Meet The TP Team
Founders, Studio Owners, Instructors
The Miss Erins
Our Instructors are here to create a nurturing atmosphere where technique is taught and creativity is explored.
Erin Lee
Founder, Studio Owner, Instructor
Birthday: September 25
When not at Turning Pointe, At a kids’ sporting event, at home with family, or at the grocery store.
Fun Fact: I got engaged in Disney World under the Fireworks.
Erin Lee began her dance training at the age of three under the direction of Kathy Thomas-Law, former member of the Atlanta Ballet. She became a member of Praise in Motion Dance Ministry in 1991. During college, Erin continued her ballet training with En Pointe School of Dance and the University of Georgia.
After substituting for En Pointe intermittently through her college career, Erin joined the staff of En Pointe in 2003, and later, Discipleship through Dance, an outreach of Praise In Motion. During her 20+ years with Praise In Motion, Erin has had the opportunity to perform for various church functions and charities such the Atlanta Hunger Walk and Wellspring Living. Erin continues to be involved Praise in Motion’s biyearly concerts and has had the honor of several choreography opportunities with Praise in Motion. Although Erin’s first love is ballet, she also has experience in hip hop, modern and jazz.
“Miss” Erin, as her students call her, has enjoyed teaching ages three years to adult since 2001 and she has also had the privilege of leading dance groups at various organizations. In 2012, Erin began directing Celebration Arts, a ministry of Celebration Church. And in 2016, Erin achieved her purpose in opening Turning Pointe School of Dance. Her desire is to instill into dancers of all ages a yearning for excellence in technique, but more importantly, to focus on the child as a whole person.
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Erin Dunbar
Founder, Studio Owner, Instructor
Birthday: February 1
When not at Turning Pointe, I am spending time with my husband and daughter, trying out a new restaurant, or planning our next trip.
Fun Fact: I have visited 12 different countries. I love to travel!
Erin Dunbar began dancing at the age of 3. Her dance education and training encompasses a wide variety of schools and instructors. Much of her early training was at Buford School of Ballet under the direction of Bernadette Campbell. Erin was very active in the Mill Creek High School dance department and competitive dance team under the direction of Suzanne Kross. During this time Erin was awarded two summers of concentrated professional dance instruction. In 2005, Erin was selected to study at the Virginia School of Art Summer Intensive Program. In 2008, Erin was one of 12 dancers selected to attend the Georgia Governors Honors Summer Program.
Erin pursued her passion of human movement by attending Auburn University where she received a Bachelor’s of Exercise Science Degree in Kinesiology. She also completed a Group Exercise Certification and Personal Training Certification. Erin held the title of Wellness Director and Fine Arts Director at the YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont from 2014-2016 where she directed the Aerobics Instructors, Personal Trainers, Special Events, taught dance classes, as well as orchestrated and choreographed multiple dance recitals.
Erin has dance education and performance experience in areas of ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and tap. She has been sharing her love for and knowledge of dance with children since 2007. In 2016, Erin opened Turning Pointe School of Dance where she fulfills her passion every day by making dance fun for and accessible to all.
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Ms. Victoria
Admin | Marketing & Communications
contact@turningpointeschoolofdance.org
My Birthday: May 15
Victoria has been a valued part of Turning Pointe since 2022. As the Marketing & Communications Coordinator, she enjoys connecting with families, assisting with their needs, and bringing creative ideas to life. She especially loves creating fun and engaging content that helps dancers and families feel connected to the Turning Pointe community.
One of Victoria’s favorite parts of being at Turning Pointe is watching dancers grow and progress year after year. Seeing their hard work and dedication come to life on stage is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of Turning Pointe, Victoria has a background in dental assisting, with 10 years of experience in the field, and has spent the past five years teaching future dental assistants. When she isn’t working, she enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and spending time outdoors, especially in the spring.
If Victoria could take a dance class, she would choose jazz because she loves the energy and style! She also loves watching dancers en pointe and finds it fascinating!
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Ms. Jamie
Twinkle Star Director
twinklestar@turningpointeschoolofdance.org
My Birthday: May 22
Jamie joined Turning Pointe School of Dance in November 2025 as our Twinkle Star Director. With nearly two decades of dance education experience, she brings a passion for early childhood dance and a nurturing approach to helping our youngest dancers learn and grow.
Jamie began her dance training at age five with Chattanooga Ballet, where she performed as a member of both the Children’s Company and Corps de Ballet. She continued her pre-professional training with Ballet Tennessee and attended the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts as a dance major and founding member of the Repertory Ensemble. Throughout her training, she also attended numerous summer intensives studying ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theatre.
Jamie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education from Brenau University and has taught dancers of all ages throughout Northeast Georgia. Her extensive teaching experience, leadership, and love for creating a positive first dance experience make her a wonderful fit for Turning Pointe’s youngest dancers.
Outside of the studio, Jamie lives in Hoschton with her partner, Nick, her daughter, Amelia, and their five dogs. Their family is also growing, as they are excited to welcome a baby boy in November 2026! She loves being part of the Turning Pointe family and sharing her love of dance with the next generation of dancers.
Ms. Dawn
Front Team | Enrollment & Accounts Coordinator | Costume Manager
My Birthday: August 23
Dawn has been a valued part of the Turning Pointe team since 2022. Working behind the scenes with enrollments, family accounts, and costumes, she helps keep the studio running smoothly while assisting families throughout the dance season.
One of Dawn’s favorite parts of her role is overseeing costumes, especially when new shipments arrive! She loves opening the boxes and seeing each costume for the first time, but even more, she enjoys seeing the excitement on dancers’ faces when they finally get to try them on.
For Dawn, one of the most rewarding parts of being at Turning Pointe is watching dancers grow in both confidence and joy throughout their dance journey. She loves being part of a studio community that has become a second family and getting to watch dancers grow year after year.
Dawn enjoys expressing her creativity outside of the studio through stained glass art and painting, as well as curling up with a good book. If she could trade the office for the dance floor and take any class at Turning Pointe, she would choose Hip Hop for its fun and energetic style!
Ms. Michelle
Studio Admin
My Birthday: September 27
Michelle has been a dedicated part of the Turning Pointe family since 2019. As our Front Desk Administrator, she brings warmth and organization to the studio and loves getting to know our dancers and their families throughout each season.
One of Michelle’s favorite parts of being at Turning Pointe is recital time. She loves being backstage with the dancers and watching months of hard work from both the dancers and staff come together on stage. Some of her favorite Turning Pointe memories include dressing up for our annual show themes and an unforgettable staff trip to Disney!
Outside of the studio, Michelle loves traveling, spending time with family and friends, enjoying cozy nights around the fire pit, and cheering on her favorite team, the Texas Longhorns. Hook ’em!
If Michelle could step out from behind the front desk and into a dance class, she would choose jazz. In her words, “I’m not graceful enough for ballet and too old for hip hop!”
Most of all, Michelle cherishes the friendships she has built with the Turning Pointe staff and the wonderful families who have made the studio feel like home.
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Ms. Jacey
Instructor
My Birthday: September 2
Jacey began dancing at the age of three and has trained in a variety of styles throughout her dance journey. She spent four years as a dancer at Turning Pointe School of Dance under the direction of Erin Dunbar and Erin Lee and was a proud member of Turning Pointe’s Performing Arts Company.
During her time as a dancer, Jacey performed in several featured roles, including Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. She has also expanded her performance experience beyond the studio, most recently appearing in The Nutcracker with Gainesville Ballet Company. Her favorite style of dance is ballet, which she loves for its beautiful balance of strength and grace.
Jacey’s love for dance comes from the endless opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge herself. After spending several years assisting classes at Turning Pointe, she transitioned into teaching and officially joined our instructional staff in 2025.
For Jacey, becoming an instructor at the studio where she spent so much of her own dance journey has been a special full-circle experience. She loves sharing her passion for dance with the next generation and encouraging her students to challenge themselves, build confidence, and discover their own love for dance.
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Ms. Grace
Instructor
My Birthday: August 30th
Grace has been part of the Turning Pointe instructional staff since 2025, but her journey at the studio began long before stepping into a teaching role. She spent six years as a class demonstrator and has trained at Turning Pointe for the past six years as part of her 14 years of dance training.
Grace's love for dance began with a childhood favorite, Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses. After countless hours twirling around the living room like a ballerina, her parents signed her up for dance classes, and she has been dancing ever since!
Grace’s favorite styles are classical ballet and contemporary. She loves the structure and grace of ballet while also enjoying the strength, fluidity, and emotional expression of contemporary dance. Her training has taken her beyond the studio to Brenau University’s Days of Dance in 2023 and the Joffrey South Summer Intensive in 2024, where she had the opportunity to take class from Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Chyrstyn Fentroy.
Grace also competed at Universal Ballet Competition from 2023–2026, earning 8th Overall for her Intermediate Classical Solo in 2024 and, in 2025, 10th Overall for Intermediate Classical and 6th Overall for Intermediate Contemporary.
As an instructor, Grace is passionate about creating a safe and joyful environment where dancers feel supported, inspired, and excited to learn. She hopes to help each of her students develop confidence and discover a genuine love for dance, no matter the style.
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Ms. Lauren
Instructor
My Birthday: March 28
Lauren has been a valued member of the Turning Pointe instructional staff since 2018. She brings a diverse dance background, energetic teaching style, and a passion for encouraging dancers to step outside their comfort zones and explore everything dance has to offer.
Lauren began dancing at a young age, developing a strong foundation in competitive tap, jazz, and hip hop. She continued her dance education at Brenau University, where she earned her degree in Dance and was a member of the Brenau Competition Dance Team.
At Turning Pointe, Lauren teaches a wide variety of styles, including Acro, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, and Performing Arts Company. She loves giving her students the opportunity to experiment with different styles and discover new ways to express themselves through movement. Her advice to dancers reflects that passion: “Experiment and explore with different styles of dance. You’ll never know how much you’ll enjoy yourself.”
One of Lauren’s proudest and most memorable accomplishments was carrying the American flag during Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, an experience she will never forget!
Outside of the studio, Lauren is an avid roller derby skater and enjoys hiking and finding her next adventure. She also loves spending time with her dog, Cleo, and is always working on teaching her a new trick.
What Lauren loves most about Turning Pointe is the genuine love and care the instructors have for their students, along with the dedication and enthusiasm the dancers bring into the studio each week.
Ms. Savannah
Instructor
My Birthday: June 26
Savannah has been part of the Turning Pointe team since 2024, but her connection to the studio began long before becoming an instructor. A former Turning Pointe dancer and Performing Arts Company member, Savannah received much of her dance training at TPSD and now loves being on the other side of the classroom, sharing her passion with the next generation of dancers.
Savannah teaches a variety of dance genres. Most recently, she has also taken on a new role at Turning Pointe, helping families at the front desk several afternoons each week. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts and brings her love of performing and creativity into everything she does.
Savannah was drawn to the stage from a young age. As a child, she dreamed of being Shirley Temple and even owned every CD! Her favorite style of dance is tap because she loves the feeling of becoming her own instrument while she dances.
For Savannah, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is celebrating her students’ victories. She loves watching a dancer work hard toward a skill and finally accomplish it. Having experienced Turning Pointe as both a student and instructor, she especially appreciates the supportive environment and the way dancers and staff genuinely cheer one another on.
One of Savannah’s funniest dance memories happened while performing in The Lion King when she lost a false eyelash onstage and had to hold back laughter with her fellow dancers once they realized what had happened!
Outside of the studio, Savannah is also a singer, guitarist, and actress, making the performing arts a big part of her life both on and off the dance floor. And one fun fact you might not expect: her favorite animal is a shark!
Ms. Mary
Instructor
My Birthday: May 3
Mary has been a valued member of the Turning Pointe instructional staff since 2018. She teaches a variety of classes, including Mini + Me, Twinkle Stars, Ballet, Pointe, and Performing Arts Company, and loves helping dancers of all ages and levels grow in their technique and confidence.
Mary began dancing at the age of nine and received much of her training at En Pointe School of Dance, where she was a member of Praise In Motion Dance Company. She later continued her training and performance experience as a member of Gainesville Ballet Company. Her favorite styles are classical ballet, pointe, and modern, and she loves sharing her appreciation for technique, artistry, and discipline with her students.
One of Mary’s favorite parts of dance has always been the routine and structure of barre and class. Today, she finds it incredibly rewarding to share that same sense of discipline with her dancers while helping them develop skills that extend far beyond the studio. Her advice to her students is: “Advocate for yourself in class by asking good questions, and use your dance notebook to maximize your learning!”
For Mary, the Turning Pointe community is one of the most meaningful parts of teaching. She is grateful for the opportunity to help dancers strengthen their technique while also developing confidence, responsibility, and other skills they can carry with them outside of dance.
Outside of Turning Pointe, Mary works in project management and enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and spending time with her dog. Through teaching, she continues to express her own creativity and love for the arts while nurturing the growth of the next generation of dancers.
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Ms. Alexis
Instructor
My Birthday: May 30
Alexis has been a valued member of the Turning Pointe instructional staff since 2022. She teaches Ballet, Lyrical, and Performing Arts Company and brings a strong background in ballet, contemporary, modern, lyrical, and jazz to the classroom.
Alexis began dancing at the age of four and entered the competition dance world at age 10. Her favorite styles are contemporary and ballet, and throughout her dance journey, she has had the opportunity to train and perform in a variety of settings. One of her favorite roles has been the Arabian Queen in The Nutcracker, and one of her proudest accomplishments is competing at Youth America Grand Prix.
As an instructor, Alexis loves building connections with her students and their families while helping dancers grow both technically and personally. She strives to create an environment where dancers can build confidence, develop meaningful friendships, and continue challenging themselves while still enjoying their love of dance.
Her advice to dancers reflects that philosophy: “Try your best, but remember to keep dance fun! It’s a great outlet and a place to find your best friends.”
Outside of the studio, Alexis enjoys reading, taking walks with her dogs, and sharing meals with friends.
What Alexis loves most about Turning Pointe is the fun energy throughout the studio and the shared love of dance between students and instructors that makes the community so special.
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Ms. Micayla
Instructor
My Birthday: April 30
Micayla has been a valued member of the Turning Pointe instructional staff since 2024, where she teaches Tap, Jazz, and Ballet. She began her own dance journey at just three years old and has continued to carry her love of movement and performance with her throughout her life.
Micayla received her training at Miss Francine’s School of Dance and Accent School of Dance and later continued dancing as part of the Georgia State University Dance Ensemble. Her favorite style is jazz, which she loves for its versatility, energy, and flair.
As an instructor, Micayla loves connecting with her students, encouraging their passion for dance, and sharing the knowledge and experiences that shaped her own dance journey. One of her favorite memories is looking back at videos of herself dancing as a toddler, never realizing at the time just how important dance would become in her life.
In addition to her accomplishments in dance, Micayla recently earned her nursing degree! Outside of the studio, she enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and learning a new language. She also hopes to add another style to her dance repertoire by learning ballroom dancing.
What Micayla loves most about Turning Pointe is the welcoming and supportive atmosphere. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing her love of dance with her students while being part of the Turning Pointe family.
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Ms. Becca
Instructor
My Birthday: November 2
Becca has been part of the Turning Pointe instructional staff since 2024, but her connection to the studio began years earlier as a Turning Pointe dancer. During her time in Performing Arts Company, she also served as a class assistant, giving her an early opportunity to work with and encourage younger dancers. Most recently, Becca has expanded her role at Turning Pointe and can also be found helping families at the front desk.
As a dancer, Becca was a member of Turning Pointe’s Elevé program, a select ballet-focused group that trained for and competed at Universal Ballet Competition. One of her most cherished dance memories is traveling with Elevé to UBC, where she took classes, performed on stage, and grew closer with her teammates through an experience she will always treasure.
Now a Ballet instructor, Becca loves using her own training and experiences to help young dancers build strong foundations, confidence, and a love for ballet. She encourages her students to let their personalities shine through their movement and embrace the unique artistry each dancer brings to the classroom.
Outside of the studio, Becca enjoys cooking and baking for her friends and family, hiking, spending time at the lake, curling up with a good book, and relaxing with her dog.
Having experienced Turning Pointe as a dancer, assistant, instructor, and now a member of our front desk team, Becca especially appreciates the positive and supportive environment that encourages dancers to grow technically while developing a lifelong love for dance.
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Ms. Lindsey
Instructor
My Birthday: August 30
Lindsey has been a valued member of the Turning Pointe instructional staff since 2023. She began dancing at the age of three and quickly discovered that the studio and stage were where she felt most at home.
Lindsey received her dance training at En Pointe School of Dance before becoming a company member with Praise in Motion under the direction of Kathy Thomas Law and Rhonda Oltjenbruns. She later continued her dance journey as a member of the Bulldog Dancers at Samford University.
At Turning Pointe, Lindsey teaches Ballet and is also an instructor for our Performing Arts Company. Her heart belongs to ballet, a style she loves for its combination of structure, discipline, grace, and emotion. As an instructor, she finds great joy in helping develop the next generation of dancers, encouraging them to work hard, grow in confidence, and take pride in both their personal and artistic accomplishments.
Some of Lindsey’s favorite dance memories are not only the moments spent on stage, but also the friendships and memories made behind the scenes, from laughing and warming up together to helping one another get stage-ready. That same sense of connection is one of the things she loves most about Turning Pointe, especially the camaraderie among the staff and the studio’s emphasis on connection over competition.
Outside of the studio, Lindsey is a registered nurse caring for new moms and babies. She is also a proud firefighter wife and mom to three little girls. And one fun fact about Lindsey: she loves the simple things, especially a cup of crushed ice from RaceTrac!
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Mr. Q
Instructor
My Birthday: March 25
Q joined the Turning Pointe instructional staff in 2026, bringing more than 20 years of dance experience and an extensive background in Hip Hop, commercial dance, performance, and choreography to the studio.
Q’s dance journey began in an unexpected place: his high school science classroom! His first dance teacher was a science teacher who also happened to be a skilled dancer, introducing Q to a style of dance that would become a major part of his life. He later trained at Dance 411, where he eventually became an instructor himself.
One of Q’s first major performance opportunities came when he competed alongside his squad, Royal Flush Crew, and advanced to the finals of America’s Best Dance Crew. Since then, his professional dance career has included commercial dance and choreography for music videos, live concerts, and television.
Hip Hop remains Q’s favorite style because of the wide variety of techniques it encompasses and the freedom it gives dancers to develop their own creativity and individuality. As an instructor, however, his favorite role is simply being the teacher. He takes pride in watching his students perform and knowing the work it took for each dancer to overcome their own challenges, whether mastering a difficult combination or working through stage fright.
Q hopes to teach his dancers to become “comfortable with being uncomfortable.” He encourages his students to embrace new challenges, knowing that the things that initially feel difficult are often the very things that help them grow.
Outside of teaching and performing, Q is also a content creator. And one fun fact: if he hadn’t pursued a career as a professional dancer, he would have loved to become a professional skateboarder!
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Ms. Maggie
Instructor
My Birthday: February 3
Maggie officially joined the Turning Pointe instructional staff in 2026, but she has been part of the Turning Pointe family for many years. With 16 years of dance experience, Maggie grew up training at Turning Pointe, where she was a member of both our Performing Arts Company and Elevé program. She also spent several years serving as a class assistant, gaining valuable experience working with younger dancers and preparing her for her current role as an instructor.
Maggie continues her own dance training with Praise in Motion. Her favorite style is ballet, which has always provided a special escape for her. She loves the sense of peace she feels when taking a ballet class and hopes to share that same love of dance with her students.
Some of Maggie’s most treasured Turning Pointe memories come from performing on stage. Two roles hold an especially meaningful place in her heart: Clara, which had been a dream role since childhood and became her first major role, and Elsa, the role she performed in her final show as a Turning Pointe student.
As an instructor, Maggie hopes to give her dancers a strong foundation by teaching them technique and skills they will carry with them throughout their dance journey, while always making sure there is plenty of fun along the way. After growing up at Turning Pointe as a student, company member, and class assistant, she is excited to begin this next chapter as an instructor and give back to the studio that played such an important role in her own dance journey.
Outside of Turning Pointe, Maggie is currently attending nursing school at the University of North Georgia while continuing to dance with Praise in Motion. And a fun fact: she recently got her ears pierced for the very first time!
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Ms. Kendall
Instructor
My Birthday: August 17
Kendall joined the Turning Pointe team in 2026 as both an instructor and a member of our front desk staff. With nine years of dance experience and a background in both dance and theatre, she brings a love for storytelling and performance into the classroom.
Kendall began dancing during high school at East Jackson, where she danced for four years before continuing her training at Brenau University. She has also taken classes at Xcel Studios in Atlanta and has performed in numerous musical theatre productions throughout her performance journey.
One of Kendall’s favorite performance experiences was playing Marty Maraschino in Grease. The production was heavily dance-focused and gave her the opportunity to explore partner work, including lifts and tricks, for the first time. She especially loved learning how two performers can work together through movement to help tell a story.
Her favorite style of dance is tap because of its unique combination of movement and music. She loves that tap allows dancers to become an instrument themselves and especially enjoys its strong connection to musical theatre.
As an instructor, Kendall hopes her students discover that dance can be a powerful form of self-expression. She wants her dancers to know that when words aren’t enough to explain how they are feeling, movement can provide another way to tell their story, express their emotions, and simply dance it out.
Outside of Turning Pointe, Kendall is also an actor who loves any opportunity to perform and dreams of pursuing a career in film and television. She is also a certified substitute teacher in the Gwinnett County Public Schools, allowing her passion for working with students to extend beyond the dance studio.
