Our Team

DJANA BELL (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR)

As Artistic Director of Norma’s Academy of Dance for over three decades, Djana Bell is armed with a mission. She has taken the Academy to a world-class level, and continues to seek high-caliber performance opportunities to broaden her students’ horizons.

Constantly challenged to meet the quality standards already set in motion by her mother, the school’s founder, Ms. Bell continues to broaden the Academy’s many offerings so that children who yearn to explore the discipline of dance, and the many parents who appreciate the benefits of providing such important experience to their children, can do so in a loving and supportive environment.

In 2018, Ms. Bell was named Dance Teacher of the Year by Dance Teacher Magazine

ERIN RAWLINGS (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR)

As artistic director of Norma’s Academy of Dance, Erin is passionate about the impact dance training can have on a child’s development and personal growth. From instilling confidence and the importance of structure, dance lessons are truly life lessons that are transferable to any career a student may choose to pursue. Erin's approach aims to aspire young artists to reach their fullest potential and to exceed any limits they place on themselves.

Erin received her foundation from Norma’s Academy of Dance and then went on to attend Interlochen Arts Academy, a performing arts boarding school in Interlochen, Michigan. She received her BFA in Dance from University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Erin has performed with City Springs Theatre Company in productions of In The Heights and CATS the musical, directed by Tony Award award winner Baayork Lee. She is also an ABT Certified Instructor (Pre-Primary- Level 5).

Jamilah Boston (Studio Experience Manager & Instructor)

Jamilah Boston received her BA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Spelman College. During her collegiate years, she had the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Princeton University. As a senior, she produced and commissioned her first work, The Undeserved Favor Between You and I. Jamilah is passionate about fostering creativity and technique in her students at NAOD, where she serves as both Studio Experience Manager and Dance Instructor.

Katrice Shealey (Instructor)

Katrice Shealey, an Atlanta native, received her dance training at Norma's Academy of Dance, where she was an inaugural member of the Norma's Academy Junior Company. She went on to become a dancer and co-captain of the Onyx Dance Team at Clark Atlanta University and is now the owner of Onyx Dance Center in Dothan, Alabama. In addition to her dance career, Katrice is a Television News Reporter/Anchor for a local news station in Columbus, Georgia. She brings her passion for dance and storytelling to all aspects of her life and enjoys inspiring the next generation of dancers at NAOD.

Xavier Wilcher (Instructor)

Xavier "Professor X" Wilcher is a versatile and highly respected dancer, choreographer, and actor known for his signature hip hop style and extensive training in tap, jazz, modern, ballet, and contemporary dance. He has worked with top choreographers like Fatima Robinson, Laurie Ann Gibson, and Jamal Sims, and shared the stage with artists such as Usher, Missy Elliott, and Pharrell. Recently, Xavier has focused on film and television, contributing as a dancer and choreographer to productions like Star, American Soul, Step Up: High Water, and Coming 2 America, and The Color Purple.

Jeffery Duffy (iNSTRUCTOR)

Jeffery Duffy received his BFA from The Juilliard School and has taught dance locally, nationally, and internationally. He has consulted for institutions such as New York University’s School of Professional Studies, Pebblebrook High School, and Atlanta Ballet School.

His national tours include Charles Lee in HAMILTON (Hollywood Pantages Theater) and Ensemble Swing in HAMILTON (CIBC Theater). As a choreographer, he worked on First Deep Breath at the National Black Theater and served as the fight choreographer for The Color Purple (Byers Theater). Jeffery's TV and film credits include A Jazzman’s Blues (Netflix) and the Fox New Year’s Party with Steve Harvey. He is a Princess Grace Fellowship recipient and a certified GYROTONIC® instructor. Jeffery is eager to inspire the next generation of performers at Norma’s Academy of Dance.

Adrienne Abdus-Salaam (instructor)

Adrienne Abdus-Salaam is an Atlanta native and accomplished dancer, educator, and choreographer with over 20 years of professional experience. She is trained in Mojah, Horton, West African, and Brazilian dance and began her training at Total Dance/Dancical Productions under Terrie “Ajile” Axam and Dawn Axam. Adrienne holds a BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts, a Master’s in Dance Education from Temple University, and a certificate in Contemporary Ghanaian Dance from the University of Ghana. She has also studied extensively in Bahia, Brazil.

Her performance credits include work with Urban Bush Women, Kariamu & Company, Kulu Mele, Total Dance, and the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta. Adrienne has performed and studied around the world, including in China, Cuba, South Africa, The Netherlands, West Africa, and the UK. In 2019, she traveled to Tanzania as a Fulbright-Hays Fellow.

Adrienne has served as a dance professor at Temple University and the University of the Arts, as well as Director of Dance at Tri-Cities and New Manchester High Schools. She currently serves as the Dance/Theater Fine Arts Instructional Specialist for Clayton County Public Schools.

Elise St. Cyr (Studio Experience & Content Coordinator)

Elise St. Cyr, a graduate of Florida State University with a double major in Dance and Communications Media, brings a wealth of artistic experience to NAOD as the Studio Experience & Content Coordinator. With a deep background in styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap, Elise's performance credits include collaborations with notable artists like Sidra Bell and George Staib. Elise is passionate about sharing her love of dance and media, helping to create a welcoming and engaging environment for students and families at the studio.

Jasmine Foreman (SOAR & Enrichment Program Coordinator & Instructor)

Jasmine Foreman, an Atlanta native, received her dance training at Norma's Academy of Dance. She continued her passion at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she performed at the collegiate UDA National Championship at the ESPN Complex at Disney as a member of UAB's dance team. Jasmine also studied abroad, taking Salsa classes at the Universidad del Turabo in Puerto Rico. As an instructor at NAOD, she is dedicated to bringing diverse styles and experiences to her students, fostering their love for dance and building their technical skills.

Jonathan Jackson (instructor)

Jonathan Jackson is a versatile choreographer and dancer with extensive training in classical ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, liturgical, and African diasporic movement. A graduate of Western Michigan University with a BA in Dance, he has performed with companies such as Axam Dance Theater and Body and Rhythm Dance Theatre, and has worked on various productions, including collaborations with Savion Glover. As the Director of Dance and Theater at D.M. Therrell High School, Jonathan continues to inspire the next generation of performers while guest teaching and choreographing across the Southeast. He is dedicated to nurturing the talent of teen students at NAOD, fostering their growth and passion for dance.

Lenai Alexis Wilkerson (Instructor)

Lenai Wilkerson is a Washington, D.C. native and graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts and the University of Southern California’s inaugural Glorya Kaufman School of Dance class, where she earned a BFA in Dance and a minor in Political Science. She has performed internationally as a company artist with Ballet Hispánico and danced for two seasons with Cincinnati Ballet, engaging with community organizations like Black Art Speaks.

Wilkerson has performed works by renowned choreographers including George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Martha Graham, and Dwight Rhoden, among others. She made her choreographic debut in NYC with Queer the Ballet in 2024 and has assisted in setting repertory, including a Paul Taylor work for Miami City Ballet.

Her training includes programs with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Complexions, Bolshoi Ballet, and Jacob’s Pillow. She is a recipient of the JarriTODOS grant and a Dizzy Feet Foundation scholar. Currently pursuing her MA in Organizational Leadership at The George Washington University, Wilkerson joined Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre in 2024, where she now mentors through the Catalyst scholarship program and serves as Artistic Director of Wabi-Sabi.

CAITLIN GRAY (instructor)

Caitlin Gray is a NYC-born choreographer, teacher, and creative artist with a background in dance, gymnastics, and circus arts. Known for her dynamic style and global reach, she has taught master classes across the U.S. and in over 10 countries, including South Africa, the U.K., Japan, and Australia.

Her choreography credits include work with director Baz Luhrmann on The Great Gatsby premieres, the CBS series Reckless, and Sony Music artists like The Veronicas and Bonnie Anderson. She has created for global brands such as BMW, Speedo International, and Marina Bay Sands, and events featuring icons like David Beckham, Michael Phelps, and Taylor Hicks.

Caitlin’s theater credits include Spring Awakening, Saturday Night Fever, and Head Over Heels. Her short dance film Reverie has won 17 festival awards, including Best Film and Best Director.

She is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, and currently Kennesaw State University. Caitlin is represented by Xcel Talent and continues to create across stage and screen.