MEET OUR TEAM

Kelly Perry

STUDIO OWNER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Kelly Perry, ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, modern, and liturgical instructor, is a native of Newland, NC. She received her early dance training from The Dance Center, Cindy Beers Ballet Studio, Northwestern Studios, Appalachian Dance Theatre, and SG Ballet. As a dual-enrolled high school student, she also studied ballet, modern, and jazz at Appalachian State University. In addition, Kelly received training at the Ballet Magnificat! Summer Dance Intensive and Teacher's Workshop in Jackson, MS, and at the Mediterranean Dance Festival, an international dance event instructed by world-renowned masters and choreographers in Reggio Calabria, Italy. As a performer, Kelly danced competitively with the ADT Studio Stars and performed many roles in The Nutcracker with the High Country Youth Ballet, including the roles of "Snow Queen" and "Sugar Plum Fairy". She also performed with SHINE Worship Dance Ensemble and as a College Apprentice with the Professional Contemporary Dance Company SG Dance Theatre. Kelly's passion for teaching dance began in high school when she first started teaching ballet classes in her family's small home dance studio. After graduating from high school, she spent two years as a teacher and choreographer at Appalachian Dance Theatre. While in college, she continued teaching dance at G3 America in Margate, FL. In 2019, Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Pedagogy with a minor in Education from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Katryn Pippert

INSTRUCTOR
Katryn Pippert has studied dance for 15 years. She received her training from The Dance Center, Appalachian Dance Theatre, and Blue Ridge Performing Arts Academy. During her time as a student, Katryn enjoyed learning many forms of dance, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, and contemporary. In 2023, Katryn joined BRPAA as a Pre-Ballet instructor. She currently instructs and choreographs for BRPAA's Liturgical program. Katryn is thankful for the opportunity to be involved with dance at BRPAA and hopes to inspire young dancers to keep dancing and fall in love with it like she has.

Elleigh Grindstaff

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TEACHER ASSISTANT
Elleigh Grindstaff, from Avery County, began dancing at the age of 5.  She has studied many styles of dance, including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, liturgical, and hip hop.  Elleigh began her dance training at Appalachian Dance Theatre.  She is currently a student at Blue Ridge Performing Arts Academy and is on the Dance Team for BRPAA.  She is excited for her upcoming role as Clara in the 2025 presentation of The Nutcracker with the High Country Youth Ballet.  Elleigh enjoys helping the younger dancers and sharing her love for dance. ​

Tasha Dellinger

TEACHER ASSISTANT
​Tasha Dellinger, from Avery County, began dancing at the age of 3 and has studied many styles of dance, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, modern, liturgical, and hip hop. Tasha received her early dance training from The Dance Center and Appalachian Dance Theatre, where she performed many roles in The Nutcracker with the High Country Youth Ballet and danced competitively with the ADT Studio Stars. Tasha is currently a student at Blue Ridge Performing Arts Academy and is very excited to share her love and passion for dance with her students and inspire them to do their very best!  Tasha is also a singer/songwriter, and her debut single “When Waters Rise" is now available on digital streaming platforms. 
​www.tashaannmusic.com 

Karen Magner

PIANO & VOCAL INSTRUCTOR
As a former educator with over 30 years of experience, Karen has guided students of all ages through the world of learning, specializing in music education. A graduate of Appalachian State University with a Master's in Music Education, her expertise extends beyond the music classroom through certification and teaching in additional educational fields. Leveraging years of experience in the classroom, Karen currently serves as the Music Director at the First Baptist Church of Newland and offers private piano and voice instruction at Blue Ridge Performing Arts Academy. 
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Melissa Sluder

RECEPTIONIST
Melissa Sluder began dancing at the age of 8 at The Dance Center in Spruce Pine, where she trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and lyrical. She was a competitive dancer with The Mountain Moving Company Senior Competition Team and performed many roles in The Nutcracker with the High Country Youth Ballet, including the role of "Ballerina Doll." Melissa joined the BRPAA family when the studio opened in 2020, and she is always available when and where she is needed, whether it's helping at a parade, assisting a class, or greeting visitors when they walk through the door. 

Karen Perry

OFFICE MANAGER
Karen Perry, originally from Central Florida, has lived in Western NC for the past 40 years. She received an associates degree in secretarial science from Brevard College and furthered her studies in Business Administration at Ball State University. After a career as a corporate secretary, she retired to become a stay-at-home mom to her three children, Mitchel, Casey, and Kelly. The years spent as a soccer, basketball, karate, softball, dance, music, and homeschool mom were some of the happiest and most rewarding years of her life. With a little persuasion, Karen has agreed to come out of retirement and is very excited to be working with her daughter, Kelly, as the office manager for Blue Ridge Performing Arts Academy.