Directors

Lead Them. Drive Them. Inspire Them.

Coming from a combined multitude of dance experiences, we were reminded of the great artists, teachers, and mentors that came before us and how we benefited from their leadership, drive, and inspiration. As professional dancers, directors, and owners, it is our mission to provide the future generation of dancers with the same. Where we came from, where we are now, and what we have to pass on are what make our studio special, unique, and true to its name.

Kellie Payne

Born and raised in Fairfax County, Kellie started her training at a very early age in the disciplines of Ballet (both Vagonova & Cecchetti methods), Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, & Modern with her Grandmother, Alzine Cuppett. This training was supplemented and enhanced by her work at The Duke Ellington School for the Arts and several professional dance companies. She was the founding member and ballet mistress of Tony Powell/Music & Movement, and Adrain Bolton Dance Company. With these, Kellie graced several area stages including The Kennedy Center, Dance Place, Publick Playhouse, and New York’s City Center. In addition to being a dancer, Kellie also has a combined 30 years of experience in teaching, choreographing, directing, and studio management. She has trained many dancers in the DMV area and has owned and operated her own dance school and two pre-professional dance companies. She has built quite a reputation for herself and is known by the dance community for getting results by challenging, motivating, and mentoring her students. Kellie is also an accomplished deep tissue massage therapist, proud mother of 5, and most presently one of the co-directors and owners of Legacy Dance Institute.

Andrea Jiles

Andrea started dancing at the age of two and has not gone a day without it since. Ballet was her first love. She has taken and passed exams from The Royal Academy of Dance and The Cecchetti Society. She has danced many principal roles in productions including Cinderella, Swan Lake, Giselle, and Nutcracker. Ballet was joined by Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, and Pointe. Her skills were challenged at many competitions and conventions. She was awarded several scholarships across multiple genres. She continued on to get a B.F.A in Dance from Shenandoah University. While there, she had the opportunity to dance and travel with the Flying Lions Dance Company, and presently works at American College Dance Festivals. After graduating, Andrea went on to dance for multiple professional dance companies and still performs around the area. Andrea loves being a dancer just as much as being a teacher. She has 20 years of experience working with ages 2 through adult. Along with dance Andrea has also taught Math and Science in the Charter school system and continues to mentor her scholars. Andrea is super excited to start her adventure as a co-founder of Legacy Dance Institute.