FACULTY
JIMMI LOU TATE
Owner/Director/Tap/Wee-School
Jimmi Lou Tate has been a leading member of the dance community for over thirty-five years. A master teacher of tap for all ages, she also is an independent choreographer for the MTSU music department and the Nashville Opera. With a BS in Elementary Education, an MS in Physical Education, and studies in sacred dance from the University of California at Berkley, Jimmi Lou is also a competitive, award winning Latin and ballroom dancer. A published writer of dance related articles and poetry; Jimmi Lou has been described as “the teacher who has taught Murfreesboro how to dance”.
JORDAN TATE
Assistant Director/Hip Hop
Jordan Tate is the Assistant Director of The Dancer’s School and head instructor of the Hip Hop department. A true professional, Jordan toured with Interscope Recording Artist, Kaci Brown as the opening act for The Backstreet Boys’ “Never Gone Tour” in 2006. With dance performances in every major US city and Canada, Jordan brings excitement and current, competitive choreography to all of his classes as well as appropriate music with clean lyrics. An honors graduate of SAE Institute on Music Row in Nashville in sound and audio engineering, Jordan’s work also includes music editing services to clients near and far. Jordan teaches for several well-known studios in the mid-state area. His music video credits and stage performances include work with artists Kirk Franklin, Brad Paisley, and Joe Nichols, in addition to various television commercials. He describes his passion in one word…”inspiring”. Jordan and wife Bethany are parents of daughter, Jaylee and son, Bryson
JENNA NELSON
Contemporary
Jenna Nelson comes to us from East Nashville, bringing 2 decades worth of teaching experience with her. A graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University, with a focus in choreography and performance, Jenna has studied under several amazing teachers including Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Demetrius Klein, ABT alum Eileen Hebron, choreographer and master teacher Nicole Wolcott, and many more, including Eric Harris at The Nashville Ballet. Before coming to middle TN Jenna danced professionally with 6th Day Dance Company, a contemporary dance company based in Seattle, received her level 1 Pilates mat certification through Power Pilates and has worked in churches and studios around the US as a choreographer and guest teacher.Jenna currently teaches high school contemporary along with developing and teaching the CREATE! classes for our elementary, middle school and high school dancers.
LESLI CHANDLER
Ballet/Pointe/Wee-School
Lesli is the instructor for advanced ballet and pointe. As a dancer and accomplished teacher, Lesli has knowledge in Cecchetti, Vaganova, and Balanchine disciplines, as well as training in pointe shoe fitting. She also has years of experience choreographing lyrical and ballet sacred dance for various church performances, including performing for mass crusades in Peru and Nicaragua. Continuing her own ballet training and using it to further the TDS ballet program is of particular interest to Lesli. Lesli also enjoys introducing beginning students to the world of dance through Wee-School classes.
GRACIE WALKER
Jazz/Contemporary
Gracie Walker is the advanced jazz and contemporary teacher here at The Dancer’s School. She is a multi-talented dancer and teacher, having trained in the dance program at MTSU and majoring in exercise science. She has numerous choreography credits and was accepted into the Joffery Summer Ballet Intensive. Gracie’s training encompasses multiple genre including ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, contemporary, and hip hop. Her versatility is what truly shines within the TDS staff.
OLIVIA WESTFALL
Contemporary/Jazz/
Modern/Tap/Ballet
Olivia is a well-rounded, lifetime TDS dancer. From starting as a Wee-Schooler to becoming an official teacher in 2020, she has dedicated years to her training and growth in all genres offered at The Dancer's School. Accepted into the Joffery Ballet Summer intensives twice, Olivia also trained with the MTSU dance program throughout college. With her B.S. in Physics and minors in dance and mathematics, she brings forth scientific credibility to her teachings. Her extensive theatre background is another addition, and with that knowledge, Olivia has a true understanding of what it takes to stand out on stage. She deeply desires to teach others what it truly means to dance and help them explore the art form from a holistic perspective.
EMMA JONES
Wee-School/Jazz/Tap/Hip Hop
The Dancer’s School welcomes Miss Emma Jones to the TDS teaching staff. A hometown girl, Emma brings 12 years of dance experience in the the day to day life of a dance studio. Emma has a heart for kids dance as well as teens. As a participant in Children’s Worship activities, she quickly moved into a teaching position and currently choreographs for World Outreach Church. A winning competitive dancer, Emma has studied with well-known teacher, Robert Roland, of Dancing with The Stars. Emma has trained with The Dancer’s School, assisting in tap, contemporary, jazz, modern, hip hop and pre-school classes. Emma currently teaches all ages in Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop!
DANIELLE CASTEEL
Hip Hop
Danielle brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a faculty member at TDS. Her journey in dance began early, at the age of 7, at TDS itself, which gives her a deep connection to the school and its community. Over the years, she has cultivated skills across multiple dance genres, with a focus in hip-hop. Danielle has been involved in numerous music videos and trained with many local choreographers in Middle Tennessee. Academically, Danielle holds a BS in Interactive Media from MTSU, supplemented by a Minor in Dance. Her academic pursuits not only broadened her knowledge base but also fueled her passion for teaching. Notably, her experience in MTSU's dance program, particularly her choreography class, played a pivotal role in inspiring her to pursue a career as a dance teacher. Danielle's dedication to sharing her insights and nurturing young talent makes her an invaluable addition to the TDS faculty, where she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers.
GRACE CARTER
Grace Carter is an alumni of The Dancer’s School and has danced for 18 years. She attended Western Kentucky University where she received a B.A. in Dance and a B.S. in Exercise Science. Within her research and academia she learned how to incorporate anatomical knowledge into dance curriculum. During her time there, she was a member of WKU’s dance company where she performed various genres such as Jazz, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, and Ballet. Along with performance opportunities, Grace had the privilege of studying under various artists from professional dance companies, Broadway and cruise line performers. She also performed in student choreographed works on Western Kentucky University’s campus as well as at the American College Dance Association in 2023. Grace has also restaged WKU company works and choreographed original pieces including “Reminiscent”, “Fragmented Minds”, and “Prism of Paradox”. Along with teaching dance, Grace is currently studying at Tennessee State University pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree.