Faculty

Anne Gravely Moore just completed her 34th year of teaching dance and her 24th year as director of The Meredith Gravely School of Dance. Under her direction the studio has expanded to three locations, added additional faculty, dance forms, a dance company, and a tumbling program. It has been Anne’s mission for the studio to provide excellent dance training, as well as promote self-awareness, discipline, perseverance, teamwork, inspiration and a love for the art of dance. As a student, performer and teacher, she has had the privilege to study under many nationally recognized choreographers and teachers by taking classes at Broadway Dance Center and Steps in New York City, The Dance Place in Washington DC and attending countless dance conventions since she was a young dancer. Anne continues to be an active member in Dance Masters of America. 

Anne has taught and choreographed for the Forest Dance Academy, The Performing Arts Academy, The Ray Hollingsworth Studio of Dance, The Linda Watkins School of Dance, Patrick County Dance Arts Center, Danville Parks and Recreation and the Danville Public Schools. She has been an adjudicator for the Virginia Governor’s School Auditions, a committee member to develop the Woodrow Wilson Magnet School dance program and part of the External Review Team to restructure James Madison University’s Department of Theatre and Dance. She has also chaired the North Carolina Chapter of Dance Masters of America Scholarship Committee which awards scholarships to accomplished dancers and on the President’s Committee to award college scholarships to deserving applicants. She has judged numerous dance competitions throughout the state of North Carolina. She received the “Best Choreographer” award at a Dance Troupe Inc. competition, as well as her dancers receiving the Highest Score Award. Anne continues to support The Danville Concert Association to bring professional dance companies to teach master classes and perform for their concert series. In February 2023, Anne was presented an award at the Danville Story Telling Festival by the mayor for her dedication to Danville and her work to bettering the region via arts, dance and entrepreneurship.

Anne graduated Cum Laude in 1990 from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Dance. While attending JMU, Anne performed with the Contemporary Dance Ensemble and toured professionally with the Virginia Repertory Touring Company. In 1989-1990, she received the James Madison University Outstanding Dance Performer’s Award.

Anne has a genuine interest in each of her students and their dance education. She is dedicated to the studio and its excellence. 

Ashley Lackey Harper has had a multifaceted career, deeply rooted in dance instruction and education. 

Ashley started her dance training at the age of five with Meredith Gravely, eventually becoming an instructor at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance. She has been with the school for 31 years and has served as director and instructor at the South Boston studio for ten years. Throughout her career, she has benefited from the mentorship of Meredith Gravely and Anne Gravely Moore, as well as participating in various dance conventions and online dance platforms to stay updated with current trends and teaching methods. Throughout her dance career, Ashley had the privilege to take her instruction and choreography to other venues including the former Linda Watkins School of Dance in Roanoke and the Parks and Recreation of Danville. She has taught summer classes, planned and assisted with the very popular princess dance camp, given private lessons, and choreographed and taught dance routines for local talent show contestants, dance competition contestants, school programs and Cheer/ Dance teams. Ashley has a passion for dance and dance instruction, evident in her dedication to her students and ongoing education in the field.

Ashley graduated Cum Laude from Averett University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with Teacher Certification. Later, she earned a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Averett in 2005. Continuing her academic pursuits, she completed a program focused on the education of Academically Gifted and Talented individuals at the University of Richmond. Currently, she is enrolled in a math specialists program at Old Dominion University. Ashley’s commitment to education shows her dedication to providing quality instruction to her students.

Ashley has been employed by Danville Public Schools for 28 years. Throughout her tenure, she has held teaching positions spanning grades 2-7, actively participated in committees aimed at school and curriculum improvement, delivered presentations at both local and state levels, served as a math and reading coach, taught in summer programs, and attended numerous workshops and classes to enhance her teaching practices. In recognition of her contributions, Ashley was honored as the Elementary Educator of the Year for Danville Public Schools by the Danville/Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce in 2011.

Beyond her dance and educational roles, Ashley also served as a cheerleading coach for the George Washington High School Football Cheerleaders from 2001 to 2006, and for the GW Cheerleading Competition Squad from 2004 to 2006. This additional coaching experience highlights her diverse skill set and involvement in extra activities.

Katie Robertson Pruitt began her dance training at the age of four under the direction of Vikki Rimmer.  At thirteen she transferred to The Meredith Gravely School of Dance to continue her dance education and has just completed her 21st year of teaching for the studio.  In 2011, Katie also became the Co-Director of The Meredith Gravely Dance Company, the studio’s competitive performing group.  Over the past thirteen years, the group has become a strong presence on the competition scene. Katie takes great pride in not only pushing her students to be the best dancers they can be, but also to be the very best versions of themselves.  She truly believes, as Joe Tremaine says, “Dance training, is LIFE training.”

As both a teacher and student with the studio, Katie has attended many dance conventions including Dance Makers, Inc., JUMP, NUVO, Velocity, Radix, Intrigue and Tremaine where she has had the opportunity to train with master teachers and choreographers from around the country.  In 2006, her choreography won the National Championship at the Dance Makers, Inc. competition in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and her work continues to consistently take top honors on the regional as well as national level.  In 2017, 2018, 2021 and again in 2022 she and Brittany Francis led their group to be selected for the Tremaine Dance National Finals Gala where they were able to perform for a panel of celebrity guest judges.  There they took home 2^nd place Overall (’17, ’21, and ’22) as well as 1^st place Overall (’18) National titles out of all groups in their age divisions.  In 2023, her and Brittany Francis’ choreography was also awarded the “Outstanding Choreography Award” at Velocity Dance Convention for their musical theatre production.

At the studio, Katie also coordinates Master Workshops. These have given Meredith Gravely students the opportunity to take class with such highly acclaimed professionals as Whitney Bezzant Robinson, Tom Alexander, Keri LaGrand, Derrick Schrader, Blake McGrath, Tony Bellissimo, and Dejan Tubic.

Katie is a 2003 graduate of James Madison University where she received a BS degree in Health Sciences and Public Health. While attending JMU, she performed with the dance team, The Dukettes, during football and basketball games. In 2021, Katie graduated Summa Cum Laude from SOVAH School of Health Professions Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and is currently working as a Medical Sonographer in addition to her studio responsibilities. 

Brittany Buckner Francis began dancing with The Meredith Gravely School of Dance at the age of three. She has just completed her 18th year of teaching for the studio. Each year, Brittany travels to attend numerous dance conventions including Tremaine, Velocity and DanceMakers Inc. to name a few. These conventions provide the opportunity to study the instruction of master teachers as well as attend classes tailored for instructors; therefore, expanding her knowledge on different styles of dance and choreography. She has also attended innumerable dance workshops including Universal Dance Association and Eastern Dance Association. In 2003, she was named as an Eastern Dance Association “Best All Around Dancer” and became one of seven nominees to compete in the national scholarship competition. In 2004, she was extended an invitation to join the Universal Dance Association Staff. She has competed with The Meredith Gravely School of Dance and in 1999 was part of a routine that won “Best in Show” at the Dance Masters regional competition. In 2006 she became one of the reigning Dance Makers, Inc. National Champions.

In addition to teaching she also enjoys editing music. Brittany is responsible for all of the studio’s music edits and compilations featured in the recital. Brittany is the Co-Director of The Meredith Gravely Dance Company, the studio’s competitive dance team. In 2013, she launched the Company’s first “Mini” team, allowing a younger range of ages to explore the competition scene. The “Minis” were highly successful from the start, taking home the Overall High Score award at Tremaine Dance Convention Regional competition two years in a row. Her choreography has been recognized with overall honors at the Regional and National level. In 2023 she was awarded  “Best Choreography” at Dance Troupe Inc. in Roanoke Virginia for her solo “If It’s the Beaches,” performed by Andyn Cornell. Also in 2023, along with her friend & colleague Katie Pruitt, Brittany was awarded the “Outstanding Choreography Award” for their Musical Theater number “When Life Gives You Lemons.” 

Brittany enjoys spending time with her 3 children; Ryland, Eleanor & Everett, her  husband David and her beloved dog, Frilly. In May of 2008 Brittany graduated Cum Laude from Patrick Henry Community College as a Registered Nurse. She worked at our local hospital for 10 years before taking a break from healthcare and directing her focus to being a dance instructor and Mom.

Caitlin Drew Price began dancing at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance at the age of seven and has has been instructing at the studio for nine years.  As a student, Caitlin took ballet, tap and jazz classes, assisted various classes under Meredith Gravely, participated in numerous master classes and attended the Dance Makers Inc. National Convention in Myrtle Beach, SC.  In 2002, she was selected to perform in the Moscow Ballet’s local performance of The Nutcracker.  Caitlin previously taught ballet, tap, and jazz at our South Boston studio for 6 years.  She also participates in and helps lead our Princess Dance Camp each summer.

Caitlin graduated Cum Laude from James Madison University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education. After graduating, Caitlin began working at Epiphany Episcopal School where she created and implemented its first preschool program. She also served as their middle school cheerleading coach and led various summer camps for dance and cheerleading. In 2015, Caitlin worked as an assistant office manager and ballet instructor at Encore Performing Arts Studio in Richmond, VA. Caitlin is now finishing her tenth year teaching and has served on various committees regarding school improvement.  She also attends classes and workshops regularly to better her classroom practices and instruction. 

Caitlin is currently working at Sacred Heart Catholic School as a Kindergarten teacher in addition to teaching ballet and tap classes at the studio.  This is her sixth year at SHCS and she loves seeing her students grow each year.  She feels that her background and experience in early childhood education helps to better her dance instruction at the studio.  

Bailee Cole Puckett has been teaching classes and private lessons at the studio since January 2022. Bailee began dancing with The Meredith Gravely School of Dance at the age of three. As a student, she assisted classes at the studio and was an original member of The Meredith Gravely Dance Company. Bailee expanded her knowledge by attending countless masterclasses, conventions and competitions including JUMP, NUVO, Tremaine, Dance Makers Inc., Dance Troupe Inc., Radix, Showstoppers and Velocity.

In 2012 Bailee was chosen to perform in The Moscow Ballet’s local production of the “Nutcracker”. In 2014 Bailee was selected to model for Curtain Call Costume catalog. In 2017 she auditioned and was accepted into The Rockettes Summer Intensive and also received a scholarship for DMI’s Summer Intensive.

After participating in numerous intensives and auditions, Bailee began her career as a professional dancer. In 2018 Bailee moved to New York City to attend the professional semester at the Broadway Dance Center. During the semester she took classes, voice lessons and attended numerous seminars and auditions. She made connections and worked with some incredible dancers such as, Sheryl Murakami, Cat Cogliandro, Yanis Marshall, Martha Nichols, Jim Cooney and Sheila Barker to name a few. While living in New York, Bailee signed with Clear Talent Group and immediately received a contract with Royal Caribbean. Bailee has since completed three contracts with Royal Caribbean. She performed in “Bailamos” as well as “Sequins and Feathers Three” when on the ship Empress of the Seas. Royal Caribbean quickly recognized Bailee’s talent and promoted her to their brand new ship Spectrum of the Seas where she performed “The Effectors” and “Showgirl”. While working with Royal Caribbean she made even more professional connections while working with Zachary Venegas, Joanna Numata, Kevin Wilson, Guy Salim, Racky Plews, Alan Harding. Bailee completed her third contract on Odyssey of the Seas in December 2021.

Madison Elizabeth Vernon has just completed her first year as a tumbling instructor at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance. Madison was hand picked by our former instructor Sarah Lovern to carry on her vision for the studio’s new tumbling program.

Madison became interested in gymnastics at the age of five. Her desire to be a part of the J.V. and Varsity high school cheer teams sparked her interest in learning to tumble. At the age of six she was invited to join the competitive team Blue Ridge Gymnastics Academy where she realized this was her greater passion. Madison competed in multiple competitions, in various levels, and in multiple states during her gymnastics career. She also had the opportunity to train with Olympic medalists and college coaches from around the U.S. at FlipFest Gymnastics Camp in Tennessee. Her passion still holds strong for the sport and she looks forward to sharing her knowledge to those interested in learning tumbling.

Madison was an early graduate of Tunstall High School at the age of 17. Since then, she’s received a Certification in Phlebotomy, a Welding degree, and is currently working towards her Business degree at Danville Community College. During football and basketball seasons, she volunteers with the Tunstall Youth League in coaching and choreographing competition cheer dances.

Madison has enjoyed her first year of working with the students at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance in class and privately. She looks forward to watching them progress, while challenging themselves to reach their full potential! 

Andyn Cornell is a 2023 Chatham High School graduate. She was selected by the Danville Community Foundation as the 2023 recipient of the Meredith Wilson Gravely Memorial Scholarship. Andyn just completed the prestigious 2023-24 CLI Conservatory program under the direction of Teddy Forance in Boston, Massachusetts. During Andyn’s time at CLI, she had the opportunity to work with over a hundred industry-leading choreographers and attended exclusive auditions for jobs and top agencies. Alongside these amazing opportunities, she also had the privilege of being a part of a creative film entitled “Lost” choreographed by Micaela Taylor. Andyn also performed in “THE LAST DANCE”, the conservatory’s end of the year show, where she was select to perform pieces choreographed by Teddy Forance, Liana Blackburn, Marlee Hightower, Kenichi Kasamatsu, and Bret Easterling. 

As a young dancer, Andyn danced at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance for eleven years. She auditioned and was selected to perform with the Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker in 2012 and 2018. She was a member of the The Meredith Gravely Dance Company for eight years. As a member of the company team, she attended countless dance conventions and competitions including Tremaine, DanceMakers Inc., Velocity, and Dance Troupe, Inc. She also auditioned and was selected to be a dancer for the Tremaine Performance Company for two years.

During Andyn’s senior year of high school she was a student teacher at the South Boston studio and was also a class assistant at the Danville studio for 6 years. Andyn has also choreographed multiple award winning solos and duos for our dance company.

Along with teaching and assisting at the studio, Andyn will be working towards an Associates Degree from Patrick and Henry Community College to be a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Logan Patterson was born and raised in Danville, VA. Receiving her formal training from The Meredith Gravely School of Dance where she studied for 15 years in multiple styles of dance. Alongside her studio training, she was an original member of the Meredith Gravely Dance Company. Although Logan has won numerous awards and overalls with competition dance, her most loved experience was being a member of the Tremaine Performance Company from 2014-2020 under the direction of Keri LaGrand. Logan also had the honor and experience of traveling with DanceMakers Inc. as a part of the Collective program during her senior season of 2016-17.

In the fall of 2017, Logan moved to Los Angeles, California to continue her
dance and entertainment career. Logan is signed with the Go 2 Talent Agency and has been featured in a World of Dance commercial with JLO and Derrick Hough, Chicago’s Ravinia Museum Live Experience, a collection of music videos, and the New Years Live at the ARIA featuring Kevin Hart performance. In 2022 she received a certification from NYU-TISCH Performing Arts in Industry Essentials. This course was used to expand her knowledge of background work within theatre and arenas. Using this knowledge, Logan managed a professional performance space located in North Hollywood, known as theHUBnoho. With a love for performing, Logan has participated with Choreographers Carnival in Los Angeles with choreographers Zach Venegas and Maria Skakun, Club Jete Jazz Showcase and Stage and Screen performance with choreographer Chani Bell, and has also worked with MJ Wolff in an OC Choreographers Showcase. Outside of her dance career in LA, she dabbled in retail sales, marketing and modeling for Adam Levine’s family boutique, M.Fredric.

In 2023, Logan was hired to travel full time for Tremaine Conventions and is
proud to travel with this organization that she loves. Part of her responsibilities is working closely with Keri LaGrand as her associate with
Tremaine’s Performance Company. Balancing out Logan’s professional work is her love for teaching and choreographing. With over eight years of experience, working with thousands of dancers throughout the country, Logan has truly made a name for herself and her hometown.

Sabrina Wiles was born and raised in Danville, VA where she began dancing at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance at the age of three. There she trained for 15 years in a wide variety of styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. Wiles also competed nationally as part of the studio’s award-winning team, The Meredith Gravely Dance Company. With a deep love for both performing and teaching, Sabrina has worked with young dancers since the age of 15, serving as a class demonstrator, private instructor, and summer class teacher during school breaks.

Sabrina recently graduated from Shenandoah University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. At Shenandoah, Wiles choreographed and designed lights for numerous dances along with performed for faculty and student choreographed works all four years. College expanded her styles to now include modern, Horton technique, contact improvisation, and commercial heels. Throughout her collegiate dance career, she has traveled to perform and train in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and in several villages across Greece, bringing a well-rounded and global perspective to her classes.

Sabrina is passionate about helping dancers grow in both skill and confidence, and she can’t wait to share her love of movement with the community!