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Joni Nash Scofield
Artistic Director/Studio Owner
Joni began dancing at age three and has studied dance most of her life. She has shared her talents and love for the performing arts by instructing children for over thirty five years. Joni studied locally at Ballet UAB under the direction of Melanie Grebel, Dianne Hedrick, Joey Pugliese, and Edith Barnes. She trained extensively under Jean Williams and her mother Nora Nash who founded The Nora Nash Dance & Performing Arts Studio in 1962 which later became Birmingham Dance Theatre, Inc. She has performed locally with Ballet UAB, “The Hollywood Starlettes” at the original Hollywood Country Club, and toured with international “Show Band-Flyer”. She was featured in all UAB Jazz Ensemble performances from 1973-1980. Ms. Scofield studied at the American Ballet Theatre, Broadway Dance Center, Steppes on Broadway, Tremaine Studios, The Edge, Morolandis, and Debbie Reynolds Studios in L.A. & .N.Y.C.
In 1982, she founded “The Birmingham Dance Company” and several of her protégés have pursued successful dancing and acting careers. BDT Company Dancers currently hold many National Titles. BDT is the home of America’s 2002 Junior Miss, Carrie Colvin and 2001 Mr. Dance of America, Robert Hoffman. Seeing her own students achieve success in the world of dance has been the fulfillment of her dreams. Ms. Scofield is an active member of Dance Masters of America. When not teaching, Joni enjoys quality time with her family; husband Al and two daughters Ally-18 and McCall-15.
Emily Hand -Assistant Director
Emily, Assistant Director of BDT, has been an choreographer, dance, cheerleading, and gymnastics instructor at BDT for 20 years. In 1990, she graduated Cum Laude from Birmingham Southern College, with a degree in Psychology/Sociology. Her dance training has included studies with Frances Armstrong, Mira Popovich, Monica Barnett Smith, and BDT with additional training in L.A. & .N.Y.C. She is a member of Dance Masters of America Chapter 33. Emily has performed on competition teams, in local theatrical productions, was a VHHS Rebelette, and a founding member/co-captain of the BSC Dance Team. She trained and taught gymnastics under Lynn Sullivan’s championship teams at VHHS, winning MVP event awards. Emily was the choreographer/coordinator/costume designer of the Galleria Christmas Ceremony for 10 years. She has prepared pageant contestant/winners in dance, cheerleading, gymnastics, and show choir presentations. She is a choreographer for Shades Mountain Baptist Church’s Youth Choir and is active with youth and mission groups. Emily also teaches motor development at St. Mark UMC Kindergarten. She takes a personal interest in all of her students and feels that she is blessed to share her knowledge, excitement and passion for
Kim Wolfe
Kim is an Atlanta native where she trained and graduated from the Northside HS of Performing Arts. She moved to L.A. when she was 18 and worked extensively in television, film, commercials and industrials. Some of her television credits include dancing with Prince on the American Music Awards, Jason Alexander on the Comedy Hall of Fame Awards, Liza Minelli on the Academy Awards, and Paula Abdul on the MTV Video Music Awards. She was also featured in the films Tank Girl and Showgirls, and national commercials for Pepsi, Nike, and Asics. During her time working in L.A., she assisted such choreographers as Marguerite Derricks and Jamie King. Kim has also choreographed for Ani Difranco, Zoe Girl, and Tammy Trent. She is now based in Birmingham where she devotes much of her time to teaching/choreographing at BDT. Kim also travels the country teaching on the faculty for West Coast Dance Explosion. Her powerful and inspirational style has made Kim one of the most sought after choreographers in the country.
Brittany Arias
Brittany is a senior at Vestavia Hills HS where she is involved in Habitat Service Club, teen court, band, SGA, and danceline. She was on the Rockette danceline for 3 years and choreographed numerous dances for pep-rallies and field shows. She began dancing with BDT at age 2 and competing at age 8. She studied with American Ballet Theater, Alabama Ballet and attended numerous conventions winning scholarships. Brittany has had experience assisting, substituting, and teaching with BDT as well as preparation for dance teams. She looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for dance with BDT’s students.
Mallory Ballant
Mallory began dancing in Montgomery at age 3, and came to BDT in 9th grade. She is an honor graduate from Saint James HS where she was involved in art, cheerleading (UCA All-Star), show choir, and teen team. She was Montgomery County’s Junior Miss First Runner-Up in 2006 and recipient of numerous art awards. Mallory has taken classes at Broadway Dance Center, The Edge, Millennium and participated in many competitions earning top awards, including a full year scholarship. She has choreographed routines for Alabama’s Junior Miss At-Large Program for 3 years and numerous solos for shows and pageants. Mallory is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Printmaking from Birmingham Southern College. Mallory loves choreographing and looks forward to a rewarding year continuing to share a passion for dance with her students.
Stefanie Caputo
Stefanie studied under Pasha and Kambalov at The School of the First State Theatre School. She attended summer programs with Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theater, and Richmond Ballet. In 2002, she was one of the top 12 finalists in the senior division of the Youth America Grand Prix world finals in N.Y.C. She has performed with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Ballet Theater of Maryland. Her teaching experience includes teaching at the YMCA, Ballet Theatre of Maryland School, School of the First State Ballet Theatre, University of Delaware and Christina Cultural Arts Center in Wilmington, DE. Stefanie is excited to return for her second year at the Alabama Ballet & BDT.
Sandy Coker
Sandy is the daughter of BDT’s founder, Nora Nash. She has been teaching dance to all ages for over 30 years and specializes in teaching ages 3-9. She has trained with various Birmingham organizations as well as Dance Masters of America, Joe Tremaine, and other various workshops. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Samford University, where she was a Majorette. Sandy was previously a teacher in the Opelika City Schools. She currently manages Costume Creations.
Alana Czernobil
Alana, a Chicago native, has trained with San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Hungarian National Ballet of Budapest, American Ballet Theatre and Suzanne Farrell. Alana is a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts where she studied with the Legendary Balanchine Ballerina, Melissa Hayden, and has performed roles in Giselle, Coppelia, and several George Balanchine works. Before joining Alabama Ballet in 2006, she danced professionally with Cedar Lake Ensemble II where she performed works by many prominent contemporary choreographers. With the AL Ballet, Alana has performed featured roles in Graduation Ball, Coppelia and George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker and has danced inn Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake, Dracula, and Song & Dance. Alana is looking forward to her third season with AL Ballet as a company member and returning to share her experience and knowledge with students of BDT.
Cana Deason Grooms
Cana Grooms began dancing at the age of 2. She was blessed to find BDT at the age of 10, where she experienced the most incredible training in her entire dance career. She graduated from Hewitt Trussville High School where she was a cheerleader and highly involved in HTHS Theater. She began her college education at Auburn University where she made the Tiger Paws dance team for two consecutive years. After her sophomore year at Auburn, she turned from Cana Deason to Mrs. Andrew James Grooms! She is now coaching and choreographing for the Vestavia Hills Rockettes and is continuing her education at UAB as a Graphic Design major. Cana has a passion for sharing her love for dance and helping others develop and grow in the talent that God has given them. She hopes to show others that dancing is more than just movement, but also an expression of who you are.
Kristin Mugnier
Kristen is a Birmingham native where she started her dance training at age 3. She continued dancing with BDT through High School, then continued her dance education at UA. Currently, Kristen is a protégé/assistant for the world renowned PULSE faculty: Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio, LaurieAnn Gibson, Dave Scott, Cris Judd, Gil Duldulao, and Shane Sparks.
Some of Kristen’s credits include choreographing, directing, and performing in the opening show for Miss Korea 2009; dancing/modeling for Nike Industrials; assisting Brian Friedman and performing in Capezio fashion shows internationally; in addition to being chosen by Fuzion Dance artists to perform with pioneers of modern dance in a 30-minute Improvisation performance honoring National Dance Week. Kristen has also trained at Edge and Millenium studios in LA, Broadway Dance Center in NY, and under names such as Stacey Tookey, Wes Veldink, Sonya Tayeh, Ricky Palomino, Jillian Meyers, Chebar Williams, Gregg Russell, Katie Schaar, Barry Youngblood, and many others. Kristen’s personal mission statement is to use her creative and energetic talents to encourage, inspire, and support others to love each other unconditionally and freely express who they truly are without fear of judgment.
Outside of dancing, Kristen is student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where is she pursuing a degree in Biology. She is a member of elite honor societies and often asked by her professors to carry out research for them. Kristen also worked under an M.D., Ph.D. at UAB’s Wallace Tumor Institute, completing gene-targeted cancer research with new potential cancer medications to develop possible cures and new medicine delivery techniques.
Kristy Patterson
Kristy started dancing at age 3 and grew up competing in various competitions. She joined the BDT family in 10th grade. She graduated from Pleasant Grove HS where she was on the dance team and a cheerleader. After graduation, Kristy became an instructor for Universal Dance Association teaching summer camps. Kristy now attends UAB where she is majoring in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and was on the nationally ranked UAB Golden Girls Dance Team. She has judged numerous dance team, cheerleading, state and national competitions. Kristy’s choreography for many HS dance teams, cheer teams, solos and duo/trios has won numerous regional & national awards. Kristy has a passion for teaching and looks forward to sharing her love of dance with others.
Noel Pollard
Noel is a native of Brandon, MS and studied at the Mississippi
Metropolitan Dance Academy. She has attended summer programs
with American Ballet Theatre and Kansas City Ballet. She recently
graduated from the University of Alabama with a BA in dance where
she was a member of the Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre for
four years. During thoes four years she performed soloist roles such in Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, and Swan Lake. She will begin her professional career with Alabama Ballet as an apprentice this upcoming season.
Allison Sanders
Allison has been studying, performing, competing and teaching dance for the past 30 years. Her love of dance began in Huntsville, AL where she was a member of the Huntsville Ballet Company for 10 years. She received a dance scholorship to the University of Southern Mississippi where she studied ballet and modern and was a member of the Dixie Darlings Dance Team. She graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in 1995 with a Marketing degree and a minor in Dance. While there, she studied with Mira Popovich and Ruth Henry and was a member of the Southern Stars Dance Team. Her choreography has won numerous awards at dance competitions including Dance Masters of America Chapter 33. Some of Allison’s performance credits include principle roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Pas de Quatre, Swan Lake, and Les Sylphides. Allison is looking forward to sharing her love of dance with your children, as well as her own 3 young daughters!
McCall Scofield
Ally Scofield
Ally began dance at BDT at age 2 studying Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Tap, Clogging, and Hip-hop. She has additional training in N.Y.C. and L.A. while also competing/training at dance competitions/conventions throughout the country. She performed and competed in Kim Wolfe's Company for 7 years as well as Alabama Ballet Productions of The Nutcracker and Cinderella as well as BDT Productions of Beauty and the Beast with lead roles in Peter Pan and Annie. Ally’s titles include “Little Miss Dance” 1998, Top 4-National Performer of the Year 1999, “Petite Miss Dance” 2001, “Teen Miss Dance” 2005 as well as numerous scholarship awards at National Dance Conventions. She won several scholarships and awards at the 2008 Jefferson County Junior Miss Program. Ally is a 2008 graduate of Vestavia Hills HS. She was a member of VHHS Rockettes Danceline, Music Honor Society, The International Thespian Honor Society and Vestavia Belles.
She is currently a Sophomore at the University of Alabama, where she is pursuing a double Major in Business and Dance. Ally is a member of Dance Master of America Chapter #33.
Ally loves to choreograph, teach and coach all aspects of dance!
Rita Tortomasi
Rita began her dance training at age 3 and has continued studying all disciplines of dance throughout her life. She has taught dance for over 30 years and many of Rita’s students have won dance competitions. She choreographs many production numbers for pageants and serves on the board of judges for the Miss America/Miss Alabama Pageant system. Rita was the former director of the Vestavia Hills Dogwood Pageants for 13 years. As a young child, Rita danced on Saturday mornings with local TV stations and appeared in local TV commercials. She currently shares her love of dance with young students by giving them a foundation in Tap, Ballet, & Jazz. Rita continues to teach a successful Summer Pop Star Camp for children, ages 4-7.
Kelly Allen Martin
Kelly Allen Martin started dancing at BDT at the age of 3. Under the instruction of Joni Nash Scofield, Rita Tortomasi, and Monica Barnett Smith, she continued dancing at BDT until she left for college. She was a part of numerous award winning competition groups and she was the first member of BDT to receive the Tremaine scholorship. Kelly graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 1987 where she was captain of the dance team and asked to dance at the Super Bowl.
Kelly spent her first two years at Auburn where she was on the dance team and a Tigerette. She transferred to the University of Alabama graduating with a degree in Management Information Systems and Computer Science. In Tuscaloosa, she was still actively dancing and teaching aerobics.
Kelly worked as a computer programmer for 15 years. Even when traveling, she would find gyms to continue her training. She loves staying fit but any class that does not incorporate dance had become stale to her. She has missed BDT terribly, so...she's back ready to get you into her Adult F.U.N. Jazz class
Sara deFuniak Walker
Sara started dancing at the age of 12 and trained in jazz under mentor, Kim Wolfe, ballet with J.V. Jennings and later with Stevan Grebel. Under Wolfe's wing, she developed a love for stylized jazz dance and choreography. She assisted Wolfe in choreography for both the Pointer Sisters and Martha Walsh, at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. As well as Wolfe, she has assisted other esteemed choreographers such as Nick Florez, Liz Imperio, Alison Faulk, Wes Veldink, and Erica Sobol. Sara attended college at the University of Alabama where she began choreographing for UA performances, while traveling the country as an assistant teacher on the weekends. At UA she was nominated for two Creative Campus Awards and was the recipient of the "Best Dance Solo". The Crimson White newspaper acclaimed Sara's work, stating, "deFuniak manages a perfect balance of control and emotion, revealing a great depth of artistic sensibility. " The dance and the song become inseparable, which must be the greatest accomplishment for any dance."
In 2006, Sara moved to Los Angeles to pursue a professional career in dance. In addition to performing in L.A. Fashion Week, House of Dolls Runway show, the Monolato "Strawberry Roan" music video, and the "Carnival: Choreographer's Ball", she spent most of her time training at Edge Performing Arts Center, under top choreographers, primarily Mandy Moore and Erica Sobol. In 2007, she joined the CollidE Dance Company, and is a member of the company today. After returning to the south to complete her senior year of college, Sara graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Apparel Design as has recently become the new Mrs. Chris Walker! Sara is excited for the next chapter of her life and believes that her career in dance, teaching, and choreography has only just begun!
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