STAFF


Whitney Teyf

Artistic Director/Owner/Founder 

Whitney Teyf, originally from Northern Virginia, has been pursuing her passion for dance since the age of three. Whitney has extensive experience in teaching, choreographing, and performance. She received her BFA in Dance Education from East Carolina University in 2006. During her time at ECU she was a member of the Pure Gold Dance Team and the ECU Jazz Performing Group. She was both a principle dancer in the outdoor drama Horn in the West and choreographer / performer at the Powderhorn Black Box Theatre in Boone, NC. She was a company member with Atlanta Dance Project. She has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., with Atlanta Ballet's Fusion Project,and most recently with Atlanta Dance Project at the Alliance Theatre. She founded the dance program at Vanderlyn Elementary in 2006 and taught dance there full time for eight years. She has been featured in Tucker's Up Close and Personal magazine , Dance Studio Life magazine, VOYAGEATL online magazine, All Business Media FM, and most recently in "Shoutout Atlanta" online magazine.

khannan teyf

chief operating officer

Khannan Teyf, a native of Tucker, Georgia,  received his BA in Business and Hospitality at Georgia State University. Khannan has experience in Ballroom dancing, baseball, and wrestling. Khannan has achieved USA Junior Ballroom champion, performed for the Olympic Ballroom committee, and coached dance for all ages. Khannan also was a Branch Manager with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and a Vice President with Soliant Health. As a manager with Enterprise, Khannan led the largest branch in the world, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. After continuing his career he became the Vice President of Soliant, which partners with school districts nationwide, helping with staffing, training, and hiring. He is passionate about helping others, working with the community, all Georgia sports teams, and most importantly spending time with his family.  

Emily Peay

Director of operations/ Dance Instructor

Emily Peay is a native of Kennesaw, Ga where she received her BA in Dance at Kennesaw State University. She began dancing at age 2. Her early years were spent training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop at Great Gig Dance Company. She also participated in several summer intensives and workshops including the Joffrey School of Ballet in NYC, Atlanta Rhythm Tap Ensemble in ATL , and Staibdance’s Summer Intensive in Italy. Her first time working with Emily Cargill and Dancers was for the MAD Festival in Atlanta and she has been dancing her heart out with ECD ever since. A few other ECD performances include the Detroit Dance City Festival, the New Grounds Dance Festival in Tampa, FL, Art on the ATL Beltline, Dance Canvas, and SLIT, ECD’s evening length work. After an unfortunate bout of injuries, Emily is looking forward to continuing her professional career. She has been a part of the EIM Dance Family for eight years! Beginning as a teacher, Emily is thrilled her marketing experience gave her the opportunity to do more within the company. Although dance has always been Emily’s first love, she also finds music incredibly inspiring. She believes that investing in all forms of art will help you grow as a creative mover.

Jessica Tyson

Dance Instructor

Jessica began dancing at the young age of two. She participated in competitive dance for 15 years. Her passion includes tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop. She later became a dance instructor for West Georgia Dance Company where she trained young, aspiring dancers until leaving to attend school. She now has a B.S. in Psychology from The University of Georgia. Jessica is a dedicated individual, excited to share her love of dance with others!


Joi Riley

Dance Instructor

Joi Riley,  Atlanta, Georgia native has been  dancing for 12 years, and sharing her passion teaching within her community for the last 5 years. Since Fall of 2003 at the age 7 when enrolled in Jazz and Hip Hop dance classes at Iris Academy of Music & Movement with Iris Goode and Lashawn Cook.  She developed the skills to become a competitive dancer, exploring many different genres. During Middle and High school, she was on the majorette team; her  drive and passion for the arts granted her the opportunity to pursue leadership roles. As she grew older her focus shifted more on teaching and choreographing.  She became a demonstrator and from there progressed to teaching and choreographing dances at her home studio. In 2015, graduating from high school her home studio closed down. That Summer she started a summer camp for kids and that was the start of  "Dance for Joi Dance Company”. Her company has competed and performed throughout Georgia. Winning many prestigious awards and titles! As a new studio owner she enjoys sharing her love of dance and seeing her vision come to life. Dance for Joi is not only teaching dance but also teaching discipline, responsibility and the importance of building true friendships that will carry them through all stages of life. Joi will continue to take opportunities to grow, define  personal dance skills and her teaching methods. 


Olivia Gelfand

Dance Instructor

Olivia Gelfand, a North Georgia native, has been dancing since the age of 4. She is classically trained in ballet, but has also received extensive training in modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre, and contemporary styles. Throughout high school, she was a senior company member at R.I.S.P.A. in Milton, GA, where she performed and competed. In 2018, Olivia completed her Bachelors degree (BA) in Dance, with a minor in Food & Nutrition from the University of Alabama. During her time at UA, she focused her studies on modern dance, and developed an interest in youth dance education. She was an active member of RipTide (the University Hip-Hop team), the Dance Honors Society of Alabama, and performed with Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre. In 2017, Olivia continued her formal training across the pond, when she spent a semester at the University of Roehampton in London, UK. Olivia is excited to be joining the EIM Dance family!

Hope Burt

Dance Instructor

Hope Burt was born in Detroit Michigan but raised in Southern California. She began dancing at the age of 10 and immediately discovered her passion! Hope quickly developed a love for all dance styles but through intensive training and hard work, reached a high level of accomplishment in Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical. She later added contemporary, Heels and ballroom to her repertoire. Hope has won numerous awards and scholarships including a full scholarship to Dance Educators of America’s Ballet Seminar where she trained under nationally renowned ballet instructors. Her achievements include; winning the Leap Contest and being featured on the front page of the competition website. Hope has performed annually as one of the featured “soloist” in the Nutcracker Ballet. The Nutcracker is performed at the Maxwell C. King Center in front of an audience of more than 1000 people! In addition to performance, Hope is an up and coming choreographer known throughout Brevard County, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia for creating innovative and unique choreography. With Hope's passion for entertainment it was only the natural step for her to also pursue it commercially and is represented by Legacy Talent Group Inc & 411 South. She's quickly become the one to watch with her strong desire to become one of the most powerful women entrepreneurs in America


SURF

Dance Instructor

Jamal SURF Clay started his interest in dance while in Hardaway High School after being inspired by films like Breakin 1 & 2.The creativity, dynamics and freedom in dancing has inspired his style to have a combination of (Breakin, B-Boying or Breakdancing), Poppin and Lock-in. Eager to express, he performed in his High School talent show and other performances.Later on, his skills encouraged him to move to Atlanta,where he became more involved and earned more from various dancers who also shared the same passion. He studied and trained with some of the top bboys and poppers in the city plus took various workshops in Atlanta and New York. Since then, he has earned respect to be a member of HBO (Home Boys Only, One of Atlanta’s premier bboy crews), TBB:The Bronx Boys rocking crew (Atlanta Chapter) and FullStyle Fam from the country Panama. Surf is currently Vice President for TBB Atlanta chapter. In addition his dance has been seen performing for Atlanta Zoo, various churches, street shows, festivals and a Hip Hop play. He is also a member of the ATL Breakers who are the dance team for the Atlanta Braves and a member of the A-Town Breakers. A group of bboys/bgirls who dances with the Atlanta Hawks. His main style of dance is BBOY yet he can also dance popping, locking, Uprock (rock dance) and house dance. He also taught workshops around Atlanta and in Panama. In his free time Surf likes to travel, draw and read. In addition Surf has also judged a few competitions as well taught workshops in Atlanta and Panama. Plus with blessings worked youth boys in The Salvation Army shelter.

Ansley Littleton - Dance Instructor

Ansley Littleton is a Georgia peach, born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She started her passion for dance at the age of three at Simply Dancing, where she trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip-Hop for fifteen years. She then continued her passion at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan. While she was there she was taught by Broadway royalty in every style including Broadway dance, Heels, and Musical Theatre. After living in Manhattan for a year, she decided to fly across the country to Los Angeles, where she continued to train and graduated with an Associates in Dance Theatre from AMDA College of the Performing Arts. Ansley is now back home with all the training and experience needed to pass on her love for dance to the younger generation. She is extremely excited to be a part of the EIM team! 

Breanna Pollock - Dance Instructor

Breanna Pollock, originally from Albany, Georgia,has been training in dance for over ten years and is furthering her education at Kennesaw State University as a dance major with a modern concentration. She was involved in dance heavily at her school as well as in the studio receiving training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary and many other styles. She participated in four years of dance line and two years of competition dance throughout her high school career which provided her with incredible opportunities such as performing in two GHSA football state championships and the 2019 SugarBowl in the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Breanna has also taught and choreographed for other teams and dancers in her area. Her love for dance has only grown since coming to the Kennesaw area and expanding her repertoire of dance with classes in styles such as musical theatre, heels, and modern. She has always had a passion for sharing her love of dance through teaching and is extremely excited to get to do just that as part of the EIM team. 

Lezette jordan - dance instructor

LeZette Jordan is a native of Chicago,lL where she was raised with Arts in Education via The Joseph Holmes Dance Company and the Chicago Public School System. LeZette has traveled and performed throughout the United States and Abroad. One of her goals is to continue to introduce dance to as many children as possible helping to promote a love for the art form as well as build character in their lives.She has been teaching in the Atlanta Metropolitan area for over fifteen years. LeZette teaches her students the discipline and the fun of dance. Trained in Jazz,Ballet and ethnic techniques, she brings a wealth of experience and versatility to students. 

Kimberly Desormeaux - Dance instructor

Kimberly Desormeaux is an Atlanta native. She trained at the Decatur School of Ballet and then continued to dance while attending Georgia Tech and then Georgia State University - where she was president and principal dancer for the dance company. She started teaching at Festival Ballet in Clayton County and then worked as the Assistant Artistic Director; teaching and choreographing for the Junior Company. Dancing as a soloist for the Senior company, she has performed in Nutcracker, Cinderella, Coppelia, and Alice in Wonderland to name a few. She took a break from dancing and teaching and now has a family with 5 sons. She enjoys instilling the love of dance in others and is excited to be doing this as part of the EIM family. 

Justin Paschall - dance instructor

Justin Paschall was the first person to graduate from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in Dance Education, as well as the first person to be certified for dance education in the state of Tennessee. After graduation, Justin was hired as the dance educator at Barger Academy of Fine Arts in Chattanooga, TN, as well as a professional dancer.  While a company member of the Chattanooga Civic Ballet, he was a soloist as "Spanish" in The Nutcracker, "Ballet Master" in Act I of Cinderella, "Hansel" in Hansel and Gretel, and various other works produced by the company.  Since leaving Chattanooga Civic Ballet, Justin has performed as "Arabian" in The Nutcracker with Mountain Laurel Studio. Justin has served as a member of The Gulf Coast Judges Association where he has adjudicated winterguards, color guards, marching bands, and drum corps.  He has taught with many marching arts units across the southeast and was charter staff with Music City Drum Corps in Nashville Tennessee, as well as the featured soloist with Music City Legend Drum and Bugle Corps.  

Georgette sidbury - Dance instructor

Georgette Sidbury was born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina. Fun fact about her is when she was born she had two teeth in her mouth which is very rare. They are called natal teeth 1 in 10,000 Babies have them. Georgette started dancing at the age of 2 years old. Growing up Georgette took dance after school and trained in Jazz, Tap, Clogging, Ballet, Hip-hop and Contemporary. Georgette is also trained in fitness and in Latin dance. Georgette took karate and is a second degree black belt in taekwondo! After high school, she attended and graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) Conservatory Program in New York City where she studied Dance Theatre. Georgette then went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance theatre from AMDA College of the Performing Arts, in Los Angeles. After graduating from college Georgette decided to go back to her hometown where she originally discovered her love for dance in Wilmington, NC. Where she taught dance for 2 years at Dance Express Performing Arts Center. Georgette is a very versatile dancer, and can show you all the vibes you are looking for. 

EMMA singer - dance instructor

Emma started dancing when she was three, and hasn't been able to stop since. She grew up in a small town studio in North Georgia, and she also did theater her whole life to go along with it. She found her passion for contemporary ballet while she was a student at Valdosta State University, of which she has recently graduated with her Bachelors in Dance. During her time there she danced in every show she could, and ended up having a lot of fun editing virtual performances during quarantine times.  Regardless of contemporary/ modern being her favorite style(s), she would never turn down the opportunity to participate in anything to do with jazz or tap either. She loves teaching so much, and loves being around kids. Dance is one of the most important things in our world, and she is so, so excited to help teach everyone she can about it! 

camila olivera - dance instructor

Camila was born in Uruguay in South America and was raised in Gwinnett, Georgia. Camila began her training at the age of four at the Behind the Senses dance studio. After hopping from studio to studio for the next six years, she landed at the Lilburn School of Ballet where she joined their performance company. She danced with the company for three years before deciding to expand her dancing to other dance styles including jazz and modern. She final settled at Simply Dancing, where she graduated from under the Artistic Director, Coby Richardson, after dancing with them for two years. After an internship with Dance Canvas Next, Camila was a teacher at both the Dance Centre at Vista Grove and the Dance Centre at Harmony Grove. Camila went on to open up her own dance studio, Simply Dancing, which was the first home she found when she was growing up. After directing that studio for two years, Camila decided to move onto the next chapter of her life. Dance somehow always seemed to sneak back into her life as she is now part of a performing company, Gwinnett Dance Project and is back to doing what she loves, which is inspiring little ones to learn, create and have fun dancing!  

LEAH STERNBERG - dance instructor

Leah Sternberg, originally from Chicago, IL, moved to Atlanta, GA in August of 2021. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She has a background in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, and Irish dance. Leah attended Illinois Wesleyan University where she studied nursing and dance. While at Illinois Wesleyan University, Leah was a part of the dance team and performed at the Student Choreographed Dance Concert every year. Additionally, she was the president of Cohesion dance company for 3 years. Leah has been teaching dance to young ones for 4 years and is looking forward to continuing to do so in Atlanta. Leah has the most experience in teaching hip hop to young ones where she focuses on introducing and implementing hip hop history along with technique. Some of her favorite styles to teach include hip hop, modern, and musical theater.  

celine connEr - dance instructor


Celine Conner is a native of Tucker, Ga and has been dancing since the age of 2. She enjoys Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Lyrical. She loves learning new styles of dance and loves the level of  difficulty that they provide. Throughout her middle and high school career, she was in the senior company at Pointe Of Grace in Tucker, Ga. In her time there she had grown her love for performing. She is attending Gwinnett Technical College and is majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Celine is a curious, hard-working, and dedicated ball of energy, and is so excited to be joining the EIM family!



Judith (jude) chandler - Dance instructor

Jude started dance when she was two years old in Virginia at the Floyd Ward Dance Studio. Throughout school, she trained at the Peabody Institute in Maryland, and began teaching dance at sixteen for Maryland Parks and Recreation. During college, where she received her BA Cum Laude in Psychology, she was the Mascot for N.C. State and Miss Wake Forest performing and competing in the Miss North Carolina Pageant. After college she taught dance and gymnastics in New Jersey. Since moving to Georgia, she has been an instructor, judge, director and performer for numerous dance companies and pageants. Jude has had the privilege of training with the industry’s best, including summer intensives in New York, Chicago, with the Rockettes, Al Gilbert, Daryl Retter, and Janice Barringer. She was the owner/director of Inspirations, a 501(c)(3) dance troupe that traveled internationally performing for such venues as Susan G. Komen Walk, Disney, the Gator Bowl, Carnival Cruise line, national competitions, guest performers for Atlanta Festival Ballet, as well as local and statewide events. Jude has her Master’s in Education from the University of Georgia and is a retired STEM, Kindergarten, and Cosmetology teacher. She was listed in Americas Who’s Who Among Educators and was nominated this year for Americas Who’s Who Among Professionals. In 2015, Jude was involved in a near fatal car accident which caused her to have to learn to walk again. With the encouragement of her family, she never gave up her dreams of once again dancing. Fulfilling those dreams, she is joining EIM to share her passion for giving joy through movement and looks forward to many more years of fun, fitness, and artistic expression.

Molly Ryan Brown - dance instructor

I started dancing at 3 years old at a local studio in my hometown in Florida. Growing up I danced all styles of dance but found my passion for ballet. I began assisting beginner ballet classes in my teenage years and playing larger roles in our studio recitals. I attended numerous dance conventions, learning choreography from well known choreographers such as Travis Wall from So You Think You Can Dance and Ivan Koumaev from Step Up 3. In my early twenties I started practicing and pursuing heels, adding heels as another style of dance I’m passionate about. I’ve been drawn back to the desire to teach and help cultivate the experience for young minds learning

mcKenzie Manor - dance instructor

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. McKenzie Manor found her true passion in the artsthrough dance at the age of 4 when her parents enrolled her in her first dance class. From that point on dancing has been second nature to her joining a competition team at Dazz with Jazz, becoming captain of her majorette dance team in high school, dancing at Cobb County Center of Excellence in the Performing Arts, training at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York, and being featured in many dance videos. McKenzie is a 2022 graduate from Valdosta State University and holds a BFA in Dance. Her piece titled Phoenix was featured in the Valdosta State Emerging Artist Dance Showcase in 2021. She has been graced to teach dance classes at The Andrew & Walter Young YMCA, local churches in Valdosta, Ga, and Valdosta Early College Academy. McKenzie soon wishes to continue works in the commercial dance realms and also teach and inspire young up-and-coming dancers. By creating a supportive and safe atmosphere for an active exploration of artistic discipline.

Corey Coadou - Dance instructor

Corey Coadou was born in France. He started his dance career in a big studio in Poitiers, France where he was trained in Modern Dance, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Street Jazz and Heels Dancing. During these years, he was trained by Yanis Marshall, who became his dance inspiration. From being an assistant teacher to dancing with celebrities on big stages in France, Corey has done what most dancers did not have the chance to do. In 2014, when Corey was 16 years old, he and his family moved to Valdosta, Georgia. Corey studied dance in high school and later on went to Valdosta State University where he earned a BFA in Dance in 2020.

Corey has been teaching dance classes for the past five years to all ages and all levels. Being president of the VSU Dance Club gave Corey a lot of opportunities to teach, perform and choreograph.” 

riley stone - dance instructor

I am a native of Loganville, Georgia, but I recently relocated to Kennesaw to pursue a BA in Business Management, as well as a minor in dance. I grew up as a competitive dancer at On Stage School of Dance, where I trained in all styles and truly found my passion and love for the art. Dance helped to shape the person I am today and taught me my most valuable life lessons. In High School, I became a part of Grayson High School's dance program where I choreographed for seasonal shows, as well as assisted in the classroom. I am currently furthering my studies in Modern, Ballet, and Contemporary through the KSU Dance Department. I am very excited and honored to start my journey with EIM and continue my career in dance.  

Lily abuladze - Assistant dance instructor

My name is Lily, I'm 17 and, I was born in Atlanta. I've been dancing since I was 3 and I've loved it ever since. Music and dance have always been a huge part of my life and it is the reason I am who I am. It never fails to fix my mood and make me happy. Any form of art is my favorite thing ever and I always have a new art project I'm working on. On top of dance and art, I also love going to the gym every day. I've been babysitting since I was 11 and I adore working with kids, which is why I love this job so much. Dance is my passion and I know it always will be.  

LaTauria dotson - dance instructor

Latauria Dotson is originally from Miami Florida and has been dancing since the age of 5. She is proficiently trained in ballet,hip-hop, jazz,modern and contemporary. Latauria has been trained under the dance company’s of The McIntyre Institute and Young contemporary dance theater located in south florida. She attended a magnet school, Miami Northwestern Senior High and there she continued being trained by Traci Young-Byron who pushed her to be the passionate dancer she is today and exposed her to legendary people like Debbie Lee Allen and The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.Latauria graduated from Tri-Cities High school in east Atlanta which opened up doors for her to be able to travel the world and dance. She has had the honor to dance background to amazing artists and instruct extensive workshops. Latauria is now a youth hip hop instructor at DanceForJoi and adult heel instructor as well. Latauria believes that dance is her purpose in life and is excited to bring her skills to the EIM family! 

David Connel - dance instructor

David Connel, born and raised in the greater Atlanta area started studying dance at the age of 16. He started in a musical theatre class that focused on tap and jazz and has loved dancing ever since. David is trained in tap, ballet, jazz, and modern dance styles and has experience in hip-hop, ballroom, and other genres of dance. He graduated from Georgia College and State University with a B.A. in theatre and a minor in dance. While studying at GCSU he danced as the nutcracker prince for three consecutive years. He also attended the American College Dance Association conference (ACDA), choreographed for some dance minor concerts, and choreographed the college musical production of Ride The Cyclone. David has taught tap, ballet, jazz, and creative movement to students from kindergarten to high school ages in the GCSU community dance program and in Baldwin County Elementary Schools. 

Phillia prior - dance instructor

Phillia Prior was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a triple threat. She is a Singer, Actress, and a Dancer. Phillia is also a Choreographer. She started her dance journey at the age of two years old. Phillia danced with Kip Kixx Dance Company as a young child and grew up dancing in church. She was trained in Liturgical dance at Elizabeth Baptist Church. She was given the opportunity to learn how to lead and teach others apart of the ministry at church at the age of thirteen up until the age of eighteen. While in High school, Phillia grew love for Musical Theatre and was cast in leading roles. She was cast as Tomeka in School of Rock The Musical and The Leading Player in Pippin. After High school Phillia committed to Young Harris College to pursue a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Phillia graduated from Young Harris College in May of 2022. While attending Young Harris Phillia was given the opportunity to choreograph musical theatre numbers like Chips are Down from HadesTown The Musical and have leading roles in main stage shows. She was The vicious Audrey ll plant in the production of Little Shop of Horrors and #8 in the wolves. She also founded and choreographed all the pieces for The Young Harris LYNS Dance Team. She has spent her summers teaching underprivileged children dance at Horizons Atlanta at Holy Innocents Episcopal School. She taught dance at Horizons for three years. She is now a Lead Dance coach for Aleanah Marie Dance Company in Stockbridge, Georgia. “I believe everyone should dance, you don’t have to be the best dancer in the room to move your body. Dance is a way of expression through emotion and the way you move displays how you feel. You could dance for a big reason for example you got a new job or even a small reason for example you were able to open your eyes in the morning”.  Phillia is excited to embark on her journey with EIM Dance! 

Claire Marie lubeck

Claire Marie Lubeck is a well-rounded artist in the world of theatre and film, with years of experience in acting, singing, and dancing. Having grown up in a professional theatre family, Claire found herself performing from a very young age. From flying over the audience as Peter pan to singing ABBA as Sophie in Mama Mia. She has directed several youth summer camp programs and choreographed for many regional theatres. Instructor to performer Claire is a collaborative creator, who loves working with young artist of all ages and ability levels. She wants to bring her passion for theatre to the next generation of performers.