Ballet | Jazz | Tap | Hip Hop | Modern | Contemporary | Tumbling | Theatre
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Leigh Johnson Roush is the artistic director and owner of the studio and teaches all ages & ability levels. Leigh began studying dance at a very young age and has trained under renowned instructors such as Edward Villela, Marcus Alford, Kathryn Horne, Melissa Hayden, and Duncan Noble. She has studied at the North Carolina School of th
Leigh Johnson Roush is the artistic director and owner of the studio and teaches all ages & ability levels. Leigh began studying dance at a very young age and has trained under renowned instructors such as Edward Villela, Marcus Alford, Kathryn Horne, Melissa Hayden, and Duncan Noble. She has studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts, Wake Forest University, and Eckerd College and was a principal with the contemporary ballet company 'Dance Innovations' in St. Petersburg, FL. Leigh is certified with high honors in classical ballet and modern dance by Dance Educators of America and a certified instructor of Progressing Ballet Technique. Leigh has been the director of AAD since 1990 and the artistic director of the City Youth Ballet since 1998. Her students have been accepted to study with the School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Washington Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and numerous others. Other students have continued their dance training on the college level at schools such as New York University, UNCSA, Pace University, East Carolina University, The School in London, Virginia Commonwealth, University of Cincinnati, and Yale University. Her students are performing professionally throughout the U.S., on Broadway, on cruise ships, and teaching internationally. Leigh has been honored with numerous awards for her choreography, staging, and technical training. She has judged and taught master classes for several dance competitions and companies throughout the United States. Leigh has two grown sons, Jonas (actor), and Gabriel (ballet dancer), and enjoys traveling and watching her (dance) kids perform.
Mr. Edmund teaches theatre and voice classes at AAD. Edmund began his performing career at age twelve, participating in the Lost Colony outdoor drama. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre, along with a minor in dance, from East Carolina University. Edmund has performed extensively along the East Coast, serving as a princi
Mr. Edmund teaches theatre and voice classes at AAD. Edmund began his performing career at age twelve, participating in the Lost Colony outdoor drama. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre, along with a minor in dance, from East Carolina University. Edmund has performed extensively along the East Coast, serving as a principal dancer with the Columbia City Ballet. He was also a principal performer in 'Horn in the West' and has contributed to performances and education at the Charlotte Children's Theatre. Edmund is a member of the stagehands union and has worked as a technician for various traveling Broadway productions. He is married to Leigh Roush, and they have two sons, Jonas and Gabriel.
A teacher at heart, Laura is always excited to share her love of dance with students of all ages. She is certified in Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, International Latin dances including Jive, and Gymnastics Safety and Tumbling. Laura has also trained extensively in Jazz, Tap and Musical Theater. She is the production manage
A teacher at heart, Laura is always excited to share her love of dance with students of all ages. She is certified in Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, International Latin dances including Jive, and Gymnastics Safety and Tumbling. Laura has also trained extensively in Jazz, Tap and Musical Theater. She is the production manager and choreographer for The Talent Company in Albemarle. Laura has also been involved with Stanly County Dancing with the Stars since 2012 as a producer and/or choreographer.
Ms. Julie is an instructor for AAD's young ballet, tap, tumbling and hip hop classes. Julie began her dance training at age three at Murphy School of Dance, in Western North Carolina where she continued her training for fifteen years. After completing teacher training and an internship, she went on to teach all ages in a variety of
Ms. Julie is an instructor for AAD's young ballet, tap, tumbling and hip hop classes. Julie began her dance training at age three at Murphy School of Dance, in Western North Carolina where she continued her training for fifteen years. After completing teacher training and an internship, she went on to teach all ages in a variety of dance styles before moving to Stanly county. Julie loves the feeling of individuality, freedom, and confidence that dance gives and loves watching her students discover the joy of dance. In addition to dance, Julie studied criminal justice and as an emergency medical technician. Ms. Julie loves spending time with her daughter, Arabella, as well as gardening and fishing.
Gabriel Roush began studying dance at Albemarle Academy of Dance at a very young age. He refined his craft at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, graduating from their high school program in 2023 with a concentration in classical ballet. Gabriel is currently a trainee with the Charlotte Ballet. He has studied on schola
Gabriel Roush began studying dance at Albemarle Academy of Dance at a very young age. He refined his craft at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, graduating from their high school program in 2023 with a concentration in classical ballet. Gabriel is currently a trainee with the Charlotte Ballet. He has studied on scholarship at Chautauqua, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, and UNCSA. His performance repertoire is impressive, featuring roles in George Balanchine's "Who Cares" and "Walpurgisnacht Ballet," Alejandro Cerrudo's "Lickety Split," Chris Stewart's "Peter Pan," and Marius Petipa's classics such as "Giselle" and "Swan Lake," to name a few.
Not only a ballet dancer, Gabriel is an accomplished tap dancer. Throughout his training he received numerous awards and held the National Title of Teen Dancer of the Year. Gabriel received scholarships to study in highly regarded tap programs throughout the United States and performed onstage with master tap dancers.
His background in both ballet and tap allows him to offer a unique perspective on rhythm, movement, and performance. Gabriel's approach to teaching emphasizes technique, musicality, and the joy of tap dancing, inspiring students to explore their creativity and develop their own styles. With Gabriel Roush as an instructor, our students have the rare opportunity to learn from a dancer who embodies dedication, excellence, and a profound love for the art of dance.
Valencia Williams began her training at Albemarle Academy of Dance at the age of four years old, where she was a member of The City Youth Ballet and The Showoffs performance company. At the age of 13, Valencia was accepted into Joffrey Ballet School, in New York City, where she focused in the jazz and contemporary programs. After grad
Valencia Williams began her training at Albemarle Academy of Dance at the age of four years old, where she was a member of The City Youth Ballet and The Showoffs performance company. At the age of 13, Valencia was accepted into Joffrey Ballet School, in New York City, where she focused in the jazz and contemporary programs. After graduating high school, she pursued her dance career even further, getting accepted in The Ailey School (also known as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), also located in New York City. She continued to study here for three years, within the certificate program. Outside of dance Valencia enjoys spending time with her daughter and family.
Mrs. Hillary has been with the studio since 2007. She is our office manager, and is the person behind the emails, texts, and phone calls. She’s a self-proclaimed professional dancer, with no formal training, but lots of sweet moves. Hillary brings her fabulous attention to detail, and organization expertise to everything she does for AAD to help keep us running smoothly.
Mrs. Devonna is married to Tony, and is a mom to Hayden. She is originally from Johnson City, TN, where she danced, was in choir & theatre in high school, and played the saxophone. Along with being our office assistant, Devonna is in charge of costume altertions and is the costume mistress for City Youth Ballet. Devonna’s grandmother
Mrs. Devonna is married to Tony, and is a mom to Hayden. She is originally from Johnson City, TN, where she danced, was in choir & theatre in high school, and played the saxophone. Along with being our office assistant, Devonna is in charge of costume altertions and is the costume mistress for City Youth Ballet. Devonna’s grandmother taught her to sew at a young age, and she still reaches out to her for her opinions and advice. She attended Lees-McRae College, and sits on the board for Uwharrie Youth Arts, and is Vice Chair of the Stanly County Arts Council. Devonna enjoys being with all the dancers, and loves seeing them grow from tiny dancers to amazing young adults.
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