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KASEY SHEPHERD

Artistic Director

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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.

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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.

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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.

MAGGIE HARDIN

Publications and Social Media Coordinator

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Maggie started dancing at the age of 3 in the Auburn-Opelika area. Her dance training included classical ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and more. She was able to learn from industry professionals through master classes and dance festivals in a variety of styles as well. She attended a few different studios growing up, but one thing always stayed consistent - EACB's The Nutcracker. Starting at the age of 6 in 2007 as a Baby Mouse and an Angel, Maggie could be seen on stage every December. She wrapped up her years as a dancer in The Nutcracker in 2018 as the Snow Queen, Spanish Lead, and Flower Demi-Soloist before graduating from Auburn High School in May 2019. She then went on to attend Auburn University where she graduated in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies. Maggie has been working for Auburn University as a Sponsored Programs Officer since February 2023.

 

Maggie has choreographed with EACB since 2021 getting more involved each year. Beginning in the 2024 season, she joined EACB's Artistic Staff. Because of her involvement with EACB, she met Taylor Rogers, owner of Taylor’s Dance Company in Auburn. Maggie became a teacher at TDC in January 2024 during TDC’s second season. She has loved getting to know the dancers and their families at TDC, and can't wait to see how the studio will grow and continue to be involved with EACB and the local dance community. In addition to TDC and EACB, Maggie has choreographed for Auburn Area Community Theatre kids and teen productions. She is so thankful that she has opportunities to dance and teach outside of her full-time position. Her favorite things about working with EACB is getting to meet dancers from different studios and watching the camaraderie it takes every year to put on the magical tradition of The Nutcracker!

ALLIE LENOX DYLESKI

NHSDA Advisor

ABBIE HARDIN

Photography

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©2025 by East Alabama Community Ballet

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