Our Team
Angel Oliver
Meet Angel Oliver, a seasoned dancer and dedicated educator. With over 20 years of dance teaching experience, she's a certified Cosmic Kids Yoga Instructor and holds various dance teaching certifications. Angel's expertise spans preschool to active seniors, teaching ballet, tap, and creative movement. She's an essential member of BalletMet faculty, inspiring students in diverse programs.
Brittany Gagne
Brittany grew up in New England and formatively trained at Connecticut Concert Ballet. There she was fortunate to study dance under the direction of Artistic Directors, former American Ballet Theater dancer, Brian Adams and Wendy Fish and David Lawrence. Brittany’s interest in the anatomy of ballet technique began at an early age and brought her to Denison to study under Robert Cole, formerly of the National Ballet of Canada. While at Denison, Brittany achieved a dance minor and received training in modern dance and ballet, in addition to her degree in Biochemistry. Following her undergraduate studies, Brittany obtained an MS in chemistry from The University of Utah, and PharmD from The Ohio State University. In addition to teaching, she currently works as a pharmacist in Heath. Brittany eagerly guides young dancers and has completed additional training in dance education, flexibility and training young dancers with Lisa Howell of The Ballet Blog.
Alyssa Barnecut
Alyssa Barnecut has been training since a young age in many forms of dance. She began teaching at the young age of 14 years old. Alyssa attended Ohio University Lancaster majoring in Business and was a part of the Ohio University dance team. After college she opened a dance studio in Central Ohio. Her studio received many awards at the regional, national, and world levels. Alyssa has choreographed for different area high schools in their drama and marching band departments. After selling her studio, Alyssa now instructs students with guest teaching, performance review, critique, and participating in many dance productions.
Jessica Gould
Jessica Gould is an English major with a creative writing focus at Capital University. She studied dance at Issaquah Dance Theater in Washington for eight years. When she moved to Ohio, she danced at New Albany Ballet Company and The Movement Center for three years. She’s been in theater productions at Short North Stage and helps with choreography for the New Albany Middle School theater program. She has been dancing with New Vision Dance Company, an adult jazz and contemporary dance company in central Ohio, for four seasons. She teaches at the company’s student workshops and choreographs dances for the company. Recently, she has subbed classes at BalletMet and will teach at their Junior Intensive this summer.
Shelly McBride
Hello! I am Shelly and I am a dedicated and passionate yoga and dance teacher on a mission to empower individuals through movement and mindfulness. With several years of experience in both yoga and dance, I have honed my skills to create a holistic approach to well-being that combines the physical and mental aspects of these practices.
My classes are designed to cater to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. I focus on alignment, breath awareness, and the connection between mind and body to help my students find balance, strength, and flexibility on and off the mat.
My love for dance began a little later in life and I have since trained mainly in Latin. I have a passion for all ballroom dances! I believe that dance is a powerful form of self-expression. I have two rules in my classes: give yourself a chance to try it, and no judgement towards others or yourself. Make it fun! I encourage my students to embrace their inner dancer, fostering creativity, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the art of movement.
I am a firm believer in the power of community and connection. Through these gatherings, I hope to foster a sense of belonging and encourage my students to build meaningful relationships with one another.
Let's move, breathe, and dance our way to a happier, healthier, and more vibrant life together!
Nari Oliver
Nari Oliver, a dedicated and passionate dance teacher with a profound background in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance. With a decade of ballet training under the guidance of Robert Cole, Nari's journey is a testament to his commitment to the art form. Currently serving as a trainee with BalletMet, he continues to refine his craft, pushing the boundaries of his artistic expression. Nari's dance vocabulary extends beyond ballet, encompassing modern and contemporary styles, where he has delved into the intricacies of Limon and Horton techniques. His performance repertoire is diverse, ranging from the classic role of the Nutcracker Prince to seamlessly blending into the Corps de ballet in various productions. Driven by a vision to become a professional member of a ballet company, Nari also aspires to carve his own path in the dance world by creating contemporary works that are a reflection of his unique artistic voice.
Kyle Freeman
Kyle has been dancing since he was 4 years old. Studying hip-hop, tap, jazz and tumbling. He started competing and collecting awards at age 5.
Fast forward to today, and you'll find Kyle not just tearing up the dance floor but also rocking the judge's chair at dance conventions across the US. He's not one to rest on his laurels; Kyle attends workshops and conventions regularly, all in the name of giving his students the absolute best dance experience.
What drives Kyle? He's all about boosting his students' confidence and igniting that same fiery passion for dance that keeps him moving.