Megan Luquire Owner and Artistic Director- Megan began dancing at age two and hasn't stopped since. A former member of the Augusta West Performing Companies, she is thrilled to be continuing the long tradition of quality dance instruction as the owner and artistic director of Augusta West Dance Studio. After two years as a dance major at Columbia College, Megan auditioned and was selected for the Young Americans, a performing group located in Southern California. She moved to Los Angeles in 1999 and as a Young American toured all over the world for the next five years. She has taught and performed in most of the fifty states, as well as in England, Scotland, Germany, and the Ukraine. Megan could also be seen performing at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, MI, and at the Leelanau Sands Casino and resort in Traverse City, MI. Megan has produced and directed several shows for the Castle Hills School of Performing Arts in Gainsborough, England. She has performed in several industrials with Michael Curry designs in Los Angeles and Anaheim, California. Megan would like to thank all her students for a wonderful year, and to the companies thank you for sharing your love of dance with me and inspiring me every day!
Merry Beckham Artistic Director and Instructor- Merry began Dancing at the age of four. Her dance experience includes 3 years at the YWCA, 2 years at Margie Bruker School of Dance, and 14 years at Augusta West, 13 of which were spent as a member of the Performing Companies. She has been teaching for Augusta West since 1992 and has been the Company Artistic Director for the past 3 years. Merry Graduated Cum Laude from Augusta State University with a Bachelor's Degree in History and has received a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. She taught history at T.W. Josey High School for nine years, has participated in many academic grants, and is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers. She now teaches social studies at Harlem High School but will be at the new Grovetown High School in the fall. Merry's tap teaching is recognized throughout the Southeast, and she will be on faculty for the Columbia City Jazz Companies summer workshop. Merry would like to thank the Adult Tap Class and her very talented companies for a wonderful year.
Dianne Clements Founder and Instructor- Prior to opening Augusta West Dance studio in 1978, Dianne was associated with the YWCA as their dance coordinator and camp director. She has been listed in Who's Who in the CSRA and as an Outstanding Young Woman of America. She was also named an Outstanding Citizen for the Tenth District of Georgia Federation of Women's Club and had an award named in her honor. She has also been a nominee for the Women of Excellence Award. Dianne wrote, choreographed, and directed "A Christmas Dream," which over the years has evolved into our annual "It's the Night Before Christmas." She received an "Auggie" for her choreography of the Augusta Players production of "Chicago." Dianne was one of the founders of the Greater Augusta Dance Coalition, an organization comprised of area dance directors. She was also a member of the Board of Directors for Dance Educators of Georgia. She has truly enjoyed her Lincolnton dancers this year and is looking forward to continuing her outreach program in 2010.
Cindy Folger Instructor- Cindy has been dancing since she was four years old and has studied with many dance professionals. Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College and a Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University. She has taught at both of the above mentioned schools, as well as Brenau Academy. In 1981, Cindy was Augusta West's first student to attend the Governor's Honors Program in Dance. This year she again served on the panel of judges for the GHP State finalists. She has choreographed several routines for the Lakeside High School and Hephzibah High School Show Choirs this year. In June Cindy will be returning to the faculty of Dance Makers Inc. at their national convention. Cindy is the wife of Charles Folger, Sr., and the proud mother of Charles, Jr., Thomas and Shelby. She has really enjoyed working with her students this year and is looking forward to another great year.
Marlow Craig Company Assistant and Instructor- Marlow is the daughter of Johnny and Candy Craig. She is a graduate of Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School. Marlow is the Assistant to the Directors of the Performing Companies, teaches the Company Lyrical Classes, and the Advanced Beginner I level classes. An award winning choreographer, her talents are enjoyed by audiences from Atlanta to Los Angeles. This year, as a performer, she was awarded High Score Overall at Dance Makers, Inc., in Charlotte, NC, and was the Senior Solo Star Maker runner-up. Marlow has had an amazing year and would like to thank her students for inspiring her through dance!
Cathy Rogers Daycare Director and Pee Wee Troupe Director- Cathy began her dance training with Dianne at the YWCA, where she was an original member of "Just Us Dancers." Along with her mother, "Miss Tikie," she implemented the Augusta West Daycare Program, which she taught for 10 years before moving to California. After returning to Augusta she jumped right back in, took on the daycare program again, and continues that program today. This year Cathy was instrumental in developing and directing our Pee Wee Troupe program and is extremely proud of her High Score winning Pee Wee Troupe!
Bea Scheyer Company Training Instructor-Bea began her dance training in California and also took dance with a Shirley Temple stand in. She is a national award winning choreographer, winning many awards when she was the company director here at Augusta West. She returned to the Augusta West Family this year after a five year hiatus, and has enjoyed getting back into studio life as the company training instructor. Bea has also choreographed for the last four years at Aquinas High School. This year's recital is a very special one for Bea, after years of waiting, one of her own will finally be on stage. Her oldest granddaughter, Cecillia will be dancing with us for the first time! Bea has a wonderful husband, Dennis, and three sons. When not dancing she fills her time with her four awesome grandchildren.
Jami Wolfe Instructor- A former Westie is thrilled to be continuing the tradition of excellence in dance education as a instructor. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Child Development. In addition to teaching our Intermediate levels in North Augusta and Pre-School and Hip Hop at our Augusta studio, she is a Child Life Specialist at the Medical College of Georgia.
Cori Daniels Instructor- Cori is originally from the Chicago area and studied ballet, tap, and jazz with the late Ellen Copeland, who inspired her to pursue a career in dance education. Cori graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Education and holds teaching certification in both dance and Early Childhood Education. Cori taught dance at Davidson Fine Arts and has taught 2nd grade in both Richmond and Columbia Counties. She and her husband Wes are proud parents of two sons Carter and Nolan and this year welcomed their daughter Anslee.
Meg Heath Business Manager- Meg is thrilled to join the Augusta West family this year. She is a graduate of Winthrop University where she received her bachelor of arts degree in family and consumer science. After graduation she moved to Huntington Beach, California, where she worked as an office assistant and then returned to her home town of North Augusta, SC where she worked for Communigraphics as a sales associate. Meg is a member of the Augusta West Dance Guild and serves on the Executive Board.
Melody Scharff A graduate of Evans High School, she attended Savannah College of Art and Design last year and is thrilled to be returning to the Augusta are this fall. She has traveled all over the United States performing with the Augusta West Senior Company. This year Miss Melody will be teaching the Advanced Beginner level and Intermediate classes. Last April Melody was a member of the Dance Excellence Company in Los Angeles, CA, and, while attending the festival, was invited to join the Young Americans. This is Miss Melody's forth year as a teacher and instructor at Augusta West.
Hannah Weinberger Instructor and Assistant- Last year Hannah was excited to join the staff of Augusta West as an instructor. Having worked with our dancers as an assistant, teaching has become a huge part of her love for dance. When not teaching, Hannah is also a member of our Senior Company traveling and performing throughout the United States.
Barbara Green Studio I Manager and Mistress of Ceremony- Barbara is "Miss Dianne's" younger sister and has been affiliated with Augusta West for several years as the "Mistress of Ceremony" for the recitals. She has a special role in the annual Christmas production, "It's the Night Before Christmas." In 1980, she was very instrumental in forming the Augusta West Dance Guild, Inc., a non-profit organization to promote dance in our area. Barbara and her husband, George, have two sons- Brad and Chris, and a daughter-in-law, Brandi. She has vacationed several times this year on the Disney Magic Cruise ship to see Brad perform as Main Stage Entertainer.
Sarah Mattlage Instructor and Assistant- Sarah is thrilled to be joining the staff of Augusta West as an instructor this year. Having been Miss Jami's assistant last year she realized her love of pre-school dancers. She is currently on staff at both our North Augusta and Augusta locations. As a member of the performing companies Sarah has traveled all over the United States studying and performing. Most memorable was attending Dance Excellence in Los Angeles, California last spring.
Office Staff: Krista Jiunnies
Bayley Bennett
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