Tracy Spencer Hannon
Owner/DirectorMrs. Tracy began dancing at 2 years old at her aunt’s studio, Dotti’s School of Dance. She began teaching in her mother’s kitchen at age 13. Continuing her training through high school and college, she graduated cum laude with a B.F.A. in theatre/dance. She taught and choreographed with the Civic Dance Company in Georgia and began dance programs for the community centers and school systems of Auburn, Alabama. She was the Memphis children’s rehearsal director for The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker for over ten years. She has been a judge for I Love Dance International Dance Competitions. She is a member of the Southern Association of Dance Masters (previously on the board of directors and serving as the second vice-president). She continues dancing, currently studying and competing in ballroom dance (rhythm, latin and smooth) with Dream Ballroom Academy.
“I love all kinds of dance! And all kinds of performing! I love sharing that with the kids here so they can feel the magic too!”
Melissa Garrett
Office ManagerMelissa has been our office manager since 2023, but she has been around the studio for much longer. Her daughter has been dancing at DAB for over 10 years. Her experience in bookkeeping and accounts receivable along with her Dance Mom role made her the perfect fit. Melissa keeps us all on track and makes behind the scenes run smoothly.
Kim Jenkins
Mrs. Kim grew up dancing in the Memphis area graduating from DAB and has been teaching since 2009. She has a great love for education in dance starting as a young assistant teacher and progressing to an SADM certified member since she was 16 years-old. She was a dance major at Columbia College (SC) and is also certified in Acrobatic Arts curriculum. Over her time as a teacher at DAB, Kim has choreographed many award-winning dance pieces in a variety of styles and is always excited to continue creating alongside fabulous students and fellow teachers.
“My 4 pets are all named after sweet treats–Honey, Fudgey, Jellybeans, and Strudel.”
Brennley Scarbrough
Ms. Brennley began dancing at the age of 3. During her years as a dancer, Brennley trained in various styles such as ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. Brennley danced both recreationally and competitively, and quickly found a love for hip-hop dancing. In college, she continued to pursue her passion by training at places such as Weave Dance Company, Millennium Dance Complex, and Monsters Dance Convention. One of her fondest memories as a dancer is becoming a background dancer for singer NEDY. Brennley began her teaching career in 2019. She currently specializes in hip-hop instruction for all ages. She enjoys teaching strong foundational hip hop technique and the importance in understanding true hip hop culture. Brennley loves what she does and the dancers she has the privilege of teaching!
”I own a wedding photography and videography company called BN Photo and Video! I also love pugs :)”
Katye Baker
Ms. Katye is a DAB alum and current student at the University of Memphis in the Dance Science program. She began as an assistant teacher at age 12, then became a certified member of SADM. During her time at DAB, she expanded her knowledge outside of the studio through summer intensives such as TN Governor’s School for the Arts, the Joffrey Southwest Dallas Intensive, and Ballet Memphis’ Beyond Technique Advanced Intensive. She has also trained in the Acrobatic Arts Curriculum under the guidance of Mrs. Kim. Katye is always excited to share her knowledge and continue to create in a place that is so special to her.
“I love all things Disney and Frozen 2 is one of my favorite movies ever!”
Emma Cooper
Ms. Emma danced at DAB for 11 years and recently graduated from our studio. After assisting for several years, she then passed her DAB exams and became a student teacher. She then went on to become certified through Southern Association of Dance Masters. Emma is so excited to share her love of dance with the younger dancers.
“One of my favorite things to do is lay in bed with my dog and watch Peppa Pig or Barbie:Life in the DreamHouse together.”
Rosemary Turner
Mrs. Rosemary grew up dancing with Dotti’s School of Dance in Germantown. She was childhood friends there with Mrs. Tracy. She participated in the TN Governor’s School of the Arts in dance. She then studied as a dance major at Oklahoma City University. She has also choreographed for Mississippi State University and written many unique scripts for dance productions. She taught dance in Georgia, eventually developing and directing Sole to Soul Dance Academy for over 15 years. She has been a member of the Southern Association of Dance Masters for more than 15 years, currently serving as the Second Vice President and Chief Examiner.
Nikki Tartt
Ms. Nikki started her dance experience at a local studio and then trained at Ballet Memphis and Collage Dance Collective. As a youth, she attended the TN Governors School for the Arts. She went on to earn her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Southern Mississippi. Nikki then performed professionally with Collage Dance Collective including international tours. She has taught master classes at the collegiate level and regularly at numerous local studios and several academic schools. Ms. Nikki has choreographed professional companies, colleges and for the TN Governors School for the Arts. She is excited to continue being a part of the DAB family. Ms. Nikki teaches our most advanced levels of ballet and pointe.
Carmen Norfleet
Carmen studied dance at local studios as well as graduating from Overton HS of Performing Arts. She performed with several Dance Teams and Pom Squads growing up. She then went on to earn her BFA in Dance Education from UT, Martin where she was in the UTM Dance Ensemble performing numerous college dance concerts. She has been a Dance Specialist in Shelby County Schools and also taught at several area studios. Ms. Carmen now calls DAB her dance home where she has quickly become a student favorite. In her “off” hours, she works as a 2nd grade school teacher. Ms. Carmen works at our desk some days and in the classroom with all ages and all subjects.
“Dance is life, express every detail”
Taylor Johnson
Taylor danced at several local studios as a child including Ballet Memphis. She graduated from Overton Creative and Performing Arts High School going on to earn her BFA in Theatre/dance from the University of Memphis. She performed in numerous college dance concerts including Momentum, New Voices and the American College Dance Association Adjudicated Perfomance. Her choreography experience includes several collegiate concerts. She has taught dance at local studios, academic schools and has been the Dance Minister at Abundant Grace Fellowship. Ms. Taylor spends her mornings teaching elementary school. We welcome her to the DAB faculty teaching several recreational combo classes and Ballet Technique to some of our company dancers.
“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful.”
Hannah Smith
Hannah began her early classes at Dotti’s School of Dance (Ms. Tracy’s aunt) as well as other local studios competing along the way as well. She focused on ballet as a youth studying with Nora Curran and Michele Lamachio. She earned her BFA in Theatre/dance at the University of Memphis where she expanded her early knowledge of contemporary, modern and jazz dancing. She has taught dance at local studios and has also worked as certified personal trainer and fitness coach in aerobic exercise, strength conditioning, flexibility and circuit training. She was certified in Progressing Ballet Technique in 2024 and is excited to be able to offer it to our students this year. Ms. Hannah continues performing professionally with Tennessee Ballet Theater. She is happy to be teaching at DAB working with many levels of Ballet Technique and recreational combo classes.
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” – Martha Graham
