Amber Jenkins
OWNER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Amber began her dance journey at a young age. As a teenager, she started assistant teaching and later pursued a degree in dance at Central Piedmont Community College. After completing her studies, she became the owner of Dance Discoveries, where she taught gymnastics and dance, developed elite classes, and coached several competitive teams. During this time, she also served as the coach for the East Gaston Dancing Warriors for five years.
Amber is a certified gymnastics instructor and maintains a strong focus on student safety. In 2018, she became the owner and director of Art In Motion (AIM), where her choreography has consistently earned top awards for her students, demonstrating her lasting impact on the dance community.
Heather Rankin
Lead Instructor
Heather began taking dance lessons at the age of two, exploring various styles throughout her childhood. As a teenager, she became an assistant teacher in dance and gymnastics and began choreographing. During her competitive years, she earned top soloist and group awards and choreographed her first competitive team. She also served as the captain of her high school dance team.
Heather pursued a double major in Dance and Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, graduating magna cum laude. She later completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Queens University. Currently, she works as a Nurse Program Director while also teaching dance at Art In Motion. Her passion for ballet is evident in her teaching as she helps others discover their unique expression through dance.
Brittany Howard
Instructor
Brittany began dancing in the 5th grade and trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop styles. Growing-up she danced competitively throughout middle and high school and was a member of the East Gaston Dancing Warriors throughout the entirety of her high school years.
In her adulthood, Brittany went on to open her own dance studio for children of all ages and later became head-coach of the East Gaston Dancing Warriors team. She was also a substitute teacher for the East Gaston dance department at one time and choreographed their spring program. Brittany holds 3 choreography awards for jazz and contemporary routines from elite competitions, and has taken master classes at Broadway Dance Center in NYC and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles.
Brittany’s enthusiasm for dance is unmatched. Her uplifting, positive personality shines through her teaching, as she helps students find and share their passion for expression through dance.
Ashlyn Oakes
Competition Instructor
Ashlyn has been immersed in the world of dance since she was just two years old. Her education spans ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary dance, with her most transformative years spent at AIM. After several years of competitive dancing, she has captivated audiences with her standout solo performances in jazz and tap, as well as thrilling group pieces. Attending numerous dance conventions has fueled her passion, with jazz and tap shining as her favorite styles.
In her professional life, Ashlyn serves as a dedicated registered nurse at a local emergency department. Her innovative spirit and engaging approach to dance, combined with her unwavering commitment to technical precision, will inspire and elevate her students as they pursue their journeys in this beautiful art form.
Caroline Mesimer
Solo Choreographer
Caroline is a dedicated dancer who began her journey at the age of 3, training in various styles and gymnastics. She showcased her leadership skills as captain of the East Gaston dance team for three years. Currently, she is attending Appalachian State University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a minor in Dance. Caroline has had the incredible opportunity to perform with the Appalachian Dance Ensemble and has inspired many by teaching open classes in Boone.
Ella Leophard
Solo Choreographer
Ella is a proud graduate of East Gaston High School, where she served as the head captain of the Dancing Warriors team. With 15 years of training in various dance styles, as well as gymnastics, she is an accomplished competitive soloist.
Additionally, she was an active member of academic organizations, including the National Honor Society and the Beta Club. This fall, Ella will attend Appalachian State University, where she plans to major in criminal justice and minor in dance, highlighting her dedication and natural leadership skills.
Keleigh Beaty
Solo Choreographer
Keleigh is a recent East Gaston High School graduate and a dedicated member of the Dancing Warriors team. With 10 years of formal dance training, she excels in various styles, and is an accomplished competitive soloist.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Keleigh was an active member of the National Technical Honor Society. What truly sets Keleigh apart is her humbleness; despite her numerous accolades, she remains grounded and eager to learn from every experience.
This fall, Keleigh will pursue a cosmetology degree at Gaston College.