Meet the Staff

Welcome to
Elevé Performing Arts

We're thrilled to instruct youth and adults! We believe in growing the art of dance through all ages. Giving youth and adults the freedom of expression with dance is our top goal. Our diverse team offers many different skill sets and many years of experience. Check out our team bios, and then make your way to Elevé Performing Arts!

Kayla Dee

Director/Instructor

Kayla grew up dancing in Northwest Florida. From age 3 she fell in love with dance and has performed, competed and trained ever since. Kayla attended numerous student conventions and masterclasses to continue training, She had the opportunity to travel on a NYC Dance Tour where she trained with a Rockette. Throughout her competitive experience she gained wisdom from respected instructors and choreographers across the nation. Kayla has recieved purposeful instructor training in Las Vegas, NV and Orlando, Fl. Her position as Dance Supervisor began in 2021 where she trained new instructors and assistants. She has been successful with teaching both youth and adults in her many years of experience. Her biggest passion is watching the growth of students and instilling confidence both on and off the dance floor.

Sarah

Dance Instructor

Sarah began dancing at age 3 and continued thru high school into college. Her dance experience included ballet, pointe, tap, technique, and lyrical. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2016 with a minor in dance (major in dental hygiene). After college, she began teaching at two studios in New Mexico. In 2020, an overseas move brought her to Okinawa Japan and the opportunity to teach at Kadena’s Youth Center and Okinawa School of Performing Arts on Camp Foster. Then it was back to the states in 2022 to coach dance classes at Edwards Air Force Youth Center for a few months before finally moving to Fort Walton Beach at the end of 2023. Sarah loves teaching all ages and seeing her students grow in their love for dance!

Sadie

Ballet Instructor

Sadie fell in love with the art of dance at the age of three when she began her training in ballet and tap at the Dorothy Rainer Sellars School of Dance in Opp, Alabama. She trained and performed there from 2000 to 2011. In 2011, Sadie began focusing primarily on ballet and started studying under director Laura Markus at École de Danse, a classical ballet studio in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. From 2011 to 2015, she performed in several productions of The Nutcracker, as well as other ballets such as Carnival of the Animals and various spring showcases. After graduating from Paxton High School in 2015, Sadie auditioned for and joined the University of West Florida Dance Team, the Argonettes. From 2015 to 2020, she performed at numerous community events, including the Gulf Coast Arts Festival, UWF football games, soccer tournaments, basketball games, volleyball tournaments, campus events, and dance competitions. She also served as an instructor during summer clinics hosted by the Argonettes at Argo Adventure Camp, a university program for elementary-aged children. During her time with the team, Sadie trained in and performed jazz, pom, hip-hop, and lyrical dance styles. Outside of team commitments, she continued her ballet training by attending adult classes at various studios in Pensacola and at Absolute Dance Center in DeFuniak Springs. Sadie served as a team officer for multiple seasons and was named captain of the Argonettes during her senior year.

Ariana

Dance Instructor

Ariana Foster grew up finding her passion for Dance and Theater. After, she pursued her passions, she continued training in the Orlando and Tampa area. She spent 3-4 hours per day training in the studio with primary focuses in Tap, Acro, and Ballet. Ariana was instructed by former Rockettes and USO dancers. She honed in on her skills to continue training in the genres of Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Jazz. Ari couldn't be more grateful to call EPA her home.

Zoie

Adult Class Instructor

Meet Zoie, a dynamic force in the world of dance. With over a decade of training, Zoie has honed in on her craft in Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Jazz. She has earned prestigious titles such as Miss Teen Dance and All-Star Dancer at numerous competitions. As she embarks on her teaching journey, her passion for dance and commitment to excellence inspire her students to reach new heights. Join her classes to experience the artistry and energy that make Zoie a standout talent in the dance community.

Madison