About Us

Who We Are

Our excellent faculty has backgrounds in a variety of Ballet methods – Vaganova (Russian), Cecchetti (Italian), RAD (Royal Academy of Dance), and Balanchine/SAB styles. We believe that diversity in training also exposes our dancers to the international world of dance and helps the student to be well versed and adaptable. Through many years of experience we have developed a curriculum-based program that follows a structured monthly class plan. WCFA offers fun and creative classes in ballet, jazz, tap, and acro/tumbling for ages 18 months – 7 years that is designed to nurture the young child’s natural desire for movement. For ages 8 and older, we offer classical ballet, pre-pointe/ pointe, variations/repetoire and conditioning with added opportunities to learn other dance forms, such as modern, jazz, improvisation, tap, hip hop, Pilates, Yoga, theatre/acting, ballroom, and acro/tumbling where we implement traditional technique basics in a friendly, encouraging environment.

Try a Class!

Who We Are

Our excellent faculty has backgrounds in a variety of Ballet methods – Vaganova (Russian), Cecchetti (Italian), RAD (Royal Academy of Dance), and Balanchine/SAB styles. We believe that diversity in training also exposes our dancers to the international world of dance and helps the student to be well versed and adaptable. Through many years of experience we have developed a curriculum-based program that follows a structured monthly class plan. WCFA offers fun and creative classes in ballet, jazz, tap, and acro/tumbling for ages 18 months – 7 years that is designed to nurture the young child’s natural desire for movement. For ages 8 and older, we offer classical ballet, pre-pointe/ pointe, variations/repetoire and conditioning with added opportunities to learn other dance forms, such as modern, jazz, improvisation, tap, hip hop, Pilates, Yoga, theatre/acting, ballroom, and acro/tumbling where we implement traditional technique basics in a friendly, encouraging environment.

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Our Faculty

We believe that every child is creative and it is our wish to grow and inspire them through the arts. Statistics show that children that participate in the arts excel in creativity, communication, confidence, problem-solving, academic performance, and many more. With over 150 years of combined experience, our talented WCFA instructors are here to support your child while learn, grow, and explore.

Cory Smith

Cory Smith - Founder & Director

Cory Phipps Smith was born in Wilmington, grew up in Southport and later moved to Raleigh/Durham to further her dance training with prestigious schools and instructors. Classically trained, Cory performed in numerous ballet and musical theatre productions, won national titles in dance competitions, had dance roles in movies, and was invited to join North Carolina School of the Arts (now UNCSA), the Carolina Ballet and several university dance programs. Cory trained and performed with Ballet Magnificat! under Kathy Thibodeaux and was tutored by Sue Tolle of Butler University in teacher training and syllabus.
After moving back to her hometown of Wilmington, Cory instructed dance classes for local studios and furthered her dance education and experience. She became a member of Dance Masters of America with certification in ballet, won choreography awards at regional and national levels, and attended teacher trainings, including an intensive program under ballet master David Howard through the International Ballet Competition.
Cory has trained generations of dancers and her choreography has been performed in festivals in New York City, Washington DC, Orlando, and throughout North Carolina in community events. Many of Cory's students have received scholarships, attended prestigious dance education programs and 2been recognized for their training and talent through the years.
Since founding Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts and the nonprofit Turning Pointe Dance Company in 2007, Cory has created, produced, and directed many shows such as “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Masterworks”, “Hope Has Come”, and “Come Alive”. An important part of the studio dynamic is Cory's family support - husband Chris, their daughters, Bronwyn and Carrington, and her mother, Ms Jane, all help bring the heart of family into the studio.

Founder & Director - BIO

Jane Phipps

Jane Phipps - Office Administration

Bio coming soon!

Office Administration - BIO

Rachel Taylor

Rachel Taylor - Ballet, PBT, & Conditioning Instructor

Rachel Taylor began her love of ballet at Wake Forest University’s Community Ballet program with Brantly Shapiro. Later she also trained at Ohio Dance Theatre in their pre-professional program for 3 years under the direction of Denise Gula. 

In 2016, Rachel graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA in dance performance and focus on Ballet Pedagogy. While in Charlotte she also became a certified barre instructor. She taught for several years at Xtend barre Charlotte and at Core Integrity Pilates in Greensboro NC.

In the fall of 2016, Rachel joined Gary Taylor’s Winston Salem Festival Ballet where she performed professionally and trained for a year. Rachel also taught for Gary Taylor's three schools, Taylor Dance, High Point Ballet, and Winston Salem Festival Ballet. 

In the summer of 2017, Rachel joined the US. International Ballet in Wilmington NC. 

Under the artistic direction of Walter Angelini, Ines Albertini, and Mrs. Debra Burger 

Rachel had the opportunity to perform in many full-length ballets including The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, A Midsummer Night Dream, Giselle, The Little Mermaid, and The Nutcracker.

Rachel not only pursues her own progress with the art form of ballet but also has the heart to teach and share this passion with others. She has been teaching ballet and fitness classes for several years and she looks forward to continuing to pass this knowledge and passion onto her students. 

Ballet, PBT, & Conditioning Instructor - BIO

Molly Hamilton

Molly Hamilton - Young Division & Ballet Instructor

Molly trained as a student with the Wilmington Conservatory for over ten seasons! She recently graduated from high school and Cape Fear Community College with her Associates in Arts. Molly grew up in our studio and has returned as an instructor to pass on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of artists and performers. 

Molly has performed in over 20 productions here in Wilmington including, The White Witch in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Sleeping Beauty, The Blue Fairy in Pinocchio, and Cinderella! Molly has been blessed to be accepted into programs such as Boston Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, UNSCA, Kirov Ballet, and American Ballet Theater. Attending Ballet Magnificat summer program in 2017 and Boston Ballet in 2019, along with competing in Youth American Grand Prix for two seasons.

Young Division & Ballet Instructor - BIO

Sarah Mason

Sarah Mason - Young Division, Music Together, & Fine Arts Club™ Instructor

Sarah is originally from England and started dancing at age 4. She is classically trained in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), which offers examinations in ballet with focus on musical awareness and creativity. Sarah performed in numerous productions over 15 years of training and developed a lifelong love of ballet. She pursued an education and career in nursing and moved to America. 

In 2007, Sarah co wrote and provided vocals for a Grammy nominated children’s music album, Kids Tunes Online Animals. Sarah is also a certified instructor for Music Together, an early childhood music education program. For more than ten years, she has instructed preschool and elementary-age students in classical dance, bringing magical charm and storytelling to her young artists’ classes. Sarah is also a certified Fine Arts Club™ instructor.

Young Division, Music Together, & Fine Arts Club™ Instructor - BIO

Katie Deese

Katie Deese - Theatre, Piano, & Voice Instructor

Katie received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Georgia in Athens. After 12 years as a music and theatre arts educator, she decided to pursue a Master of Science in Instructional Technology degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Over the course of her teaching career Katie has taught in public, private, and charter schools in North Carolina and Georgia, and has had the pleasure of working with students from early childhood through adults. While living in Atlanta Katie had the honor of singing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, under the direction of the legendary Robert Shaw, and was a vocalist on the 1998 Grammy Award-winning Classical Album of the Year.

Katie enjoys working with music and theatre students in groups as well as one on one - the focus of her teaching is often helping students make connections and build on their own experiences to enhance their art. She strives to make learning fun and to help each student find their strengths.

Katie lives in Wilmington with her family - her husband Mark is a middle school teacher and they are the proud parents of two terrific daughters.

Theatre, Piano, & Voice Instructor - BIO

Mallory Doran

Mallory Doran -  Art & Design Instructor

Mallory Doran was born and raised in Carolina Beach, North Carolina where she started ballet at the age of three. Mallory was pursuing ballet as a professional career until a sports injury halted her dreams. She found art to be therapeutic and healing for her during this transitional time of her life, and she ended up going to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for visual arts during her junior and senior years of high school. Upon graduation, she returned to Wilmington to attain her degree in Elementary Education. Mallory is passionate to share her love of art with children in hopes that it will help them break through emotional boundaries and express themselves in healthy ways. Mallory makes a nurturing environment for her students and a safe place for her students to express themselves.

 Art & Design Instructor - BIO

Alexi Broman

Alexi Broman - Contemporary, Modern, Acro, & Hip Hop Instructor

Lexi was born in Petoskey, Michigan, but lived most of her life in Wilmington, North Carolina. She began taking ballet and tap classes at the age of four and was competing in all styles by age twelve.

She started training at Denise Walls Dance Energy (DWDE). There, she was taught by many important people in her life such as Denise Wall, Travis Wall, Cami Walton, Anthony Morigerato, Danny Tidwell, and many more! She has danced in many pieces composed by these cherished individuals and has even performed two solos composed by Travis Wall.

She danced competitively at DWDE until she graduated high school and decided to further her dance training at the University of North Carolina School Of the Arts (UNCSA). She graduated from UNCSA in 2021 and is excited to see where her dance career takes her.

Contemporary, Modern, Acro, & Hip Hop Instructor - BIO

Hannah Cotton

Hannah Cotton - Fine Arts Club™ Assistant

Hannah is a Wilmington native and Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts and Turning Pointe Dance Company alumni. She has six years of childcare experience and is pursuing a B.A. in Elementary Education at UNCW. Hannah is excited to return to the WCFA family, this time as a member of our staff. When she isn’t at the studio, you can find Hannah with her pet bunny rabbit or playing her musical instruments.

Fine Arts Club™ Assistant - BIO

Cherie Ackerman

Cherie Ackerman - Adult Tap & Jazz Instructor

Cherie Ackerman is from Los Angeles and is a second-generation, professional dancer, as well as a dance instructor. Starting her dance training at the age of 3, Cherie received exemplary training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Gymnastics from phenomenal teachers.

Her teachers included Maxine Mann from California Ballet Company, Madame Nadezhda Kaliskis from the Bolshoi Ballet, Louis Dupron, Fayard Nicholas, Gus Giordano, Luigi, Roland Dupre, Joe Tremaine, Jackie Sleight, Doug Caldwell, and Hama. From the ages of 6-18, she won many first-place awards at Regional and national dance competitions, including Dance Educators of America, Joe Tremaine, and Showstoppers. She also won many silver and gold medals in gymnastics. Cherie was a professional, featured dancer and tumbler, in "Yabba-dabba-doo" on tour for two years and in the "Folies-Bergere" in Las Vegas for 3 years.

Cherie has taught and choreographed recital and competition dances in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, and Acrobatics for over 35 years. Her renowned reputation for helping young dancers, the understanding of proper body placement, and achieving textbook technique and turning skills efficiently, make Cherie the perfect instructor for our younger students.

Cherie was a judge and Master Class teacher for 4 years across the United States, with Talent on Parade, Legacy, and celebration Talent dance competitions. She is very excited to land at Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts, to share her dance and acrobatics knowledge with our students.

Adult Tap & Jazz Instructor - BIO

Lesa Rogers Broadhead​

Lesa Rogers Broadhead - Modern, Ballet, & Yoga Instructor

Receiving a BFA degree in dance and drama from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, Lesa went on to obtain a MFA degree in choreography and performance from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. In addition, she received a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification in 2016. Professionally she has performed with The Cleveland Opera and The Atlanta Ballet, and has held teaching posts at Louisiana State University, Huntingdon College, Kent State University, and the University of Akron.

Mrs. Broadhead’s choreography includes reconstructing classical ballet favorites, and contemporary works on historical and societal issues, such as the Holocaust. In 1995 she was artist-in-residence at De Montfort University, Bedford, England, choreographing her first international Holocaust related dance work. In 1999 she presented three of her Holocaust related dance works at The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., co-sponsored by the museum and the Embassy of Israel. These dance works have been the stimuli for writing her first book ASHES AT THE ROOTS OF TREE: A Choreographic Journey of the Holocaust.

Currently, she teaches modern/contemporary, ballet and yoga at Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts, ballet and modern at DREAMS of Wilmington, and Dance Appreciation online at Brunswick Community College.

Modern, Ballet, & Yoga Instructor - BIO

Ella Richardson

Ella Richardson - Ballet, PBT, Conditioning, & Contemporary Instructor

Ella is a native of the Wilmington area and began dancing around the age of two. Throughout her years of training, she has had the opportunity to perform in ballets such as The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Les Sylphide, and Le Corsaire, with lead roles in The Phantom of the Opera, Firebird, The Nutcracker, Flames of Paris, and many more. At the age of 12, Ella was a participant in the prestigious Youth American Grande Prix. She has attended summer intensive programs with Carolina Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, and Bolshoi Ballet where she was accepted to the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. After high school, Ella continued her training at the Atlanta Ballet Center for Dance Education as a trainee. She performed in many shows including Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, touring the greater Atlanta area, and making a choreographic debut on the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center stage. Standing out in the school with a vast understanding of ballet, Ella was specially selected by the Dean to become a teacher for the Atlanta Ballet. She was also chosen by Artistic Director, Gennadi Nedvigin to work alongside the Atlanta Ballet in The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, and Swan Lake. After, Ella moved home to Wilmington and danced with a small local company before making the switch to pursue a degree in Interior Design.

Ballet, PBT, Conditioning, & Contemporary Instructor​ -BIO

Heather Wells

Heather Wells - Ballet, Modern, & Pilates Instructor

For as long as she can remember, Heather Wells has been a dancer. She has been a ballet instructor in Wilmington for over 20 years and also enjoys teaching jazz, modern and Progressing Ballet Technique classes. After training with instructors of various styles, Heather was awarded dance scholarships for college, but was unable to pursue that route due to an injury. That change of course eventually led her to explore yoga and Pilates, and those experiences fostered a greater appreciation for the gift of dance. 

Heather is excited to be a certified instructor of Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), where emphasis is placed on alignment, anatomy, strengthening of core muscles, and training to recruit the correct muscles for dance specific goals. This method was developed by Marie Walton-Mahon with input from dance medicine and physical therapy professionals to help dancers more safely train their bodies and can be a useful tool in minimizing chances of injuries and assists in injury rehabilitation.

Heather has a degree in Marine Biology and works as a research specialist for the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve.  She is happy to be a dancing scientist and encourages her students to follow their dreams. 

Ballet, Modern, & Pilates Instructor - BIO
ENROLL FOR CLASSES
WCFA Parent & Student Handbook '21-'22
‘21-‘22 SCHEDULE

Beyond the Conservatory

At WCFA, we recognize each student’s creative talents and incorporate them into the disciplined arts that are classical ballet. Our goal is to encourage each dancer to take great pride in their accomplishments and to enhance their eagerness to learn. Whether a student is working toward a career in dance or enjoys dancing as a rewarding extra-curricular activity, the dancer’s changing body is a most fragile and important instrument which deserves only the finest and most proper instruction.

Our students have been accepted into many prestigious schools such as American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Boston Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Kirov Academy-Washington, DC, North Carolina Dance Theatre, North Carolina School of the Arts, Storling Dance Company, Ad Deum Dance Company, School of American Ballet, and Belhaven University. They have danced on Broadway, on cruise ships, and many professional shows as well.

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