Meet The ADT Faculty: Guiding the Next Generation of Dancers

At Alabama Dance Theatre, our dancers are more than just students…they’re dreamers, artists, and young people discovering who they are through the discipline and joy of dance. None of this would be possible without our extraordinary ADT Faculty members who guide them every step of the way.

From classical ballet to contemporary, our teachers bring decades of professional experience, artistic insight, and heartfelt dedication to every class. Each faculty member is committed to nurturing not only technical excellence but also confidence, creativity, and a deep love for the performing arts.

Kate Seale Smith

Artistic Director

Instructor for Pre-Ballet, Ballet, and Pointe

“It is with a joyful heart that we welcome you back to the studio! I look forward to seeing each face, feeling the energy, and continuing or starting our journey of movement, expression and growth. Let’s embrace this year with open hearts and support one another in creating something beautiful. We believe in you and we believe in the power of dance to heal, inspire, and transform! Let’s dance!”

Sara Elyse Sanford

Assistant Director

Instructor for Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Pointe, and Contemporary

"I am truly excited for Fall Classes to begin. Each new season brings a special energy to the studio. It always feels like a fresh start, full of new goals and endless possibilities. I look forward to working with our dancers to refine their technique and artistry, and to explore new, original choreography that challenges all of us to grow and reach beyond what we thought possible. Here’s to our 40th Season: A Season of New Heights."

Janie Alford

Resident Choreographer

Instructor for Ballet and Jazz “I can’t wait to start fall classes! Beginning a new year of creating, teaching, and inspiring dancers to be their best is such an honor. I love to see their growth and improvement from the beginning of the school year to our end of the year recital in May!”

Jenny Letner

Resident Choreographer

Instructor for Modern

“I’m counting down the days until the music starts and the dance floor comes alive again! I miss everyone and can’t wait to move and dance with all of you! I miss all of you so much!”

Casey Vaughan Bailey

Instructor for Ballet and Pointe

“Come experience classes at Alabama Dance Theatre and become part of the ADT family. I’m so excited to start teaching fall classes and can’t wait to work with students and elevate their artistic creativity and take their dancing to the next level.”

Ke’Yana Robinson-Ali

Instructor for African Dance

“I’m beyond excited to teach African this fall. It’s not just movement, it’s culture, rhythm, and pure joy in every step!”

Jaclyn Speights

Enrichment Coordinator

Instructor for Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Tap, and Contemporary

“I’m excited to work with the dancers on achieving their goals this season!”

Joy Ohme

Ballet Instructor

“I am very excited to get back in the studio with the dancers. They are all so hard working, and I am ready to continue to help them refine their technique for the upcoming performances. I plan to work on breaking down technical elements so that the dancers can be the strongest dancers they can be. I want to combine that with working on port de bra and stage presence so they can gain confidence in the studio.”

Whether they’ve performed on renowned stages, trained with celebrated companies, or dedicated their lives to dance education, our faculty share a single mission: to create a safe, encouraging, and inspiring environment for every dancer who walks through our doors.

Their impact extends far beyond the studio mirror. They help shape resilient, disciplined, and compassionate young people who carry the lessons of dance with them for life.

We invite you to learn more about each member of our faculty and discover the passion they bring to Alabama Dance Theatre every day. For full biographies on each of our faculty click here.

Ready to dance with us? Meet our faculty in person and experience the difference that dedicated, caring teachers make. alabamadancetheatre.org