Meet the Team

Kate is the owner and artistic director of Art of Dance Studio at Art of Dance, Inc. She is originally from Raleigh, NC where she started dancing at the age of two. Kate found her passion for dance with classical ballet and pointe training as a member of Triangle Academy of Ballet, taking classes under instructors from the Carolina Ballet Company. Such technical education influenced her to have a strong focus on technique and conditioning for performance-based arts. At the Academy for Performing Arts and throughout college, she studied Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Choreography, Acrobatics, Pilates, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and was a member of the UNCW dance team. Most of her time was spent traveling to conventions, performances, and competitions where she acquired countless awards and scholarships through New York City Dance Alliance, Showstoppers, SHOCK the Intensive, JUMP, and many others. She was awarded a scholarship to attend Broadway Dance Center in New York under tap enthusiast Mike Minery. This memorable experience helped mold the choreographer, educator and philanthropist she is today. In 2016, she created a non-profit company, Art of Dance Inc., that provides scholarships for children’s dance education and college dance education. Kate has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in child development, Philosophy, Religion, and feels that dance unites different types of cultures in a fundamental way. Kate truly loves teaching, performing and inspiring others to be their best. She believes that dance is an enlightening form of expression that every child can learn and grow creatively from.

Samantha Reynolds is a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher originating from Northern Kentucky. She began her training at just three years old and started competing at the age of nine. Samantha is well versed and trained in Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Jazz Funk. After years as a competitive dancer, Samantha went on to receive a scholarship to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Northern Kentucky University. During that time, she trained and performed under Tracey Bonner, Jay Goodlett, Heather Britt, Dee Anne Bryll, and Renee McCafferty. Samantha was a member of NKU’s touring Dance Troupe, served as assistant choreographer for the Theatre Department musical productions, and had the pleasure of training with the Paul Taylor 2 Dance Company.

Upon graduation, Samantha became a company dancer for Exhale Dance Tribe based in Cincinnati, Ohio under the direction of Missy Lay Zimmer and Andrew Hubbard. She then moved to Los Angeles, California to train under the watchful eye of Shannon Mather at Mather Dance Company. Samantha became an instructor for Mather Dance Company, and an online assistant for Shannon Mather and Brianna Suakjian. During her time in California, Samantha had the pleasure of teaching at Fusion Dance Center and being an adjudicator for High School Dance Teams. Working at Millennium Dance Complex-LA was one of Samantha’s favorite experiences which led to her true love for the Commercial Dance. Samantha had the pleasure of getting to take class and train with Dana Alexa, Nico O'Connor, Kyle Hanagami, and many other industry professionals.

Some of Samantha's professional credits include the “First Position” book commercial, VIRAL The Musical-Preview video, Doterra Film Projects, YouTube film spots for Millennium Dance Complex, ONYX Avenue promo video, local news spots promoting dance and fitness, and many other on stage performances with Exhale Dance Tribe. While she loves performing, Samantha’s biggest passion lies in choreography, teaching, and inspiring the next generation of dancers. She loves traveling and inspiring dancers all over the country. Her pieces have earned high remarks and choreography awards throughout the competitive dance circuit. She is thrilled to be working with Ignite this season and looks forward to watching all of the dancers shine on stage.

Whitney Floyd is originally from Turbeville, SC, and has had a love of dance since age 3. Whitney danced competitively with The Rising Stars at Miss Libby’s School of Dance, graduating in 2012. Whitney continued pursuing her dance passion while attending Clemson University as a member of the Clemson Rally Cats Dance Team, the official dance team of Clemson Athletics. During her four years, she performed at a variety of Clemson Athletics events and served as GameDay captain. Her favorite memories were performing at the 2015 College Football National Championship in Phoenix, AZ, and being selected and featured in Sports Illustrated. After receiving her undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Clemson University, she attended the University of South Carolina Columbia to pursue her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. During her graduate studies, Whitney was a dance technique teacher for the competitive dance team at Carolina Dance Academy of Manning, SC. Whitney enjoys judging dance team and studio tryouts for local schools and studios while choreographing competitive pieces in her spare time. She also enjoys judging across the southeast. Whitney currently practices Physical Therapy in Manning at Pocotaligo River Health and Rehab Center and lives in Manning with her husband, Austin Floyd, her 8-month-old son Tommy and their two dogs. She enjoys utilizing her skillset and passion for dance to promote injury prevention and provide a point of contact injury analysis during competitions to keep dancers functioning at their highest level of health and performance.

Cameron Corbett is originally from Wilmington North Carolina, where she began dancing at the early age of two. She attended the University of North Carolina Charlotte and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Choreography, Performance, and Theory. She currently teaches in the Winston-Salem area, where she teaches numerous styles of dance and is a choreographer. Cameron’s extensive teaching experience comes in various styles and she finds passion in the artistry that is within the dance industry. She is excited to share her passion for dance with young dancers, and she is passionate about creating a positive experience for all dancers!

Aliah is a graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. She is a native of Clinton, North Carolina where she trained for over 12 years in classical ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop at Quisan's Dance Academy (QDA), under the artistic direction of her mother, Quisan Parker. Aliah was a member of the National Champion QDA Dance Company for ten years earning overall and high score awards. She has taught at several studios during her career and currently serves as a competition dance instructor at Ballet Arts in Henderson, North Carolina where her students have earned numerous overall awards. In addition to her studio training, she has studied with many dance "greats" including Frank Hatchett, and "So You Think You Can Dance" finalists Kameron Bink, Caitlin Finney, and Kent Boyd, just to name a few. She has also had the honor of performing at Madison Square Garden in New York for U.S. Dance Days and at Disneyland in California.

She has served as a dance competition judge in various states over the years.  

Aliah believes dance has helped her through many stages of her life and hopes it will do the same for others. She is excited to be working with Ignite this season and looks forward to seeing all the wonderful talent!

Amanda Boyd, born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina is the Creative Director and Founder of House of Dance children's dance company in North Charleston, South Carolina. Amanda’s love for dance began very young, all due to her mother! Against her will, Amanda’s mother signed her up for dance classes; as they say, the rest is history! She pursued further training as a performing arts student and essentially became the triple threat she is today. Amanda has trained with prestigious companies across the United States and has studied Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Theatre, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Majorette. She has spent over 15 years educating and training students in dance, music, and theatre at dance studios, schools, summer programs, and youth organizations. Although she’s enjoyed performing, her true passion is teaching the next generation of dancers and she has successfully done so.

Megan Montgomery, now residing in Orlando Florida, is originally from Detroit Michigan, where she received her early dance training at Juliana’s Academy of Dance. She holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance from Wayne State University, and was a recipient of the Harriet Berg Endowed Scholarship for Choreography.

Megan was a touring company member of the over 40 year-old Limon-based modern dance company, DDCdances. She’s performed work by Biba Bell, Sidra Bell, Harriet Berg, Flint Eastwood, Stephanie Laipis,

Chris Masters, Addison O'Day, Barb Selinger, Sonya Tayeh, Colleen Thomas, Ronnie Todorowski and the late

Marcus White. Megan studied on scholarship in Chicago at Giordano's Dance School, on scholarship in Detroit at Complexions Contemporary Ballet Intensive, and with Sidra Bell Dance NY.

Aside from concert dance, Megan performed with recording artists Boyz II Men, and Enrique Iglesias, and in

the NBA as a member of the Detroit Pistons Dance Team. There she was recognized for leadership, outstanding performance quality, Rookie of the Year, and coordinator of the Jr. Team dancers. 

Upon relocating to central Florida, Megan took a position with Windermere High School, where she was the Head Coach and creator of the Varsity Competitive Dance Team. She is a UDA Credentialed Coach, SafeSport and Equity trained, and will launch Central Florida’s first All-Star Dance Team, Unity Dance All-Stars!

Megan continues to guest teach at studios, choreograph for high school and college dance teams, and adjudicate and emcee for various dance competitions. She is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, and Mat Pilates certified. Next, Megan looks forward to continuing her education through an MFA in Choreography graduate program. In her daily life, you can find Megan on her yoga mat, walking her dog Dolly, and at her neighborhood Starbucks!

Brianna Edwards is from Atlanta, Georgia by way of Bermuda, BDA. She graduated with a BFA in Dance from Valdosta State University and is currently obtaining her MAT in Pedagogy with a concentration in Dance at Shorter University. She grew up as a competition dancer and loves the atmosphere that comes with it, and is extremely excited to be a part of the Ignite team. When she isn't taking care of her two little ones, she is perfecting her craft with classes left and right.

Ariana Schuler is from Asheville, North Carolina. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University majoring in Communications with a concentration in New Media. She’s obsessed with anything that has to do with social media and marketing. She competed in dance competitions growing up and is excited to be a part of the Ignite team for a second season. In her free time, she likes to hang out with her cats Petunia and Mug and go to the beach with her friends!

Brittany Priester is from Charleston, South Carolina. She owns her own business, Brittany Priester Graphic Design which offers branding services to those looking to build a successful, recognizable, and unique brand. She graduated from Charleston Southern University’s Honors College with Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Entrepreneurship and Graphic Design. Brittany loves the dance industry and is excited to work with Ignite Dance Competition. She started dancing at the age of three and has performed on Carnival Cruise Lines, in Charleston Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker, and was the Captain of the Buc Angels Dance Team at Charleston Southern University. Currently, she teaches dance at Planet Dance Center for the Arts and serves as Miss Charleston Southern University 2022. 

Ebonee serves as a hype squad member entitled the Flight Crew for the Atlanta Hawks. A native of Atlanta, GA, Ebonee graduated from Savannah State University with a degree in Communications, concentration in Radio, and Television. Ebonee is an energetic creative who is intentional about having a lasting impact on people through her voice. In her free time, Ebonee enjoys spending time with family and friends making lasting memories.

Shonna “Sunshine” Thompson is a Dance Mom, Full time Teacher and an administrative support staff for her daughter's dance studio. After a few years of helping as a dance mom behind the scenes and helping with conventions, she was hired on as staff for her daughter's studio. She is one of the faces that’s available during studio hours to register new students, answer questions about costumes, tuition, fundraisers, and to assist students, parents and visitors. Miss Sunshine is so excited for this season of Ignite!! 

Paula is a Charleston native but currently resides in Islandton, SC with her husband of 25 years and her Shitzu, Oakley. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with an Associate’s Degree in Science and is employed with Patriot Hospice, where she wears many hats. Her job is truly her passion because it affords her the opportunity to not only travel but to provide end-of-life care for our country’s veterans. She is the mom of three amazing kids and a Mimi to 13 grandchildren. She is very involved in her local church where she serves as the Women’s Ministry Leader, Praise and Worship Leader, and piano
player. In her downtime, she love trips to the mountains in her Jeep and camping with her family. She is really excited to be a part of the Ignite Team this year.