OUR FACULTY

Alisha Captain trained as a dancer for over 20 years with a strong background in classical ballet. Her technical training has aided her development in other styles, including Graham and Horton modern techniques, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and pom. She began studying tap and ballet in Louisiana with Susan Ferrera, and later studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, under the tutelage of Jan Miller, former professional dancer with the American Ballet Theater and Joffery Ballet, and Miguel Lopez, former professional modern dancer and director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Alisha later attended Louisiana State University where she served as a 4-year member and co-captain of the LSU Tiger Girls. Following graduation, she moved into the role of assistant coach and choreographer for the team. In 2010, Alisha helped lead the Tiger Girls to their first Hip Hop National Championship. After her tenure at LSU, she continued following her passion for dance as a guest teacher and choreographer and judge for various studios and organizations both nationally and internationally.

Amie has been teaching and training dancers across the country for over 24 years, with an extensive ballet base and training in Los Angeles and New York. A versatile and accomplished performer, she has worked professionally throughout the industry, including performing as a backup dancer for NSYNC as well as cast in As the World Turns. She has earned numerous accolades in both dance and pageantry, including 2001 Miss Teen Louisiana and LA Miss Dance of America (DMA).

As a teacher and choreographer, Amie has received national recognition for her work, and is known for developing dancers with both strong technical excellence and artistry. She has served as an international dance and pageant judge for many years traveling nationwide to teach and adjudicate.

Above all, she is passionate about mentoring the next generation, instilling confidence, discipline, and a love for the art that extends far beyond the stage. She has been married for 20 years and is a proud mom to two incredible children, Cohen and Stella.

Avery Cashen is a passionate and accomplished dancer from Lafayette, Louisiana. She is a graduated member of Distinction Dance Company’s Elite Pre-Professional Program. She has trained in many styles of dance including ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, modern, tap, musical theater, lyrical, and acro. Avery began dancing at the age of 2 and has received most of her advanced training under the direction of Kristin Daniel. As a competitive dancer, Avery has claimed numerous Regional and National titles including Radix Dance Convention National Teen Protégé Winner and most recently, she won the Senior title as one of the Elite Protege Winners! Winning these titles gave her the honor of working with and assisting many renowned choreographers including Brian Friedman, Tessandra Chavez, Tyce Diorio, Tina Caspary, Tricia Miranda, Mandy Korpinen, and Kayla Igo. All these accomplishments have provided Avery with experience in professional, creative, and prominent settings within the dance industry. Currently, Avery is continuing her dance career at the collegiate level as a Tiger Girl, LSU’s dance team. She just finished up her first year on the team and had the honor of being in 2 very iconic dances, getting 2 silver medals. Avery enjoys sharing her passion for dance with others, as she has had the privilege of training and assisting many students of various ages and skill levels. Her unique skill set as a strong technician and creative artist has helped her provide skills that enhance and elevate each dancer’s performance. She looks forward to working with dancers in a class setting, within private sessions, and through her own choreography. Avery is so excited to share her love for dance with the next generation of dancers.

Giulia Fedeli graduated from the Ballet Academy of the Teatro Carcano in Milan and later graduated with honors from the Certificate Program of The Ailey School in New York. While at Ailey she also performed with the Alvin Ailey Students Performance Group and the Ailey Company in their New York City Center season. After graduation, she worked with Francesca Harper, performing in New York City and Venice, Italy. She danced as a soloist with Rome, Italy based "Danza Prospettiva" - ARSlab Production from 2010 to 2016, touring in the United States, France, Germany, Bulgaria and Italy. While based in Rome she completed her studies and obtained her law degree in 2015. After spending one year in Shanghai, China, dancing and teaching, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and since then has been performing with New Orleans Ballet, Baton Rouge Ballet and Of Moving Colors Productions as well as teaching. In 2019 she completed her Antigymnastique teacher training and became a certified practitioner.

Haley Babb began dancing at just two years old and trained for 15 years, participating in competition dance, dance team, and assisting classes. She completed her junior and senior years dancing at Tari’s. After graduating high school, Haley attended LSU, where she was a four-year member of the LSU Golden Girls from 2011 to 2015. During college, she also worked as a staff member for VIP Dance Competition.

Following graduation, Haley pursued a career in the medical field and currently works as a Pediatric Cardiology Nurse Practitioner when she is not in the studio. This is her first year on the teaching staff at Tari’s, and she has truly enjoyed teaching ballet and tap to the 3- and 4-year-old classes.

Hillary Melara began her dance training at Tari’s School of Dance at the age of three. As a member of Pro Company, Hillary attended LADM, 24/7, Hollywood Vibe, Nuvo, Pulse, Jump, West Coast Dance Explosion, and Dance Makers and is trained in a variety of different styles. Hillary attributes her well rounded, diverse training to, not only, TSOD, but also, Sonya Tayeh, Kevin Maher, Jonathan Sison, and Cultura. She has participated in concept videos by Matthew Deloch and Rikashi Sensei and had the privilege of assisting Liz Imperio, Dejan Tubic, Jordan Harris, Kim Wolf, Denise Dicharry, Gabi Guidry, and David Moore. Hillary has graduated from Louisiana State University with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in leadership,communications and sociology. Hillary is currently a multimedia marketing consultant for Melara Enterprises which includes 225, Business Report, InRegister, Daily Report and 1012. Hillary has had several choreography jobs since graduating college. Hillary teaches our mini, junior, teen and senior companies for Taris school of dance .

Bella Ferrara is a dancer and instructor currently attending LSU, where she is a member of the LSU Tiger Girls dance team. She grew up training at Taris, where she was a member of the competition team, and is excited to now be teaching the next generation of dancers. Bella teaches movement classes, offers private lessons, and choreographs solos. She has also assisted Ivy Delk with choreography for YAGP in her pre-professional program. Bella is passionate about helping dancers grow in both confidence and artistry.

Ivy received her ballet training in Atlanta Ballet’s Pre-Professional program under the supervision of Rosemary Miles, Sharon Story, Armando Luna, and Martha Goodman. She attended numerous summer intensive programs across the country including: School of American Ballet, Houston Ballet, Nashville Ballet, City Ballet of San Diego, Milwaukee Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Ivy eventually joined The Atlanta Ballet and continued on to dance for Nashville Ballet, Houston Ballet II, City Ballet of San Diego, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Over the span of her performing career, Ivy appeared in a number of ballets ranging from classical to neoclassical works. Most notably, Ivy performed lead roles in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Rubies, Symphony in C, The Nutcracker, and Walpurgisnacht, as well as, Giselle, Swan Lake, Raymonda, Paquita, La Sylphide, Le Corsaire, and The Sleeping Beauty. In 2021, Ivy formed The Pre-Professional Program at Tari’s School of Dance, a pre- professional training program for aspiring ballet dancers. The only such program of its kind in Baton Rouge, The Pre-Professional Program provides ballet students with rigorous year-round training and opportunity for showcase and competition at Youth America Grand Prix. Since its inception, The Pre- Professional Program students have placed in the Youth America Grand Prix Top 12 each year in multiple regional cities. In 2022, one student was selected from The Pre- Professional Program for the Youth America Grand Prix Finals, an international competition of regional winners held in Tampa, Florida. In addition to competition success, Ivy’s pre- professional students have also been accepted into some of the most prestigious summer intensives in the world. Acceptances include: The Paris Opera Ballet School, The Royal Ballet: London, English National Ballet: London, Princess Grace Academy: Monaco, European School of Ballet: Amsterdam, The School of American Ballet (merit scholarship), Sarasota Ballet (merit scholarship), Orlando Ballet (merit scholarship), The Rock School (merit scholarship), Houston Ballet Academy (merit scholarship), University North Carolina School of the Arts (merit scholarships), Next Generation Ballet (merit scholarship), Cary Ballet Conservatory (merit scholarship), Cincinnati Ballet (merit scholarship), Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Ballet Academy East, Osipova Ballet Academy, Miami City Ballet School, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Bayer Ballet Academy, Boston Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet School, and International City School of Ballet.

Kourtni Hughes is a Baton Rouge native and graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School. She is an alumna of Tari’s and has trained extensively, attending dance conventions across the South, including Radix, Dancemakers, Hollywood Vibe, LADM, and Streetz. During high school, she was actively involved in the Baton Rouge Magnet High dance program, where she served as Vice President and choreographed multiple pieces for the program’s spring and fall concerts.

Kourtni’s performance experience includes performing at the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards. She graduated in May 2026 from Louisiana State University with a degree in Biological Sciences (Pre-Medicine) and a minor in Spanish. During her time at LSU, she was actively involved in campus organizations and previously served as President of the Eta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Kourtni teaches 5 & 6 Hip Hop and continues to explore new ways to grow in her dance career and be creative.

Macie Brown began dancing at just two years old, and her love for the stage has only grown stronger over the years. She was a member of her high school’s nationally winning dance team

and later performed professionally as a Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saintsation, performing on one of the biggest stages in professional sports. Macie has dedicated many years to teaching and mentoring young dancers, serving as a former Assistant Director at Liz Trahan Dance Studio and as an instructor at The Movement Dance Academy. She is passionate about helping dancers build confidence, express themselves, and truly love the art of dance. Her favorite styles—jazz and hip hop—highlight her high-energy, personality, expressive style, and love for performance. Outside of the studio, Macie is a proud wife and mother of two. Her passion continues through her daughter, who is entering her 12th year of dance at Taris School of Dance and is a member of the Junior Company. When she’s not in the studio, Macie loves creating memories through travel, combining her passion for adventure with her dedication to family.

Makayla Hertzock started her dance training at Tari’s School of Dance in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age of three and was a member of Pro Company for eight years. As a pro company member, Makayla attended numerous competitions and conventions including, West Coast Dance Explosion, Jump, Pulse, Nuvo, Hollywood Vibe, Dancemakers, LADM, Ash, and 24/7. During her senior year of high school, she performed with a professional company, LEHER Dance and was president of Baton Rouge Magnet High School’s dance program, where she choreographed a variety of dance pieces. Upon graduation, she began training under current LSU Tiger Girl coach, Kandace Hale, on the championship team, LA Fierce, in addition to training with and assisting Shayla Taylor and Denise Dicharry. Makayla has choreographed for the Dance Collective for the past four years. She has participated in a concept video choreographed by Matthew Deloch and Jayde Woodard. Makayla also continued dancing in the Louisiana State University dance program during her time at LSU.

Makayla graduated from LSU in December 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Studies. Makayla teaches our ¾ combo, Hip Hop classes and works with our Tiny Tot Company. Makayla is excited to continue her dance career by teaching at Tari’s School of Dance.

Sami Koppenhagen grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana and trained at Cathy Kurth Dance Academy for fifteen years before moving to Baton Rouge. While attending Louisiana State University, she continued dancing under Kandace Hale as a member of the LSU Tiger Girls for four years. While on the team, they placed in the top four in the D1A Hip-Hop division at the Universal Dance Association National Competition each year and placed top four in the Jazz category her senior year. Sami coached University Laboratory School’s high school dance team for two years, choreographed various high school dance team routines, and has taught at both Machita Dance Company and Tari’s School of Dance. Sami graduated from LSU in May of 2020 with a General Business degree and a minor in Dance. She currently teaches Tumbling 1 at Tari’s School of Dance. Sami is passionate about dancing to her core and is grateful for the opportunity to share her passion with her students.

Sarah Broekhoven began dancing at the age of one and a half, soon began soloing at the age of four, and danced competitively for 14 years. Sarah has trained in many disciplines of dance but has always had a special love for tap. She has attended numerous masterclasses with renowned tap dancers including Dianne Walker, Anthony Morigerato, Mike Minery, Sam Weber, Derick Grant, Brenda Bufalino, Star Dixon, Ayodele Casel, and Jason Janas. The highlights of Sarah’s professional career thus far include dancing back-up for Beyoncé at Super Bowl XLVII, dancing in Rivertown Theater’s production of 42nd Street, teaching tap as an Adjunct Professor for the Film and Theatre Department of the University of New Orleans, serving as the Assistant Choreographer for Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre’s production of Pippin, and being a professional company member of Gulf Coast Theatre on Tap for several years. In addition to being a dance teacher, Sarah is a Registered Dietitian currently working for Nourish; she also has a background in group fitness and is certified in the Lagree Fitness Method. Sarah’s true passion is to help individuals become better versions of themselves, and she loves that teaching dance at Tari’s provides her with incredible opportunities to mentor amazing children. Sarah is so proud of her students for all they continue to achieve.

Shayla Taylor is a Baton Rouge native and a proud alumni of Tari’s School of Dance Pro Company. Early in her dance career, she had the opportunity to be featured in several dance films under the direction of Robin Gee, performing in New York in conjunction with NYU for the original Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane Company, as well as assisting artists such as Liz Emperio, Clarice Young, and Maurice Watson. In 2020 she received her BFA at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a concentration in dance and choreography. After college, she began her professional career and performed with Helen Simoneau Danse Company, was accepted into the Camille A. Brown and Dancers Mentorship program, and choreographed work for North Carolina State University’s Dance program as an Emerging Artist. In 2022 Shayla was invited to become a New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellow as an apprentice for Urban Bush Women. With Urban Bush Women, she toured across the country to perform and help lecture several dance programs in the secondary and collegiate platforms. In 2022 She was an honored Alumni at her university for her accomplishments within the dance field. As a choreographer, she has been able to set works for a university, several music videos for artists in North Carolina and New York, studios along the east coast, and a dance film “La Danseuse Vieillissante ”. In Spring of 2025 Shayla was honored to have the opportunity to be a special guest panelist for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro BFA Dance program’s Senior Choreographic Thesis; specializing in cohesive performance and choreographic development. Shayla is very excited to be back home and looking forward to helping dancers grow as she continues to grow into her own dance pedagogy.

Summer O’Haver, 20 years old, grew up training at Club Dance Studio where she graduated after 15 years.This is her first year at Tari’s School of Dance. She is now going into her fourth year with the LSU Tiger Girls and couldn’t be more grateful for all of the opportunities dance has given her.

Theresa is a dance teacher, acrobatics teacher and choreographer. She has over 30 years experience in dance and 15 years in Acro and the circus arts. Theresa performs with the Acadian circus and Vaudeville Entertainment at Festivals, Mardi Gras Balls, parties and live events, where she performs on the Lyra hoop and Aerial Straps. She has choreographed for shows at the Manship Theater such as Hook & House of Fae, as well as for many dance competitions and UDA camps. Her choreography has won state and national titles for group and solo performances. Theresa is a certified yoga instructor and Acro teacher. She has taught hip hop, tumbling, beginner ballet, tap, jazz, technique, strength & conditioning, silks and lyra hoop. She is currently teaching tumbling, hip hop, two year olds and our new doodlebugs competition team at Tari’s School of Dance.