ERIN NANNEY,
Owner & Director
Erin began dancing at the age of 3, and danced competitively for 13 years. Throughout those years, she trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, clogging, acro and gymnastics. She then attended Appalchian State University where she spent countless hours in the dance studios taking class, and choreographing for student showcases, while earning her degree in Communication Studies. Erin is now in her sixth year of ownership, and is incredibly proud of what Above the Barre has become! Over those years, she has led ATB to countless regional and national championship awards, special judges awards, and numerous choreography awards. In 2020, she was recognized as America's Teacher of the Year for Dance Machine ANDC, and in 2021 & 2022, she was recognized as McDowell County's Best Dance Instructor. Erin enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities and loves watching her students learn, grow, and express themselves through the art of dance. When she isn't teaching or working at the studios, she loves hiking with her husband, Heath, and her dog, Brodi.
EASTON LEONHARDT,
Easton danced for a total of 16 years growing up, and spent 12 of those years dancing competitively, where she won numerous top awards. While dancing, teaching, and attending high school, she also earned an Associate of Arts degree from Cleveland Community College. She is now working on her Bachelor's degree at Appalachian State University, and is furthering her dance knowledge in multiple styles through their dance program. We are so thankful that Easton has been a part of the ATB team since day one. She has truly made an impact on the lives of so many students, and her dedication and love for dance shine through during every class she teaches. When she isn't at school or the studio, Easton loves trying new things, ice cream, baking, and hanging out with her pets at home.
KELSEY TERRY,
Kelsey began dancing at the age of 3, and danced competitively for 13 years. She trained in a number of dance genres and received many first overall achievements on the regional and national level. After high school, she continued her dance training at The University of Greensboro where she received her BA in Dance, along with a BS in Elementary Education. While there, she extended her knowledge in contemporary, modern, ballet, jazz, and West African dance styles. She also had the opportunity to work with a number of professional artists, such as Janet Lily, Yoav Kaddar, and Larry Keigwin. We are so thrilled to have Kelsey as an instructor at Above the Barre. She teaches all ages of recreational and competitive dancers in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and technique. Outside of the studio, Miss Kelsey is a 5th grade ELA teacher at Shelby Intermediate School. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out by the pool, watching Netflix, and loves to take naps!
KRISTI HARMON,
Kristi has been dancing since the age of 4. She has studied many forms of dance, including tap, jazz, and baton. Kristi received training through Drum Majorettes of America and Carolina Dance Masters, and we are so lucky to have her to teach ATB students the art of twirling. She has been teaching baton for 29 years. When she is not at the studio, Kristi is spending time with her husband, daughter, and son in the garden or at the beach.
SKYE REED,
Skye has been dancing for sixteen years, and has trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and tumbling. She loves to compete in all styles, but especially tap, and has won numerous first place awards, judges awards, scholarships, and more with her tap solos throughout the years. Skye now attends Appalachian State University where she is majoring in psychology, along with furthering her dance education.