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 trained extensively 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 Chapter 33, she built a strong technical foundation and developed a deep love for performance. She regularly attended regional conventions and intensives, which broadened her experience and versatility. Her early involvement in KAPA’s teacher training program also sparked a passion for dance education and creative leadership.
Kasey holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Auburn University, where she also minored in Dance. During her time at Auburn, she was an active member of the Auburn University Dance Ensemble, continuing to train and perform regularly. It was also during this time that she began teaching at Nix Dance Studio, where her appreciation for dance education grew even stronger. Following graduation, Kasey spent seven years as a kindergarten teacher at Richland Elementary School in Auburn before dedicating herself fully to the studio. In 2023, she was named Co-Director of Nix Dance Studio alongside Paula Nix.
At Nix, Kasey teaches a variety of styles and levels, leads rehearsals for competition teams, and choreographs for both competitive and recital performances. She is committed to creating a studio environment that is technically rigorous, fun, and supportive of every dancer. Her teaching philosophy centers on building confident, expressive dancers who are passionate about their art. Kasey also choreographs for the Lee County Distinguished Young Women program.
Kasey has been a dedicated member of East Alabama Community Ballet (EACB) since 2018. Throughout her time with the organization, she has contributed to numerous productions of The Nutcracker, and has choreographed several original works. In 2024, she joined the Artistic Staff as Rehearsal Manager, and in 2025, she was named Artistic Director. In this role, Kasey is honored to help shape the organization’s artistic vision and is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of its dancers and productions.
MAGGIE HARDIN
Publications and Social Media Coordinator

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
