Our Team
Brooke Finley - Owner
Favorite Dance Style: Tap
Brooke Finley began her dance and vocal training as a young child. She has continued her training into adulthood. Upon high school graduation, she attended Henderson State University where she studied vocal training and dance. She received a theatre and dance scholarship offer from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and decided to make a change. There, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance. Being at the University offered her the opportunity to perform and train in all aspects of the theatre. While at UALR, she was a member of the dance company and received extensive training under Kathleen Majewska, former ballerina with the All Nations Ballet in New York City and the Martha Graham School of Modern Dance, as well as, training under Dot Callenan-Gravett. Simultaneously, Brooke continued her studies with Ballet Arkansas and received training at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. Upon graduation, Brooke opened up her own successful dance studio while continuing to perform in leading roles at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse and The Weekend Theatre. Brooke has been the technique coach for award-winning dance/drill teams across the state, including one attending the national finals in Florida. Brooke’s talents have been honored with the “Top Teacher” award several times over the years, along with, many overall highpoint and choreography awards. Her dance/drill team routines have won overall placements on state and regional levels. Brooke continues to teach dance full time in Bryant, Arkansas and continues to travel teaching master classes, workshops, choreography and camps to teams and studios. Aside from her studio, Brooke’s pride & joy is her twin girls, Vivi & Lainey. You will see these energetic & adorable girls around ADC!
Karissa McDonald
Competitive Instructor/Choreographer
Favorite Dance Style: Lyrical
Karissa McDonald is a Bryant native and is grew up as a member of ADC’s competitive dance program. She won many national awards as a performer. Karissa began as an assistant teacher at the age of 14 and has been teaching ever since. Karissa’s students have won national titles, and her work has received several choreography awards. She has judged many dance camps, tryouts, and competitions. She loves sharing her passion for dance with the next generation of dancers! Karissa is married to our designated “Prop Guy” Robi and together they have a son named Knox and a daughter named Remi-Kate!
Lee Ann Danner Meeks
Lead Tap Teacher
Favorite Dance Style: Tap
Lee Ann is a gem! Ms. Lee Ann jokes that she has been dancing since biblical times, but we know that just means she is full of knowledge. As a former studio owner, performer, and dancer-Lee Ann has mastered the art of teaching beginner to advanced students in all styles of dance, her favorite being tap! Lee Ann has a passion or keeping tap alive and helping her students to not only develop skills, but a love and appreciation for their art. Lee Ann is also a full-time Nurse Practitioner. She, her husband, and their fur babies reside in Alexander.
Scarlett Culpepper
Competition + Recreational Instructor / Choreographer
Favorite Dance Style: Contemporary
After competing at ADC for 15 years, Scarlett reunites with the ADC team as a lead instructor for both competition and recreational teams. In her time as a dancer at ADC, she earned numerous national championship titles, with her favorite style of dance being contemporary, ballet, or musical theater! She teaches all styles of dance and continues a growing focus in acrobatics. Scarlett’s commitment to nurturing talent and inspiring dancers make her a cherished member of the dance community! Scarlett is additionally employed in the healthcare industry, working with both Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Colorado Children’s Hospital.
Gabby Stewart
Competition + Recreational Instructor / Choreographer
Favorite Dance Style: Jazz & Hip Hop
Ms. Gabby, a dedicated member of the ADC competition team for over 10 years, where she has achieved many national championship titles. Throughout her college years, she gained valuable teaching experience at various dance facilities-teaching for over 6 years-honing her skills in a variety of genres. Specializing in hip hop, jazz, and musical theater, Gabby is celebrated for her motivating instruction at ADC. Fun fact: she is also a certified personal trainer! Her passion for dance and commitment to her students make her a great asset to our team.
Katie Hudson
ADC Tiny Stars, Preschool, & Mini Instructor
Favorite Style of Dance: Jazz
Meet Ms. Katie, a cherished teacher of our ADC tiny stars! As a former member of the Bentonville High School Dance Team, she has had a lifelong love of dance. Ms. Katie connects beautifully with her preschool and mini class students, infusing each lesson with fun and creativity while following a structured curriculum. Residing in Benton, AR, she is also a mother to her beloved son, Brooks! We are thrilled to have both Katie and Brooks as valued members of our ADC dance family.
Natalie Passmore
Preschool/Baby Class Instructor
Favorite Dance Style: Tap
Natalie was one of the first dancers at Arkansas Dance Center and has a rich background in dance, tumbling, and competition. She currently teaches our baby class, where her warm and energetic spirit makes learning fun for the little ones! She is great at making them feel comfortable. Natalie is a licensed educator and entrepreneur, and also a devoted wife to her husband Ethan! She is also a proud mother to her son, Parker, who loves visiting us at the studio!
Payton Lee
Competitive Instructor/Choreographer
Favorite Dance Style: Contemporary
After competing at Arkansas Dance Center, Payton joins our faculty as a competitive dance teacher, bringing her passion for dance full circle. Payton is an attendee at Ouachita Baptist University, entering into law school. Payton is a class favorite, and a dear student turned teacher, whom we adore. Her compassion and expertise in dance have grown tenfold since she has returned!