Instructors
Katie Williams* Senior Talent Developer *
Katie Williams has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance and Theater from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She recently resigned as Director of Theater and Dance with a prestigious Performing Arts School in Charlotte to pursue her dream of opening a performing arts studio in the Lake Norman Area!
Katie began dancing when she was 3 and studying Musical Theater & Voice at age 12. Since then she has not only enjoyed performing but also choreographing musicals, fashion shows, and even wedding dances! At 16 Katie also discovered her passion for teaching as she began instructing kids in gymnastics, dance, singing, and theater.
Her favorite musical roles include Beauty in Beauty and Beast, Ms. Monks in Oliver Twist, Snow White in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Fiddler in Fiddler on the Roof and various roles she has performed with UNCC & professional theater companies across the country. Off stage, Katie has also experienced being in front of the camera, and has appeared in print ads, music videos, TV sitcoms, commercials, and film. Her most recent accomplishment is the completion of her veteran year dancing as a TopCat for the Carolina Panthers.
Carolyn Nicholson
* The Studios, Cheer Instructor *
Carolyn, a native of Charlotte, just completed her veteran year with the Carolina Panthers TopCats. Carolyn began her cheerleading career in middle school, after retiring from competitive gymnastics. She continued to cheer through high school as a member of both her Varsity high school team and her All-star Senior small coed team. Carolyn worked at SCA All Stars in Powdersville, SC as an office assistant and private cheer instructor.
Carolyn joined the Universal Cheerleading Association as a cheer instructor after graduating from high school in 2002. As a UCA cheer instructor, Carolyn taught both private and group camps. She also served as a judge for middle school, high school, and college try-outs. Carolyn attended the University of South Carolina and was a member of the Varsity Coed Cheerleading Squad from 2002-2006. Carolyn was named Captain her senior year, and led her team to eighth place at NCA College Nationals.
Grey Gordon
* The Studios, Guitar Instructor *
Grey Gordon is a Davidson College student originally from Raleigh, North Carolina. He has been teaching guitar to youth for the past three years in various settings, both at Camp Rockmont for Boys in Black Mountain, NC, and in private in-home teaching. He has been playing guitar for over eight years and has enjoyed sharing his love for music with others. He has been a member of various bands and has played live shows at several popular venues including Lincoln Theater in Raleigh playing in front of an audience of over a thousand. As a singer-songwriter, Grey has also copyrighted several pieces he composed and recorded over the years.
Grey thoroughly enjoys teaching his instrument to the youth. He excels in teaching a wide range of levels from complete beginners to solid, intermediate guitarists with a strong foundation on the guitar. Whether someone wants to pick up music from scratch, polish out cool jazz and rock riffs or discover the world of alternate tunings, Grey can cater to the needs of each individual guitarist. Grey's advanced and unique teaching style keeps his students engaged and excited to learn more about their craft. His goal is truly to spread the gift of music to others.
Meredith Swanson
* The Studios, Musical Theatre/Piano Instructor
Meredith Swanson earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts from East Carolina University in Musical Theater in 2005. Since then, she has starred in Walt Disney World's High School Musical and Playhouse Disney Live in Orlando, Florida. Meredith has performed professionally throughout the United States and is a member of the Actors Equity Association.
Meredith is also a Teaching Artist for The Children's Theatre of Charlotte as well as Music Director for the OnStage productions of "Mulan Jr." and "Once on this Island". She is well versed in all aspects of performing arts including movement, acting, piano, pop and vocal jazz. Meredith is the music teacher at Countryside Montessori Schools in Charlotte and PHoenix Montessori School in Cornelius.
