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 and 1st 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 – Studio Operations 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.
Amber Ross – Dance Instructor
Amber’s passion for dance started as young as 2 years old and allowed her to build confidence and fearlessness in everything she does! Born and raised in PG County Maryland, Amber started her dance training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern at Dance and Bodywork’s Dance Studio. Amber was accepted into the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and spent a summer in Los Angeles training, where her love for dance was solidified. Through that opportunity Amber has been able to perform at the world famous John F. Kennedy Center three times! She continued to train and perform all throughout the Washington D.C. area with Capitol Movement Inc. and have danced on the sidelines, on the 50 yard line, and halfcourt for almost all of the DC area sports teams: The Washington Redskins Football Team, University of Maryland Football and Basketball Team, The Washington Wizards, and The Washington Mystics! After graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelors of Science from the School of Public Health; Amber found a passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers. She’s taught jazz, acro, and Hip Hop at The P.O.M. Squad, BADD Dance Company, and Capitol Movement Inc. Amber is passionate about total health and wellness and also loves to do home decor DIY projects. Since moving to Atlanta, Amber has had the opportunity to dance behind local artists and is excited to continue her dance and teaching journey in Atlanta, GA!
Erin Akins – Dance Instructor
Erin Akins fell in love with dance at the age of 4 years old. She started off in Jonesboro Georgia at Bellies of Plenty as the youngest belly dancer in the company and to dance at Black Orchid Dance event where she performed a drum solo. Later she grew up in performing arts schools, James A. Jackson and MD Roberts. She transitioned back to public school and continued training at Dream Big Dance Company for the rest of the duration of high school. Post graduating from Alpharetta High School, Erin completed her Cosmetology Diploma graduating from Gwinnett Technical College . Erin’s professional dancing journey began at 16 joining ATLA Connect cycle 4 & 5 in 2017 . Within the program tools like stage management , teaching choreography along with staging , costume preparation, makeup requirements , and more operant information about dancing in the commercial world coming from (ballet , tap , modern, hippop, contemporary , jazz , jazz funk, house , heels , musical theater ) modern/competitive dancing background. Erin’s resume extends to working with Virgo of Ghost Town Dj’s, Lakeyah, Ann Marie, Nelly, Baby Tate, Lecrae , Da Baby , Whitney Reign , and more . As life has slowed back down Erin desires to pour in to the next generation of all ages for the love and education of dance as she vowed to forever be a student to the craft. Training in multiple styles has allowed her to flexible and adapt to all environments to produce the best results of what she is asked to do . Erin’s motto is “when there’s a will there’s a way“ and “envy the skin you in” from Enviedbye LLC.