Meet Our Faculty
Our instructors bring professional experience, technical expertise, and a passion for teaching. Each faculty member is dedicated to helping every dancer reach their full potential.
Every teacher is carefully selected for their training, classroom leadership, and commitment to safe, age-appropriate instruction.
Interested in our advanced Company Team? Learn more about the program and audition expectations here.
Grace Covo
Modern / Choreography Faculty
USF BFA Dance. Award-winning choreographer with 1st Overall wins at NYCDA, Streetz, HEAT, and other conventions.
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Melissa Covo
Owner & Artistic Director
BFA in Dance from the University of Southern Mississippi. Experienced director developing elite dancers.
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Jessica Treherne
Ballet Faculty
Ballet instructor trained at ABT, San Francisco Ballet, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
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Andrei Ivanko
Acro / Tumbling Faculty
International performer trained in Moscow with a focus on strength and safe progression.
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Brittany Tolbert
Jazz / Contemporary Faculty
BFA from USM. Performance-driven instructor with award-winning choreography experience.
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Abbie Ware
Contemporary Faculty
14+ years teaching with a strong focus on technique and performance.
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Maren Cunningham
All Styles Faculty
Former GCDA dancer who builds confident, versatile performers.
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Chassitie Smith
Instructor
Focuses on fundamentals, confidence, and positive training.
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Kyndall Ransom
Hip Hop Faculty
High-energy instructor focused on performance and style.
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Our Teaching Philosophy
At Gulf Coast Dance Alliance, we believe that dance is more than just steps and technique—it's about building confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of movement.
Our faculty creates a nurturing environment where dancers of all ages and abilities feel supported and challenged. We focus on age-appropriate training that develops proper technique while fostering creativity and self-expression.
Whether a student is dancing for recreation or pursuing a professional career, we're committed to helping them achieve their goals and discover the joy of dance.