Meet the Staff

Kimberly Gray-Saad

Owner/Artistic Director

Ms. Saad began her dance training at Pofahl Dance Studios (Official School of Dance Alive National Ballet) in Florida and in South Carolina with Rhonda Alperin (National Ballet) and Thierry and Martine Dorado (Paris Opera Ballet).Her performance highlights include Piccolo Spoleto Festival and summer studies with Edward Villella (Director Miami City Ballet). She has appeared in numerous summer theatre and University Playhouse productions with East Carolina University including “Carousel”, “Destry Rides Again”, and “The Sound of Music”. After teaching and directing productions throughout eastern North Carolina, she founded The Greenville Civic Ballet as a training facility for the pre-professional dance company – The Dance Collective.  Her choreography is in residence throughout the state and region and has been presented at University of North Carolina School of the Arts and with Regional Dance America/Southeastern Regional Ballet Association in Tennessee, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Her students have become professional dancers with Tokyo Disney (Ron Smith), Atlanta Ballet (Tabatha Kennedy-Hubbard), Charlotte Ballet (Nicole Shank), Ballet Magnificat! (Rebecca Colenda), Joffrey Ballet (Mary Leigh Bryant), Oregon Ballet (Matthew Pippin), Kings Dominion (Jade Ross) and Fort Wayne Ballet (Hayley McRoy.)  Logan Saad, her daughter, is currently a Musical Theatre Major at University of Michigan.  Many have gone on to become dance educators and notable choreographers and have been offered over $1,000,000 of summer, high school, and collegiate scholarships throughout the country. She is so grateful to her family – the Grays and Saads for their overwhelming love, support, patience, and inspiration.

 

 

Kimberly Gray-Saad

Owner/Artistic Director

Ms. Saad began her dance training at Pofahl Dance Studios (Official School of Dance Alive National Ballet) in Florida and in South Carolina with Rhonda Alperin (National Ballet) and Thierry and Martine Dorado (Paris Opera Ballet).Her performance highlights include Piccolo Spoleto Festival and summer studies with Edward Villella (Director Miami City Ballet). She has appeared in numerous summer theatre and University Playhouse productions with East Carolina University including “Carousel”, “Destry Rides Again”, and “The Sound of Music”. After teaching and directing productions throughout eastern North Carolina, she founded The Greenville Civic Ballet as a training facility for the pre-professional dance company – The Dance Collective.  Her choreography is in residence throughout the state and region and has been presented at University of North Carolina School of the Arts and with Regional Dance America/Southeastern Regional Ballet Association in Tennessee, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Her students have become professional dancers with Tokyo Disney (Ron Smith), Atlanta Ballet (Tabatha Kennedy-Hubbard), Charlotte Ballet (Nicole Shank), Ballet Magnificat! (Rebecca Colenda), Joffrey Ballet (Mary Leigh Bryant), Oregon Ballet (Matthew Pippin), Kings Dominion (Jade Ross) and Fort Wayne Ballet (Hayley McRoy.)  Logan Saad, her daughter, is currently a Musical Theatre Major at University of Michigan.  Many have gone on to become dance educators and notable choreographers and have been offered over $1,000,000 of summer, high school, and collegiate scholarships throughout the country. She is so grateful to her family – the Grays and Saads for their overwhelming love, support, patience, and inspiration.

 

Cherita Lytle

Cherita Lytle

Studio Manager/Instructor

Cherita graduated from East Carolina University in 2002 with a BFA in Dance Education, later earning her teaching certification in elementary education in 2007. She developed the Oakwood School’s dance program beginning in 2014 and is currently the Fine Arts Department Chair. During her time as a student at East Carolina, Cherita performed with the East Carolina Dance Team(1997-2000) and ECU’s Theater and Dance-Dance 2001 production. She continues professional development and training each year by attending workshops and conferences around the country. Among many she has attended the Dance Teacher’s Web Conference and Expo(Las Vegas), the Broadway Dance Center (New York), Gus Giordano Summer Workshops (New York), the Boulder Jazz Dance Conference (Colorado), and Arizona Jazz Festival (Tucson). In addition to teaching at The Greenville Civic Ballet since 2001, Cherita continues to choreograph and judge various competitions and pageants throughout eastern NC. Cherita is entering her 19th season with the pre-professional company, the Dance Collective and serving as it’s company manager.

Cherita Lytle

Cherita Lytle

Studio Manager/Instructor

Cherita graduated from East Carolina University in 2002 with a BFA in Dance Education, later earning her teaching certification in elementary education in 2007. She developed the Oakwood School’s dance program beginning in 2014 and is currently the Fine Arts Department Chair. During her time as a student at East Carolina, Cherita performed with the East Carolina Dance Team(1997-2000) and ECU’s Theater and Dance-Dance 2001 production. She continues professional development and training each year by attending workshops and conferences around the country. Among many she has attended the Dance Teacher’s Web Conference and Expo(Las Vegas), the Broadway Dance Center (New York), Gus Giordano Summer Workshops (New York), the Boulder Jazz Dance Conference (Colorado), and Arizona Jazz Festival (Tucson). In addition to teaching at The Greenville Civic Ballet since 2001, Cherita continues to choreograph and judge various competitions and pageants throughout eastern NC. Cherita is entering her 19th season with the pre-professional company, the Dance Collective and serving as it’s company manager.

Anna Whitlow Brown

Social Media/Instructor

Anna Whitlow Brown earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from East Carolina University.  While teaching in Greensboro, she was a member of Sidelong Dance Company based in Winston-Salem. She has performed in several festivals including RDA/SERBA, American Dance Festival, NC School of the Arts and the Fringe Festival of Greensboro. She has choreographed for Farmville Community Theatre in Farmville, NC. She continues her training by attending various workshops and classes across the country including Boulder Jazz Festival in Boulder Colorado, Dance Teacher Web Expo in Las Vegas, and Dance Teachers Summit in New York.   As a once-certified Pilates instructor, she incorporates Pilates into some of her dance classes.  She teaches ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, & musical theater at the studio.  Anna has also had the opportunity to work as a  choreographer with The GCB’s Dance Collective.  In addition to instructing dance at GCB, she & her husband Jon, own and operate Woodberry Chocolate Company.

Anna Whitlow Brown

Social Media/Instructor

Anna Whitlow Brown earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from East Carolina University.  While teaching in Greensboro, she was a member of Sidelong Dance Company based in Winston-Salem. She has performed in several festivals including RDA/SERBA, American Dance Festival, NC School of the Arts and the Fringe Festival of Greensboro. She has choreographed for Farmville Community Theatre in Farmville, NC. She continues her training by attending various workshops and classes across the country including Boulder Jazz Festival in Boulder Colorado, Dance Teacher Web Expo in Las Vegas, and Dance Teachers Summit in New York.   As a once certified Pilates instructor, she incorporates Pilates into some of her dance classes.  She teaches ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, & musical theater at the studio.  Anna has also had the opportunity to work as a  choreographer with The GCB’s Dance Collective.  In addition to instructing dance at GCB, she & her husband Jon, own and operate Woodberry Chocolate Company.

Cherita Lytle

Jeanne Williams

Instructor

Jeanne Williams graduated from East Carolina University with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a concentration in Early Childhood Development. She began her dance career as a young girl in Baton Rouge, LA. Most of her training comes from Oceanside Dance Academy in Oceanside, CA, where she focused mainly on ballet. When she and her family moved to North Carolina, she continued to dance at Down East Dance in New Bern, where she later became a dance instructor. She was a cheerleader, drill team member, and dance team member at New Bern High School. She has danced competitively in high school and college and has competed in both UDA and NDA Nationals. She was also a member of the ECU Dance Team for four years and was elected captain her senior year. Jeanne has taught all levels of jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and creative movement, with both Down East Dance and Terpsichore A Moving Experience in Southern Pines, NC. Her unique choreography has been used for high school cheerleaders, high school and college dance teams, the Arts Council of Moore County, Pitt County Schools, and local dance studios in North Carolina. Jeanne will be teaching ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop at Greenville Civic Ballet this year. She is also a first grade teacher at Wintergreen Primary School. Jeanne resides in Greenville with her husband, Taylor and daughters, Kenley and Kherington. She loves teaching at GCB and can’t wait to share her love of dance with her new and old dancers this year!

Jeanne Williams

Instructor

Jeanne Williams graduated from East Carolina University with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a concentration in Early Childhood Development. She began her dance career as a young girl in Baton Rouge, LA. Most of her training comes from Oceanside Dance Academy in Oceanside, CA, where she focused mainly on ballet. When she and her family moved to North Carolina, she continued to dance at Down East Dance in New Bern, where she later became a dance instructor. She was a cheerleader, drill team member, and dance team member at New Bern High School. She has danced competitively in high school and college and has competed in both UDA and NDA Nationals. She was also a member of the ECU Dance Team for four years and was elected captain her senior year. Jeanne has taught all levels of jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and creative movement, with both Down East Dance and Terpsichore A Moving Experience in Southern Pines, NC. Her unique choreography has been used for high school cheerleaders, high school and college dance teams, the Arts Council of Moore County, Pitt County Schools, and local dance studios in North Carolina. Jeanne will be teaching ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop at Greenville Civic Ballet this year. She is also a first grade teacher at Wintergreen Primary School. Jeanne resides in Greenville with her husband, Taylor and daughters, Kenley and Kherington. She loves teaching at GCB and can’t wait to share her love of dance with her new and old dancers this year!

Rachel Lanham Kitto

Instructor

Born to two professional dancers, Rachel Kitto credits the earliest development of her passion for the arts to her parents. Ms. Kitto received her formal ballet training at Jacqueline’s School of Ballet in Lindon, Utah, under the tutelage of Jacqueline P. Colledge. She joined the school’s pre-professional company, UMB II, at age 12, and had the opportunity to train with and perform alongside the professional dancers of Utah Metropolitan Ballet for several years. She officially joined Utah Metropolitan Ballet upon graduation from highschool, and performed regionally and internationally in repertoire such as The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, Balanchine’s Serenade, and many original contemporary and neo-classical works. Ms. Kitto had the privilege to train with renowned teachers and choreographers including Darla Hoover, David Howard, Alan Hineline, Charles Bennet, Paul Koverman, Attila Ficzere, Paul Sanasardo, Carl Flink, Yi-Qi Cheng, Jeff Rogers, Pamela Robinson-Harris and Gilles Maidon. 

Ms. Kitto received a degree in Ballet and Contemporary Dance Performance from Brigham Young University, where she was the recipient of the Gary Hopkinson Dance Scholarship, Distinguished Graduating Senior, and Outstanding Female Performer awards. Upon graduation Ms. Kitto was invited to join the dance faculty at both Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, where she taught various levels of ballet, pointe, and contemporary dance technique. Ms. Kitto has been teaching ballet and pointe technique to young dancers for over 15 years, and has been on staff at some of Utah’s most renowned dance studios; including Ballet West Academy and Jacqueline’s School of Ballet. Ms. Kitto is also a RYT200 yoga instructor. When she’s not in the studio, Ms. Kitto enjoys interior design, spending time in nature, bicycling, and spending time with her husband and three children. This will be her 5th season with The Greenville Civic Ballet.

 

Rachel Lanham Kitto

Instructor

Born to two professional dancers, Rachel Kitto credits the earliest development of her passion for the arts to her parents. Ms. Kitto received her formal ballet training at Jacqueline’s School of Ballet in Lindon, Utah, under the tutelage of Jacqueline P. Colledge. She joined the school’s pre-professional company, UMB II, at age 12, and had the opportunity to train with and perform alongside the professional dancers of Utah Metropolitan Ballet for several years. She officially joined Utah Metropolitan Ballet upon graduation from highschool, and performed regionally and internationally in repertoire such as The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, Balanchine’s Serenade, and many original contemporary and neo-classical works. Ms. Kitto had the privilege to train with renowned teachers and choreographers including Darla Hoover, David Howard, Alan Hineline, Charles Bennet, Paul Koverman, Attila Ficzere, Paul Sanasardo, Carl Flink, Yi-Qi Cheng, Jeff Rogers, Pamela Robinson-Harris and Gilles Maidon. 

 

Ms. Kitto received a degree in Ballet and Contemporary Dance Performance from Brigham Young University, where she was the recipient of the Gary Hopkinson Dance Scholarship, Distinguished Graduating Senior, and Outstanding Female Performer awards. Upon graduation Ms. Kitto was invited to join the dance faculty at both Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, where she taught various levels of ballet, pointe, and contemporary dance technique. Ms. Kitto has been teaching ballet and pointe technique to young dancers for over 15 years, and has been on staff at some of Utah’s most renowned dance studios; including Ballet West Academy and Jacqueline’s School of Ballet. Ms. Kitto is also a RYT200 yoga instructor. When she’s not in the studio, Ms. Kitto enjoys interior design, spending time in nature, bicycling, and spending time with her husband and three children. This will be her 5th season with The Greenville Civic Ballet.

Cherita Lytle

Hayley McRoy

Instructor

Hayley McRoy grew up in Greenville, North Carolina and danced at Greenville Civic Ballet. She later trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), performing in Paquita, Les Sylphide, Ethan Stiefel’s The Nutcracker, and Balanchine’s Serenade. Upon graduating and receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts, Hayley began dancing professionally with Fort Wayne Ballet, performing in Karen Gibbons Brown’s The Nutcracker, Darren McIntyre’s Phantom of the Opera, and as Winter Fairy in Fort Wayne Ballet’s Cinderella. While dancing in Indiana, Hayley received certifications in levels one through five of American Ballet Theater’s National Training Curriculum, and began teaching at Fort Wayne Ballet’s Auer Academy. Hayley had the pleasure of teaching ballet at local elementary schools and head start programs in Fort Wayne with the help of grant money gifted by the city for two consecutive years. Hayley is so excited to teach at Greenville Civic Ballet and looks forward to an excellent year.

Hayley McRoy

Instructor

Hayley McRoy grew up in Greenville, North Carolina and danced at Greenville Civic Ballet. She later trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), performing in Paquita, Les Sylphide, Ethan Stiefel’s The Nutcracker, and Balanchine’s Serenade. Upon graduating and receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts, Hayley began dancing professionally with Fort Wayne Ballet, performing in Karen Gibbons Brown’s The Nutcracker, Darren McIntyre’s Phantom of the Opera, and as Winter Fairy in Fort Wayne Ballet’s Cinderella. While dancing in Indiana, Hayley received certifications in levels one through five of American Ballet Theater’s National Training Curriculum, and began teaching at Fort Wayne Ballet’s Auer Academy. Hayley had the pleasure of teaching ballet at local elementary schools and head start programs in Fort Wayne with the help of grant money gifted by the city for two consecutive years. Hayley is so excited to teach at Greenville Civic Ballet and looks forward to an excellent year.

 

Kayla Hathaway

Instructor

Kayla Hathaway’s dance journey began as a student at the Greenville Civic Ballet, where she immersed herself in the world of dance, later discovering a love for theatre, from ages 3 to 18. Now, after completing her degree with School of Theatre and Dance at ECU, and five fulfilling years teaching within the Pitt County Schools, she has started a new chapter in her professional career back at East Carolina University as a staff member. Alongside her teaching and leadership roles in education, Kayla has also served as the director of several plays and musicals (including “The Hallelujah Girls” and “Hairspray”) over the past five years, showcasing her love and passion for the performing arts. Kayla is thrilled to be back “at home” with the Greenville Civic Ballet and The Dance Collective, bringing her wealth of experience and love for dance to a new generation of aspiring performers. She is excited to continue sharing the magic of movement and expression with the community that holds a special place in her heart!

 

Kayla Hathaway

Instructor

Kayla Hathaway’s dance journey began as a student at the Greenville Civic Ballet, where she immersed herself in the world of dance, later discovering a love for theatre, from ages 3 to 18. Now, after completing her degree with School of Theatre and Dance at ECU, and five fulfilling years teaching within the Pitt County Schools, she has started a new chapter in her professional career back at East Carolina University as a staff member. Alongside her teaching and leadership roles in education, Kayla has also served as the director of several plays and musicals (including “The Hallelujah Girls” and “Hairspray”) over the past five years, showcasing her love and passion for the performing arts. Kayla is thrilled to be back “at home” with the Greenville Civic Ballet and The Dance Collective, bringing her wealth of experience and love for dance to a new generation of aspiring performers. She is excited to continue sharing the magic of movement and expression with the community that holds a special place in her heart!

 

 

Cherita Lytle

Caroline Dunlap

Instructor

Caroline Baney-Dunlap grew up in Indialantic, Florida and trained at The Dance Zone
under Jody Schur, Lori Gust, and Patrick VanBuren. While in the pre-professional company,
The Serenade Dance Company, Caroline danced in Nutcracker, Paquita, Serenade, and
Jewels. Upon graduating high school, Caroline continued to train at The Florida State
University. While training in dance, Caroline also joined the FSU Flying High Circus and
served as a choreographer and act captain through college graduation. After moving to
North Carolina, Caroline found the Greenville Civic Ballet and has been an instructor since
2019. Caroline is also a choreographer/rehearsal director for The Dance Collective.

Caroline Dunlap

Instructor

Caroline Baney-Dunlap grew up in Indialantic, Florida and trained at The Dance Zone under Jody Schur, Lori Gust, and Patrick VanBuren. While in the pre-professional company, The Serenade Dance Company, Caroline danced in Nutcracker, Paquita, Serenade, and Jewels. Upon graduating high school, Caroline continued to train at The Florida State University. While training in dance, Caroline also joined the FSU Flying High Circus and served as a choreographer and act captain through college graduation. After moving to North Carolina, Caroline found the Greenville Civic Ballet and has been an instructor since
2019. Caroline is also a choreographer/rehearsal director for The Dance Collective.

Taylor Chase

Instructor

 

Taylor Chase began her dance training at Greenville Civic Ballet at the age of 4 and was also a member of the Dance Collective. She recently graduated from Meredith College with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism, along with minors in Dance, Communications, and Business Administration. Taylor is now pursuing her Master’s in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality at East Carolina University.

After high school, Taylor knew she wanted to continue dancing and successfully auditioned for several of Meredith College’s dance companies. During her time there, she was a full member of the Meredith Jazz and Tap Company, Meredith Clogging Company, Meredith Dance Theatre, and Meredith College Dance Crew.

She is thrilled to return to Greenville Civic Ballet, this time as a teacher, and is excited to share her passion for dance with the next generation of dancers!

Lindsay Davis

Instructor

 

Lindsay began dancing when she was 4 years old at Studio ’86 in Kinston, NC under the direction of Robb Beaman. She began assisting him at the age of 16 and began choreographing solos for dancers at the age of 18. She attended East Carolina University, majoring in Dance Performance and studying under Joe Carow, Pat Pertalion, and Tommi Galaska. She was accepted and attended the New Actor’s Workshop in New York City under the direction of George Morrison. She returned to Kinston, NC to teach and choreograph alongside Robb Beaman. In 2005, she moved to Wilmington, NC and opened Coastal Dance Fusion. With annual recitals, Lindsay, along with Debra Worley, ran a competitive company that traveled to regional competitions each year. Coastal Dance Fusion earned several platinum overall awards, and Lindsay earned three awards for Best Choreography at these competitions. In 2011, Coastal Dance Fusion closed, and Lindsay became the Contemporary Director for the Wilmington School of Ballet under the direction of Elizabeth Hester. During her time at WSOB, Lindsay choreographed several pieces for students auditioning for the University of NC School of the Arts. She also choreographed two Spring Ballet productions, including Magical Mystery Tour! at Thalian Hall in Wilmington. In 2018, Lindsay began teaching for the non-profit organization, DREAMS Center for Arts Education in Wilmington. In addition to teaching several classes each week, she also choreographed several pieces each season for students to present around the community. In 2018 and 2019, Lindsay also had the honor to perform for Wilmington Dance Festival under the direction of Sue Meyer. Lindsay moved back to Greenville, NC in 2022 and teaches middle school ELA at NC Virtual Academy. She is infinitely thrilled to be back in her element and teaching at Greenville Civic Ballet! She cannot wait to meet and dance with all of you!

Natalie Blaubach

   Instructor

Natalie is currently attending East Carolina University pursuing a degree in psychology. Natalie danced for 15 years at the Greenville Civic Ballet beginning at
the age of 3 and was a member of the Dance Collective for 5 years in which she participated in winter performances, UNCSA’s Festival of Dance, and the Emerging
Choreographer’s project as a choreographer. This is her first season officially on staff, but she began her working experience at GCB her senior year as a senior intern in the 2023-2024 season. Natalie is grateful for the opportunity to continue to be a part of GCB and share her love of dance with younger generations of dancers!

Taylor Chase

Instructor

Taylor Chase began her dance training at Greenville Civic Ballet at the age of 4 and was also a member of the Dance Collective. She recently graduated from Meredith College with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism, along with minors in Dance, Communications, and Business Administration. Taylor is now pursuing her Master’s in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality at East Carolina University.

After high school, Taylor knew she wanted to continue dancing and successfully auditioned for several of Meredith College’s dance companies. During her time there, she was a full member of the Meredith Jazz and Tap Company, Meredith Clogging Company, Meredith Dance Theatre, and Meredith College Dance Crew.

She is thrilled to return to Greenville Civic Ballet, this time as a teacher, and is excited to share her passion for dance with the next generation of dancers!

 

Alicia Byrns

Instructor

Alicia is currently a nursing student at Pitt Community College and East Carolina
University through the RIBN program. She began dancing at the age of 4 and
danced for 14 years at Greenville Civic Ballet as a student and continued her
training through The Dance Collective for 5 years. During her time with The Dance
Collective, she participated in many winter performances, UNCSA festivals, and
had the opportunity to be a part of and choreograph as an emerging
choreographer in the Spring Spendor performances. In college, she continues
dancing as a member of East Carolina University’s Club Dance team. This is her
first year officially on staff as she was a senior intern for GCB for the 2023-2024
season. Alicia enjoys spending time at the studio, volunteering and helping out
whenever possible. She is truly grateful for the chance to support the amazing
teachers and dancers and is excited to continue teaching in the future!

 

Cherita Lytle

Karen Demsky

Instructor

Karen began dance training at the age of 4, studying in Burlington, Rocky Mount, and Greenville NC, and continuing dance studies at UNC-Greensboro and UNC-Chapel Hill. From 2000 – 2003 she performed with Rejoice Dance Company in Raleigh and taught ballet at Starpoints Performing Arts Center. Karen continued dancing in Virginia Beach and Salisbury MD before returning to Greenville in 2007 and joining Greenville Civic Ballet.

 

Kensleigh Williams

Instructor

Kensleigh Williams recently completed her Associates Degree in business at Pitt Community College and will transfer to East Carolina University in the fall to obtain her BSBA in Marketing.. She danced for twelve years and was a member of GCB’s Dance Collective for five years. During her time in the Dance Collective, she participated in winter performances, UNCSA’s Festival of Dance, and the Emerging
Choreographers project. Kensleigh is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to be a part of Greenville Civic Ballet since graduating high school.

Abbey Boone

Instructor

 Abbey Boone began dancing at the age of 4, at CC&Co Dance Complex in Raleigh, NC. She
soon began competitively training in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Lyrical for 10+
years and competed at numerous competitions locally, regionally, and nationally. Abbey
attended the Summer Dance Intensive hosted by her dance studio from 2016-2021 and was
given the opportunity to train and learn from artists such as Kirsten Russell and Robert
Green. She was a member of her High School dance team (Wake Forest Cougarettes) and
was the captain her junior and senior year. She is currently a Senior at East Carolina
University pursuing a degree in Marketing, Where she partakes in many dance related clubs
(Dance Xtensions, Code Blue).

Lindsay Davis

Instructor

Lindsay began dancing when she was 4 years old at Studio ’86 in Kinston, NC under the direction of Robb Beaman. She began assisting him at the age of 16 and began choreographing solos for dancers at the age of 18. She attended East Carolina University, majoring in Dance Performance and studying under Joe Carow, Pat Pertalion, and Tommi Galaska. She was accepted and attended the New Actor’s Workshop in New York City under the direction of George Morrison. She returned to Kinston, NC to teach and choreograph alongside Robb Beaman. In 2005, she moved to Wilmington, NC and opened Coastal Dance Fusion. With annual recitals, Lindsay, along with Debra Worley, ran a competitive company that traveled to regional competitions each year. Coastal Dance Fusion earned several platinum overall awards, and Lindsay earned three awards for Best Choreography at these competitions. In 2011, Coastal Dance Fusion closed, and Lindsay became the Contemporary Director for the Wilmington School of Ballet under the direction of Elizabeth Hester. During her time at WSOB, Lindsay choreographed several pieces for students auditioning for the University of NC School of the Arts. She also choreographed two Spring Ballet productions, including Magical Mystery Tour! at Thalian Hall in Wilmington. In 2018, Lindsay began teaching for the non-profit organization, DREAMS Center for Arts Education in Wilmington. In addition to teaching several classes each week, she also choreographed several pieces each season for students to present around the community. In 2018 and 2019, Lindsay also had the honor to perform for Wilmington Dance Festival under the direction of Sue Meyer. Lindsay moved back to Greenville, NC in 2022 and teaches middle school ELA at NC Virtual Academy. She is infinitely thrilled to be back in her element and teaching at Greenville Civic Ballet! She cannot wait to meet and dance with all of you!

Karen Demsky

Instructor

Karen began dance training at the age of 4, studying in Burlington, Rocky Mount, and Greenville NC, and continuing dance studies at UNC-Greensboro and UNC-Chapel Hill. From 2000 – 2003 she performed with Rejoice Dance Company in Raleigh and taught ballet at Starpoints Performing Arts Center. Karen continued dancing in Virginia Beach and Salisbury MD before returning to Greenville in 2007 and joining Greenville Civic Ballet.

Cherita Lytle

Natalie Blaubach

Instructor

Natalie is currently attending East Carolina University pursuing a degree in
psychology. Natalie danced for 15 years at the Greenville Civic Ballet beginning at
the age of 3 and was a member of the Dance Collective for 5 years in which she
participated in winter performances, UNCSA’s Festival of Dance, and the Emerging
Choreographer’s project as a choreographer. This is her first season officially on
staff, but she began her working experience at GCB her senior year as a senior
intern in the 2023-2024 season. Natalie is grateful for the opportunity to continue
to be a part of GCB and share her love of dance with younger generations of
dancers!

Alicia Byrnes

Instructor

Alicia is currently a nursing student at Pitt Community College and East Carolina
University through the RIBN program. She began dancing at the age of 4 and
danced for 14 years at Greenville Civic Ballet as a student and continued her
training through The Dance Collective for 5 years. During her time with The Dance
Collective, she participated in many winter performances, UNCSA festivals, and
had the opportunity to be a part of and choreograph as an emerging
choreographer in the Spring Spendor performances. In college, she continues
dancing as a member of East Carolina University’s Club Dance team. This is her
first year officially on staff as she was a senior intern for GCB for the 2023-2024
season. Alicia enjoys spending time at the studio, volunteering and helping out
whenever possible. She is truly grateful for the chance to support the amazing
teachers and dancers and is excited to continue teaching in the future!

Cherita Lytle

Kensleigh Williams

Instructor

 

Kensleigh Williams recently completed her Associates Degree in business at Pitt
Community College and will transfer to East Carolina University in the fall to obtain
her BSBA in Marketing.. She danced for twelve years and was a member of GCB’s
Dance Collective for five years. During her time in the Dance Collective, she
participated in winter performances, UNCSA’s Festival of Dance, and the Emerging
Choreographers project. Kensleigh is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to
be a part of Greenville Civic Ballet since graduating high school.
Cherita Lytle

Amy Ross

Office Administrator

 

Amy is a Florida native who moved with her family to Greenville in 2002. Amy worked at
Wahl Coates Elementary as a Librarian’s Assistant for more than 10 years before joining GCB
full time. Amy also served as the Parent Guild Chair for the Dance Collective in 2010. She is
an avid reader, loves to cook and to serve others which can be seen in her professionalism in
the GCB office. Amy is very active in serving in her church and volunteering in the
community. She has been an integral part to GCB and is loved by all!

Amy Ross

Office Administrator

Natalie Bridgers

Office Assistant

Natalie has been with GCB for 12 years and is the Parts Manager at Equipment Plus
Total Facility Solutions. She has a passion for dogs and has been making specialized
dog treats for over a decade and is the owner of Brewster’s Biscuits. Natalie’s ultimate dream would be to move to her own island with all of your dogs!

Natalie Bridgers

Office Assistant