Leslie grew up dancing with the Raleigh Civic Ballet and also trained at the Royal Academy of Dancing in London and at UNC-Greensboro. She has danced professionally with regional ballet and theatrical companies and has taught all levels and styles of dance for over 20 years in both private dance studios and public schools. Leslie and her husband founded and directed the Carolina Dance Company in North Carolina, a jazz company that earned a mention in Dance Magazine. Leslie also served as the Artistic Director of the Roanoke Ballet Theatre in Virginia, Dance Theater of New Bern's jazz company, and Olympia Children's Theatre in Florida, staging full length ballets, festival performances and competitive dance team events. Her students have won regional and national awards in competitions and pageants, been accepted into the high school program at North Carolina School of the Arts, and been awarded college scholarships for dance.

Lisa also danced with the Raleigh Civic Ballet before attending college at UNC-Chapel Hill where she performed with Carolina Dancers. After receiving a BA in Radio, Television and Motion Pictures, Lisa worked in radio and television in Raleigh, Durham, and Nashville, TN. Lisa's former position as administrative assistant for Franklin Academy Charter School has given her years of experience working with children and parents in the Wake Forest community.

From LA to London, New York to Chicago, Mark has performed with many greats such as Gregory Hines, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Warren Conover, Gus Giordano and many, many other performers. Mark has given master classes to thousands of students from coast to coast. As a North Carolina School of the Arts Alumni, Mark is proud to be working back in North Carolina. Mark gives instruction and coaching for dancing, singing, and acting. Working primarily with children and teens, the teaching style he uses is one that will not only put any artist on a fast track program toward achieving their goals, but also increase self confidence and personal growth, helping anyone, young or old, experienced or not, move rapidly toward being prepared for both performing opportunities and auditions. Mark works with those who are interested in entering the performing arts, those who want to consider a career, and professionals looking to expand their current horizons. "Never stop dreaming. If you can dream it, you can achieve it"

Cori Lovato took gymnastics and dance briefly as a child but got serious about dance at Paloma Valley High School in Southern California. Her sophomore year they were JV Song National Champions at the USA Cheer and Song Nationals in Anaheim. Cori was also named co-captain for her junior and senior year. After graduating, she began coaching her former high school's JV Song team, teaching and choreographing routines for football games, pep rallies and competitions. During this time she took ballet and jazz classes at Palomar College under Stephen Hook and Sadie Weinberg, and also assisted with local cheer and dance teams. In 2009 she was in an amazing Theatre Royale production of The Wizard Of Oz as a lead dancer and soloist, and also danced on an All-Star Open Jazz team before moving to Raleigh, NC in January, 2010. Cori is excited to become a part of the Gotta Dance family and thrilled that she is able to continue dancing, teaching and creating with them everyday!

A native of Wake Forest, Emily has been dancing since the age of 5. She began her dance education under the instruction of Lee Beaman Grissom, a former Miss North Carolina titleholder. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, Emily danced competitively, receiving numerous awards and recognition such as Studio Dancer of the Year, Starpower Dance Ambassador in 2004, and several Overall High Score Solo awards. Throughout her career she has taken master classes from Raleigh to New York with dance greats Bill Hotaling, Savion Glover, and Desiree Robbins. Emily graduated this May from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an honors degree in Business Administration. During her time at UNC-CH she continued to dance with the jazz and lyrical group, Carolina Vibe, which performed at school and charity events. As part of the Gotta Dance staff, Emily continues to share her enthusiasm and love of DANCE!

Jessica Yawn began studying dance at the age of 4 in Waycross Georgia, taking classes in competition-based ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, rhythmic ballet and gymnastics. Jessica studied under Brenda Davis (Prestigious FSU Golden Girls of Dance) before joining the Martinez-Evans Dance Academy in Augusta Georgia where she received instruction from April Storm Hartsell (U.S. Olympics Choreographer) and Sarah Bennett (Soloist for Augusta Ballet) and performed in productions including Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, and Pocahontas. Jessica joined Gotta Dance in 2008 as a member of the company and has performed in many Gotta Dance productions as well as traveling with the company to perform at Disney World. As Assistant Camp Director at Gotta Dance Jessica%u2019s talent, training and experience have enabled her to make significant contributions as a choreographer, script writer and vocal coach for musical theater camp shows. As well as her continuing responsibilities with Musical Theater Camp, Jessica began teaching dance classes this year and she is excited about the new and exciting opportunities that lie ahead for her, her students and the entire Gotta Dance family, and is thankful for the privilege of getting to pass on the gift of dance!

Bobby Thomas comes from The Bronx, New York where hip hop was originated. Since the age of two, he has glided, slided and acted his way across many stages. He attended The Theatre Arts Production School where he trained under certified teachers. Bobby has been cast as the Scarecrow in The Wiz, Danny Z in Grease, and many other major roles. Throughout his career he has studied and trained in many dance and theatrical styles including Hip Hop, Irish Step Dancing, Mime, and professional voice. Recently, he was the main actor in the music video, "In Awe of his Presence". Dancing and acting are some of his many talents and he is currently pursuing a degree in Music Performance. Bobby says - dance like no one is watching, and as long as you are having fun then everything will fall into place!

Brittany Daniels Goodwin is a vocal music major from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She has performed all over the world in Theatrical productions, Musical reviews, and a variety of Concert performances. Her vocal talents are featured on multiple soundtracks for Disney, Music Theater International, and various Radio Theatre Shows. She specializes in Pop, Rock, and Musical Theatre vocal styling and works with students of all ages and vocal levels. In addition to vocal lessons, Brittany instructs beginner piano and guitar.

Amanda Cosimini developed a passion for gymnastics at age five and continued competing in gymnastics, dance and cheerleading through her high school years. Now enrolled at Vance Granville Community College pursuing an accounting degree while coaching and teaching gymnastics at area gyms such as North Raleigh Gymnastics and Tri-County, Amanda loves working with children and young adults, training from Level 1 to Level 7. She can not only explain to her students how to position themselves while learning new skills, but also show them. Being able to give her students a visual, not just directions, has proven to help the students have a better understanding of the skills. Amanda also incorporates each individual student's learning style into each session in order to ensure that each student keeps up with the skills being taught which keeps the morale and drive of the student up so they perform at their best! Amanda looks forward to meeting everyone at Gotta Dance and can't wait to share her passion for gymnastics with her students this season!