Our Faculty

A former principal dancer with years of professional experience, Katie co-founded Solstice in 2026 with a vision of creating a conservatory where technical excellence and creative expression exist in perfect harmony.

Katie's professional journey came full circle after attending the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts, where she trained under masters like Stanislav Isseav and Irena Ushakova. Her career as a principal artist with the Robert Ivey Ballet Company and Charleston Ballet Theatre includes standout roles in Hunchback of Notre Dame, Romeo & Juliet, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and The Nutcracker as well as Contemporary works in Alice in Wonderland, Shostakovich Suite, and Bacchanal.

As a sought-after instructor, Katie specializes in nurturing the next generation of talent. She served as a faculty member at the Charleston Ballet Center for Dance and a coach for the Coastal Ballet USA Academic/Ballet program. Her teaching philosophy focuses: Foundational Strength through expert instruction in stretching, strengthening, and ballet technique. As well as artistic development, guiding young dancers through rehearsal coaching for major stage productions.

She has continued to gain momentum with her teaching as a choreographer known for her "Stunning Choreography" and "Fresh" modern works. She frequently travels as a guest artist and private coach, providing choreography and intensive training for studios and competitive programs nationwide. She continues to strive for dance education as she is the only instructor within South Texas to hold all Levels of Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), an innovative body conditioning and strength-building program that prioritises muscle memory development through ballet-specific exercises.

Michael brings a unique blend of artistic vision and business acumen to Solstice. His philosophy that discipline and creativity must coexist forms the foundation of the conservatory's approach. Michael is a dynamic performer and choreographer whose career is defined by a rare blend of classical precision and contemporary flair. Based in Charleston since 2009, Michael has established himself as a premier soloist and a vital voice in the national dance education circuit.

Michael's background is uniquely diverse, beginning with the rhythmic discipline of Folklorico and Flamenco before expanding into Jazz, Tap, and Modern. He later transitioned into intensive Ballet training, studying under world-renowned masters from the Bolshoi & Kirov Academy.

As a Soloist with the Robert Ivey Ballet, Michael took on iconic roles in Romeo & Juliet, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Scheherazade. His partnership with Jill Eathorne Bahr has seen him become a mainstay in professional productions such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Alice in Wonderland.

A celebrated creative, Michael's choreography has been recognized at the highest competitive levels, earning "Best Choreography" and "Most Original" honors at YAGP, Tremaine, and Dance Masters of America (DMA). His work spans the stage and screen, including Commercial Credits for local Music videos, live concerts, and musical theater productions. Pre-Professional Coaching as guest faculty for various elite summer intensives, Charleston Ballet Theatre, Heartland Youth Ballet, Lake Area Ballet Theatre, among others. And adjudication while a member of DMA, Michael was sought-after national judge and convention instructor, traveling the country to mentor the next generation of dancers.