About Us
Kim Teachout Thomas
Owner and Director
Ballet/Jazz/Lyrical/Tap/Competitive Dance Teams
Ms. Kim, a northern Virginia native, grew up dancing in her mother's Alexandria dance studio.
Her grandparents were early vaudeville and radio personalities who eventually settled down to raise a family in the midwest.
They owned and operated a local movie theatre, where dancers, comedians, and musicians performed live before and during the movie reels.
Ms. Kim's mother owned and operated studios in the midwest, before moving with her family to Virginia in 1963.
Ms. Kim, who graduated from George Mason University, with a B.S. in health education, continues the family tradition and has pursued dual careers in dance and movement education.
A dance teacher and educator with more than thirty years experience, Ms. Kim has worked with children of all ages, as well as adults and seniors.
A teacher with skills in many disciplines, Ms. Kim has continued to study dance and movement education over the years by attending classes, workshops and teacher's conventions taught by master teachers and luminaries in the dance world.
In past years, Ms. Kim has performed as a member of the George Mason University Dance Troupe, and many local events including the International Children's Festival at Wolf Trap, musicals and recitals and community events.
Ms. Kim spent more than six years as a health educator for Alexandria Hospital, and is a former adjunct faculty member at Essex Community College in the Health/Fitness/Dance department in Baltimore County, MD.
She has been director of fitness programming in both non-profit and private fitness clubs, and was an instructor and personal trainer at GMU's Freedom Center in Manassas for seven years.
She has held ACE (gold) certifications in Group Fitness, with specialty certifications in Older Adults, Personal Training and Aquatic Exercise, and Teacher Training Certificate from Dance Masters of America.
She is a current member of AAPHERD.
Caitlin Keyser
Contemporary/Jazz/Pom/Technique/Competitive Dance Teams
Growing up in a military family, Ms. Caitlin was able to pursue various styles of dance, cheerleading and gymnastics in numerous states.
She began dancing at age three, competing at age seven and teaching at age seventeen.
In college, Ms. Caitlin received a scholarship as a member and captain of the Creighton University Dance Team.
In high school, she competed with her school dance team and was captain of her studio competition dance team, which won many regional championships and received 4th place at the 2000 UDA National Championship.
At age thirteen, Ms. Caitlin and her all star cheerleading squad won the 1997 UPA National Championship.
Her individual awards include a 3D Dance Network scholarship, two UDA All Star awards and three choreography awards.
Melissa Ross
Pom/Hip Hop/Parade Coordinator
Ms. Melissa is a recent graduate of PWDA.
She danced at PWDA for 9 years, competed with the PRIDE of PWDA dance team for 4 years and was team captain her senior year.
Ms. Melissa has also coached the Nokesville Elementary Spirit Squad, an after school activity sponsored by PWDA, for 3 years.
In addition to her dance training, Ms. Melissa is trained in cheerleading and baton twirling.
Charis Kullos
Ballet/Pointe
Ms. Charis began her professional Russian training at the Space Coast Ballet Academy in Florida.
From 2006-2009, she attended and graduated from the Kirov Academy of Ballet, and in 2009 she was accepted into the apprenticeship program at Tulsa Ballet, where she danced roles in both the Company and second Company productions.
Ms. Charis, and her husband Jordan both teach classical ballet, and are dancers with a local professional Ballet Theater.
Wendy Miehm
Ballet
In addition to her classical ballet training, Ms. Wendy has trained extensively in jazz and lyrical.
She competed on a Pro/AM level, coached competitive dance teams, and was a choreographer's assistant and personal demonstrator in regular and master classes.
Ms. Wendy had the opportunity to work with and assist jazz dance legend Gus Giordano. In 2002, she worked as an event coordinator for the Cappie Awards at the Kennedy Center.
Ms. Wendy is certified by Dance Masters of America in Ballet and Jazz.
Natasha Boddie
Zumba
Ms. Natasha started dancing at the age of three and taught for New Mexico State University (NMSU) summer dance program while working on her undergraduate B.A. degree in dance.
In 2009, she received her M.A. in Arts Management from George Mason University. Although trained in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, break dancing, gymnastics and cheerleading, her favorite discipline is a fusion of modern, hip hop and break dancing!
She has also studied other dance disciplines including African, Capoeria, Salsa, Flamenco, and Ballet Folklorico.
Her teaching experience includes NMSU dance department, community dance programs and private studios.
During her internship for her M.A., she was involved in fundraising for the new GMU Hylton Performing Arts Center, located on the Prince William Campus of George Mason University.
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Pride & Passion of PWDA
Award-Winning Choreography!
Of all routines for ages 11 and under at Revolution Talent Competition,
Ms. Caitlin's Junior PRIDE routine "Run Raggedy" was awarded the coveted choreography award.
Congratulations to Senior and Junior PRIDE for a platinum and elite gold winning season!
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Mission: To provide dancers with performance challenges and opportunities that will develop and strengthen their technical skills, artistry, self confidence and self-esteem.
Our goal is to have well-rounded dancers who are able to compete in any of the following disciplines:
Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Character, Musical Theatre
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P - Passionate
R - Respectful
I - Independently Motivated
D - Dedicated
E - Ecstatic About Dance!
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Pride & Passion of PWDA competitive dance teams are under the direction of Kim Thomas and Caitlin Keyser.
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Schedule & Tuition