About the Dance Studio

Lauren McFarland has been studying dance since the age of three, developing a strong foundation in multiple styles, including jazz, modern, and contemporary, with a primary focus on ballet. She trained pre-professionally throughout middle and high school, concluding her formal ballet training at the age of 18. Following high school, Lauren pursued higher education at the University of Georgia, where she is currently majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in Human Development. She is expected to graduate in May 2025 and plans to further her expertise by obtaining certifications in Strength and Conditioning (CSCS), sports nutrition, and/or Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). Having danced alongside Kellyn McMichael since the age of six, Lauren is excited to transition into an instructional role, where she looks forward to sharing her passion for dance and inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Sara Kate began dancing at the age of three with Northeast Atlanta Ballet, where she trained in a variety of styles through age fifteen. She continued her dance education as a member of the Brookwood High School dance program, performing through graduation. Sara Kate is currently pursuing a degree in nursing, while continuing to nurture her passion for dance and teaching. She especially enjoys working with children, helping them discover not only proper technique, but also the confidence, discipline, and joy that dance can inspire. Sara Kate is dedicated to creating a positive, encouraging environment where students can grow both as dancers and as individuals.

Melanie Wilson has been dancing for 19 years, with a strong focus on ballet as their primary discipline. For the past 10 years, they have been a dedicated member of the Christian dance ministry, Praise in Motion, where they have had the opportunity to develop both as a performer and an instructor. In addition to their ballet background, Melanie has received foundational training in tap, modern, and contemporary dance, which has contributed to their versatile approach to movement and performance. Melanie is thrilled to be a part of LDA and looks forward to actively contributing to the organization’s continued growth and success.

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Avery Scott Lee is a dance performer and creator based in Atlanta. She trained for 13 years at Perimeter Ballet and continued her studies with Ballet by Day under Stacey Slichter and Kristi Necessary Loveless. She has attended prestigious summer programs, including Ballet Magnificat, the University of South Carolina Dance Conservatory, Atlanta Ballet, and the International Ballet Intensive. Avery earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Dance and English from the University of Georgia, where she performed in numerous productions and presented her choreographic work at a national conference. She has worked with esteemed artists such as Amelia Reiser (Staibdance), Seyong Kim (Baltimore Ballet), and violist Kenji Bunch. Notably, she performed Steps in the Street with the Martha Graham Dance Company during its 100-year anniversary tour and apprenticed with Kit Modus under Jillian Mitchell. Beyond performance, Avery has received multiple dance scholarships, including the Mark Wheeler Summer Study Award, and has presented her dance research at national academic conferences. She currently teaches dance across Metro Atlanta and performs professionally with the Atlanta Contemporary Dance Company.

Katherine Dearborn has been immersed in dance since the age of three, training extensively in classical ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary. She studied at Boca Ballet Theatre and attended the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, where she deepened her passion for movement and expression. She also had the opportunity to train at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City, further shaping her artistry and technique. As an instructor, Katherine’s greatest joy is seeing dancers experience the love of dance that has been so precious to her throughout her life. She strives to create a class environment where students feel supported and challenged—pushing themselves both artistically and physically. Outside of the studio, Katherine is a wife and mother to three homeschooled children. She lives on a tiny homestead and is also a doula and student midwife, dedicated to supporting women and families in the childbearing journey.

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Hayley McKinnon is a graduate of Belmont Abbey College, where she earned a degree in Educational Studies with a minor in Dance Pedagogy. She currently serves as a Theology teacher at St. Pius X Catholic High School while remaining active in the dance community. With a lifelong passion for dance, Hayley received her training at the Northeast Atlanta Ballet in Lilburn, Georgia, performing in productions such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and more. She has extensive experience in various dance genres, including ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, tap, African, and musical theater. Hayley has been dancing professionally with the Gwinnett Dance Project for five years and has served on its board for four years, currently holding the position of Vice President. She has also choreographed numerous pieces for the company. Dedicated to sharing her love of dance, she is excited to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers.

A Lawrenceville, Georgia native, Addie Linder began her dance training at Duluth School of Ballet before advancing to Atlanta Ballet’s pre-professional program. She has been teaching since 2006, working with various dance schools across metro Atlanta. In addition to her extensive dance background, Addie is a certified yoga instructor and a Pilates teacher in training. She is passionate about integrating her diverse expertise to support her students' growth and well-being. Currently, Addie teaches ballet at Praise in Motion and yoga at Lotus Yoga in Watkinsville. She resides in Monroe, Georgia, with her husband and two daughters.

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