Faculty

Anne Gravely Moore celebrates 36 years as a dance instructor and 26 years as Director of The Meredith Gravely School of Dance. Under her leadership, the studio has expanded to three locations, adding faculty, multiple dance disciplines, a travelling company and a tumbling program. Anne prides herself on the studio’s organization by her thoughtful planning behind the scenes which allows the studio’s dancers and parents to enjoy the dance experience without stress and frustration.

Guided by a commitment to excellence, Anne’s mission is to provide exceptional dance training while promoting self-awareness, discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and a love for the art of dance.

As a student, performer, and teacher, Anne has had the privilege to learn from many nationally recognized choreographers and teachers at Broadway Dance Center and Steps in New York City, The Dance Place in Washington DC, and countless dance conventions.

An active member of Dance Masters of America, she has taught, choreographed, and judged for several dance academies and competitions, including Dance Troupe, Inc., 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 also chaired the North Carolina Chapter of Dance Masters of America Scholarship Committee and the President’s Committee to award college scholarships and awards to deserving dancers.

Accolades and honors include the “Best Choreographer” and “Highest Score” award at Dance Troupe Inc. In 2019, Anne was awarded the Trailblazer award by the I AM S.A.R.A.H. organization. Anne continues to support The Danville Concert Association and in 2023, she was recognized by the mayor at the Danville Storytelling Festival for her dedication to the community and her impact on the region through the performing arts and entrepreneurship. to recruit professional dance companies to teach master classes and perform for their concert series. In 2026, Anne was named “Best Dance Teacher” by the Chatham Star Tribune. The studio has been consistently recognized as “The Best Studio” by the Danville Register & Bee and the Chatham Star-Tribune. Of all the honors the studio has received, this recognition is one that Anne really values, as it reflects the trust and support of the community it has proudly served for generations.

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 is deeply committed to her students and their growth. She is proud to offer a space where her students experience joy, belonging and purpose. Anne’s dedication to excellence continues to shape the studio and inspire generations of dancers.

Ashley Lackey Harper has built a distinguished, multifaceted career rooted in dance instruction and education. She began her dance training at age five with Meredith Gravely and later became an instructor at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance, where she has remained for 33 years. For the past 12 years, she has served as director and instructor at the South Boston studio. Throughout her career, she has benefited from the mentorship of Meredith Gravely, Anne Gravely Moore and countless dance conventions and online training.

In addition to her work with the school, Ashley has shared her expertise with organizations such as the former Linda Watkins School of Dance in Roanoke and Danville Parks and Recreation. Her experience includes teaching summer classes, organizing children’s dance camps, offering private instruction, and choreographing routines for competitions, school programs, and cheer and dance teams. Her passion for dance is evident in her long-standing commitment to both her students and her craft.

Ashley’s dedication to education is equally notable. She graduated cum laude from Averett University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts and teacher certification, and later earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2005. She has continued her academic pursuits with specialized training in gifted education through the University of Richmond (2021) and a math specialist endorsement from Old Dominion University (2024).

For 30 years, Ashley has served Danville Public Schools and currently works as a math and science instructional coach at Woodberry Hills Elementary School. Her career includes teaching grades 2–7, serving as a math and reading coach, contributing to curriculum development, leading professional presentations, and participating in numerous professional development opportunities. In recognition of her excellence, she was named Elementary Educator of the Year by the Danville/Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce in 2011.

In addition, Ashley contributed to student athletics as a cheerleading coach for George Washington High School from 2001 to 2006, further demonstrating her versatility and commitment to student development

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 23rd 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 fifteen 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., Hollywood Vibe, 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 coordinates master workshops and these have given Meredith Gravely students the opportunity to take class with such highly acclaimed professionals as Seth Zibalese, 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. In her days away from the studio, she cherishes time spent with her husband Desmond and their daughters Blake and Nora. 

Brittany Buckner Francis is a devoted dance educator with a heart for both artistry and service. Combining a strong background in healthcare with a lifelong love for dance, she brings a unique blend of training, wellness and creativity to the studio.  Her commitment extends beyond choreography – she strives to nurture confidence, resilience and individual growth in each of her students. Brittany is proud to be celebrating her 20th year as an instructor at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance, where she continues to share her love of dance with students of all ages and skill levels.

Brittany’s dance journey began at the age of three when she attended her first ballet class at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance.  This is where she first discovered the passion that would shape her life and career. Her early accomplishments quickly distinguished her as a standout performer.  She was asked to choreograph her first number, a jazz trio for the studio recital as a junior in high school.   In 2003, she was selected as one of only seven dancers in the nation to be named UDA’s Best All Around Dancer, earning the opportunity to compete for a national title. In 2004, she was invited to join the UDA staff, and in 2006 she became one of Dance Makers Inc. National Champions.

Dedicated to continued growth, Brittany regularly attends dance conventions to stay current with evolving industry trends and techniques, bringing fresh creativity and innovation into the classroom and onto the stage. 

Brittany serves as Co-Director of The Meredith Gravely Dance Company, the studio’s competitive dance team, where she mentors dancers not only as performers but as confident and hardworking individuals. In 2013, she launched the company’s first “Mini Team,” creating competitive opportunities for younger dancers. The program saw immediate success, earning top honors in its debut season and becoming a cornerstone of the company’s training program.

An accomplished choreographer, Brittany’s work has been recognized both regionally and nationally.  In 2019 her Hip Hop Production “Misdemeanor” was named Tremaine’s Top Convention Performance which qualified them for The Industry Dance Awards in Hollywood, CA  In 2023, she received the Best Choreography award at Dance Troupe Inc. for her piece “If It’s the Beaches,” performed by Andyn Cornell. That same year, alongside her friend and colleague Katie Pruitt, she earned the Outstanding Choreography award for their musical theater number “When Life Gives You Lemons.” Continuing their success this season at Hollywood Vibe in Charlotte, North Carolina, Francis and Pruitt were awarded Most Entertaining for their musical theater production “Story Of My Life.”

In addition to teaching and choreography, Brittany enjoys editing music and creates custom music compilations featured in the studio’s recitals.

Outside the studio, Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband, David, their three children—Ryland, Eleanor, and Everett—and their dog, Frilly. She is also a Registered Nurse, graduating Cum Laude from Patrick Henry Community College, and spent 10 years serving her community in healthcare before focusing full-time on dance and family.

Known for her humor, creativity and unwavering dedication to her students, Brittany strives to cultivate confident performers, supportive teammates, and lifelong lovers of dance. Her mission is to create an environment where dancers feel inspired, challenged, and celebrated both on and off the stage.

Caitlin Drew Price began dancing at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance at the age of seven and has been a dedicated instructor at the studio for 11 years. As a student, Caitlin trained in ballet, tap, and jazz, assisted classes under Meredith Gravely, participated in numerous master classes, and attended the Dance Makers Inc. National Convention. In 2002, she had the honor of being selected to perform in the Moscow Ballet’s local production of The Nutcracker.

Caitlin graduated Cum Laude from James Madison University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies and a minor in Early Childhood Education. Following graduation, she joined Epiphany Episcopal School, where she developed and implemented the school’s first preschool program. During her time there, she also served as a middle school cheerleading coach and led a variety of summer camps focused on dance and cheer.

In 2015, Caitlin expanded her experience in the performing arts by working as an assistant office manager and ballet instructor at Encore Performing Arts Studio in Richmond, VA. She also taught ballet, tap, and jazz from 2016-2022 at the studio’s South Boston location. Additionally, each summer, she serves as an instructor at our studio’s Princess Dance Camp.

Caitlin has been in the education field for 14 years and has contributed to multiple school improvement initiatives while continuing to pursue professional development opportunities through classes and workshops to improve her teaching practices. Currently, she is the Junior Kindergarten teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic School, where she has taught for the past 8 years. She takes great pride in fostering an environment where her students grow and thrive. In 2025, she was honored with the Excellence in Catholic Education Award in recognition of her dedication to teaching. Caitlin is passionate about nurturing confidence and growth in her students and believes her background in early childhood education enhances her approach to dance instruction.

Madison Elizabeth Vernon has just completed her third year as a tumbling instructor at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance.

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 loves 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 will graduate with an Applied Science degree in Sonography.

Madison enjoys working with the students at The Meredith Gravely School of Dance in class and privately. She feels much gratitude for the chance to help her students build confidence, learn new tumbling skills, and push beyond their limits. Seeing her student’s excitement when they finally master a skill is what inspires her to continue teaching. Madison looks forward to watching her student’s progress, while challenging themselves to reach their full potential! 

Andyn Cornell iis completing her second season on the faculty of The Meredith Gravely School of Dance. Along with teaching at the studio, Andyn is very busy working towards an Associates Degree from Patrick Henry Community College to be a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Andyn 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 completed the prestigious 2023-24 CLI Conservatory program under the direction of Teddy Forance in 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, Dance Makers 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 six years. Andyn was on faculty at the South Boston studio for the 2024-25 season. Andyn has also choreographed multiple award winning solos and duos for our dance company.

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 2014-2022 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 concept 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 full-time by Tremaine Dance Conventions and is proud to travel with an organization she loves. Her responsibilities include working closely with Keri LaGrand as the Assistant Director of Tremaine’s Performance Company, judging competition numbers, teaching classes and auditions, and stage management.

Balancing Logan’s professional work is her love for teaching and choreographing. With over nine years of experience working with thousands of dancers across the country and in Costa Rica, she remains committed to her own growth while empowering her students to embrace the journey with the guiding principle: Progression Over Perfection.

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!