Tara R. Peyton-Burgess began her dance career at the age of two. During her early years of training, she studied ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, gymnastics,  modern/lyrical and  baton at several tri-city area studios. While training in the summers in New York City with professionals such as Charles Kelley, Frank Hatchett and Anne  Reinking, Tara was a member of the Thelma Olaker Ballet Company and The Richmond Ballet.  Tara had the honor of performing the role of "Clara" in the Richmond Ballet's production of The Nutcracker when she was 11.  During high school, Tara continued her studies in dance and taught for area studios as well as for the youth at Fort Lee. She performed numerous time on television, at State Fairs and various community events and modeled for Wolff Fording's Dance Costume Catalogue. Her dance career continued at Radford University where she received a B.S. in Recreation with a Minor in Dance. While at Radford, Tara taught student dance classes and choreographed for the dance group "AVEC Movement" which is now a program that was implemented by Tara at Gotta DANCE! in 2005.  During college, Tara was a dancer at Kings Dominion in the main stage shows "Celebration" and "Gotta Dance" where she was Dance Swing.  She was also a finalist in the Miss Virginia Pageant. Tara spent a semester in Machrihanish, Scotland as a Recreation Intern where she developed dance activities for Naval families. Following her graduation, Tara worked as an Activities Director in Nags Head, NC where she  implemented dance programs for a time-share resort. Tara then returned to school to receive her certification in Elementary Education from ECSU. She taught first, second and fourth grades in Prince George County for 13 years.  Throughout her career, Tara has choreographed numerous programs and plays for   local schools and Dance Teams. She also developed and implemented a Dance Program that was offered in the Summer Enrichment program in Prince George County.  In 2004, Tara's life-long dream came true when she opened Gotta DANCE! School of Performing Arts, Inc.  Tara continues to train in New York City on an annual basis by taking dance classes at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.  She also attends dance workshops sponsored by the Manhattan Dance Project, Dance Educators of  America, Showstoppers and takes classes at Regency Dance Academy and Richmond Dance  Center. She is a current member of Dance Educators of America, Inc.  She was an Adjunct Faculty member at Richard Bland College from 2004-2007 where she taught Jazz. She also is an Adjudicator in Dance for the Appomattox Regional Governor's School.  Tara attributes her success to her faith and trust in God, to her supportive husband, Reggie and their two wonderful sons, Jared and Matthew, to her parents and to her extended family and friends.  Tara can't stress enough how much it means to her to be able to share this experience and journey of Gotta DANCE! School of Performing Arts, Inc. with her teachers, students and parents!

Joana C. Brumley began her dance career at the age of 6. She danced until her high school graduation at Phyllis Ackerman's School of Dance. Her love for dance had only just begun. Joana went on to train in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and baton while she attended Virginia Commonwealth Universityin Richmond. Joana graduated from VCU in 1992 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Dance and Choreography. Joana's first professional teaching job was at the Windsor School of Dance. Joana has also been a dance instructor for various Recreation Departments where she has implemented numerous dance programs. In 1999, Joana was the owner and dance instructor of Rubbersole which was located in Franklin, Virginia. This endeavor ended abruptly due to Hurricane Floyd's destruction. Since then, Joana has choreographed for Suffolk Cheer Attitude. Her choreographic work also includes a production for the Richard Bland Players, marching bands, baton and flag groups and cheer-leading teams. She is currently teaching for Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation. Joana looks forward to continuing her quest at Gotta DANCE! School of Performing Arts, Inc. She looks at herself as a great mentor for children by helping them build the confidence and poise they need to make something of themselves. Joana and her daughter Xana currently reside in Hopewell. Joana feels that her greatest accomplishment in all her years is being a mother.

 

Erin M. Ingles has been twirling baton for over ten years! She has studied all forms of dance at Dance Unlimited and Atwater Dance Studio. Erin was a majorette for four years for the Prince George High School Marching Band where she was Head Majorette her senior year.  Erin has performed in numerous parades over the years including the Richmond, Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Prince George parades. She twirled in these parades as she represented her dance studios and Prince George High School.  Erin has competed in various Baton Competitions with the Prince George High School Marching Band. Erin has instructed and judged the Majorettes of Prince George High School.  Erin obtained her Associate Degree from Richard Bland College. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in History.  Erin is employed by Henrico County Public Schools and is an Exceptional Education Teacher at Varina High School. Erin hopes to pursue her interest in twirling as a Majorette Coach while teaching high school students. Erin has taught baton for Gotta DANCE! School of Performing Arts, Inc. since its opening.  Erin is happily married to Sean and resides in Richmond.



 

 Rachel E. Vaughan has danced in the tri-cities area for 16 years. She has attended several dance conventions such as Dance Alliance, Dance Educators of America, Show Stoppers, and Dance Caravan. Rachel graduated from Richard Bland College with an Associate Degree in Art and Science in 2008. She was named Whos Whos among Junior Colleges while attending Richard Bland College.  Rachel was a member of the Richard Bland College Dance Team from 2006 until 2008 and served as  Captain during her  2007/2008 school year.  The team competed at the Gold Level and performed in the Virginia Dance Festival and many other school and community events.  Rachel coached for the Matoca Middle School dance team from 2007 to 2009 and won Best Performance Group while attending UDA.  Rachel is currently a dancer on the VCU Gold Rush Dance Team and performs for Men's and Women's basketball games and other dance team events. Rachel is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in dance from Virginia Commonwealth University. Rachel choreographs for the Performance Team, AVEC Movement, at Gotta DANCE! School of Performing Arts, Inc.  She is currently working for Mount Pleasant Baptist Day Care due to her love for children!

 

Lisa M. Perkinson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from James Madison University. While at JMU, she performed in the Contemporary Dance Ensemble and had her choreography presented on JMU's main stage, Latimer-ShaefferTheatre. Her solo, Hear, was chosen to be performed at the   Mid-Atlantic American College Dance Festival at Hollins University in March 2009. She has had the opportunity to work with choreographers Rebecca Hodal, Starr Foster, Shane O'Hara, Tara Zaffuto Mullins, and Shannon Hummel among others. Since graduation, Lisa has been dancing with Z Mullins Dance Company, based in Richmond, Virginia. She has also been a guest artist with RVA Dance Collective in Richmond. She teaches at Gotta Dance! School of  Performing Arts, Inc. and has taught classes at St. Catherine's School. Lisa has been a guest artist with the Appomattox Regional Governor's School for the Arts and Technology and choreographed a piece entitled Intertwined Beings that was performed in their concert at Richmond Ballet in March 2010. Lisa is excited to be joining the faculty at Gotta Dance! School of Performing Arts, Inc. and looks forward in continuing to teach, perform, and choreograph throughout the area.

 

 

Chelsi L. Simmons  has been dancing and taking gymnastics since she was 2 years old.  She studied at Atwater Dance Studio as a child.  Chelsi was a dancer and gymnast the first year Gotta DANCE! School of Performng Arts, Inc.opened!  During this time, Chelsi cheered and competed all four years on Varsity at Prince George High School.  She continued to cheer and take gymnastics throughout college.  Chelsi earned her Bachelor of Science degree in both Psychology and Sociology at Longwood University.  She is attending Virginia Commonwealth University and working towards her Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.  Chelsi is currently working at District 19.  Chelsi's recent accomplishment was getting married!  She and her husband, Richie, reside in Dinwiddie.  Chelsi is very excited about becoming a member of the faculty at Gotta DANCE! School of Performing Arts, Inc. and is looking forward to teaching all levels of gymnastics!