Meet The TP Team
Founders, Studio Owners, Instructors
The Miss Erins
Our Instructors are here to create a nurturing atmosphere where technique is taught and creativity is explored.
Erin Lee
Founder, Studio Owner, Instructor
Birthday: September 25
When not at Turning Pointe, At a kids’ sporting event, at home with family, or at the grocery store.
Fun Fact: I got engaged in Disney World under the Fireworks.
Erin Lee began her dance training at the age of three under the direction of Kathy Thomas-Law, former member of the Atlanta Ballet. She became a member of Praise in Motion Dance Ministry in 1993. During college, Erin continued her ballet training with En Pointe School of Dance and the University of Georgia.
After substituting for En Pointe intermittently through her college career, Erin joined the staff of En Pointe in 2003, and later, Discipleship through Dance, an outreach of Praise In Motion. During her 20+ years with Praise In Motion, Erin has had the opportunity to perform for various church functions and charities such the Atlanta Hunger Walk and Wellspring Living. Erin continues to be involved Praise in Motion’s biyearly concerts and has had the honor of several choreography opportunities with Praise in Motion. Although Erin’s first love is ballet, she also has experience in hip hop, modern and jazz.
“Miss” Erin, as her students call her, has enjoyed 15 years of teaching ages three years to adult and she has also had the privilege of leading dance groups at various organizations. In 2012, Erin began directing Celebration Arts, a ministry of Celebration Church. And in 2016, Erin achieved her purpose in opening Turning Pointe School of Dance. Her desire is to instill into dancers of all ages a yearning for excellence in technique, but more importantly, to focus on the child as a whole person.
Erin Dunbar
Founder, Studio Owner, Instructor
Birthday: February 1
When not at Turning Pointe, I am spending time with my husband and daughter, trying out a new restaurant, or planning our next trip.
Fun Fact: I have visited 12 different countries. I love to travel!
Erin Dunbar began dancing at the age of 3. Her dance education and training encompasses a wide variety of schools and instructors. Much of her early training was at Buford School of Ballet under the direction of Bernadette Campbell. Erin was very active in the Mill Creek High School dance department and competitive dance team under the direction of Suzanne Kross. During this time Erin was awarded two summers of concentrated professional dance instruction. In 2005, Erin was selected to study at the Virginia School of Art Summer Intensive Program. In 2008, Erin was one of 12 dancers selected to attend the Georgia Governors Honors Summer Program.
Erin pursued her passion of human movement by attending Auburn University where she received a Bachelor’s of Exercise Science Degree in Kinesiology. She also completed a Group Exercise Certification and Personal Training Certification. Erin held the title of Wellness Director and Fine Arts Director at the YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont from 2014-2016 where she directed the Aerobics Instructors, Personal Trainers, Special Events, taught dance classes, as well as orchestrated and choreographed multiple dance recitals.
Erin has dance education and performance experience in areas of ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and tap. She has been sharing her love for and knowledge of dance with children since 2007. In 2016, Erin opened Turning Pointe School of Dance where she fulfills her passion every day by making dance fun for and accessible to all.
Michelle Mitchell
Front Desk / Twinkle Star Admin
My Birthday: September 27
Michelle Mitchell has been a dedicated part of the Turning Pointe family for six years, bringing warmth and organization to the studio as our Front Desk/ Twinkle Star Admin. She loves getting to know all the little dancers and their families and finds joy in being backstage with them during recital time.
For Michelle, the most rewarding part of working at Turning Pointe is seeing the recitals come to life—witnessing the dancers and staff's hard work pay off in unforgettable performances. One of her favorite memories includes dressing up for the annual show theme and enjoying a memorable staff trip to Disney!
Beyond the studio, Michelle enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, cozy nights around the fire pit, and cheering on her favorite team—GO LONGHORNS!
If she were to join a dance class, she’d choose jazz—because, in her words, "I’m not graceful enough for ballet and too old for hip hop, lol!"
Michelle cherishes the camaraderie among the Turning Pointe staff and the wonderful families that make the studio feel like home.
Dawn Kopoulos
Front Desk
My Birthday: August 23
When not at Turning Pointe, I am spending time with my husband, children, and grandchildren. You can usually find me reading or drawing.
Fun Fact: I like to take road trips. I once drove from Massachusetts to Washington to California back to Massachusetts with my daughter and dog. Stopping in different states along the way!
Victoria Blount
Admin | Marketing & Communications
My Birthday: May 15
Victoria Blount has been a valued part of Turning Pointe for the past three years, with the 25-26 season marking her fourth year at the studio. As the Marketing & Communications Coordinator and Daytime Admin, she loves connecting with families, assisting with their needs, and bringing creative marketing ideas to life. Her passion for crafting fun and engaging content stems from a deep love for making both dancers and families feel special.
For Victoria, the most rewarding part of being part of the Turning Pointe community is seeing dancers progress year after year. Watching their dedication pay off on stage is an experience she finds incredibly fulfilling. One of her favorite memories was the unforgettable Disney trip with the Erins—an experience filled with fun and laughter!
She loves the lively and supportive work environment at Turning Pointe, where every staff member brings unique energy, and there’s never a shortage of laughter. Outside of the studio, Victoria has a background in dental assisting—spending 10 years in the field and teaching for the past four years. She also enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and being outdoors in the springtime.
If she could take a dance class, Victoria would choose jazz—she loves watching it! She also admires dancers on pointe, finding it fascinating, though she jokes that her ankles might not be strong enough for it.
Patsy Rigglesford
Front Desk
My Birthday: March 18
Mary Schaefer
Instructor | Twinkle Star Director
My Birthday: May 3
Mary Schaefer has been part of the Turning Pointe School of Dance family for close to nine seasons. She teaches a variety of classes, including Mini + Me, Twinkle Stars, Ballet, Performing Arts Company, Pointe, and Darbys, and loves helping dancers at all levels grow and improve.
Mary started dancing at the age of 9 and received most of her training at En Pointe School of Dance, where she was a member of Praise In Motion Dance Company, and later as a member of the Gainesville Ballet Company. Her favorite styles of dance are classical ballet, pointe, and modern, which she continues to share with her students.
When she's not at TPSD, Mary works in project management and enjoys spending her free time hiking, paddleboarding, and hanging out with her dog.
Mary’s advice to her dancers is simple but powerful: “Advocate for yourself in class by asking good questions and use your dance notebook to maximize your learning!”
As a dancer, one of Mary’s favorite memories is the routine and structure of barre and class. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to be able to share that sense of order and discipline with her students today.
What Mary loves most about teaching at TPSD is the community. "I love our TP students and families. I'm so grateful that I get to do what I love and help these phenomenal dancers grow their technical skills in the classroom while also building soft skills that will carry with them outside of TP."
Mary seeks to express her creativity and love of the arts through the next generation of dancers, nurturing their growth and artistic development along the way.
Lauren Hughes
Instructor
My Birthday: March 28
Lauren Hughes is entering her 8th season with Turning Pointe School of Dance, where she brings her diverse background and passion for dance to the classroom. Lauren’s dance journey began at a young age, with a strong foundation in competition tap, jazz, and hip hop. She went on to graduate from Brenau University with a Dance Degree, and was also a member of the Brenau Competition Dance Team.
This year, Lauren is teaching a variety of classes, including Acro, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Performing Arts Company and Lyrical, and she loves helping her students experiment and explore different dance styles.
Her advice to dancers: “Experiment and explore with different styles of dance. You’ll never know how much you’ll enjoy yourself.”
Outside of teaching, Lauren is an avid derby skater and enjoys hiking—always on the lookout for the next adventure. She also loves spending time with her dog, Cleo, and is constantly teaching her new tricks.
One of Lauren's proudest accomplishments as a dancer was carrying the American flag during the Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta—a memory she’ll never forget!
What she loves most about TPSD is the love and care that each teacher has for their students, and the dedication and enthusiasm shown by every student at the studio.
Alexis Smith
Instructor
My Birthday: May 30
Alexis Smith is entering her fourth year at Turning Pointe, where she teaches ballet, lyrical, and PAC. With a dance background that spans ballet, contemporary, modern, lyrical, and jazz, Alexis’ favorites are contemporary and ballet, which she has been passionate about since starting her dance journey at the age of four. At 10 years old, she became a competition dancer, and one of her favorite roles to date has been Arabian Queen in The Nutcracker!
When she’s not teaching, you can find Alexis reading or going for walks with her dogs, or enjoying a meal with friends. She is also trying her hand at embroidery and cross-stitching—a fun and creative new hobby she’s excited to explore!
What Alexis loves most about teaching at Turning Pointe School of Dance is the connection with the students and families. She’s grateful to be able to help dancers develop both their technical skills and their soft skills, building confidence and lifelong friendships in the process. One of her favorite memories as a dancer is the routine and structure of barre—a feeling she now shares with her students, fostering that same order and discipline in the classroom.
Her advice to dancers: “Try your best, but remember to keep dance fun! It’s a great outlet and a place to find your best friends.”
Alexis is also incredibly proud of her achievement in competing in the Youth America Grand Prix, a milestone that highlights her dedication to the craft.
At Turning Pointe, Alexis loves the fun and energy at the studio—it’s clear that the love between teachers and students for the art of dance is what makes Turning Pointe such a special place.
Lindsey Thrash
Instructor
My Birthday: August 30
When not at Turning Pointe, I'm spending time with my husband, three daughters, and golden retriever, or working as a nurse with new mamas and babies.
3 statements that describe my dance background:
Fun Fact: Ariel is my favorite princess… maybe it’s the red hair :)
Micayla St.Aude
Instructor
My Birthday: April 30
Micayla St. Aude is a passionate dance instructor at Turning Pointe, specializing in tap, jazz, and ballet. She began her dance journey at just three years old, drawn to movement from an early age. Her training includes Miss Francine's School of Dance, Accent School of Dance, and the GSU Dance Ensemble, shaping her into the dedicated dancer and teacher she is today.
Her favorite dance style is jazz, as she loves its versatility and flair. As an instructor, she finds joy in connecting with students, fueling their passion for dance, and paying it forward to the next generation. She especially appreciates the welcoming and kind atmosphere at Turning Pointe, making it a truly special place to teach.
One of her favorite dance memories is looking back at old videos of herself as a toddler, never realizing then how much dance would become a lifelong passion. Outside of the studio, Micayla enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and is currently learning a new language. A fun fact? She dreams of learning ballroom dancing and is already working toward that goal!
Micayla is excited to continue sharing her love of dance with her students and being part of the Turning Pointe family.
Savannah McGee
Instructor
My Birthday: July 26
Savannah McGee is a passionate dance instructor at Turning Pointe, specializing in Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and occasionally Lyrical. A former Turning Pointe Performing Arts Company member, she received her training at TPSD and now shares her love for dance with the next generation.
From a young age, Savannah was drawn to the stage—she even wanted to be Shirley Temple and owned every CD! Her favorite dance style is Tap because she loves the feeling of being her own instrument while dancing.
For Savannah, the most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing her students' victories—seeing them work hard on a skill and finally nail it is an incredible moment for both dancer and teacher. She cherishes the supportive environment at Turning Pointe, where everyone cheers each other on, just as she experienced both as a student and now as an instructor.
One of her funniest dance memories? Losing a false eyelash onstage during The Lion King and holding back laughter with her fellow dancers when they realized what had happened!
Outside of dance, Savannah is also a singer, guitarist, and actress. And a fun fact—her favorite animal is a shark!
Becca Thompson
Instructor
My Birthday: November 2
Becca Thompson has been a part of the Turning Pointe School of Dance family for nearly five years, first starting as a class assistant during her time in the Performing Arts Company at TPSD. She was also a member of the TPSD Eleve program, a prestigious, hand-selected group dedicated to ballet and competing annually in the Universal Ballet Competition.
One of her most cherished memories was traveling with Elevé to UBC where she took classes, grew closer with her teammates, and performed on stage—experiences she’ll treasure forever.
Now a dedicated ballet instructor for elementary-age dancers, Rebecca loves sharing her passion and experience to help young dancers build their skills and confidence. She believes in letting your personality and love for dance shine through your movement, encouraging her students to embrace their unique artistry.
Outside of the studio, Rebecca enjoys cooking and baking for her friends and family, hiking, swimming at the lake, and relaxing with a good book and her dog.
She loves being part of TPSD because of its positive, supportive environment, which nurtures both technical growth and a lifelong love for dance.
Renee Pauley
Instructor | Ballet Mistress for Elevé Performing Arts Company
My Birthday: June 27
Renee Pauley is a talented and accomplished Ballet Mistress at Turning Pointe, where she has been teaching for 2 years. She specializes in Ballet, Pointe, and Classical & Contemporary Variations. Renee began her dance training at the Atlanta School of Ballet and refined her technique at the Royal Academy of Ballet in London through a summer intensive. As a young adult, she became a member of the Atlanta Ballet Youth Ensemble and had the honor of participating in the Young Choreographer’s Workshop in New York.
Her love for dance began at an early age, drawn to movement and the storytelling aspect of it. The grace and discipline of ballet quickly resonated with her, and she knew that ballet was her calling. Ballet has always held a special place in her heart for its precision, technique, and beauty, though she also loves the emotional expression in contemporary ballet, where technique and storytelling seamlessly merge.
Renee has performed professionally with the Atlanta Ballet and was a soloist with the Northwest Florida Ballet, performing in productions like The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Carmen. Unfortunately, an injury ended her performing career, but her passion for ballet never wavered.
What Renee loves most about teaching is watching her students grow and develop both technically and personally. She finds joy in helping them understand the “why” behind every movement and seeing them achieve their goals. Her work with Turning Pointe’s elite dancers in the Eleve’ program is incredibly fulfilling, especially when these talented dancers perform classical variations and compete in events like the Universal Ballet Competition.
One of Renee’s favorite memories as a dancer was performing in Serenade with the Atlanta Ballet. The experience of working with Balanchine’s movement quality and storytelling is unforgettable.
Outside of dance, Renee has a passion for baking and enjoys creating sweet treats for her dancers. She is also passionate about mental and emotional well-being and works on personal projects like the Journal 4 Positive Growth, helping dancers focus on their mental health.
Renee is proud to be part of the Turning Pointe family and to help shape the future of ballet through her teaching.
