Meet Our Instructors
Kemmian Beard
Kemmian Beard found his love for dance at the age of 12. Later, he attended Middle Tennessee State University where he joined the Middle Tennessee Performing Arts Company. He would go on to become an award-winning choreographer for the company, winning awards for best choreography in three consecutive years. His award-winning would continue, acquiring awards at many professional intensives, including the Alvin Ailey Award at the Horton Technique Dance Intensive in 2006. Kemmian has danced, choreographed, or worked for some of today’s hottest artists and choreographers which include P Diddy, Jay-Z, John Legend, 112, Sheri Hauck, Toby Mac, Nappytabs, and Wade Robson. He was featured on MTV’s hit television show, “America’s Best Dance Crew” season 4 where he choreographed and danced with select members of his dance company “Southern Movement”. He was most recently seen in the Superbowl LV halftime show, backing artist, The Weeknd. Working as a dancer on the Jay-Z produced film, “The Show”, has also been a highlight in Beard’s career. Over the past 15 years, he has set pieces in multiple genres for many studios throughout the country. After closing his dance studio, The Artist Project, Kemmian now resides in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, while traveling to teach and choreography at multiple studios throughout the region.
De’Tavius Boyd
De’Tavius Boyd is a Memphis native who expressed his love for dance at the age of 4. He grew up mostly teaching himself different elements of street freestyle, such as Popping, Breaking, Waving, Tutting, and Jookin. He would often dance at family gatherings and local community events to impress his family and friends. As a kid, De’Tavius had a desire to join a dance team or anything that would surround him around other dancers and the desire to learn how to choreograph. At the age of 14, De’Tavius joined a dance crew in Memphis called “MTownimage”. With his crew, he learned how to create choreography and perfected his freestyle abilities by battling others. At the age of 16, he booked his first professional job performing at the “Memphis Grizzlies” Halftime Show. Between the age of 14-19, he has traveled the states performing at jamborees, college, NBA games, and even appeared on television being in 3 seasons of “Bring It” as well as a guest on the “Steffon Talk Show”. He began to step in to the “choreographer” field once he returned home from attending college at Alabama A&M. In 2017, he gained leadership over his dance crew. He then would go on to choreograph the next 2 World of Dance shows, as well as leading his crew to win first place at the famous Showtime at the Apollo. De’Tavius would later go on to train with the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Groove Dance Team. He has lead his crew to many awards around the Tennessee region. De’Tavius moved to Nashville to become a better dancer and even better teacher. He took classes in a studio environment to learn proper technique and terms. De’Tavius is a dedicated dancer and Choreographer who pushes others to become a better and person. His style consists of Beginner Hip Hop, Intermediate/Advanced Hip Hop, and Memphis Jookin.
Kenzie Buchanan
Kenzie Buchanan is a 2021 graduate at Dickson County High School where she was on the cheer team for three years. Kenzie also has over 16 years of dancing experience. She is presently on the Middle Tennessee Dance Team (D1A college dance team) and was on the East Tennessee Dance Team (D1 college dance team) for 2 years before transferring to MTSU. She was head coach of Liberty Bell Middle School team in Johnson City. She has choreographed numerous routines for cheer and dance teams over the years. Kenzie is perusing a degree in Health and Human Performance K-12 with a minor in Secondary Education. Besides dancing, Kenzie enjoys all sports and the outdoors. Kenzie is excited to teach and express her love of dance to all of the students.
Rachel Chappell
Rachel Chappell is a native of Franklin and is a Junior at Page High School. She has been dancing for 13 years. She started competing at age 9 and has earned several scholarships and specialty awards. She has also been cheering for 6 years. She has a love for kids and is very active at church in the preschool and children’s program teaching VBS. When she is not cheering or dancing she loves to ride horses. She is so excited to be part of this IDA team.
Rylee Fancher
Rylee Fancher grew up in Spring Hill TN where she began dancing and training in all genres at the age of 5. Rylee began competitively dancing at the age of 9 and continued throughout high school. During her competitive career Rylee won several accolades and scholarships and had the opportunity to perform at the Statue of Liberty, open for the New York City Rockettes and perform at various community events. Rylee’s dance focus is now in ballet, pointe and lyrical/contemporary. Rylee is currently in her senior year at Middle Tennessee State University where she majored in English with a minor in Secondary Education. Rylee will begin pursuing her Masters Degree in January in Organizational Leadership. Rylee also instructs and choreographs in Middle Tennessee and also works as the social media manager for Breathe Dance Convention and travels with Breathe as part of the production team. Rylee loves to share her love for dance with all dancers and enjoys watching them grow and express who they want to be as an artist. Rylee currently resides in Spring Hill TN.
Makenzie Fancher
Makenzie Fancher grew up in Nashville, TN where she began dancing and training in all genres as well as acting in front of the camera from a very young age. After graduating high school, Makenzie attended The American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York where she received her degree in Dance Theatre. Upon her return to Nashville, Makenzie also became certified in all levels of Acro Dance through Acrobatic Arts. She will be an Instructor/Acro Coach. A few of Makenzie’s film and television credits include The Hannah Montana Movie, The Song, Jingle Belle, the ABC series Nashville and the ACM Awards. Makenzie has also appeared in multiple commercials and music videos including Gracie & Joey, Rythmicure, Devon Nickoles, and AJ Wray. Makenzie currently teaches dance at various studios in Middle Tennessee and travels with Breathe Dance Convention. She will share her talent and love of dance with our dancers and inspire them to grow and express who they are. Her mission for her dancers is that they feel confident and encouraged all while having fun and enjoying every moment. Makenzie currently resides in Spring Hill.
Morgan Foote
Morgan Foote is a Sophmore at Eagleville High School. She has been dancing since the age of 2 and competing since the age of 6. Morgan is in her 5th year on Company at The Hargest Academy of Performing Arts where she will be competing and attending conventions. Morgan has been training extensively in many genres from the best of the best in the Nashville market and she is ready to share her training with the students at IDA. Morgan is also a cheerleader with the High School basketball team. You will see Morgan teaching classes as well as assisting Kemmian Beard and our Guest Teachers. Morgan is proud to be assisting Breathe Dance Convention LLC for her 5th year. When Morgan is not dancing she enjoys spending time with her school friends, family and attending youth group and Bible study. She looks forward to getting to know each student and helping them grow.
Caitlyn Knowles
Caitlyn Knowles is a 19 year old, Nashville based artist that began her dance training at 4 years old. At the age of 12 she met her mentor, Kemmian Beard who introduced her to quality industry training and influenced her passion for hip hop, contemporary, improv, and fusion styles. Consecutively attending conventions/competitions around the US while assisting her mentor has allowed diversification in her dance knowledge and movement quality. Signed with FreshTalent group, she has performed and choreographed in numerous live productions as well as working alongside NappyTabs & Dexter Carr through NBC Universal & KAOS Aftermath. Currently attending Belmont University, she teaches weekly open classes at Millennium Dance Complex focusing on the concept of musicality/dynamics through contemporary, isolations, and organic movement. Caitlyn is extremely passionate about seeing others explore their personal movement quality as well as finding originality within choreography.
Joy Denver Spears
Alabama native, Joy Denver Spears started her professional career in 2006, as one of the top 10 female dancers/“TOP 20” on season 2 of the hit FOX reality talent show, So You Think You Can Dance. She then went on to begin her career, as well as receive her Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Journalism from the University of Alabama. Her journey has indeed taken her back and forth, maintaining many different responsibilities and roles, which is something she finds so special to share as she educates. After a successful commercial dance career in Los Angeles, Joy now resides in Nashville where she started her professional choreography career. She served as the Choreographer on the final season of the ABC/CMT TV show, “Nashville” and is now one of the most sought after dancers and choreographers in Music City. Some artists on her roster include; Thomas Rhett, Walker Hayes, Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie & Tae, RaeLynn, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, RaeLynn, Kassi Ashton, Danielle Bradbery, Kelleigh Bannen, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, LoCash, Blanco Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Reba McEntire, Dierks Bentley(as well as Hot Country Knights), Madeline Edwards, Tenille Arts, Lauren Alaina, Chris Lane, Lee Brice, Little Big Town, Lucie Silvas, Tyler Hubbard, Leslie Jordan and many more including “Mister Worldwide”, Pitbull. As a performer, Joy has also danced alongside artists such as Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Paula Abdul, Pharrell, Pitbull, Will.i.am, Fall Out Boy, Kat Graham, Priyanka Chopra. As of 2023, Joy is now represented by United Talent Agency (as well as Fresh Talent Group Nashville & Independent Artist Ent Los Angeles), with many exciting new ventures coming up. She teaches weekly at Millennium Dance Complex Nashville, as well as several other studios local and nationwide.
Chloe Wiest
Chloe will be subbing and teaching Open classes with us. You will not want to miss the chance to learn from her high energy and experience as a competitive dancer. Chloe was born and raised in Middle TN where she began competitive dancing at the age of 3. During her time as a competitive dancer, she has won several accolades and scholarships and had the opportunity to assist for many well known choreographers. Chloe is currently on the competitive team for Spotlite Dance Studio in Murfreesboro, TN . She has been trained in almost every genre of dance including ballet, jazz, jazz funk, contemporary, ballroom and hip hop. When Chloe is not dancing, she enjoys spending time with her school friends, family and attending Youth Group.
Mackenzie Weber
Inspire Dance Academy will have Guest teachers on Saturdays!
Our first guest instructor will be
Jessica NeShay
Jessica NeShay will be joining us on September 23 and September 30. You will also get to meet Jessica at Open house on September 9th. Jessica Neshay is a professional dancer, choreographer, and creative director from Nashville, TN. At the age of four, Jessica discovered her passion for dance. From dancing in church, training under Latoya Bennett-Brown, and leading The Ignite Dance Team, Formerly known as The 629 Dance Team of Belmont University where she served as Dance Captain and President for three years, she has taken that passion and turned it into not only a brand for herself, but a lifestyle. Jessica was blessed to have her first professional dance gig at the age of ten where she performed at an album release party for country music singer, Garth Brooks. Since 2016, Jessica has worked alongside artists like Lizzo, rapper Young Buck, Willie Jones, Leslie Jordan, LOCASH, Blanco Brown, Devon Gilfillian, Bailey Bryan, Shy Carter, Big & Rich, Raelynn etc. Along with making her name in the dance industry, in 2019, Jessica founded Chapters By Jessica Neshay’, a brand geared towards aiding all women and men, young or old, in finding and navigating the chapters of life through dance! Jessica Neshay graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship in 2020. She is now teaching and training weekly at Millennium Dance Complex Nashville as well as Roots Academy. Jessica also travels domestically and internationally hosting workshops and teaching masterclasses, primarily hip-hop and heels performance and technique, while continuing to mold herself as a choreographer and dancer in the industry! Follow her on Instagram @JessicaNeshay_ and subscribe to her YouTube channel (Jessica Neshay) to see more of her journey.
Inspire Dance Academy will also offer fitness classes for all ages!
Gabby Sanchez
Gabriela Sanchez has been a group fitness instructor since 2017. She is certified in Zumba, Zumba Step, Strong Nation, Zumba kids, Mobility and personal coaching. Gabby is also a recipient of the Strong Nation “Inspiration Award” at the 2022 international convention. Her passion is sharing her energy and experience to motivate people and help them reach their fitness goals to achieve a healthier lifestyle. She approaches this by showing others that exercise doesn’t have to be boring or intimidating. Gabby takes pride in helping her clients establish self-discipline to reach their full potential.
Adriana Merino
