Tammy Longworth

Studio Owner/Director

Center Stage is more than just a dance studio—it’s the lifelong dream of our studio director, Tammy Longworth. At just 16, Tammy knew she wanted to open a space where dancers of all ages could create, achieve, and explore through the art of dance. With the support of her mom and co-owner, Beckie Harding, Center Stage was born in 1983 in Waynesville, OH and later made its home in Springboro.

Tammy’s passion for dance has taken her far—she performed in the prestigious Hula Bowl, was accepted to both Juilliard and the University of Hawaii for dance, and ultimately followed her heart to the University of Dayton, where she got her degree in education. Today, she brings that strong foundation in education into every class at Center Stage.

Fun fact: Tammy is a Springboro alum and was the captain of the Pantherettes dance team in high school! Now, she’s come full circle—leading the next generation of dancers right here in the heart of Springboro at the Performing Arts Center.

Center Stage is proudly locally owned and operated, and we’re honored to continue Tammy’s legacy of passion, excellence, and community through dance.

Beckie Harding

Studio Co-Owner/ Business Manager

Beckie Harding has been the heart and steady hand behind Center Stage Academy of the Arts since day one. As the proud mother of founder Tammy Longworth, Beckie believed in Tammy’s dream of opening a dance studio at just 16 years old—and has been by her side every step of the way.

In her role as co-owner and business manager, Beckie keeps the studio running smoothly while making sure every dancer feels valued and supported. You’ll often find her in the office with a warm smile, greeting families, answering questions, and making everyone feel right at home. At performances, she’s the one beaming from the audience, cheering on every dancer as if they were her own.

Beckie’s dedication, kindness, and unwavering support have helped shape Center Stage into the welcoming, family-oriented studio it is today.

Kelsei Edwards

Lead Dance Instructor/ Social Media Manager

Kelsei Edwards has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of two. As the daughter of Center Stage founder Tammy Longworth, she quite literally grew up in the studio, developing her skills and passion for the art form from an early age. A former member of the Center Stage Competition Team, Kelsei earned numerous local and national awards for her performances before stepping into the role of instructor over 15 years ago.

Throughout her teaching career, Kelsei has trained dancers from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have gone on to perform with collegiate dance teams and pursue degrees in the performing arts. Her creative choreography has earned multiple choreography and entertainment awards, but her greatest joy comes from serving as both a teacher and mentor—guiding the next generation of dancers to grow in skill, confidence, and character.

Kelsei holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Tennessee. Outside of her corporate job, she enjoys spending time with her family, powerlifting, and working with the Center Stage Competition Team to push creative boundaries and inspire excellence.

Jenna Cull

Instructor

Jenna has been sharing her passion for dance for over 25 years!

A proud Springboro alum, she believes dance is more than just steps—it’s a vital part of life’s rhythm. Throughout her career, Jenna has dedicated herself to nurturing generations of young dancers, guiding them to develop strong technique while fostering a lifelong love and appreciation for movement. Her goal is to inspire confidence, creativity, and joy in every student who walks through the studio doors.

You’ll find Jenna at the studio on Tuesday nights as an integral part of our dance instruction and classes. She can’t wait to welcome you into her class this season!

Wilhelmina Marks, BFA

Competition Team Choreographer and Instructor

Wilhelmina Marks is a versatile dance artist and certified Pilates instructor originally from Mansfield, Ohio. She began her training at the Richland Academy of the Arts, studying ballet, modern, jazz, and tap under Marden Ramos and Sarah Horrigan-Ramos. She earned her BFA in Dance from Wright State University in 2021. During her undergraduate studies, Willa performed with Dayton Ballet’s Second Company (2017–2018) and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s Second Company (2018–2020). Upon graduating, she joined Dayton Contemporary Dance Company as an apprentice (JB Fellow) from 2021 to 2024, performing in major cities including Chicago, New York City, and Pittsburgh, as well as throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. In 2023, she joined Dayton Dance Initiative as a company dancer, contributing to its collaborative and repertory projects. That fall, she completed a performance internship with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, and in summer 2024, trained with Houston Contemporary Dance Company during their summer intensive. Willa is now a fully certified Pilates instructor and a company dancer with InPulse Dance Company, where she continues to expand her artistry and share her passion for movement.

Emma Courtney, BFA

Competition Team Choreographer and Instructor

Emma Courtney is a dynamic and versatile dance artist with a BFA in Dance from Wright State University, graduating Cum Laude. A proud alumna of the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, she brings over a decade of rigorous training in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theatre.

Her competitive roots began with Planet Dance Cincinnati, where she developed her distinctive style and earned early recognition for both performance and choreography.

Professionally, she has performed in high-energy productions at Kings Island(including Tinker's Toy Factory, Haunted Homecoming, Area 72, and Grand Carnivale) and was a Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleader for the 2022–2023 NFL season. She also brings her passion for mentorship to her role on staff with Imagine Dance Challenge (2022) and has received choreography awards for her innovative and impactful routines.

Driven by creativity, discipline, and a deep love for storytelling through movement, Emma Courtney continues to inspire both onstage and in the studio.

Trinity Burton

Instructor

Trinity Burton has been dancing in the Dayton area her entire life with extensive training in Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Modern. Most of her training was done at Dayton Dance Conservatory and final year at Instict Dance alongside DDC. Throughout that time she has learned choreography and in-depth technique from various well known instructors in the Dayton Area. At age 11 was a Mini Dugout Dancer for the Dayton Dragons for 1 year, then started the competition team while cheering for her high school football team in Fairborn throughout the rest of her school years until college. During her time on the Competition team and Pre- Professional Company at DDC and Instincts Competition team her senior year: she had many competition pieces that had won multiple 1st place awards alongside Judges choice awards. Trinity was also presented with a Tap scholarship by Mike Minery for excellence in class. She was also invited to dance at BalletMet for their summer program. Trinity is now attending college at Cedarville University to pursue a degree in Athletic Training. She is so excited to be apart of the faculty this year and share her knowledge with the dancers and help them blossom into beautiful artists!!

Bri Chan, BFA Student (Wright State University)

Instructor and Competition Team Choreographer

Bri Chan is a passionate and dedicated dancer originally from Columbus, Ohio. She began her dance journey at the early age of three and quickly discovered a love for the art form that led her to start competing by the age of eight. Throughout her childhood and teen years, she trained extensively at the Judy Dollenmyer Studio of Dance in Columbus, where she built a strong foundation in multiple dance styles and developed a deep commitment to her craft.

Bri pursued her professional training at Wright State University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance. During her time in the program, she had the opportunity to train under a diverse range of accomplished professors and choreographers, further refining her technique, performance skills, and artistic voice.

Currently, Bri continues her academic journey at Wright State, now pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering—demonstrating her drive and passion both intellectually and creatively. Alongside her studies, she remains actively involved in the dance community as a member of the Wright State University Dance Team, where she continues to perform and inspire others through movement.

With a unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and academic dedication, Bri is committed to pushing boundaries in both the studio and the classroom.

Niarra Gooden-Clark, BFA

Competition Team Instructor

Niarra Gooden-Clarke is a multifaceted professional dance artist, seasoned dance instructor, certified nutrition coach, and certified personal trainer dedicated to empowering individuals through movement and holistic wellness. Currently, Niarra is a first company member with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Niarra brings over 20 years of dance experience to her craft, blending artistry with athleticism and purpose. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Dance and Sociology from Kent State University, where her passion for movement and human behavior intersected to shape her unique perspective as both an educator and advocate. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health, Niarra is committed to advancing equity and equality in healthcare, particularly in the dissemination of health knowledge and access to care. A dynamic leader and compassionate coach, Niarra’s mission is to inspire others to prioritize their well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through her work in dance, fitness, and public health, she promotes a comprehensive approach to wellness that uplifts and includes every body.