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.

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, & Morning 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

Mandie Koroi

Mandie Koroi -  Art & Design Instructor

Mandie was born and raised in the Northern Neck of Virginia but has spent much of their adult life traveling the U.S. and abroad performing and studying music and art. In 2019, Mandie moved to Wilmington to be close to the beach and focus on teaching.

Mandie attended Greenville University where they received a BS in Commercial Music and then Southern Illinois University where they received a Master's in Performance and Pedagogy. Although Mandie has primarily focused on music, Mandie has always taken the opportunity to study art while traveling such as attending Masterclasses at the L'ouvre or the house of Raffaello.

Mandie's favorite mediums are colored pencils, pastels, and watercolors and loves drawing portraits or painting seascapes. Their favorite artist is currently Scott Christian Sava.

Mandie has been teaching art classes in painting and drawing since 2017 and hopes to always be involved in teaching music and arts. Mandie is excited to join WCFA and teach students how to express their creativity!

 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.

Morning Arts Club Assistant - BIO

Rachel Sanford

Instructor - Bio

Rachel Sanford began her training at age four at the Ozsoy School of Ballet in Duncanville, TX, under Ballet Master Ceyhun Ozsoy. Rachel attended many summer intensives including the American Ballet Theatre Collegiate Program, the International Ballet Competition Intensive, the Joffrey Ballet, and Houston METdance Professional Intensive.

In 2016, Rachel graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and a Business Foundations Certificate from the McCombs School of Business. She has performed in professional pieces by artists including Sidra Bell, Andrea Beckham, Shen Jun, Merce Cunningham, Mark Morris, and Joe Celej. In 2019, Rachel joined the US International Ballet and has performed in works such as Giselle, Vampires, Alice in Wonderland, the Nutcracker and The Little Mermaid. She has choreographed multiple contemporary ballet works for the Dance program at UT Austin, the McCallum Fine Arts Academy in Austin, TX, and the US International Ballet.

Instructor - BIO

Kevin Lee-Y Green

Kevin Lee-Y Green Instructor - Bio

Kevin Green is a director, choreographer, and community arts educator. Green is a native of Bolivia, North Carolina (population 143) and a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he studied contemporary dance and ballet.

Over a 15-year career, he has worked with acclaimed dance artists including: Rosie Herrera, Sidra Bell, Camille A. Brown, David Parsons, Clay Taliafero, Sean Sullivan (Limon), Dianne Markham (Louis & Nikolai), and Brenda Daniels (Cunningham). He was mentored by theater director Gerald Freedman while a member of the touring All School Production at UNCSA. In 2008, he founded Techmoja Dance and Theater Company as an inclusive and diverse dance and theatre company. Kevin has recently done residency work with youth in nine coastal Carolina counties in response to the impact of Hurricane Florence.

His work has been supported by New England Foundation for the Arts, Alternate ROOTS, Arts Council of Wilmington, International Association of Blacks in Dance.

Instructor - BIO

Ariana Stefanut

Ariana Stefanut - Instructor

Ariana Stefanut was born and raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina where she began her dance training at the age of 2 at a small local studio.

She has trained in a variety of styles such as jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and contemporary.

Beginning at age five, Ariana danced on a competition team for 13 years. Ariana has won multiple awards and titles through group and solo performances. During this time, Ariana worked with Dancing Stars of Wayne County, a local charity event whose profits went to the public school system.

Throughout the years, Ariana has had the opportunity to learn from dancers like Fik-Shun, Angel Roberts, Mary Ann Lamb, Arielle Elonys, and Dena Rizzo. After she graduated from Pathway Christian Academy, she moved to  Wilmington to continue her education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Ariana plans to pursue a career in recreational therapy after college. 

Contemporary, Jazz, & Hip-Hop 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

Hannah Renzulli

Hannah Renzulli - Tap Instructor

Hannah has been tap dancing since the age of 5 and competing in tap as well as other styles including ballet, jazz, hiphop, and lyrical since the age of 6. She grew up in Wilmington, NC and trained with Fox Troupe Dancers from the age of 6 until graduating from high school. Hannah has had experience learning from several renowned tap choreographers such as Nick Dinicolangelo, Mark Goodman, Gregg Russell, and more with solo choreography done by Nick (creator of Hands Down Tap Project) for 3 of her competitive dance years. Competing at conventions/competitions all across the east coast, she has won several tap scholarships as well as first place overall awards for her solo tap performances.

Since leaving the competitive dance world, Hannah has earned a BS in Psychology at NC State University and has taught dance classes in hiphop and tap as well as holding the role as president of the NC State Tap Club for 2 years. She is excited to share the passion and knowledge she has acquired over the years and fill the students with the same love of tap dancing that she has!

Tap Instructor​ - BIO

Toleu Mukanov

Toleu Mukanov - Instructor

Toleu Mukanov recently moved to North Carolina from California, and we welcome him to the WCFA staff! Toleu will be teaching ballet technique and partnering this year, and we are thrilled to have the vast knowledge and experience that he brings to Wilmington.
⚫️Toleu toured with professional companies in Russia, China, Japan, and the USA! His education stems from Almaty & Bishkek Choreographic College in Kazakhstan. In the early 2000’s he danced all over Europe with the Russia Ballet Theater and Russian National Ballet Company. Also later dancing with Astana Ballet Company and Kyrgyzstan Opera and Ballet Theater in Kyrgyzstan.
⚫️While also performing around the USA, in California, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Rhode Island. He performed in many different roles including Copeila, Nutcracker Cavalier, Fairy Doll, as well as “Straight Up with a Twist” original work by M. Barton, and “Carmen Theodor” original work by Kirk Peterso.
⚫️Mukanov also taught as a classical ballet instructor at the Russian Academy Ballet, Charleston City Ballet, Southland Ballet Academy, and Lamoille Valley Dance Academy. He coached for competitions such as YAGP! Mukanov also competed at international Ballet competitions himself, such as Kiev Ballet Competition, IBC in 2002, the 2006 International Ballet Competition, Varna, Bulgaria, and World Ballet Competition, Orlando, FL.
Toleu’s many years as a professional around Europe, Asia, and America gives him valuable knowledge to pass on to his students. We are so excited to welcome him this 2022/23 season!

Instructor​ - BIO

Haley Rodgers

Haley Rodgers - Instructor

Haley Rogers is a Wilmington, NC native. From a young age, she has been involved with and had deep love and appreciation for dance. This love began at a local dance studio where she clogged competitively for 12 years.

After a wonderful experience with dance at her High School that had special focus on Jazz and HipHop, Haley chose to earn her BA in Dance, Performance, and Theory from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

One of her most valuable and exciting experiences at UNCC was getting cast for and performing a piece set by George Faison, called “Suite Otis”.

While obtaining her degree, she took a special interest in Latin and African dance forms, because of the rich culture and diversity embedded in these genres.

After college, Haley began building a partner dance school and found great joy in teaching partner dance and growing community.

Now, Haley is blessed and excited to begin this new chapter at Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts and hopes to help in developing joy, passion, and discipline for dance with each student.

Instructor​ -BIO

Mary Beth Henderson

Mary Beth Henderson - Instructor

Mary Beth has been teaching for 35 years and owned her own dance school for
10 years. She earned her BFA in Drama and Dance from ECU with a
concentration in teaching. She was honored by the YWCA Women of
Achievement and was awarded for excellence in “The Arts”, for the Cape Fear
Area. Mary Beth is also certified to teach through the teacher training
organization, Dance Masters of America and served on the board for 9 years.
She has received numerous choreography awards in the dance competition
arena and honored by the Wilmington Theatre Awards for choreography. Mary
Beth has been blessed to watch former students receive additional educational
dance scholarships to NYU, Elon, Juilliard, Mary Mount, Point Park and UNCSA
as well as professional careers in dance.
As a professional Mary Beth was a principal dancer/performer for: Disney, Kings
Productions, Royal Cruise Lines, and many other “Off Broadway” ventures and
touring Cos. She has also enjoyed working in Commercial, Television and Film.
Mary Beth has continued to practice her craft in the Wilmington Theatre
community as an actress, choreographer, and teacher. She loves working in the
community and supporting the Arts. She has placed choreography on youth in
the area for Thalian Hall’s Nutcracker for Young Audiences for 23 years. She has
worked extensively for Opera House Theater Co., Thalian Assoc., TACT, Upper
Room Theatre, Best Foot Forward, Theater and Choral programs at New
Hanover, Laney and Coastal Christian High School.
In the community, Mary Beth has worked as a volunteer for the NC Azalea
Festival Children’s Area and Children’s stage for over 20 years. She has also
enjoyed teaching Sunday school and vacation bible school for various churches
in the area as well as volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Lower Cape Fear
Volunteer Center, Good Shepherd, Sunshine Helpers, Samaritan's Purse and
Convoy of Hope.
Mary Beth considers her greatest blessings, her marriage to husband Steve of 32
years, and their 4 loving children, Hunter, Head of Basketball operations at
UNCW, Alexandra a 4th grade teacher at Mary C. WIlliams, Walker a student at
CFCC, and Stevie a dance teacher and cosmetology major at CFCC.

Instructor​ - BIO

Sarah DiLauri

Sarah DiLauri - Instructor

Sarah DiLauri has been teaching children's dance classes for almost 25 years. Her family recently moved to Wilmington from San Diego where she owned Sarah's Lil Dancers. Sarah taught babies through 7 years music and movement, tap, jazz, ballet and creative movement classes. She also taught in many preschools as a tumbling and dance teacher. Sarah is thrilled to get the opportunity to teach dance at WCFA! Her hope is to instill a lifetime of love for dance and music by teaching with love and a happy heart.

Instructor​ - BIO
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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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