With over 20 years of dance experience Catherine is excited to jump back into the world of dance. She is a dedicated nurse who was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. She loves to spend time with her husband, Caleb and son, Thomas. She started dancing at age 4 and at age 6 started competing. When she graduated, Catherine began teaching classes ages 3-12, including a few competitive teams. She is excited to be back in the studio to inspire young dancers and support their love for dance.
Airianna Tauanuu Instructor/Choreographer
Airianna Tauanuu is a Dance Educators of America Certified Instructor, an Industry Dance Awards-nominated choreographer, Hall of Fame Dance Challenge Inductee, Best Choreography recipient (both regionally and nationally) many times over, and the Founder of Dancers for HOPE, a charity event held annually in September to raise funds for childhood cancer. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Kennesaw State University, Airianna enjoys teaching master classes and choreographing for companies throughout the southeast. She has judged both on the local and collegiate level for dance teams, talent shows, and musical theater competitions. Airianna is also a best-selling author of 18 books under her pen name (Cookie O’Gorman). In 2022, Airianna received her Master of Arts degree in technical and professional writing and is currently a faculty member at two studios where she teaches tap and contemporary. In 2024, Airianna choreographed and produced her first full-length show, Heartstrings. Featuring an amazing cast of professional and pre-professional dancers, it was performed at KSU Dance Theater in Atlanta. Her tap choreography (performed by AT Taps Company) was featured as part of the DC Tap Festival in Washington D.C. Airianna’s contemporary choreography also led to her being nominated PNDC’s Choreographer of the Year for 2025. In 2026, Airianna presented her second full-length show, Heartstrings: The Mixtape, at The Piedmont Grand Opera House in Macon. Airianna believes that dance can change lives for the better. She loves teaching and strives to help every dancer understand that it is not about perfection but passion and reaching their full potential.
Emily Gilliam Instructor
Emily Gilliam is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. She began her training at Heather Wayne’s Performing Arts under the direction of Heather Wayne, where she studied jazz, ballet, modern, tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance. After graduating high school, Emily moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to pursue her BFA in Jazz Dance with a minor in Business Management at Point Park University. Her training and artistic exploration have led her to perform works by renowned choreographers including Jason McDole, Kiesha Lalama, Joshua Manculich, Kiki Lucas, Garfield Lemonius, Mark Burrell, and Kyle Abraham, among others. Emily previously performed with Cherrise Wakeham’s professional contemporary company, Project 7, appearing in the 2016 ACE Award-winning production SHE. She is currently a company member of RISK Contemporary Dance Company under the direction of Brady Michael. In addition to concert dance, Emily has traveled internationally as a backup dancer for BAD ROMANCE: A Tribute to Lady Gaga.
Dory Moore Instructor
Dory Moore’s training began with Brenau University’s Dance Program, Gainesville School of Ballet, and the Gainesville Ballet Company in Gainesville, Georgia. Dory performed regularly with Brenau and the Gainesville Ballet in a variety of corps de ballet, soloist, and principal roles. Her formative training years included time with the Joffrey School of Ballet in New York, Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Massachusetts, Montgomery Ballet International in Alabama, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet in San Francisco – all of which she attended on merit scholarship.
Dory was accepted into Trainee programs across the United States (including the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet and the Atlanta Ballet) prior to the arrival of her high school graduation. Although she chose to stop pursuing a preforming career in dance, she found a true heart for teaching to the local arts community in Georgia, and Tennessee.
Dory has recently graduated with her Master’s degree in Mental Health Care and is excited to continue sharing a love of dance with students throughout the state of Georgia.
NeeAli Scott Instructor
NeeAli Scott began her dance training at the age of three and has spent over a decade developing a versatile foundation in ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and Horton and Graham techniques. Continuing to expand her artistry through prestigious training opportunities, studying with renowned instructors at Steps on Broadway in New York City and participating in the Complexions Contemporary Ballet Pre Professional Summer Intensive. She is also a member of Xcel Talent Agency’s Adult Training Program, where she trains under industry professionals including Bubba Carr, Gary Beauford, and more. Her accomplishments include earning Outstanding Dancer Runner-Up honors through New York City Dance Alliance and receiving scholarships to programs with Steps Academy, Steps Conservatory, and Ballet Hispanico. She was also previously on Mercer University’s Dance Team, under the direction of Allison Yeomans. In addition to performing, NeeAli is passionate about leadership, choreography, and mentorship. She has experience in choreography and student teaching and has had her choreography featured in Mercer University productions including Threads of Revolution and BearFest. She also demonstrated her leadership by founding a dance club, MU Motion Moves, at Mercer University and serving as Dance Company Co-Captain at Kelly and Company Studios. NeeAli is currently a junior at Mercer University pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering on the Pre-Med track, in hopes of one day becoming a surgeon. She is committed to using her passion for dance, creativity, and leadership to inspire and empower the next generation of artists.
Mason Rice Instructor
Mason has been dancing for nearly a decade, training in a variety of styles with a passion for performance and storytelling through movement. Specializing in Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre, Mason brings a dynamic blend of technical skill, creativity, and stage presence to every class he teaches. Most recently, Mason performed in Light Chasers, a theatrical production in North Carolina that explored themes of love, loss, and human connection through movement and performance. His experience both on stage and behind the scenes gives him a unique perspective on the performing arts and the dedication required to bring a production to life. In addition to his work as a dancer and instructor, Mason serves as a Sound Engineer for Henry County Schools, where he helps produce large-scale musicals, concerts, and theatrical productions. His involvement in every aspect of the performance process reflects his deep passion for the arts and commitment to excellence. Known for his positive energy, encouraging teaching style, and ability to connect with students, Mason is dedicated to helping dancers build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover the joy of performance. We are thrilled to welcome him to The Barre faculty and look forward to the impact he will have on our dancers.
Brooke Hadden Instructor
Brooke Hadden brings more than 20 years of experience in gymnastics and acro coaching to The Barre Dance Studios. Known for her enthusiasm, expertise, and supportive teaching style, Brooke creates an encouraging environment where athletes feel both challenged and empowered to succeed. She emphasizes safe progressions, strong technical foundations, and proper skill development, helping each athlete build confidence while reaching their individual goals. Brooke is passionate about fostering not only athletic growth, but also the confidence, discipline, and character that extend far beyond the studio. Her positive energy and dedication to every student make her a valued mentor and coach, inspiring athletes of all ages to reach their full potential.
Sallie Hart Instructor
Sallie is a K4 teacher at Tatnall and a proud mother of two young, exceptionally gifted dancers. With many years of experience as a cheerleading coach, she brings energy, patience, and encouragement to every class she teaches. Sallie led our very first Mommy & Me class — an instant hit with both parents and children — and she loved every moment just as much as they did! Her loving, kind personality makes her the perfect instructor for our youngest dancers, helping them build confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of dance.
Payton Thomas Instructor
Miss Payton has been dancing since early childhood, training extensively in jazz, hip hop, and ballet. Most recently, she was a member of Rhythm Dance Centre in Marietta, GA, where she had the opportunity to compete at prestigious events such as League of Champions and Revolution. In addition to dance, Payton brings a unique background as both a rhythmic gymnast and coach with Chattooga Gymnastics. She has proudly represented the United States on the international stage, performing at the World Gymnastrada in Amsterdam, in Times Square, and at the Gym For All showcase during the Olympic Trials. She also participates in and coaches Wheel Gymnastics, recently performing in Germany at Turnfest. Payton is deeply committed to teaching and inclusivity. As a Special Olympics coach for Chattooga Gymnastics through USA Gymnastics, she has worked with athletes from across the country and of all abilities. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive environment ensures that every student feels supported, challenged, and celebrated.
Becky Rhyne Instructor
Becky began dancing at the age of four and has been passionate about dance ever since. Born and raised in Macon, she trained extensively in tap, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and jazz throughout her childhood and teen years. During her years as a dancer, she danced in the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia and Middle Georgia Youth Ballet, gaining valuable performance experience and a strong technical foundation. Becky continued her dance journey while attending Georgia Institute of Technology, where she was a member of the Georgia Tech GoldRush Dance Team. She is excited to share her passion for tap dance with students at The Barre Dance Studio. She looks forward to helping dancers build confidence, develop strong tap technique, and discover the joy of dance in a positive and encouraging environment.
Raven Dupree Receptionist
Raven is currently pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor in Graphic Design at Mercer University. Since joining Mercer’s Ballroom Dance Team in 2024, she has quickly become a leader within the program, serving as both Team Captain and President of the Mercer Ballroom Dance Club. While Raven’s dance journey did not begin in the competitive studio world, her passion for movement and performance led her to discover ballroom dance—a discipline she has wholeheartedly embraced. Through dedicated training and competition, she has developed a strong love for the art, athleticism, and connection that ballroom dance offers. Raven’s favorite competitive ballroom styles include Rumba, Cha Cha, and Jive, while her favorite social dances are Hustle and West Coast Swing. She currently competes as a Novice-level West Coast Swing lead and enjoys both leading and following within the social dance community. Known for her enthusiasm, creativity, and encouraging spirit, Raven is passionate about sharing her love of dance with students and helping them build confidence both on and off the dance floor. We are excited to have her as part of The Barre Dance Studios faculty.
Michael + Dana Mayo Owners
Michael and Dana Mayo are the founders and owners of The Barre Dance Studios, which opened its doors in Macon, Georgia, in 2024 with a simple but ambitious goal: to raise the standard for dance education in Middle Georgia. Now entering Season 3, Michael and Dana are incredibly grateful for the trust, support, and enthusiasm of the families who have helped make The Barre what it is today. What began as a dream has quickly grown into a thriving dance community built on excellence, opportunity, and a genuine love for helping young people grow through the arts. Dana’s dance journey began at the age of two in her hometown of Douglas, Georgia, where she trained at Regina’s School of Dance. Her dedication and talent earned her the prestigious title of Tremaine Dancer of the Year, leading to opportunities to travel, perform, and train alongside some of the industry’s most respected dancers, choreographers, and educators. Together, Michael and Dana have worked to create more than just a dance studio. Their vision is to provide exceptional training, meaningful performance opportunities, and a positive, encouraging environment where dancers can build confidence, character, discipline, and lifelong friendships. They are committed to bringing outstanding instructors and unique experiences to The Barre while continually investing in the growth of their students and studio. Outside of the dance world, Michael is an attorney and owner of The Mayo Firm, and Dana is a board-certified pediatrician and owner of Middle Georgia Pediatrics. Both are proud graduates of Mercer University. As they look toward the future, Michael and Dana remain committed to their mission of Raising the Barre—creating an experience that challenges, inspires, and empowers every dancer who walks through the studio doors. They are excited for what lies ahead and thankful for every family who has chosen to be part of The Barre’s story.
