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 will be teaching ballet, jazz, and modern classes. Caitlin trained at The Dance Attic in Wake Forest, where she danced competitively until graduating and continuing her education in Dance at Meredith College. Since graduating High School, Caitlin has been teaching dance to students around the triad area. She brings 10 years of teaching experience in all genres and ages. Caitlin’s choreography has won multiple awards, such as High Score of the Day awards, as well as numerous choreography awards. Caitlin’s choreography has also been featured at Universal Studios. Caitlin believes in providing a fun atmosphere for students to learn and grow, while helping them learn new and exciting things! Caitlin is also a mom of a boy and a girl, and loves spending time with her husband and 2 children exploring new places!
Brianna Teacher
Hello Everyone,
My name is Brianna, also known as Miss Brie! 
I am thrilled to be teaching all Hip Hop classes and Ballet for students ages 10-12. I have spent most of my dance training at The Dance Attic in Wake Forest, where I trained from 2011 to 2021. Additionally, I had the privilege of competing with a solo at Davis Dance Company in Durham for the 2023-2024 season. In 2019, I was honored to be the recipient of the “Full Force” scholarship at the renowned Titans of Dance convention in Raleigh. Some fun facts about me are that I enjoy playing bass guitar and hanging out with friends. I also play soccer and I cheer at my high-school!
I believe dance should be enjoyable along with disciplined to help guide your kids to a bright future. I strive for creativity and pushing the “norm” for young dancers, displaying a fun environment to learn beautiful technique. I can’t wait to share my knowledge with you all in dance class!
Micaela Teacher
Hello friends! My name is Micaela (Kaylee), I am one of the Hip-hop and Jazz teachers. I have been dancing for over 10 years, with various studios and companies, including Holmes Center for the Arts & North Pointe Ballet in Ohio. I am newer to the teaching industry, but not new to working with kids, as my other job is Nannying. I have done multiple student teacher jobs throughout my career, but have recently taken on teaching as a consistent part-time job. I lead my class with the mindset of respect for each individual student, giving them a safe place to grow, while also holding a structured and organized classroom. What I value most is my students walking away feeling empowered and uplifted. As for who I am outside the studio, I enjoy spending my spare time out in nature in the fresh air or with my lovely seven siblings.
our class
Dance Styles for Everyone
Explore a variety of classes designed for different ages and skill levels:
Kinder Dance
A fun introduction to rhythm and movement for little ones
Tap (Ages 7–9)
Rhythm and syncopation come to life
Hip Hop (Ages 7–9)
High-energy moves and upbeat music
Tap Ballet Combo (Ages 5–6)
A playful mix of classic techniques
Ballet (Ages 7–9 )
Grace, strength, and precision
Jazz (Ages 8–10)
Upbeat steps and expressive choreography
Join With Emerald
Ready to Dance?
Join our growing community of dancers today. Whether you’re brand new to dance or looking to polish your technique, Emerald Dance Academy has a class just right for you.
