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 3).

Jamilah Boston (Office 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 Office Manager and Dance Instructor.

Kiana Stuckey (Instructor)

Kiana Stuckey, born and raised in Atlanta, GA, received her dance training right here at Norma's Academy of Dance. With 10 years of experience in early elementary education, she is passionate about fostering confidence and creativity in young learners. Kiana works wonders with our young dancers at NAOD, helping them build strong foundations both in dance and personal growth.

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.

Nadyne Bispo (Instructor)

Nadyne Bispo is originally from Brazil, where she began her dance training at age three at Balé Jovem de São Vicente, studying the Vaganova technique. She graduated in 2015, earning several awards, including Best Ballerina at the Passo de Arte-Santos competition for her performance of the Satanella Variation. Nadyne represented Brazil in international competitions like Tanzolimp in Berlin and the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) in New York, receiving scholarships and contracts from Boston Ballet and Atlanta Ballet, where she attended their Summer Intensive Programs. In 2018, she joined the Atlanta Ballet under Gennadi Nedvigin, performing in productions such as The Nutcracker, Giselle, Don Quixote, and Beauty and the Beast. Nadyne is excited to share her passion for ballet and inspire others to embrace their potential and the joy she has found in the dance community.

Elise St. Cyr (Social Media Coordinator, Front Desk Administrator, & Substitute Instructor)

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 Social Media Coordinator, Front Desk Administrator, and Substitute Instructor. 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 (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.

Tre McClendon (iNSTRUCTOR)

Tre McClendon, a native of Atlanta, grew up in a dance-focused family as the son of the owners of McClendon School of Dance. He took his first class at age two and began teaching at 16. Tre has since led workshops and classes across the metro-Atlanta area. A graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in Computer Science, he continued to develop his tap dancing career while in school. Tre co-created and performs in Beat and Rhythm: The Evolution of Tap, a show that teaches students about the origins of tap dancing in America, reaching over a hundred schools in Georgia. He is excited to bring his expertise and passion for tap to the students at Norma's Academy of Dance, helping to inspire the next generation of dancers.

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.