Welcome to Our Studio

At Studio D, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dance education. Our professional staff fosters an environment that encourages growth, skill development, and self-confidence. Beyond dance, our program aims to expose students to art, music, and theatre, inspiring a deeper appreciation of the arts in every student.

For over 30 years, Studio D School of Dance has proudly made its home in the historic Shuerman Opera House in Downtown Griffin.

Built in 1870, this remarkable building originally housed Shuerman’s Theatre, which presented plays until 1894. The renovated facility now boasts one of the largest and finest dance spaces in the state, featuring two expansive dance rooms on the ground floor and a second-floor ballet room with an impressive 18-foot ceiling and a 35-by-55-foot floor space.

Meet our Director: Mitch Flanders

Artistic Director/Owner & Founding Artistic Director of Griffin Ballet Theatre

Mitch Flanders began his dance journey at the Atlanta Ballet and earned a scholarship at the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York City. Upon graduation, he joined the Eglevsky Ballet under Edward Villella, performing lead roles in numerous Balanchine ballets, including "Serenade," "Four Temperaments," "Allegro Brillante," and "Swan Lake," alongside NYC Ballet principal dancer Allegra Kent.

He later joined the Chicago City Ballet under Maria Tallchief and frequently danced with Suzanne Farrell. Notably, he played the prince in Paul Mejia's "Cinderella" and appeared with Farrell in PBS's "Eight by Adler." Flanders was also a featured guest dancer with the Lyric Opera.

As a principal dancer with the Los Angeles Ballet, Flanders performed across the U.S. with stars such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland, and internationally in Rome, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna. At the Metropolitan Opera in NYC, he shared the stage with renowned vocalists, including Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo, appearing in "Live at the Met" and the Lyric Opera of Chicago's "Eugene Onegin."

Flanders has taught at The New Jersey Ballet School, New Dance Studio NYC, and Providence Ballet, and served as ballet master for The Ballet Rotaru of Atlanta, the Georgia Ballet, and The Rock School. He was also a grant panelist for the Georgia Council for the Arts for three years.

For the past 32 years, Flanders has owned Studio D School of Dance and served as Artistic Director of the Griffin Ballet Theatre and Festival Dance Camp at the University of Georgia. At GBT, he has created and staged numerous full-length ballets, including "Peter Pan," "Robin Hood," "Coppelia," "Cinderella," "The Little Mermaid," "The Armed Man," "The Love Project," and the beloved "Nutcracker." Under his leadership, many Studio D dancers have gained admission to prestigious institutions such as the American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet, The Rock School, Joffrey Ballet, and the Georgia Governor's Honors Scholarship Program.

Meet Our Esteemed Faculty: Guiding the Next Generation of Dancers

Ashley Barnes

Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, and Studio Early Childhood Director Griffin Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director

Ashley began her dance journey under the direction of Mitch Flanders 31 years ago. For 28 years, she has been a dedicated member of Griffin Ballet Theatre, growing from principal dancer to Ballet Mistress and now serving as Artistic Director. In this role, Ashley brings her experience, creativity, and love of dance to each production while encouraging young dancers to grow in both confidence and artistry.

For the past 21 years, Ashley has shared her passion for dance as an instructor at Studio D. She also served for 14 years as Director and ballet instructor for Festival Dance, a respected program affiliated with the University of Georgia. In addition, she has served as an adjudicator for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program.

Ashley has continued her dance education through training with Mitch Flanders and other respected instructors throughout Atlanta. She has appeared as a guest artist and founding company member with City Gate Dance Theatre, Phyzix Urban Dance Theatre, and Lamorris Namari. Her performance credits include leading roles in Cinderella, Firebird, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid, Giselle, and Coppélia. Among her most memorable roles are the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Wendy in Peter Pan, the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, the Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, and Swanhilda in Coppélia.

Ashley’s creative experience extends beyond the ballet stage to commercial modeling, music videos, and choreography for local churches. She has also collaborated with the drama departments of several local high schools, creating choreography for their theatrical productions.

Ashley believes a dance teacher’s influence reaches far beyond the studio. She is devoted to supporting her dancers through every success and challenge, encouraging them to recognize their strengths and believe in their potential. Whether they pursue dance professionally or follow another path, Ashley hopes each dancer carries with them the confidence, discipline, and self-belief they developed through dance.

Throughout her career, Ashley has remained devoted to sharing the joy of dance, developing young artists, and helping make the performing arts a meaningful part of the Griffin community.

Dara Wells

Jazz and Tap Instructor

Dara, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, is a versatile dancer trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, and Broadway Theatre. She began her professional dance career at sixteen with the Gary Harrison Dance Company in Atlanta, Georgia, and has performed in music videos, industrial shows, dance conventions, and even a Superbowl halftime show.

A graduate of Northside High School Performing Arts, Dara received scholarships to Florida State University and Brenau University. She toured internationally for seven years as a backup dancer for James Brown on the Godfather of Soul Tour. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Dara has instructed and choreographed for students aged three to adult in various settings, including studios, high school performing arts programs, and college classes across the southeastern United States. Her choreography is best described as a fusion of different styles, reflecting her love for movement and expression.

As a teacher, Dara emphasizes discipline, technique, and willingness to evolve as an artist. She also serves as a certified yoga instructor, recovery empowerment specialist, and wellness coach, sharing her passion for personal discovery, awareness, and growth with others.

Faith Brooks

Early Childhood Instructor

Welcome, Faith Brooks!

Maria Gardner

Early Childhood Instructor

Miss Maria has been part of the Studio D family since she began dancing at age 4 in 2007. She trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and pointe throughout her childhood, developing a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for the artistry and discipline of dance. After spending thirteen years as a student, she graduated from Studio D in 2020. Dance has always been a meaningful part of her life, and she is honored to return to the place that helped shape her, sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of dancers.

In addition to her training at Studio D, Miss Maria has performed in numerous productions with Griffin Ballet Theatre. Some of her favorite performances include Peter Pan, Ghosts, and the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Her love for the performing arts extends beyond dance, as she was actively involved in drama throughout high school and continues to work with local theaters, bringing stories and characters to life both on and off the stage. Whether she is performing or teaching, she believes the arts have the unique ability to inspire confidence, creativity, discipline, and self-expression.

Outside of the studio, Miss Maria will graduate from nursing school in 2026. She has a heart for serving others and is passionate about working with children, with plans to pursue a career in pediatrics. Her nurturing personality, patience, and encouraging spirit make her a natural teacher. She is committed to creating a classroom where every child feels welcomed, valued, and supported while learning proper technique, building confidence, and discovering the joy of dance. Her goal is for each student to leave class not only as a stronger dancer, but as a more confident and compassionate individual.

Mariona Potter

Early Childhood Instructor

Miss Mariona began dancing at Studio D School of Dance in 2009 at the age of four. From the moment she stepped into the studio, she fell in love with ballet and the joy of performing. Under the direction of Ashley Barnes, she spent her childhood growing as both a dancer and an artist, learning the discipline, grace, and dedication that have shaped her journey.

In 2014, she became a member of Griffin Ballet Theatre, where she trained under Ashley Barnes, Artistic Director, and Founder Mitch Flanders. Throughout the years, the stage became a second home as she performed in productions that helped her grow in both confidence and artistry. In 2023, she achieved a longtime dream of becoming a professional dancer, continuing to pursue her passion while inspiring those around her. In 2025, she was honored to serve as a Griffin Ballet Theatre Rehearsal Assistant, encouraging younger dancers and helping guide them through rehearsals with patience and kindness.

Miss Mariona began assisting classes at Studio D in 2020, where she quickly discovered a love for teaching. She enjoys watching children learn, grow, and experience the same excitement she felt as a young dancer. Her goal is to help every student feel seen, supported, and encouraged while building a strong foundation in dance.

After graduating with honors from Griffin High School in 2022, Miss Mariona began pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Georgia Southern University. She continues her studies while teaching at the studio that has been such an important part of her life.

Miss Mariona believes ballet is about more than beautiful movement. It teaches confidence, perseverance, discipline, and self-expression. She is grateful to share her love of dance with the next generation and hopes every child who walks into her classroom leaves feeling inspired, confident, and excited to return.

Blair Thompson

Music Director and Voice Teacher

Blair is a talented mezzo-soprano with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA, and a Master’s in Teaching from Grand Canyon University. With 14 years of teaching experience, Blair has a rich background in teaching middle and high school chorus, theatre, and special education. Her passion for the arts extends beyond the classroom. She has coordinated outreach productions for various organizations, including Griffin Ballet Theatre, bringing the joy of performance to a broader community.

Currently residing in Henry County with her husband and three children, Blair continues to inspire young minds as a middle school chorus and theatre teacher. Her commitment to her students and the arts is evident in every aspect of her work, fostering a love for music and theatre that will last a lifetime. Through her leadership and expertise, she continues to significantly impact the performing arts scene in her community.

Jeri Maxedon

Front Desk Administrator

With a passion for the arts and years of experience as a Studio D dance mom (we love Ms. Ema!), Ms. Jeri Maxedon brings a unique blend of organization, and enthusiasm to her role as the Front Desk Administrator at Studio D. Having spent countless hours behind the scenes, Jeri understands the importance of creating a supportive and welcoming environment for dancers and their families. She is committed to ensuring that every interaction at the studio is smooth and enjoyable, from registration to recital day.

In addition to her deep connection to the dance world, Jeri has built successful careers as both a licensed REALTOR® and a marketing graphic designer. Her work in real estate has honed her skills in client relations, organization, and attention to detail, while her background in graphic design allows her to bring a creative flair to everything she does, from studio communications to event promotions.

Whether you need assistance with scheduling, have questions about studio policies, or just want to chat about the latest dance trends, Jeri is here to help with a smile. She’s excited to be part of the Studio D team and to continue fostering a love of dance in the community she cherishes.

Meet Our Talented Young Leaders of Assistant & Apprentices

Teaching Assistants

Class Assistants

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Apprentices