...It begins with a single step
404-622-2585 Email:Info@journeyartscenter.org
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Meet Our Teachers
This Atlanta transplant is originally from Detroit, Michigan; which is where
Samara Michelle was initially introduced to dance. Samara became
immersed in the arts at a young age studying Ballet, Jazz, Modern, African
and Hip hop at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy. After years of studying
dance with Detroit-Windsor she became a performing member of the Detroit
Windsor Second Dance Company as well as the Cass Tech Dance
Workshop.
After moving to Atlanta to continue her studies, Samara went on to receive
a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education at Clark Atlanta
University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia
State University. Samara Michelle has traveled across that country
performing. She has been honored at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival for
her choreography, performed in the All City Dance concerts across
Michigan, toured at the Music Hall and has been featured at Cobo Hall
performing for the annual Toys for Tots program.
Samara’s passion for youth and dance inspired her to direct Journey
Performing Arts Center. Her vision is to make Journey a permanent fixture
in the Atlanta Community. You can find Samara in a local dance studio,
spending time with her turtles Red and Jazzy or out and about enjoying
Atlanta’s night life in her spare time.
Samara Michelle was initially introduced to dance. Samara became
immersed in the arts at a young age studying Ballet, Jazz, Modern, African
and Hip hop at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy. After years of studying
dance with Detroit-Windsor she became a performing member of the Detroit
Windsor Second Dance Company as well as the Cass Tech Dance
Workshop.
After moving to Atlanta to continue her studies, Samara went on to receive
a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education at Clark Atlanta
University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia
State University. Samara Michelle has traveled across that country
performing. She has been honored at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival for
her choreography, performed in the All City Dance concerts across
Michigan, toured at the Music Hall and has been featured at Cobo Hall
performing for the annual Toys for Tots program.
Samara’s passion for youth and dance inspired her to direct Journey
Performing Arts Center. Her vision is to make Journey a permanent fixture
in the Atlanta Community. You can find Samara in a local dance studio,
spending time with her turtles Red and Jazzy or out and about enjoying
Atlanta’s night life in her spare time.
| Samara Michelle |
Chanel Marshall is from Buffalo, NY but has lived in Atlanta for several
years. She is a recent graduate of Georgia State University with dual
degrees in Psychology and Sociology, and currently works on research in
the field of African American Studies. She began dancing at the age of 3
and hasn’t stopped yet! She is trained in Salsa Casino Rueda, ballet, tap,
jazz and modern. Through the years, she has performed for many
organizations and churches throughout the country. She has enjoyed
membership in the Simply Dancing Elite Company, Georgia State University
Dance Team ( Da Paw C), and the Salem Missionary Baptist Church
Women’s Dance Ministry. Presently Chanel is a Joyleapers Member/
Choreographer at Salem Missionary Baptist Church . She also enjoys
teaching beginner and intermediate salsa at KADTS Ballroom Dance Club,
Inc.In addition to dancing and teaching she also enjoys choreography. Her
most recent work was displayed at Jack and Jill of America’s 2006
Beautillion Militaire. She feels blessed to be a part of Journey and its
mission! In her spare time, Chanel enjoys reading, sewing, traveling, and
relaxing!
years. She is a recent graduate of Georgia State University with dual
degrees in Psychology and Sociology, and currently works on research in
the field of African American Studies. She began dancing at the age of 3
and hasn’t stopped yet! She is trained in Salsa Casino Rueda, ballet, tap,
jazz and modern. Through the years, she has performed for many
organizations and churches throughout the country. She has enjoyed
membership in the Simply Dancing Elite Company, Georgia State University
Dance Team ( Da Paw C), and the Salem Missionary Baptist Church
Women’s Dance Ministry. Presently Chanel is a Joyleapers Member/
Choreographer at Salem Missionary Baptist Church . She also enjoys
teaching beginner and intermediate salsa at KADTS Ballroom Dance Club,
Inc.In addition to dancing and teaching she also enjoys choreography. Her
most recent work was displayed at Jack and Jill of America’s 2006
Beautillion Militaire. She feels blessed to be a part of Journey and its
mission! In her spare time, Chanel enjoys reading, sewing, traveling, and
relaxing!
| Chanel |
| Liz |
| Journey Performing Arts Center, Inc Georgia 501(c) (3) Tax Exempt Corporation |
| Micki |
Elizabeth Dillon was born and raised in Roswell, Georgia; as a young girl she
dreamed of participating in the arts and dance. At the age of seven her family was
struck with tragedy when her eldest brother was murdered. At the funeral she was
introduced to a platonic friend of his, who later on came to be her very first dance
teacher. From that point on her passion for dance was birthed. She has
participated in several dance ensembles ranging from step, to ballet, to liturgical
dance. She has traveled to six different countries dancing including Kenya,
Uganda, and Italy. Elizabeth has been dancing for eleven years now and teaching
for four. Her specialized area is Liturgical dance. Elizabeth believes liturgical dance
is not just a form of worship for Christians but also a form of dance connected to
African roots dealing with spirituality and movement of the body. Elizabeth’s goal as
a teacher is to educate students on the technical, spiritual and emotional aspects
of liturgical dancing, by incorporating ballet, African and lyrical dancing to create a
style of dance unique to her.
dreamed of participating in the arts and dance. At the age of seven her family was
struck with tragedy when her eldest brother was murdered. At the funeral she was
introduced to a platonic friend of his, who later on came to be her very first dance
teacher. From that point on her passion for dance was birthed. She has
participated in several dance ensembles ranging from step, to ballet, to liturgical
dance. She has traveled to six different countries dancing including Kenya,
Uganda, and Italy. Elizabeth has been dancing for eleven years now and teaching
for four. Her specialized area is Liturgical dance. Elizabeth believes liturgical dance
is not just a form of worship for Christians but also a form of dance connected to
African roots dealing with spirituality and movement of the body. Elizabeth’s goal as
a teacher is to educate students on the technical, spiritual and emotional aspects
of liturgical dancing, by incorporating ballet, African and lyrical dancing to create a
style of dance unique to her.
Micki is an Arts Administrator and founder of 4InnerSol Group. She is also a
director, actress, and singer; a triple threat is what she is called. She has been
in the arts and entertainment industry for 13 years. She has been blessed with
the awesome opportunity to work with high profile clientele which includes but
not limited to; celebrities, artists, athletes, and mega ministries. She provided
services in arts administration, contract negotiations, booking talent, travel
coordination, conference and event management, marketing and promotions
and stage and tour management. Some of her clientele includes: Diahann
Carroll, Debbie Allen, Malik Yoba, Stephanie Mills, Darryl Coley, Bishop T.D
Jakes, Kirk Franklin, Dr. Chris and Regina Spellmon, Stephen Baldwin, and
George Faison just to name a few. She has a passion for arts and
entertainment, and believes that art is the essence of life. I believe the arts
have a way of setting social standards, trends and practices for the people. We
move and react by the rhythmic beats of life, and it is essential that the events
that we partake in leave positive effect on our lives. My mission is to provide
positive events and artistic outlets that will allow an individual to make their
dreams come true.
director, actress, and singer; a triple threat is what she is called. She has been
in the arts and entertainment industry for 13 years. She has been blessed with
the awesome opportunity to work with high profile clientele which includes but
not limited to; celebrities, artists, athletes, and mega ministries. She provided
services in arts administration, contract negotiations, booking talent, travel
coordination, conference and event management, marketing and promotions
and stage and tour management. Some of her clientele includes: Diahann
Carroll, Debbie Allen, Malik Yoba, Stephanie Mills, Darryl Coley, Bishop T.D
Jakes, Kirk Franklin, Dr. Chris and Regina Spellmon, Stephen Baldwin, and
George Faison just to name a few. She has a passion for arts and
entertainment, and believes that art is the essence of life. I believe the arts
have a way of setting social standards, trends and practices for the people. We
move and react by the rhythmic beats of life, and it is essential that the events
that we partake in leave positive effect on our lives. My mission is to provide
positive events and artistic outlets that will allow an individual to make their
dreams come true.
| J.R. |
Johnathan Ramon Harper was born the second child of three to Theodore and Rosetta
Harper on December 13, 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia. At an early age Johnathan displayed
an interest in drama, singing, acting. and karate. All through-out his early childhood years,
he was involved in many drama and acting performances such as singing in several
different church choirs, acted in plays and even directed his own talent show while
performing as a singer and dancer before he was 15 years old. Johnathan liked to dance
and do karate moves he had seen on TV and it was obvious that he had a special talent
for drama and anything associated with it. His passion for dancing lead him to become the
lead dancer for M3 Dance Company.
At the age of 15, Johnathan met Master Percy Brown while playing basketball at a local
YMCA. Master Brown invited him to the martial art class he was teaching at the YMCA.
Johnathan immediately saw the connection between martial arts and dancing and became
extremely interested in developing himself as a true martial artist as he saw it as a way to
positively better himself. He joined Master Brown's school in 2000 and never regretted it.
At the age of 18, Johnathan had earned his 1st Dan Black Belt and had won numerous
trophies and medals at tournaments and demonstrations he participated in and soon
began to assist Master Brown as an assistant instructor of Tang Soo Do. At the age of 20,
Johnathan had earned his 2nd Dan Black Belt under Master Brown.
Johnathan is currently pursuing a comedy career to compliment his acting, dancing, and
martial art skills and one day will be a well known personality.
Harper on December 13, 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia. At an early age Johnathan displayed
an interest in drama, singing, acting. and karate. All through-out his early childhood years,
he was involved in many drama and acting performances such as singing in several
different church choirs, acted in plays and even directed his own talent show while
performing as a singer and dancer before he was 15 years old. Johnathan liked to dance
and do karate moves he had seen on TV and it was obvious that he had a special talent
for drama and anything associated with it. His passion for dancing lead him to become the
lead dancer for M3 Dance Company.
At the age of 15, Johnathan met Master Percy Brown while playing basketball at a local
YMCA. Master Brown invited him to the martial art class he was teaching at the YMCA.
Johnathan immediately saw the connection between martial arts and dancing and became
extremely interested in developing himself as a true martial artist as he saw it as a way to
positively better himself. He joined Master Brown's school in 2000 and never regretted it.
At the age of 18, Johnathan had earned his 1st Dan Black Belt and had won numerous
trophies and medals at tournaments and demonstrations he participated in and soon
began to assist Master Brown as an assistant instructor of Tang Soo Do. At the age of 20,
Johnathan had earned his 2nd Dan Black Belt under Master Brown.
Johnathan is currently pursuing a comedy career to compliment his acting, dancing, and
martial art skills and one day will be a well known personality.
Brandeis “Nilaja” Green found her passion for dance as well as other creative arts at an
early age in Brooklyn, New York and began formal training in high school. Her primary
training consisted of modern technique, including Graham, Dunham and Horton styles.
Nilaja has also studied ballet, hip-hop, jazz, liturgical and various forms of African dance.
Affiliations have included a co-directorship and performing member of Black Movements
Dance Theatre in Washington D.C, JNB Dance Productions in Johannesburg, South
Africa, TV appearances, performances at the International Festival of Modern Dance,
Johannesburg, performances in The National Black Arts Festival and others. She has
worked with nationally known choreographers from companies such as Philadanco and
Alvin Ailey American dance theatre as well as engaged in choreographic feats of her own.
Nilaja currently ensures that dance occupies a significant place in her life in addition to
her graduate studies in psychology as for her; dance speaks to and for her soul. She is
currently a performing member with several local Atlanta dance companies, including
Journey Dance Company, where she teaches and is also involved in setting a new
choreographic work for the company. Recent appearances have included the National
Black Arts Festival, Savannah Gullah Festival, and Casual Cal’s Big Top Circus. She has
also performed with Journey at the Independent Black Film Awards ceremony, their
annual concerts, Auburn Avenue Festival, as well as various school and other
appearances. Nilaja is very excited to be a performing member of the Journey Dance
Company as a part of the Journey Performing Arts Center because in addition to
performing, community outreach is essential to her life’s purpose.
early age in Brooklyn, New York and began formal training in high school. Her primary
training consisted of modern technique, including Graham, Dunham and Horton styles.
Nilaja has also studied ballet, hip-hop, jazz, liturgical and various forms of African dance.
Affiliations have included a co-directorship and performing member of Black Movements
Dance Theatre in Washington D.C, JNB Dance Productions in Johannesburg, South
Africa, TV appearances, performances at the International Festival of Modern Dance,
Johannesburg, performances in The National Black Arts Festival and others. She has
worked with nationally known choreographers from companies such as Philadanco and
Alvin Ailey American dance theatre as well as engaged in choreographic feats of her own.
Nilaja currently ensures that dance occupies a significant place in her life in addition to
her graduate studies in psychology as for her; dance speaks to and for her soul. She is
currently a performing member with several local Atlanta dance companies, including
Journey Dance Company, where she teaches and is also involved in setting a new
choreographic work for the company. Recent appearances have included the National
Black Arts Festival, Savannah Gullah Festival, and Casual Cal’s Big Top Circus. She has
also performed with Journey at the Independent Black Film Awards ceremony, their
annual concerts, Auburn Avenue Festival, as well as various school and other
appearances. Nilaja is very excited to be a performing member of the Journey Dance
Company as a part of the Journey Performing Arts Center because in addition to
performing, community outreach is essential to her life’s purpose.
| Nilaja |
| Meet Our Staff |
Danielle Elliott is the business manager for Journey Performing Arts Center.
Growing up in Detroit dancing was her life. It all started at the young age of 2. At
the age of 6 she began dancing at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy. Danielle was
a member of the Detroit Windsor Jr Dance Company and has performed at the
Fox Theatre, Music Hall, Cobo Hall in Detroit, various venues throughout Michigan
and in Bermuda. She continued her dance training until going away to school in
Atlanta. She attended Clark Atlanta University majoring in Criminal Justice. After
school she worked many years in the banking industry. Over the years she
became discouraged with corporate America and went back to her roots, her love;
the Arts. Danielle really enjoys working and growing with Journey.
Growing up in Detroit dancing was her life. It all started at the young age of 2. At
the age of 6 she began dancing at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy. Danielle was
a member of the Detroit Windsor Jr Dance Company and has performed at the
Fox Theatre, Music Hall, Cobo Hall in Detroit, various venues throughout Michigan
and in Bermuda. She continued her dance training until going away to school in
Atlanta. She attended Clark Atlanta University majoring in Criminal Justice. After
school she worked many years in the banking industry. Over the years she
became discouraged with corporate America and went back to her roots, her love;
the Arts. Danielle really enjoys working and growing with Journey.
| Danielle Executive Director |
Rhea Dawkins is a Cincinnati, Ohio native. She is currently attending Clark Atlanta
University with a major in Business and a concentration in Management. As a
second year college student, Rhea stays active in campus life and is a proud
member of the Woman's Leadership Council and Pre-Alumni Council. Although her
concentration in school relates to business, she has a love for theatre and over a
decade of experience in that arena. Pursuing a Bachelor's of Arts degree in
Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University, she plan’s to own her own
theatre company one day.
University with a major in Business and a concentration in Management. As a
second year college student, Rhea stays active in campus life and is a proud
member of the Woman's Leadership Council and Pre-Alumni Council. Although her
concentration in school relates to business, she has a love for theatre and over a
decade of experience in that arena. Pursuing a Bachelor's of Arts degree in
Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University, she plan’s to own her own
theatre company one day.
| Rhea Asst Business Manager |
