KASEY SHEPHERD
Artistic Director
_edited.jpg)
Kasey began her dance training at the age of two at Kohl Academy of Performing Arts (KAPA) in Guntersville, Alabama, under the direction of Jane Kohl and Melissa Kohl Blackburn. At KAPA, she received extensive instruction in classical ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theater, and more. As a member of the award-winning KAPA Elite competition team and a Junior Member of Dance Masters of America, she built a strong technical foundation and developed a passion for performance. She regularly attended regional conventions and intensives, which broadened her versatility and experience. Her early involvement in KAPA’s teacher training program also sparked a lasting interest in dance education and leadership.
Kasey holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Auburn University, where she also minored in Dance. While at Auburn, she was an active member of the Auburn University Dance Ensemble, continuing to train and perform regularly. During this time, she began teaching at Nix Dance Studio, where she further developed her skills as an instructor and choreographer. After graduating, she spent seven years as a kindergarten teacher at Richland Elementary School before transitioning to a full-time role at the studio. In 2023, she was named Co-Director of Nix Dance Studio alongside Paula Nix.
Kasey has been a part of Nix Dance Studio for 15 years. She teaches a variety of styles, leads rehearsals for competition teams, and choreographs for both competitive and recital performances. She is dedicated to fostering a studio environment that is technically rigorous, enjoyable, and supportive of every dancer. Her teaching philosophy centers on building confident, expressive dancers who are passionate about dance. Kasey also choreographs for the Lee County Distinguished Young Women program and enjoys working with participants from across the county as they prepare to showcase their talents, confidence, and poise on stage.
Kasey has been an integral part of East Alabama Community Ballet (EACB) since 2018, contributing to numerous productions of The Nutcracker and choreographing several original works. In 2024, Kasey joined the Artistic Staff as Rehearsal Manager, where she focused on creating a positive and productive rehearsal environment. The following year, she was honored to be named Artistic Director and has since been dedicated to guiding EACB’s artistic vision with creativity and care. She remains committed to nurturing each dancer’s talents, strengthening the organization’s ties to the community, and producing performances that inspire and captivate audiences. Kasey is very excited to celebrate EACB’s 30th anniversary season and looks forward to the organization’s continued success.
JENN TRAVIS
Production Coordinator

Jenn began her dance training in Montgomery, Alabama, with the Montgomery Youth Ballet and the Montgomery Public Schools’ Performing Arts Magnet Program. She continued her studies at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, the Boston Conservatory, and the Limón Institute. Since then, her career has woven together dance, education, and environmental conservation, with teaching and performance taking her throughout the United States and to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since returning to Alabama, Jenn enjoys sharing her love of dance at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. This is her seventh season creating choreography for the East Alabama Community Ballet's The Nutcracker and her first as Production Coordinator. She believes movement is a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and connection. She and her husband enjoy an active life in Auburn with their two children, Eleanor Fern and Boone.
MADI DWYER
Costume & Prop Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon!
ALLIE LENOX DYLESKI
NHSDA Advisor
