Dance Teachers in Tucker

Chan’tele Rountree – Owner/Director

Chan’tele Rountree is a passionate dancer and educator who began her dance journey at the age of four. Over the years, she has trained under the guidance of esteemed instructors at Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance in College Park, Maryland. Chan’tele's dedication to dance led her to work as an assistant dance teacher and dance camp counselor, where she nurtured the talents of young students in tap, ballet, and jazz. She also actively participated in various dance and performance groups during her high school years, including cheerleading, poms, step team, and the renowned 'Colours Performing Arts Troupe'.

After graduating from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama/dance, Chan’tele continued her pursuit of knowledge by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University. During her college years, she showcased her skills in numerous dance performances within the Atlanta University Center. Chan’tele's teaching experience extended to Academy of the Arts, Gwinnett School of Dance, and local YMCA's and daycares, where she imparted her expertise in ballet, tap, and jazz to young students aged 3 to 9 years old.

With over 10 years of experience in the school system, Chan’tele taught first grade and then became the first elementary dance teacher for Gwinnett County Public Schools further solidifying her understanding of child development and effective teaching methodologies. Her time in the classroom allowed her to witness firsthand the transformative power of dance and the arts in enhancing students' creativity, confidence, and overall growth. Chan’tele has also developed the dance curriculum for Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Education. Her expertise and dedication to the growth and development of young learners have shaped the lives of countless students.

In 2015, Chan’tele embarked on a new endeavor by starting the Summer Dance Day Camp, laying the foundation for her future accomplishments. In 2018, Chan’tele proudly opened her own dance studio, The D.R.E.A.M. Center, marking a significant milestone in her career., a space where she could realize her vision of providing exceptional dance, arts, and educational programs. Chan’tele's journey as a dancer, combined with her educational background and unwavering commitment, has led her to create a welcoming and inspiring space where children can explore their artistic passions. Through her dance studio, Chan’tele continues to empower and uplift her students, fostering a love for the arts and providing them with a platform to reach their full potential through their experience in dance.

Crystal Lockhart – Front Desk Manager

Ms. Crystal is a proud native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a loving mother to a beautiful, smart, and creative daughter. Although she hasn’t taken formal dance classes, she has always had a love for dancing to express joy and self-expression in her personal time. With a background in public safety and a degree in Information Technology, Ms. Crystal is dedicated to serving her community with care and compassion. At the studio, she is committed to making sure dancers and their families feel welcomed and supported, fostering a true sense of family. She is deeply grateful for the chance to help dancers find their ‘why’ both in dance and in life, and she feels honored to be a part of their journey at The D.R.E.A.M. Center.

Yeira Gochez – Studio Administrative Coordinator

Yeira Gochez Ayala is a proud Salvadoran and a graduate of Berkmar High School. At 18 years old, she is currently pursuing a degree in business, with aspirations of building a successful career in the business and marketing world. Yeira brings ambition, humility, and heart to everything she does.

She is deeply grateful for every opportunity God gives her and strives to use each one to make a positive impact. At the studio, Yeira is committed to making every student and parent feel heard, welcomed, and valued. Most of all, she loves making people feel loved—no matter who they are or where they come from.

Vanessa Zabari – Dance Instructor

Vanessa Zabari (Chisolm), a native Ohioan, began her training at the famed Pinnell Dance Center under the direction of Jeri Pinnell when she was 5 years old. Known throughout the world as a highly competitive competition studio, Vanessa was trained in every other genre of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap and hip hop.

Desiring to continue her dance career, Ms. Zabari attended and graduate from the internationally recognized University of Akron school of dance with Bachelors of Arts in Dance. Immediately after obtaining her degree she relocated to Atlanta. She has consulted, choreographed for some o the biggest names in entertainment. A highly sought after Tap teacher, Ms. Vanessa continues to teach beginner to advanced tap dance at studios throughout the United States.

In 2009 she co-founded Fluid, The Artistic Movement, a series of co-operative dance company. Fluid was designed to encourage and support up and coming choreographers with opportunities to display and feature their creative process.

Never straying far from her roots, she continues to inspire and encourage the next generation. Her master tap classes during competition weekend, are often the most talked about with standing room only. In 2018, one of Vanessa's choreographed competition pieces “Vogue” was featured on Steve Harvey's, Showtime at the Apollo in Harlem, NY.

Vanessa is the Founder and Artistic Director of Atlanta's first and only professional tap company, The Tap Rebels. She also manages, Vanessa Zabari & Company; a full service dance choreography and talent management firm.

Brittany Bodden – Dance Instructor

I'm Ms. Brittany and I've been dancing for the past 24 years. Hip hop and Jazz are my favorite styles to teach.

I am well versed in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and Modern. I’ve been teaching for the last 10 years; my students range from age 2- 17.

Dance is a huge part of who I am today, and I welcome any opportunity to immerse myself into the movement world again. Teaching dance has become one of my greatest joys. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping others discover their own rhythm and grace. Watching my students grow, gain confidence, and fall in love with dance as I have is nothing short of magical.

My approach to teaching is rooted in creating a supportive and inspiring environment where everyone feels encouraged to explore their creativity and push their boundaries.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced dancer looking to refine your skills, I’m here to guide you on your journey. My goal is to make every class a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience, where we celebrate each step and every leap together.

Nina Smith – Community Dance Instructor

Nina began her dance training at a young age with the Decatur School of Ballet and later performed with the Decatur City Dance Modern & Ballet Dance Company. Through these experiences, she developed a strong foundation in ballet and modern dance while cultivating a lifelong dedication to the performing arts.

Nina is a graduate of DeKalb School of the Arts, where she earned Fine Arts Seals in both Dance and Film. During her time at DSA, she was a member of the Dance Repertory Company, where she refined her technical abilities and gained extensive experience learning and performing original choreography.

In 2024, Nina joined the instructional staff of the TDC Summer Dance Camp, where she began mentoring and teaching young dancers. She is currently entering her third year at the D.R.E.A.M. Center, where she is dedicated to fostering artistic growth, and confidence.