer. Michaela's journey into teaching began in 7th grade, when she became an assistant instructor for ballet and tap classes for children aged 2–4, as well as ballet and jazz for ages 6–8. Since then, teaching dance to children has become a passion of hers, and she finds joy in being someone younger dancers can look up to. In 2016, Michaela's talent and passion led her to audition for and secure an invitation to the prestigious Summer of Hip Hop dance intensive at the Joffrey Ballet in New York City for two weeks. In high school, Michaela was the captain of the “Elite Pantherettes” dance team at Chapel Hill High School during the 2019–2020 school year. As captain, she choreographed all the team’s performances, showcasing her creative vision and leadership abilities. Michaela's collegiate dance career flourished as a member of the Golden Owls Dance Team at Kennesaw State University, where she performed for three years and served as Co-Captain in her final year. The Golden Owls specialized in majorette-style dance, performing at home football games and participating in jazz and ballet routines. Beyond performances, the team emphasized volunteerism, community service, and hosting dance clinics for aspiring dancers. Michaela continued her dance journey with KSU’s club dance team, Talon Tribe, as an active member of both the performance and competition teams. Michaela has been part of Dynamite Dance Factory for five years, where she serves as the Tuesday recreational instructor and works closely with the Sparks in ballet technique. Her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to dance exemplify her dedication to the art form and her ability to inspire others through movement and creativity. Michaela is now stepping fully into her career as a dance educator, invested in fostering student success while also continuing to learn and grow in her own artistry.
Michaelea Thomas
INSTRUCTOR
Ashley Watson
INSTRUCTOR
Ashley Watson is a passionate dance instructor with 11 years of experience. A Cleveland State University alumna with a dance minor, she believes in creating a fun and nurturing environment where children can learn through play and develop a love for movement. Her classes emphasize building confidence and fostering growth in all areas – physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Ashley specializes in ballet, jazz, and hip hop for ages 2 & up and loves to lay the foundation for young dancers to be able to love the art of dance that they can carry with them throughout their dance journey. She is passionate about helping children discover the joy of movement and believes that dance is a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth. Ashley is a Saturday recreational instructor at the studio and works closely with all of the competitive teams. Not just in movement and choreography, but also their mental well-being. You will often catch Mrs. Ashley on the side of the stage doing check-ins with the girls and making sure they hit the stage with smiles.
Amber Jones has been a supporter of DDF from the very beginning. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit and Leadership. She is a woman of God who does public speaking, performing poetry, & and creating content for ministries and businesses nationally. She mastered the art of communication and sales for a variety of businesses over the span of a decade. She and her incredible 8-year-old son now live in north Georgia in their brand-new home. She enjoys lying on the beach, singing, writing poetry, and spending time with her son.
Amber Jones
OFFICE MANAGER