ABOUT
IGNITE DANCE
Ignite Dance Productions is a vibrant dance and theater training program dedicated to teaching valuable life lessons such as teamwork, adaptability, and bravery through technically sound classes in a fun and safe environment. Our mission is to build individuals up by fostering personal growth and confidence through the performing arts. We offer classes for all ages, from infants to adults, in a variety of dance and theater styles. Our unique mobile program brings the arts directly to your location, making them more accessible and less intimidating. Additionally, we offer studio classes for supplemental training and performance opportunities, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for every student.
All of our instructors are rigorously background checked and CPR/First Aid certified for your peace of mind. We strive to provide the best possible experience and care for all of our students.
MEET THE OWNER
Meghan, a native of North Carolina, embarked on her dance journey at very young age. With a rich background in competitive dance, she had the privilege of learning from renowned choreographers across the U.S. Her early experiences include performances at dance festivals, college football and basketball games, and even Disney. Meghan continued to pursue her passion throughout college, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and dramatic arts from UNC Chapel Hill.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Meghan is dedicated to nurturing both recreational and professionally minded dance and theater students. Her extensive training spans ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acrobatics, musical theater, modern, lyrical, and contemporary dance. In 2024, she completed the prestigious Teacher Training Workshop at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, further enriching her expertise.
Meghan is passionate about creating a classroom environment that inspires students to challenge themselves, grow as artists, and develop a deep appreciation for the arts. Whether you're just starting out or aiming for a professional career, Meghan is committed to guiding you on your performing arts journey.
Meghan Chaney
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Miss Kay | Lead Instructor
Kaylyn Taylor attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Studies with a minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. She has taught and choreographed for several dance schools in the Piedmont-Triad area as well as Charleston, SC. She has also worked closely with her alma mater high school, Weaver Academy Performing and Visual Arts High School, teaching master classes and adjudicating auditions. While living in Greensboro, she danced professionally with the High Point Ballet. Kaylyn is very excited to be celebrating 15 years of teaching dance this year.
Miss Annie
Annie Ruiz Diaz, born in Matanzas, Cuba, began her ballet studies at the Vocational School of Art Alfonso Perez Isaac. She continued to refine her ballet training, performing internationally in Mexico and Canada, and won a silver medal at the 9th International Ballet Competition in Havana. In 2006, Annie became a professional dancer and teacher, performing major roles in classical pieces such as Le Corsaire, Don Quixote, Diana and Actaeon, Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, and La Fille Mal Gardée.
Annie joined the National Ballet of Cuba in 2006 under the direction of the legendary Alicia Alonso, and in 2009 was promoted to Soloist. Over her eight-year career with the company, she not only excelled in the corps de ballet of major classical works but also led roles in ballets such as The Nutcracker, Four Swans, Paquita, Giselle’s Friends, and Munecosand Rara Avis, choreographed by the renowned Alberto Méndez. She performed internationally in countries including Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.
In 2013, Annie was invited to dance as a principal guest artist with the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami. She then joined Ballet Concierto of Puerto Rico in 2014 as a principal dancer. Shortly after she became a soloist with Columbia City Ballet. Annie is also a certified instructor from the National Ballet School of Havana under the guidance of Ramona de Saá. Annie has experience teaching students ages 3 to 18 in various techniques and styles, including Cuban Ballet Technique, Royal Academy, Vaganova, classical repertoire, pointe technique, Pilates, fitness and conditioning, and pas de deux.
Miss Emily
Emily Kissam is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Emily has had extensive dance training since her youth as a competitive dancer in a myriad of styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, modern, musical theater, contemporary, lyrical, and acrobatics. She has years of experience not only as a dancer, but also as a dance teacher, working with young dancers across all ages and abilities. Emily is currently working with Baran Dance as a member of their intern company. Believing that all students have the potential to achieve their own definition of success, it is Emily’s passion to support and inspire young artists across the Charlotte community and to foster her students’ growth and love for dance.
Miss Channing
Channing Dayton is a dancer and choreographer based in Charlotte, NC. She attended East Carolina University where she graduated summa cum laude with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography in December of 2024. Channing was recently awarded an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity grant, where she choreographed an evening length work exploring how physical trauma changes the brain and body. She has performed in many student and faculty works at ECU, and served as an intern where she connected with past alumni. Channing has also performed in festivals such as Detroit City Dance Festival and Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, as well as with Baran Dance Company and The MARK Dance Company. She most recently performed in an American Dance Festival Footprints piece choreographed by David Dorfman, and was selected as the student choreographer for ECU’s Fall Dance 2024 Faculty Concert . She plans to pursue a future of dancing in a contemporary company and setting her own choreographic works.
OUR ADMIN TEAM
Rachel Askew | Marketing Director
Rachel handles all marketing including our website, social media, print media, and other communication. Rachel has a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2015.