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).
“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
InstructorMrs. 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
InstructorMs. 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
InstructorMs. 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!”
Rosemary Turner
InstructorMrs. 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
InstructorMs. 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
Instructor / ReceptionistCarmen 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
InstructorTaylor 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. At DAB she teaches several recreational combo classes as well as some Ballet Technique classes.
“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful.”
Courtney Steward
InstructorMs. Courtney grew up at her mother’s studio in Texas studying and eventually teaching ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and tumbling. While there, she was also the studio manager. She has choreographed award winning competition pieces, full length ballets and drill teams. As a dancer, she was awarded scholarships to Joffrey Ballet and Orlando Ballet. She was a member of Ballet Concerto of Fort Worth and Dallas Dance Company, both professional companies. Ms. Courtney will be teaching some of our young classes and Ballet technique classes. We are excited to welcome her to the DAB family!
Karen Brown
ReceptionistMs. Karen is a well known Memphis area singer who will be behind the desk as our receptionist this year. She earned her BS in Elementary Education graduating Magna Cum Laude from Jackson State University. She has been the Chief administrator at a local Automotive shop and an accounting clerk & Administrative assistant at a relocation service. Ms. Karen serves as Minister of Music at New Growth in Christ Christian Center. We are happy she is going to be spending her time away from the stage helping us in the office.
