Rachael Smith Allison
Owner and Artistic Director, Rachael Smith Allison, began her dance training at age three with the Montgomery Civic Ballet. Rachael attended Agnes Scott College where she auditioned and was accepted into the Studio Dance Theatre, ASC's Semi-Professional Dance Company. This Company performed acclaimed Martha Graham choreographic masterpieces such as, "The Life of the Bee" and "Valse Caprice". Rachael has studied under Master Teachers such as Pilobolus Company, Meli Kaye (Doris Humphrey Company Member), Semi and David Roche (Pearl Lang and Principle Male Dancer respectively of the Martha Graham Company). Rachael has served on Dance Masters of America Chapter 33 Board as Solo Chairman, and currently serves as the Director of Education. Rachael is also a Certified National Tap Examiner through DMA.
Rachael also serves in the capacity of Artistic Director of WMS Company, and her dancers have placed in Regional and National Dance Competitions. Past seasons include WMS Company scoring technically over-all for several pieces and winning the most recent 1st Place in the Petite Solo Division. West Main Studios offers a wide variety of genres that center around technique and the development of a strong, well rounded dancer. West Main Studios offers Master Classes periodically through the season, but is also extremely proud of the faculty - Megan Cleland, Gene Flemming, Brantley Wilson, Tyler Warren, to name a few - Each has studied extensively in their chosen field of dance by way of impressive schools, performance experience, and Master teachers. WMS welcomes their expertise and their passion for the arts and strives to provide the best dance education in the area. Scarlett Smith
Over the past 20 years, Mrs. Scarlett Smith has been as valuable part of the WMS dance program. Miss Scarlett is the wife of Chase, Miss Rachael's brother. Her instruction includes choreography, workshops, and Master teaching classes, proving that her skills are immeasurable. Miss Scarlett's past choreographic pieces have won numerous technical and choreography awards, including 1st Place, Overall Solo and Titled petite pieces. Miss Scarlett's previous endeavors include leading roles with North Alabama Dance Center's Company, including" Panoply of the Arts, Noah's Ark, and many guest appearances throughout North Alabama.
Derrell Underwood
After performing, teaching and training for 2 years In Los Angeles, CA; Mr. Derrell returns to West Main Studios. We are very excited to have him back and welcome him home from Los Angles.
His past endeavors include: Elite Dance Team(Captain)- 2006-2008 ñ Danced in shows for A & M University Huntsville, Al , Competition Dance at Sweet Auburn Fest in Atlanta Georgia and won the chance to be on B.E.T. Premiered on B.E.T Nov 12, 2008, Opened up at the local skating rank for Vistoso Bosses. Christian Walker (praise dance team) 2007-present ñ Choreograph & Performed at many local churches when needed, Performed at a local youth center called (Richard Showers Center) it was a program called (Hope fest). AYB Youth Ballet 2008 and 2013 -Danced with professional company as a Russian in the Nut Cracker. Hosted by Karen Gibbs and took ballet/ jazz classes D.J C. Tone ñD.J /Singer (Choreograph/ Backup Dancers) 2009-2010ñ Local D.J for Radio Station 103.1. Danced for him at local parties, skating rank & teen clubs, Performed at Club 204 in Birmingham Al. Celeste Kellogg-(Pop Singer) 8/26/09- Extra dancer in the Music Video ìMy Jeansî directed by Damon Wood and Speed Records. Tyler Perryís House of Payne (Season 6) 10/07/2009 ñExtra Played ìPhysiology Student ìthat will premieres in 2010 the episode 23 is called The Bible King Payneís Version. Music Video Tribute to Michael Jackson- 2010- Choreograph/ Backup Dancer for Mikaeel Music Video More Dead Than Alive. Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GgMHoVOF8 Live From Midtown Atlanta Documentary Series- 2010- On a TV series cast as a Dancer on the Show. Show comes on in June. Gweneth Paltrow(Country Strong)- 2010- Extra In a Movie was Cast as a Dallas Fan and Houston Fan. Dance Theatre of Huntsville - The Lion King Dance Production- 2010- Cast as a Lizard in the Plains, and a Hyena Lantawood ìPartners Onlyî Forum Team - 2010-present (Actor) in Atlanta GA The Evolve Project 2011-2014- Dancer Anti -bullying group. perform at middle/high schools across the country. Leslie Mills- Dance in her Music Video Ah Ah Panoply Arts Festival- Came First Place Winner in the Homegrown Talent Contest Dance Theatre of Huntsville-Hairspray Play-2013- Played one of the Dancers Alabama Fashion Alliance- 2013-present- Fashion Modeling done fashion shows and photoshoots also been in a Week long Fashion Show called Alabama Fashion Week and performed dance at some fashion shows. DANCE/ CHOREOGRAPHY / EDUCATION Community Ballet School-2008- 2009 assistant teacher 8yrs & up how to dance on Saturdays S.C.D.A Spotlight Cheer & Dance Camp (Birmingham City School)- 2009- Choreographed A Hip Hop Routine for Youth Cheerleaders & Dance Team Atlanta Pop Singer Iris Isoa ñ 2010 ñ 2011- Choreograph/ Backup dancer for live shows Butler High School Black History Program- 2010- Dance and Choreograph for Black History Month Program. Took a work shop class in 2007 with Phillip Chbeeb from (So You Think You Can Dance) Dance Theatre of Huntsville 2009-2011- Took Ballet& Jazz Classes A Place To Dance School 2009-2012ñ Dancer / Choreograph dances for competitions & performances, Put on dance rectal, Performed in a competition called Thunder Struck in Birmingham, Al and won a trophy for being true to Hip Hop. Ages 9 & up The Evolve Project 2011-present- Dancer/Choreographer Anti -bullying group. perform at middle/high schools across the country. Prima Dance Studio 2013-present- Hip Hop Teacher North Alabama Dance Center 2013-2015- Hip Hop Teacher West Main Studios 2013-2016 - Hip Hop Teacher Returning in 2018 WMS StaffBeverly Smith
Beginning this journey in 1996- as a mother daughter team, our journey has included studios in the Madison & Cullman Areas. Madison, now being our sole focus - allows us to look forward to another 20 years of Dance Education. Graduating in 1978 from Auburn University with a degree in Secondary Education has allowed Beverly to continue in a teaching capacity by fostering many as Co-Director with her daughter Rachael. Fondly known as Miss Bev, she can be found at WMS just about any of the time and is the heart and soul of WMS. Ms Beverly handles everything you can think of, so if you have any questions, she's the one you need to contact! Email Ms. Bev with your questions: westmainstudio@gmail.com
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Megan Cleland
Megan has been dancing and teaching in Ohio for 25 years. She has received many scholarships and awards to travel and further her dance education through Dance Masters of America, Teachers Training School and National Conventions. Megan studied Cecchetti ballet through Grade VI and examined through Grade V. She is certified through CCA as Cecchetti Ballet teacher and member of Ohio Dance Masters. Megan is the choreographer for Easy Street Productions in Youngstown, Ohio, working on shows such as Annie, Beauty and the Beast, The Music Man, Hello Dolly!, Grease, High School Musical and more. Along with Ms. Rachael, she Co-Directs our Competitive Dance Program and is Assistant Director of our 2 Annual Shows. Megan also is Principle Choreographer & Director of the Prestigious "Miracle of Easy Street" Production in Youngstown, Ohio. Megan is very happy to be a part of West Main Studios. With Megan's expertise in Choreography, Technique & Production skills - we are very happy to have her as well!
Eugene Flemming
A graduate of North Carolina School of the Arts, the Elaine Aiken Actors Conservatory Inc. and the Actors Studio, Mr. Fleming’s professional career began at the age of 18 in the Broadway and touring companies of A Chorus Line. He then worked with legendary artists such as Harold Nicholas, of the acclaimed Nicholas Brothers, and Gregory Hines in Sophisticated Ladies. He later replaced three-time Tony Award winner, Hinton Battle, in The Tap Dance Kid to rave reviews. His next project was Song and Dance, with Melissa Manchester.
His Broadway career spans three decades and includes shows such as the Tony Award- winning productions of Black & Blue, with Ruth Brown and Savion Glover and Bob Fosse’s Fosse. He was a featured performer in High Rollers, Swinging on a Star, Street Corner Symphony, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Kiss Me, Kate, One Mo’ Time, The Look of Love, Never Gonna Dance, and The Wiz with Stephanie Mills. This summer he starred as Big Otis in Big Otis’ Jump Up Blues Revue at the Red Rooster in Harlem, owned by acclaimed international chef and winner of Top Chef Masters, Marcus Samuelson. He was most recently seen as Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy. He received a Joseph Jefferson Award for his performance in Ain't Misbehavin’ at the Marriott Lincolnshire in Chicago, IL and a Barrymore Award for his portrayal of James Thunder Early in Dreamgirls at the Prince Music Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. His production of Ain’t Misbehavin for Independent Musical Productions took home four Wings Awards, including “Best Musical of the Year” in Huntsville, AL. He has been featured in countless commercials and films, including Catch Me If You Can, Hope and Faith, and The Blues Brothers. An acclaimed teacher with Manhattan Theatre Group and Dance Masters of America, he has taught classes in dance and musical theatre around the globe. His mastery of tap, along with the styles of such greats as Bob Fosse and his unique teaching approach, make him an ideal clinician for studio classes, masterclasses, show choirs, and musical theatre settings alike. We at WMS, find ourselves most fortunate to have Mr. Gene join our Staff. 
Christina StrehleMiss Tina began dancing at the age of 6 with Lina Pelio and Bethany Lynhart. Bethany has served as the president of the Cecchitti Council of America and has remained very involved to date. Miss Tina was taught the Cecchetti and performed at the Flint Ballet Theater in Michigan & continued at various studio located in Orlando, Florida and San Bernadino, California. Also studying RAD, Royal Academy of Dance, from Anthea Nader in Pensacola, Florida Miss Tina taught for Anthea for a number of years and was the instructor for the Apprentice Division of Emerald Coast Ballet. Miss Tina danced in Senior Company for the ballet company simultaneously and served as an arbitrator at annual auditions for the company as well. Miss Tina taught ballet and lyrical for Amy Pernie in Pensacola at her performing art school, In His Steps, for several years. The school included instruction in piano, violin, guitar, musical theatre, drama, voice, and of course ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, and tap. We are so happy to have Miss Tina's expertise here at WMS.
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Laura Honea
Ms. Laura Honea comes as a great new addition to our office staff. Not only is the the mother of Haliey, she also serve as administrative assistant to our faculty. We are so happy to have Ms. Laura join our WMS Staff.
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Amanda Homelvig
Director of Marketing
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