Heather Maree
Director, Master Choreographer, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop
Heather is a graduate of Western Carolina University, where she earned two degrees and was captain of the WCU Dance Team. A former member of the Illusion Dance Troupe, she was an important part of studio operations in assisting, teaching, and performing. She has been dancing for 25 years. She has studied freelance in New York as well as many workshops and conventions in North and South Carolina. She has been recognized regionally and nationally for Top Teacher, Top Choreographer, Most Entertaining Routines, and Highest Scores of the Day. Several of her routines have been honored and recognized by Star Systems national TV show and Star Search. Many of her students have graduated from high school and continued by majoring in dance and becoming members of their college dance teams.
Amanda Pruitt
Tap, Jazz, Lyrical
Amanda has been dancing for 18 years, and a member of the Illusion Dance Team at Dance Specialties for 12 years. During that time she was awarded numerous Top Soloist, Top Duet/Trio, and received special tap awards at Dance Masters. At age 16 she won a scholarship to Broadway Dance Center in New York. She is currently a college student and continues to be an important part of our studio by teaching and assisting.
Ashley Bradford
Competition Ballet
Ashley is a native of Charlotte. She began taking ballet at the age of four. Ashley graduated from Northwest School of the Arts majoring in Ballet. As a young dancer she danced with Charlotte City Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts, and received a full scholarship to Richmond Ballet’s company Apprenticeship. Following her training she spent four years with North Carolina Dance Theater Touring and Performing with the company, studying under the direction of Patricia McBride, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, and Edward Villella of New York City Ballet. After her professional career Ashley has continued to teach, choreograph, and perform in the Charlotte area.
Ashley Locklear
Jazz, Lyrical
Ashley had been dancing for 17 years at Dance Specialties. She was a member of the Illusion Dance Team for 13 years. During her time on the competition team, she received “Student of the Year” and a Senior Performance Award. She was an intricate part of many groups winning top overall awards and received many top honors as a lyrical soloist. Ashley continues her love of dance, teaching recreational classes, assisting several Illusion Troupe classes, and teaching solos and duets for competition. She has been a college student at Johnson & Wales, where she recently received an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. Ashley is continuing her education at University of NC in Charlotte.
Robyn Fisher
Gymnastics
Robyn is currently a student at UNC Charlotte pursing a Communications Major. She is a cheerleader for the Charlotte 49ers. In 2007 she was announced as a National Cheerleading Association Collegiate All-American. Robyn also cheered competitively for the Wake Forest All Stars. During these years of competitive cheerleading she has earned 4 State titles and 10 National Championship titles. She enjoys teaching children tumbling, gymnastics and cheerleading.