Meet the Team
Jodi Franklin Kempany
Director & Instructor
There is no doubt that "Ms. Jodi", has dedicated much of her life to the art of dance. There is nothing that she would rather do than help her students achieve inside or outside the studio. As the owner and director of both a dance and performing arts studio, Prodigy Performing Arts, established in 2006, as well as a mobile arts enrichment company, she excels at teaching and inspiring young students.
Being an accomplished dance instructor in the metro Atlanta area for over 30 years, she has given thousands of children their first introduction to the art of dance. Some of her students have become college dance majors, collegiate dance team captains, and dance studio owners. She has even been a dance coach for a professional child actor.
​Prior to becoming an instructor, Ms. Jodi has received extensive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, and Acrobatics. She learned early on that being knowledgeable and capable in multiple styles made her a versatile dancer, athlete, artist. She was fortunate to get her start with teachers who loved colorful choreography, characters, and costuming. She chose to become a professional dancer when she was a child and dove into taking multiple classes, performing with the dance company, and even creating her own solo choreography along with creating her own costumes in her spare time. Fortunately, she was able to seek out the best instructors that Atlanta had to offer and also took private lessons to keep challenging herself for her future. This ambition for dance
combined with her "way with children" led to her being a sought after dance instructor at many metro area studios over the years.
Ms. Jodi has been a member of multiple dance companies as well as a solo artist. She has performed in ballets: Paquita, Peter And The Wolf, and multiple productions of The Nutcracker. Her award-winning choreography helped her earn scholarships as a dance performance major at Brenau University. She has performed at dance festivals, won numerous dance and talent competition awards, and has taken master classes with world-renowned choreographers.
She was honored to be selected as a Southern Spirit dancer in the Opening ceremonies of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, under the direction of Kenny Ortega. In this milestone event, she had the opportunity to perform for the world alongside Gloria Estefan, Little Richard, and Wynton Marsalis in the Closing ceremonies. In 2000, she was chosen to dance for Super Bowl XXXIV with Tina Turner and Travis Tritt. She has danced for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and in a fundraising event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She has also performed her Jazz and Modern solo works on many Atlanta stages. In addition to her performance credits, she has choreographed numerous musical theater productions including West Side Story, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Oliver!, among many others.
Each year, Ms. Jodi enjoys being a guest instructor at local school career days, for a celebration of the arts festival, or as a National Dance Week instructor. She also serves as a judge for arts or talent contests for schools or other organizations. She is an Acrobatics Arts certified instructor and a member of the National Dance Education Organization, and a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She cares deeply about fostering an appreciation for the art of dance in our community, and strives to offer positive experiences for her students that will aid them throughout their lives.
Danielle Lorentz
Musical Theatre Director & Voice Instructor
​ Ms. Danielle has been singing for as long as she can remember, first starting her musical journey in church choirs and school chorus groups. She was in All State and Honors Chorus in school, and earned several solos in different performances in school and church as a child. She began to gravitate towards musical theatre in her high school years, and performed with the school's theatre program in several shows, earning the "All Star Cast" award in a performance her junior year at district and state competition and continuing to perform solos onstage. She further pursued theatrical training at the Springer Theatre Academy, taking classes such as: Voice, Movement, Scene Study (Classical and Contemporary), Improv, Playwriting, and more. She continued to perform in Springer productions after her high school graduation, appearing in Charlotte's Web (Charlotte), Shrek the Musical (Young Fiona), and Grease (Jan). In addition to her onstage credits, she worked backstage in a myriad of technical positions with the Springer, including Run Crew, Spotlight Operator, Assistant Stage Manager, and Costume Assistant. She proceeded to assistant teach Playmaking at the Springer Theatre Academy alongside Natalia Temesgen.
In college, she continued to work both backstage and onstage. At Columbus State University, she appeared in Next to Normal (Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden) and Under a Red Moon (Dr. Ruth Covington). After she transferred to Kennesaw State University, she began her concentration in Musical Theatre and her Dance
​ Minor, participating in local community theatre productions and college productions. She was seen in The Drowsy Chaperone (Ensemble), Ragtime (Little Girl), Beauty and the Beast (Babette), and Bring It On (Eva). During this time, she also began to expand her knowledge of the voice, receiving voice lessons from Timothy Ellis and Krista McCoy.
Since graduating with her degree in Musical Theatre, she has taught voice lessons at multiple studios, and currently works as the Chief Music Director and Production Manager for Mad Artists' Entertainment. Since graduating college, she has appeared in many productions: And Then There Were None (Vera Claythorne), Arsenic & Old Lace (Elaine Harper), Next to Normal (Natalie Goodman),The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble), and Heathers (Veronica Sawyer). Offstage, she has worked many shows as well, including Clue On Stage (Stage Manager), Much Ado About Nothing (Director), D*mn Yankees (Music Director), and A Christmas Carol (Director & Music Director). She also narrates audiobooks out of a home studio.
"My voice is my life, and it brings me so much joy to be able to help others to be confident with their built-in instrument!"
Amelia Dyal
Voice Instructor
_edited_edited.jpg)
Miss Amelia is an accomplished vocalist with 13 years of experience and extensive training in music theory and vocal technique. Her expertise spans multiple genres, including musical theater, choral music, opera, jazz, and contemporary styles, honed through her education at the prestigious Cobb County Center of Excellence in Performing Arts.
With over 40 performances in shows, Amelia was selected as a vocal major for the 2022 Governor's Honors Program, a testament to her exceptional skill. She has four years of experience as a vocal coach, specializing in vocal diagnostics and control, helping others refine their voices with precision.
Zoe Marten
Musical Theatre and Tumbling Instructor
Zoe Marten is a long-time lover of musical theatre and singing, having been trained vocally since she was nine. She recently graduated Hillgrove High School, having been involved in their theatre department since her freshman year. She is passionate about all aspects of theatre, starting as an actress and then branching out to the technical side with a focus in PR & Marketing.
A few of her favorite shows she has been in include: The Drowsy Chaperone (Man in Chair), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), and Peter & the Starcatcher (Smee). She won All-Star actor at One-Act Competition 2022 as Sherry in Our Place and was Thespian of the Year at her high school for 2023-2024. She loves teaching and wishes to pursue education and theatre at Kennesaw State University in Fall 2024.
Zoe is excited and grateful to be working with Prodigy Performing Arts as a teacher and stage manager, and is dedicated to helping kids find their passion in theatre and dance as she did when she was younger.
Seven O'Dell
Assistant Dance and Tumbling Instructor
Miss Seven brings a passion for dance and a wealth of experience to her role as Assistant Instructor at Prodigy Performing Arts. A lifelong dancer, Seven began her journey at Prodigy at the age of 3, cultivating her skills in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics. Over the years, she has grown not only as a performer but also as a mentor and role model for young dancers.
​
Seven’s dedication to her craft has led her to significant milestones, including performing live onstage at the Dance Athens Festival in 2024 and showcasing her talent through a self-choreographed lyrical solo at the Prodigy Spring Selections Talent Showcase. As a member of the Prodigy Dance Company, she has expanded her expertise by participating in master classes at prestigious events such as BalletFest and the Jazz on Tap Festival.
​
Known for her open-mindedness, willingness to assist wherever needed, and ability to inspire younger students, Seven is committed to fostering a supportive and creative environment in every class she teaches. For her, dance is not only a technical art form but also a powerful outlet for emotional expression and personal growth.
​
Seven looks forward to continuing her journey, growing with each class she takes, and sharing her love of dance with the next generation of performers at Prodigy.​
Donna Kay Bapst
Tumbling Instructor
Donna Kay (DK) started dancing at the age of three, and danced through high school with the Albany Georgia Ballet Company, where she studied under Terrell Paulk. Shortly thereafter, she became a professional dancer with the Atlanta Ballet under Robert Barnett, performing in the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Giselle, to name a few. In addition to her dance education, Ms. DK worked hard to become a competitive level 10 gymnast.
She has over 40 years of experience as a dance instructor, choreographer, and as a competitive gymnastics coach, which has afforded her the opportunity to travel to many cities throughout the U.S. Ms. DK is an USAG United States Safety certified coach and she teaches dance for recreational classes-competitive level students in the areas of acro-dance, ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and ballroom.
Above all, Donna Kay believes that dance has blessed her life beyond her wildest dreams. One of her greatest joys is being able to witness students changing their lives. Mentoring each individual student through her/his own journey makes Ms.D.K.'s heart feel full. Dance was her first love and continues to inspire and inform her life, while allowing her to plant seeds of confidence and encouragement to her students. Ms. D.K.'s experience as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher in the field continues to feed her passion for this beautiful art form.
Jalicia Costa
Dance, Musical Theatre, and Tumbling Instructor
Miss Jalicia is a dancer, choreographer, and freelance photographer from Kennesaw, Georgia. She earned her B.A in Dance with a minors in Graphic and Design and Business from Brenau University. While at Brenau, she performed in a variety of faculty, student and guest artists’ works. She had the opportunity to perform works by Julio Medina, Du’bois A’Keen, Jesse Zaritt, Staycee Pearl, Owen Scarlett, and Kaitlin Arena. She has served as rehearsal assistant to guest artists, Jennifer Archibald and Pytron Parker, during their residencies at Brenau.
Her choreographic work, "The Awakening" was selected to be performed at the Alabama Dance Festival and the American College Dance Association. In addition, the work was presented at the Martin Luther King, Jr Convocation at Brenau University. As a photographer, she curated photo sessions in dance movement, headshots, dance performances, outdoor and events.
Lauren Lloyd
Assistant Tumbling and Musical Theatre Instructor
Headshot and bio coming soon!
Guest Dance Instructor:
Alternese Griffin
Alternese Griffin, also known as “Neasy”, was born and raised in Charleston, SC. Neasy started dancing at age 3 and started teaching at only age 12. She began ballet classes with Linda Harvey Ballet as a child and later attended Darlene's School of Dance where she was introduced to street jazz, hip hop, and acro dance. Neasy has trained with professionals: Darrin Henson, Christian Vincent, Nappy Tabs, Brian Friedman, Rhapsody James, Travis Wall, Sean Bankhead, Gil Duldulao, Luam, Mr. Wiggles, Kevin Meher, Laura Edwards, and Riquel Orlander of “We Are Heroes” dance crew.
She has worked for and with MTV as a “MADE” Coach, and has been featured Season 2 and 3 of FOX's “So You Think You Can Dance”. She has performed with music artists: Hurricane Chris, Goody Mob, Big Boi of Outkast and more. She is a choreographer to music artists and an artist development teacher. She has also made her boot print in the competitive dance world as a teenager. She's a title winner of “Platinum First Place” as a Hip-Hop soloist at Dance Masters, Nextstar, and Showstopper dance competitions. Ms.Neasy's choreography has recently won Diamond Awards for her All Boys hip hop company classes in 2014 and 2015. Her large group hip hop piece in 2013, her teen jazz and contemporary pieces in 2015, along with a judges choice award for “Most Entertaining” at “Dance Machine” competition, 2017. She has received “First Place Overall” awards for her Acro Senior Duet piece and Senior Solo danced by Terry Nelson, one of her advanced students, along with dancer Lily Summers.
Guest Dance Instructor:
Silvia Faulkner
Headshot and bio coming soon!
Guest Dance and Musical Theatre Camp Instructor:
Morgan Morrell
_edited.jpg)
Bio coming soon!
Guest Dance and Musical Theatre Instructor:
Courtney Locke
_edited.jpg)
Ms. Courtney is a seasoned performer, choreographer, and director based in the Atlanta area. With a lifelong passion for the performing arts, Courtney began her training at the age of 11 and has honed her craft at renowned institutions such as Steps, Broadway Dance Center, and the Alliance Theatre.
​
Her impressive performance credits include roles in regional productions of Mary Poppins, Rent, Chicago, Shrek!, and Cinderella. In addition to her work on stage, Courtney has made a significant impact as a choreographer, collaborating with Gainesville, Etowah, and Brookwood High Schools, as well as contributing her expertise to reputable, local community theatre organizations.
​
Ms. Courtney is thrilled to bring her extensive experience and enthusiasm for musical theatre to Prodigy Performing Arts. She is dedicated to inspiring and nurturing young performers, sharing her love for the arts, and helping each student reach their full potential.
Guest Acting and Musical Theatre Instructor:
Jackson Baughman
Mr. Jackson is a certified theatre educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education from Columbus State University. As a dedicated teaching artist, Jackson seamlessly integrates his professional artistry with his passion for teaching, inspiring students to embrace the transformative power of theatre.
​
Throughout his career, Jackson has shared his love for theatre in various esteemed settings, including serving as a teaching artist at the Alliance Theatre, volunteering at MTI’s Junior Theatre Festival, and performing and mentoring youth at the Springer Opera House. His extensive performance repertoire includes memorable roles such as Hans in Frozen, Timon in The Lion King, Trevor Grayden in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods, and most recently, Hugo in Tuck Everlasting.
​
Mr. Jackson brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Prodigy Performing Arts, where he is thrilled to share his passion for acting with students. He is committed to nurturing creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts in every aspiring actor he teaches.
Guest Acting and Musical Theatre Instructor:
Amber Brooke Lopez
Ms. Amber Brooke graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. She has enjoyed performing musical theater and opera for many audiences from small intimate parties to crowds of 3000+, from Georgia to Ukraine, on board cruise ships to inside opera houses.
She now enjoys teaching music and drama to pre-school, elementary, and middle school age students. She frequently performs musical theater, opera, oldies, and many other styles. Amber owns a childrens' theatre program, which facilitates the extra-curricular drama programs at several Cobb County schools. She also started and manages The Reminiscents, who offer music therapy through performance for the elderly. Amber currently lives in Marietta with her husband and 3 children.
She is pleased to join the staff at Prodigy Performing Arts to bring her talents as a vocal instructor to students that want to shine on the stage.