Our Faculty
Our teachers dedicate endless hours into our students’ success. We believe in a close-knit and family environment which is why you see our teachers displayed amongst many classes. Once a student, always a student. Our teachers take this moto to heart and build a relationship with your children that lasts not only throughout their time at the studio, but beyond.
Teachers & Assistants
Brandi Roberts - Artistic Director/Founder/Teacher
Brandi Roberts, Founder & Artistic Director, began her training at the early age of four. She has studied jazz with Nilo Toledo and tap with Jo Rowan of St. Petersburg, FL; ballet and Pointe with Kim Tuttle of Dance Alive, Gainesville, FL, Jargen Scheidek of the American Ballet Theatre, Paul Miley of the Atlanta Ballet, David Howard of the New York City Ballet, Kathryn Dandois of the Sarasota Ballet, Dermounte Burke and Marjorie Mussman of the Princeton Ballet and also Russian style ballet with Janvia Vanova, Luba Gulyaeva, Larisa Sklyankaya, and Irene Kolpakova. Brandi attended the North Carolina School of the Arts and Princeton School of Ballet summer intensive programs. She has attended the Dance Makers Convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She has also traveled to New York City to attend the Dance Teacher Magazine Summer Conference. She studied there with Finis Jhung, Bob Rizzo, Barbara Bashaw, Michael Kerr, and Debbie Allen. Brandi has appeared as a guest artist and member of the Valdosta State Dance Ensemble in the Valdosta State University’s productions of the Gene Kelly Revue, Dance Celebration, Oklahoma, Fads, Fashions, and Romance, and The Little Match Girl, all directed by Eric Brandt Nielsen. Brandi brought to us the production of The Little Match Girl for three years in conjunction with the Valdosta State University Theatre Department. Brandi also had the opportunity to perform Clara, Dew Drop, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. Dance Teacher Magazine chose Brandi as a finalist for best choreography for Amazing Grace. Brandi is the wife of Brian Roberts and the mother of four beautiful children: Mac, Morgan, Emily and Jake. Brandi looks forward to returning to her studio and to her children. She has found that dance is an integral part of her life and sharing her talent and love of dance with her students brings her much joy. Brandi’s goal for the students is for them to grow not only as a dancer, but also as a person.
Alexis Luke - Office Manager
Alexis Luke began dancing with the Valdosta School of Ballet Dance Family in 1996 at the age of 18 months and continued as a dance student until the age of 22. All the while successfully juggling her love for all forms of Dance, as she competed in several Saddle Seat Horse Shows each year, and holding the position of Low Reeds Section Leader with the Georgia Bridgemen. Over the years she has danced each annual recital, as well as several roles in The Little Match Girl, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. Her favorite having been Little Red Riding Hood in Cinderella! As a young wife to Shawn Luke and mother of two handsome boys, Southern (4) and Silas (2), she attends Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church here in Valdosta. For the past 2 years she has been assistant teaching with us while continuing her career in the medical field as a CNA at SGMC. She is excited to be transitioning into this new position within our Dance Family and looks forward to working with each of you!
Morgan Mackey - Teacher/Social Media Coordinator
Morgan Mackey has been part of the Valdosta School of Ballet family since she was two years old, following in her mother Brandi’s footsteps. Over the years, dance has become much more than a hobby to Morgan—it has become a place of growth, connection, discipline, and belonging. Growing up in the studio has shaped so much of who she is today, and she is thankful for the memories, friendships, and lessons that dance has given her throughout the years. Morgan’s love for teaching comes from the opportunity to encourage each student, build their confidence, and help them discover the same joy that dance has brought into her own life. She loves watching her students grow not only as dancers, but also as individuals. Whether they are learning a new step, gaining confidence on stage, or simply finding a place where they feel loved and supported, Morgan values being a part of those special moments. She believes dance teaches so much more than technique. It teaches patience, responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and self-expression. Morgan strives to create a positive and encouraging environment where every dancer feels seen, valued, and capable. She values the special bond she creates with her students and feels grateful to be a small part of their growth both inside and outside the studio. To Morgan, Valdosta School of Ballet will always feel like home, and she hopes to help her students feel that same sense of love, confidence, and belonging every time they walk through the studio doors.
Gaye George - Social Dance Choreographer
Gaye Dampier George began her dance training at the age of 4 under the instruction of Linda C. Chase. In her sixteen years, Gaye performed the roles of the Angelical cat in Cats, the cat in Peter and the Wolf, Clara, Snow Queen, Dew Drop Fairy, Ballerina Doll and Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. She has danced under the tutelage of Kim Tuttle of “Dance Alive”, Gainesville, FL and Nilo Toledo of St. Petersburg, FL. As a rising tenth grader at Lowndes High, she was chosen to participate in the Governor’s Honors Program in the area of dance. Gaye graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. Gaye is the wife of Frank,and mother of sons, Judson and Cannon and daughter, Evans. Gaye looks forward to another great year of ballet and pointe classes with our talented students.
Thaisia Jones- Teacher
My name is Thaisia Jones, and I have been teaching dance for over six years. Dance has always been one of my greatest passions, and I love sharing that passion with all of my. I strive to create a positive, encouraging environment where dancers feel confident, challenged, and inspired to grow. My classes focus on building strong technique while also encouraging creativity and self-expression. Every dancer has unique potential, and I enjoy helping each student discover their own strengths. Watching the students gain confidence both on and off the dance floor is the most rewarding part of what I do. My goal is to help every dancer develop a lifelong love for dance while creating memories they’ll always cherish.
Elle Scruggs- Teacher
Elizabeth (L) Scruggs was born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia and began her training in dance at the very young age of two of half. She has trained with Brandi Roberts at Valdosta School of Ballet for thirteen years along side teaching for six years. L is currently entering her senior year at Brenau University where she has been studying for her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance with a concentration in pedagogy under the study of Doctor Madia Cooper Ashirifi, Jessica Lynch,George Wilson Berry and Xay Zoleil. She has also choreographed her own piece “Behind The Screen” that expresses the importance of cyber bullying along with the effects it plays on the victims. Over the past seventeen years L has studied various styles of dance such as ballet, pointe, tap, modern, jazz, and lyrical. While studying these dance styles she had the privilege to train with Brandi Roberts, Gaye George, and Alexis Luke. Throughout her career she has performed in various productions such as Cinderella (Playing the lead Cinderella along with Celebration Queen). Also she has performed in Sleeping Beauty also choreographed/directed by Brandi Roberts playing the roles of Tinkerbell, Winter Fairy, Crow, Blue Fairy, Celebration Queen, and Arabian Night. L has performed in Peach State Summer Theatre Productions of Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, Les Miserable, Beauty and The Beast, an Shrek all under the direction of choreographer Jacque Wheeler. She has also been a part of Valdosta State Dance Production of Midsummer's Night Dream. Being able to share her passion for dance with the next generation is L's desire. In the same way that her dancing instructor Brandi Roberts inspired her, she hopes to inspire her students as well. L always looks forward to being a guest teacher at Valdosta School of Ballet along with returning back after graduation!
Audrey Hardage - Teacher/Assistant
Audrey Hardage has been teaching at Valdosta School of Ballet since 2024. However, her dance journey started when she was four years old. Dance has always been a huge part of her life as it always allowed her to express her feelings in the art form. Dance is where she has learned to be disciplined, confident in herself, and remain humble through all circumstances. These are all attributes that Audrey aims to instill in her students. She always looks forward to seeing her students throughout the week and admires how much light they bring into her life!
Lillabeth Pendley- Teacher/Assistant
Lillabeth Pendley has been a part of the Valdosta School of Ballet Family for 12 years. She is so thrilled to be returning for another year of teaching. Dance has been a huge part of her life & has made her into who she is today. She graduated college with a minor in dance and was recently seen in Peach State Summer Theatre’s performances of “Anything Goes” and “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” which allowed her to continue to dance and use her skills to ensure she continues to grow for her dancers. She aspires to create a safe space for her students to connect, dream, grow, and become confident not just as a dancer but in themselves. She values every moment created with them and being a part of their journey.
Karla Bennett- Teacher/Assistant
My name is Karla Bennett. I have always loved dancing! Growing up, I learned many different types of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, swing, & shag. I was also a dance line performer for the Lowndes High Georgia Bridgemen. After I graduated high school, I really missed taking dance classes and performing, and even considered getting a business degree to have my own dance school. I decided to stick with my original plan of earning an early childhood teaching degree instead. Once I had my daughter, Taylor, I was thrilled to see that she also loved dance. She was able to take classes at Valdosta School of Ballet the last sixteen years. It made me so happy to be a part of this studio as a parent over the years. I also began taking adult barre & tap classes just for fun! It has made me so happy to be dancing again! Although teaching school full time keeps me busy, I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to teach a few dance classes at the studio! Now I’m able to fill both of my lifelong dreams of teaching in the classroom and the dance studio!
Riley Futch - Teacher/Assistant
Riley Futch has been with Valdosta School of Ballet since she was 6 years old and has continued teaching after graduating high school. Dance has always been a huge part of her life and has helped shape her into the person she is today. Through years of training, performing, and learning from Mrs.Brandi, she has developed a deep passion for the art of dance and the discipline, confidence, and creativity it inspires. She enjoys helping dancers grow not only in their technique but also in their confidence. Being a part of the Valdosta School of Ballet family for so many years has given her a strong sense of community and belonging. The studio has become a second home, filled with memories and opportunities that have had a lasting impact on her life. She looks forward to continuing to inspire and encourage the next generation of dancers while creating the same love for dance that has guided her throughout her life.
Gabby Tucker- Teacher/Assistant
My name is Gabby Tucker and dance has been a part of my life from the moment I could walk. With over 27 years of dance experience, Gabby has been passionate about dance since the age of two. Her dedication, talent, and love for dance led her to become a member of her local high school's dance team, where she further developed her performance and leadership skills. Continuing her dance journey, Gabby earned a dance scholarship to attend Troy University, where she expanded her training and artistic development. Gabby has a love for Valdosta School of Ballet where she now has her two daughters taking after her footsteps in their love for dance! I am beyond excited to continue teaching dance at Valdosta School of Ballet!
Karli Malone- Teacher/Assistant
Karli Malone has been a part of the Valdosta School of Ballet dance family since she was 3 years old. Valdosta School of Ballet has become her second family and she is so grateful for the opportunity to be a teacher. Dance has always been a part of Karli’s life, and even from a young age she has always loved performing. Going into her second year of teaching, she is excited to be able to share that love and pass it on to the next generation of dancers. Her favorite part of teaching is watching her students grow and learn to love the activity that means so much to her. Karli enjoys all of the group hugs, giggly moments, and learning opportunities that her students bring!