Menu
INSTRUCTORS
Envisioning Tomorrow
Emmalee Ayers
Owner, Studio Instructor, Choreographer
Emmalee began taking dance at Meredith Gravely School of Dance at the age of three. Throughout the years, she excelled in ballet, jazz, pointe, hip-hop, musical theatre, and more. She was a part of the Meredith Gravely Dance Company’s Competition Team, competing in competitions like Tremaine, DTI, Jump! and attended conventions at Tremaine, DTI, and Jump! Following Meredith Gravely, Emmalee instructed dance for a local dance company for 4 years. In 2018, she opened La Prima School of Dance. In addition to her dance training, Emmalee is also a graduate of the University of Lynchburg with a B.A. degree in English. Her vision for the future is to share her love and passion for dance and provide a professional class atmosphere for students to excel.
Each year, Emmalee chooses student instructors to assist in her classes. These instructors exhibit a passion for dance, and have exceled in their dance technique. In addition, by designating them as Student Instructors, they are given the opportunity to learn and advance as they assist other students.
2023 - 2024 Student Instructors
CHLOE CREWS
Chloe Crews 14, is a rising freshman at Gretna High School. Her Dance career began at the age of 4 and has continued to advance through the years. She excels in Contemporary and Lyrical dances. Fun Fact: in her spare time, she enjoys reading and building LEGOS.
AINSLEY DALTON
Ainsley, 13, is an eight grade student this year. She is entering her seventh year of dance, and has been a part of the La Prima Competition Troupe 2019. Dance is her passion and she excels in all her classes; she loves being on stage, and she loves helping others. Tap and Hip Hop are her favorite forms of dance. Fun Fact: Her favorite color is teal, and she loves coffee!
AVA LACKS
Ava, 17, is in her senior year this year. She has been a Student Instructor since 2019. She has a passion and a respect for the art of dance and excels as a student, an instructor, and a member of the La Prima Dance Competition Troup. Fun Fact: Ava plans to continue dance after graduation.
ABIGAIL RICHARDSON
Abigail (Abby), 13, is homeschooled and is in the eighth grade. She has been dancing since she was 3, and has been in the La Prima Dance Competition Troupe for the past 4 years. Some of her accomplishments include a Judges Award for her solo, and a trio that she was part of, but her favorite is the Show Dancer Award for her character and sportsmanship backstage last year! Fun Fact: Abby loves to draw and paint.
SALEM SAUNDERS
Salem, 13, started dancing at three and hasn’t stopped since! To date, she considers her biggest accomplishments to be placing 1st overall in Tennesee for her solo “Get Down” and being awarded a Scholarship from Ultimate Starz to attend their fall convention. Fun Fact: She’s a huge hockey buff!
KEELEY SMITH
Keeley, 14, is in the ninth grade. She has been in dance since she was three. Before coming to La Prima School of Dance, Keeley had already won a Character Award at the Southeast Showdown. Fun Fact: Keeley like the band Nirvana and creating all different types of art.
La Prima School OF Dance
107 Henry St,
Gretna, VA 24557
Join us and express yourself creatively and aesthetically through unbridled human movement.
Photography by Hannah King