mEET OUR team!
Meet the dedicated individuals who make Express Yourself Dance Academy a place where dancers of all ages can thrive and grow!
Brittni Rea
Grace Byars, Born and raised in Lexington, KY, began her ballet training at Bluegrass Youth Ballet under the direction of Adalhi Aranda.
She has attended summer programs such as Cincinnati Ballet, Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts, American Ballet Theatre's Collegiate Summer Intensive, Alonzo King LINES Ballet and Newport Contemporary Ballet’s (formerly Island Moving Company) summer dance intensive.
She holds a BA in Dance and Spanish from Goucher College where she performed works by Jessica Lang, Karole Arimtage, Iyun Ashani Harrison, and Elizabeth Ahearn. She also got the opportunity to study and dance in Córdoba, Argentina during her time in school. Currently, Grace is in her fifth season with Newport Contemporary Ballet.
Owner/Director
Brittni Rea is a passionate, experienced dance instructor who whole heartedly embraces the art of movement and expression through dance. With over 30 years of dancing experiencestarting at the early age of three, Brittni has immersed herself in the world of dance, both on stage and behind the scenes with stage and costume design creations. Over the past 14 years, Brittni has dedicated herself to teaching dance, with a love for inspiring dancers of all ages to embrace their unique artistic creativity.
Brittni's personal and professional background in competitive and non-competitive dance venues has shaped her into a well-rounded dance instructor. Using her humble experiences she has had through her own competitive dancing, introducing dance in the public school system, receiving choreography awards, and watching her students’ excitement receiving overall placements at regional and national competitions, has set the stage to guideher students to feel confident in achieving their own success. Her diverse skill set includes training in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, hip hop, and ballroom dance styles. Working with all age groups from toddlers to adults has been an added resource for Brittni to ensure everydancer finds their niche.
Brittni believes in nurturing creativity from the youngest ageand has enjoyed obtaining her certifications in toddler/preschool dance, as well as primary and elementary ballet. As a strong advocate for mental health in the dance community, she is looking forward to beginning her certification in mental health and dance through the NDEO. The driving forces for her teaching philosophy are her deep appreciation for the art of dance; combining the importance of technical proficiency; and creating a fun, all-inclusive dance environment where dancers can be themselves and let their creativity take center stage.
Brittni is excited to share her vision for Express Yourself Dance Academy where every step tells a story, and every dancer is encouraged to explore their individual artistry, discover their interests, and share their passion with the world!
Charlotte Linehan, a Massachusetts resident and Georgia native, has over 20 years of experience in the dance field.
She is a Dance Educators of America certified instructor, a Best Choreography recipient at multiple competitions, and an ECE certified childcare teacher. Trained in all styles of dance, Charlotte is most proficient in Tap, Jazz, and Musical Theatre and she has worked with and learned from many world renowned choreographers in these fields such as Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, and Chloe Arnold.
A daycare director by day and dance teacher by night, Charlotte thrives on fostering a healthy relationship and a love of hobbies within her students. She is so thankful to be joining the Express Yourself Dance Academy team and wants her students to feel welcome with her!
Grace Byars
Ballet / technique
Charlotte Linehan
Tap / musical theatre / acro
Charlotte Linehan, a Massachusetts resident and Georgia native, has over 20 years of experience in the dance field. She is a Dance Educators of America certified instructor, a Best Choreography recipient at multiple competitions, and an ECE certified childcare teacher. Trained in all styles of dance, Charlotte is most proficient in Tap, Jazz, and Musical Theatre and she has worked with and learned from many world renowned choreographers in these fields such as Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, and Chloe Arnold.
A daycare director by day and dance teacher by night, Charlotte thrives on fostering a healthy relationship and a love of hobbies within her students. She is so thankful to be joining the Express Yourself Dance Academy team and wants her students to feel welcome with her!