Our Staff

Demetria Petty-Manes

Demetria entered the dance world at the age of 4 at School of Dance Arts in Sanford, Florida, before becoming a member of the Ballet Guild of Sanford-Seminole at age 9. Along with dance, she was also a competitive gymnast until age 15. Demetria’s love for dance continued through college as a member and choreographer for Hampton University’s Terpsichorean Dance Company, touring with them across the United States and to showcases such as the Black College Dance Exchange, Zora Neele Arts Festival, and National Dance Association. Demetria then continued to teach for the Hampton University Community Dance program and Gail Harts Performing Arts Group. If she’s not inspiring the next generation of dancers, she is spending her time binge watching movies and reading books.

Demetria entered the dance world at the age of 4 at School of Dance Arts in Sanford, Florida, before becoming a member of the Ballet Guild of Sanford-Seminole at age 9. Along with dance, she was also a competitive gymnast until age 15. Demetria’s love for dance continued through college as a member and choreographer for Hampton University’s Terpsichorean Dance Company, touring with them across the United States and to showcases such as the Black College Dance Exchange, Zora Neele Arts Festival, and National Dance Association. Demetria then continued to teach for the Hampton University Community Dance program and Gail Harts Performing Arts Group. If she’s not inspiring the next generation of dancers, she is spending her time binge watching movies and reading books. 

Shontia Faulkner

Since the age of five, Shontia has trained in styles including ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, creative dance, hip hop, and musical theater; however, her primary focus of training has been in tap and jazz. Shontia grew up dancing in Albany, New York. She trained at several conventions throughout New York. Shontia started teaching dance to the youth at Emmanuel Baptist Church in 1995. Since then, she has taught recreational and competitive dance across several different studios in the Hampton Roads Area. Aside from teaching, she began choreographing for local show choirs that have traveled throughout the United States. She is excited to teach young minds the creativity and technique of dance and  believes that, with passion and a full heart, anyone can accomplish any dream that he or she has. 

Vernon Faulkner

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Amira Manes

Amira started her dance career at age 6 training under Gail Harts Performing Arts Group, Inc., Tajiri International Performing Arts, and D&T Dance Studio, LLC. and studying continuously in various styles of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, and liturgical. Her love for dance fueled her passion for choreography as she enjoys teaching lyrical and hip hop, but her highest passion is teaching her students with intellectual disabilities. What she loves about teaching dance is being able to mentor the next generation of story tellers. When she’s not dancing, Amira serves her community as a physical therapist, reads books at the beach, and enjoys traveling. 

Anthony Faulkner

Anthony began training right where he is now an instructor, but has been dancing since he could walk. Since graduating from high school, he has been traveling all over the world as a cruise performer notably in Alaska and Spain as well as inciting joy and character through his performances at amusement parks. Anthony notes his favorite genre of dance is contemporary or jazz. With a welcoming spirit and determination to share his passion, he welcomes students to “Come dance and enjoy movement!”.