Instructor
Instructor
Our Instructor
Meet Our Instructors
Owner & Teacher
Claudette Gross
Our director brings over 25 years of experience teaching at a nonprofit dance school, where she has helped shape young dancers with both passion and expertise. Her lifelong dedication to working with children extends beyond dance—she has also taught music lessons and holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, enriching her approach to movement, communication, and child development. In addition to her work in the arts, she owns and operates a thriving U-Pick flower farm, where her creativity and love for nature continue to blossom. Her heart for teaching and empowering children through the arts shines in every class she leads. She is excited to start her journey as the Owner and Director of Emerald Dance Academy in Wake Forest!
Caitlin - Teacher
Caitlin Rigsbee has danced since the young age of 2. Caitlin trained competitively in the Wake Forest area, focusing in styles including: Ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, acro, pointe, and musical theater.
Caitlin was the Dance Director at her local High School. After high school, Caitlin attended Meredith College where she graduated with a BFA in Dance. While at Meredith, Caitlin was the founder and president of Fuego, a Latin Fusion Dance Team at Meredith College.
Caitlin has won numerous Highest Score of the Day Awards and Choreography Awards for her choreography. Caitlin has also danced in the Halftime Show of the Discover Orange Bowl with singer Dierks Bentley.
Caitlin’s choreography has also been featured at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida. Her dancers have performed the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Halftime Show of the Camping World Bowl. At Emerald, Caitlin is the studio Co-Director and the Competition Team Instructor. Caitlin is excited for another great year at Emerald Dance.
In Caitlin’s free time, she enjoys spending her days with her children and husband!
Brianna - Teacher
Brianna Backus is a North Carolina native, and trained competitively in the triad area since the young age of 3. Brianna has trained in styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Acro. During her time as a competitive dancer, Brie won numerous Highest Score of the Day awards, as well as First Place Awards. Brie is also a Scholarship Winner with the convention Titans of Dance.
Brie is excited to enter her next season with Emerald Dance Academy. Brianna is the lead instructor and a competition team choreographer.
When Brianna is not at the studio, she enjoys cheerleading and soccer!
A note from Miss Brie for all future Emerald Dance Academy families: Above all, I believe dance should be enjoyable. My mission is to help each child grow both in their dance abilities as well as grow in their self confidence. I strive for creativity while encouraging young dancers to feel empowered by their movement. I’m excited to continue to dance with the students, both new and old!
Brianna - Teacher
Alison Sizemore brings extensive knowledge to Emerald Dance Academy. Alison began her dance journey at 2 years old, and continued throughout high school. Alison’s favorite styles to teach are Jazz and Contemporary. After starting a family of her own, Alison’s love for dance was rediscovered after her 2 daughters joined Emerald Dance Academy. Since joining Emerald, Alison is now not only a dance mom, but a dance teacher. When Alison is not at the studio, she spends her days being a mom to her 4 children. Alison will teach adult classes, and is also a lyrical instructor. Emerald Dance Academy is excited to have Alison as a staff member, and is looking forward to a great season!