Faculty
Thank you for considering Martinez-Evans Dance Studio! This is our 25th year and we look forward to sharing it with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or drop by and visit us.
| Mrs. Jamie Lee Allen is the Director, Owner and Senior Instructor of Martinez Evans Dance Academy where
she teaches ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop to children of all ages and ballroom dance lessons to adults
ages 18 and above. She began her dance career as a young girl when she was awarded a dance scholarship to Tremaine
Dance Studio in North Hollywood, CA. Jamie studied dance with world renowned dancers until the age of 18. At the
age of 18, she began her professional ballroom dance career with Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Studio in Augusta, GA,
Greenville, SC and Louisville, KY. During Jamie's tenure as a ballroom and traditional dance instructor, she has
competed and won many national, regional and local dance competitions with her students as well as on a professional level.
Mr. Brent Allen is the Director, Owner and Ballroom and Latin Instructor where he teaches group and private ballroom dance lessons for adults ages 18 and above. He began his professional teaching career with Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Studio in Augusta, GA in March, 1990. In 2000, Brent opened his studio, Steppin' in Time Ballroom Dance Studio, located in Louisville, KY which he operated for 4 years. In 2004, Brent moved back to Augusta where he calls home. During his 20 years as a ballroom dance instructor, he has competed and won many national, regional and local ballroom dance competitions with his students as well as on a professional level. They are certified by the National Dance Council through Gold Level and are active members of the United States Ballroom Dance Association (USBDA). Mrs. Jamie Lee Allen and Mr. Brent Allen reside in Columbia County and they are the proud parents of 6 children, 5 boys and 1 girl whose ages range from 7 years to 17 years |
 Jamie Lee (Director) |
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April founded Martinez-Evans Dance Studio May 1985. She was owner and director for 24 years. This past summer Mrs. April retired and past on the baton to Mrs. Jamie Lee Allen. Mrs. Jamie was one of Mrs. April's very first students in 1985. After Mrs. Jamie completed 10 years as a competition team dancer, assistant teacher and teacher, she and Mrs. April remained close friends throughout the years. Mrs. Jamie continued her dancing career and incorporated Ballroom Dance into her life. Mrs. April is honored and proud that the studio will continue to educate children in the Art of Dance, as she so invisioned 24 years ago. Mrs. April will be a consultant for Martinez Evans Dance Academy over the next two years. April is married to Mike Hartsell. They lovingly share the joy of their grown children, Jason Storm, Kelly Storm and Nathan Hartsell. Kelly is currently pursuing his PhD in Computer Science, Business and Cognitive Psychology at The University of Gerogia while managing his own LLC, Black Box Operations. He is also the webdesigner and webmaster for Martinez Evans Dance Academy. April and Mike are also the proud parents of their maltesee baby, Miss Dakota Snow. |
| Julie started with our studio at the age of 5 and was a member of our Performing Competition Team, she is the proud of James Smith. She is beginning her 11th year as a full time teacher. Julie graduated from A.S.U. in May of 2005 with her Business Degree. Julie's unique style of Clogging and Jazz choreography made our Competition Team National Champions 2005-2009. Julie is our Competition Team coach and has led our team to numerous wins in every competition. |  |
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Mrs. Jackie Prentice McKinney graduated from Columbia University. Her major was dance and she excelled in Ballet. She was one of the principal dancers for Augusta Ballet for several years. She was the Sugar
Plum Fairy & Bo Peep just a couple of many major roles.
She will be teaching Level 6, 7 & 8 Ballet & Pointe. Jackie is married to Mr. Troy McKinney, former principal male dancer at Augusta Ballet and have two beautiful daughters Emma and Abby. Mrs. Jackie and Troy are expecting their third child next spring! |
| Sarah began her dance career at Martinez Evans Dance Academy at the age of 7 and was a Competition Team member for several years. Sarah graduated from A.S.U. May 2008 with her degree in Education. She is a school teacher at Riverside Elementary school this fall. This will be Sarah's 7th year teaching our Saturday preschoolers and beginner Tap. |  |
| Rachel is beginning her fifth year of teaching at the Martinez-Evans Dance Studio. Rachel was a student and Competition Team member for several years. She has performed in various community plays and operas. She toured and performed in Italy, May of 2006, with the Columbia College Choir. She is currently a student at A.S.U. pursuing her degree in Music Education. Rachel will be teaching Preschool on weekdays, and level 1 Tap and Jazz. She is the proud wife of Stephen Greene. |  Rachel Greene ( Preschool, Jazz & Ballet ) |