Dance Teachers in Tucker
Chan’tele Rountree – Owner/Director
Chan’tele Rountree began dancing at the age of four under the direction of Donna Iriarte, Beth Engel, Eleanor Pernia, and Karen Cerkez in College Park, Maryland. Chan’tele worked as an assistant dance teacher for 5-11 yr. old tap, ballet, and jazz at Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance for 5 years. During her high school years, Chan’tele danced on the cheerleading, pom-pom, step team, and performed with ‘Colours Performing Arts Troupe’. Chan’tele was also a member of the Washington Redskins All-Star Dance Team, and upon High School graduation she became a dance camp counselor.
Chan’tele graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama/dance at Spelman College in May 2010, and received her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University in May 2013. While at Spelman College she performed in many dance performances in the Atlanta University Center including: Spelman and Morehouse Dance Theatre, Footwork Hip-Hop Dance Team, Mahogany N Motion, Evolution of the Black Arts, Morehouse and Spelman’s Coronation, and she is also a former member of the Atlanta Chiefs Cheerleaders. Chan’tele worked with Academy of the Arts, Gwinnett School of Dance, and local YMCA’s and daycares teaching ballet, tap, and jazz to students ages 3-9yr olds. She has been a member of the Amazing Grace Dance Company since 2015. Chan’tele has 10 years of experience in the school system and was the first elementary dance teacher for Gwinnett County Public Schools, where she also directed the dance teams for grades K-5. She has also written the dance curriculum for the GADOE for Kindergarten and 1st grade. Chan’tele enjoys working with children and sharing her passion for dance with them in their growing years.
Richard Brickus – Dance Instructor
Richard “Ricardo” Brickus III (Artist Developer/Choreographer/ Creative Director)is a native of Harrisburg, PA who believes effort creates ability while time is of the essence! Since his early teens, Richard has had a strong passion for education, the performing arts and entertainment. After high school, he went on to graduate Cum Laude from Morehouse College, obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration; Marketing. While at Morehouse, he Founded/Directed the first Morehouse College Dance Theatre production ’08. Subsequently, he has put on several productions of his own and assisted with everything from coronation ceremonies, to concerts, fashion shows, music videos and various community engagements. Most recently, “Ricardo” has been featured on VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop Atl” and the “Stevie J & Joseline” show. Other credits include (but not limited to) various artists and projects such as; Musiq SoulChild, Prince Charlez, Colonel Loud, Rico Barrino, Teddy Riley /Blackstreet, Macy’s South, “Good Hair”, “Stomp the Yard”, to name few. Currently, Richard continues to achieve great success with his company “BrickusBrand Productions” specializing in artist development, staging, choreography, and creative direction.
Lynette Lewis – Dance Instructor
Lynette Lewis began her dance training at Atlanta Dance Core in Stockbridge, Georgia where she trained in the styles of ballet, hip hop, jazz and contemporary/modern. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. As a dance major at UGA, Lynette was a member of Tamara Thomas’s pre-professional dance company, CADE:NCE, for the 2017-2018 season. As a member of the company, she traveled and performed at the Rex Nettleford Arts Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, the Collegium on African Diasporic Dance in Durham, North Carolina and the DanceAFRICA Conference at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Lynette has also performed in all four Spring Dance Concerts with UGA’s Dance Department and presented her own choreographic works in two of the Young Choreographers Shows. As of now, Lynette is currently pursuing a P-12 teacher certification in dance and is a member of Uprising Dance Company.
Makaila Abraham – Dance Instructor
Makaila Abraham is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer who has established herself as a rising talent in the dance industry. She started her dancing career at the age of 10 at Gwinnett School of Dance. It was here where she first discovered her passion for dance, teaching, and choreographing. During her time at Gwinnett School of Dance, Makaila met Ms. Chan’tele and began assisting classes with the younger students, eventually becoming the first-ever student teacher assistant for the little ones. This experience allowed her to develop her teaching skills and ignited her passion for helping others. In high school, Makaila continued to pursue her passion for dance, joining the dance company and dance team since her sophomore year. Throughout her high school years, she created numerous solos, leads, and choreography. Makaila's passion for teaching and choreographing also led her to start her own class where she could teach and create choreography. Makaila now goes back to set dance choreography for the semi-annual dance shows as an alumnus. Makaila graduated in 2020 from Collins Hill High School, where she had been a well-respected member of the school's dance program. She is now attending Kennesaw State University, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in marketing, with minors in Entrepreneurship and Psychology. Despite her busy academic schedule, Makaila continues to dance and hone her craft. She is determined to continue pursuing her passion for dance and hopes to one day own her own dance studio. Makaila also aspires to become an NBA dancer and create even more exciting and innovative choreography. Her talent, dedication, and passion for dance make her an inspiration to all those around her, and she is poised to make a significant impact on the dance industry in the years to come.