CenterStage Performing Arts Academy has been a staple dance studio in Gallatin for over fifteen years. The partners, Natalie and Daniel Hudson and David and Laurie Klein, are the fourth owners (2015 to present). They had a dream of expanding CenterStage to provide more than just dance, but a full fine arts education in dance, theatre, productions, and instruments.
CenterStage desires to create a culture of encouragement, fun, and challenge for each and every student. It is important to us that each family knows they are loved and believed in, and that we embrace and celebrate individuals and encourage teamwork. We strive to greet everyone when they walk in the door and look every person in the eye. These are the people we have chosen to instruct your students, not only because of their knowledge, but because they embody everything that helps to create CenterStage culture.
CenterStage desires to create a culture of encouragement, fun, and challenge for each and every student. It is important to us that each family knows they are loved and believed in, and that we embrace and celebrate individuals and encourage teamwork. We strive to greet everyone when they walk in the door and look every person in the eye. These are the people we have chosen to instruct your students, not only because of their knowledge, but because they embody everything that helps to create CenterStage culture.
CenterStage Business Director, Office Manager, and Private Lessons Director
Natalie Klein Hudson has been teaching dance and fine arts for over 15 years and dancing for 30. She has a Master of Arts degree in Theatre from Regent University in Virginia, and spent three years traveling and teaching around the world with the Young Americans. When she isn't in the CenterStage classroom, she is a Professor of Theatre at Volunteer State Community College. In her spare time, Natalie loves to perform, pursue certifications (Cecchetti Grade 1 and Intermediate Aerial Hammock awarded Spring 2022!) cheer on the Volunteers, and spend time with her husband Daniel, their dog Molly, and their 1 year old, Scarlett. Email Natalie directly!
Brendan Tramel is CenterStage's wonderful Office Manager and smiling face! Brendan was born and raised in Middle Tennessee. Active in theatre since age ten, she graduated from Cumberland University in Lebanon with a Bachelor and Master of Arts. While in graduate school she worked as the director for the Cumberland Arts Academy, an after school fine arts program for students of all ages in Wilson County. She also founded and co-directed the Phoenix Playhouse and Rising Phoenix Production drama programs through the Academy at the University for a decade until the program was retired this past year. Currently she teaches in the theater department at Vol-State Community College, and directs community theater productions throughout the Middle TN area. Email Brendan directly!
Amanda McReynolds is CenterStage's amazing Private Lesson Director and has been performing since an early age in various school, church, college and community productions.
She earned an Associate of Science Degree in Music from Volunteer State Community College in 2005 and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts with a Theatre Emphasis from Cumberland University.
After college she went on tour performing with her grandfather, Grand Ole Opry member and bluegrass legend Jesse McReynolds. During those years, she performed multiple times on the Grand Ole Opry, at various bluegrass and folk festivals, at The International Bluegrass Music Association Awards and even for the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship Awards. She also toured for a number of years as a founding member of The McReynolds Tradition alongside her brother Garrett McReynolds, cousin Luke McKnight, and uncle Darin Lyons.
Now Amanda enjoys teaching beginning acting classes and private lessons in Voice, Piano, Ukulele and Guitar at CenterStage.
She also assists her husband with theatrical productions at Cumberland University; offering expertise in costuming, stage makeup and vintage hairstyling.
Email Amanda directly!
She earned an Associate of Science Degree in Music from Volunteer State Community College in 2005 and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts with a Theatre Emphasis from Cumberland University.
After college she went on tour performing with her grandfather, Grand Ole Opry member and bluegrass legend Jesse McReynolds. During those years, she performed multiple times on the Grand Ole Opry, at various bluegrass and folk festivals, at The International Bluegrass Music Association Awards and even for the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship Awards. She also toured for a number of years as a founding member of The McReynolds Tradition alongside her brother Garrett McReynolds, cousin Luke McKnight, and uncle Darin Lyons.
Now Amanda enjoys teaching beginning acting classes and private lessons in Voice, Piano, Ukulele and Guitar at CenterStage.
She also assists her husband with theatrical productions at Cumberland University; offering expertise in costuming, stage makeup and vintage hairstyling.
Email Amanda directly!
Grace Durham is our Administrative, Event, and Production Assistant! You will see her everywhere, from answering phones and emails to stage managing our productions and assisting in our classrooms. Grace grew up in Lebanon, TN and is currently studying elementary education at Cumberland University. She has been intrigued with the fine arts from a young age where she started participating in theater camps at age 8. This eventually led to her doing shows throughout her middle/high school years, becoming a member of the LHS chamber choir and blue diamonds all-girl a cappella group, as well as assistant directing and stage managing shows! While in high school, Grace also co-counseled the Rising Phoenix Players theater camps in the summer months at Cumberland University.
Additionally, Grace was a competitive figure skater for 5 years where she took ballet for ice alongside skating and has some background in multiple genres of dance from previous experience. She is thrilled to continue integrating her passion for the fine arts here at CenterStage! Email Grace directly!
Additionally, Grace was a competitive figure skater for 5 years where she took ballet for ice alongside skating and has some background in multiple genres of dance from previous experience. She is thrilled to continue integrating her passion for the fine arts here at CenterStage! Email Grace directly!
CenterStage Dance Faculty
Joyce Kacar's teaching and choreography career began at age 15 in Youngstown, Ohio. Classically trained in ballet, pointe, tap and jazz as well as tumbling, Joyce is a certified Cecchetti classical ballet instructor. She is passionate about sharing her love of dance teaching students of all ages at CenterStage including her 4 (and counting) granddaughters! Email Joyce directly!
Megan Pentecost was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and moved to Tennessee in 2012. Since she was 5 years old and first saw Michael Jackson perform on TV, she wanted to be a performer. Growing up in Los Angeles afforded her this opportunity as she participated in gymnastics, all kinds of dance, theatre, voice, and show choir. After graduating high school, Megan went to Azusa Pacific University and majored in vocal performance, while also competing on a national stunt cheer team, for Team U.S.A. and found her passion for hip hop dance. Wanting a job she loved, she has worked as a performer for Disney, Universal, and most recently, an aerialist for Cirque Du Soliel. During this journey, Megan has realized her love for helping other people discover their passions and dreams in life, and loves helping them pursue them any way she can. This has led to teaching aerial silks, dance, and vocal and performance techniques, and choreographing for many shows, artists, and theater companies. Email Megan directly!
Aubrey Iwan - is a local choreographer, a preschool teacher in Hendersonville, and
music coordinator for her preschool. She loves to perform! Email Aubrey directly!
music coordinator for her preschool. She loves to perform! Email Aubrey directly!
Ella Vernali Hunter is a graduate of Nashville School of the Arts where she majored in Dance and Choreography. Ella teaches Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Musical Theater technique classes and choreographs dance performances for a wide range of dancers. She has choreographed multiple full-length musicals including Little Shop of Horrors and Hairspray . Ella has worked on several variety shows with Centerstage, and is very excited for the year to come! Email Ella directly!
Emma Peasall Perkins is a singer, dancer, and actress who has dedicated her whole life to story telling and building community through musical theatre. After over ten years of training in the arts, she is beyond excited to be fusing her ambitions with the wonderful mission of CenterStage! Email Emma directly!
Sarina is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Dance with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography. She has performed in numerous works at UNCG choreographed by B.J. Sullivan, Ronald K. Brown, Kara Jenelle, and more. Sarina began choreographing seven years ago and her work has received multiple awards including first overall at Kids Artistic Revue Competition. She has taught ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and tap for eight years. Sarina is currently based in Nashville Tennessee teaching, choreographing, and judging national competitions around the county. Email Sarina directly!
Michelle McIntosh is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She started clogging at the age of nine in a school dance program. At the age of eleven she was headlining several musicians like Crystal Galye, Roy Clark, and Exhile at their concerts. She danced for many political campaigns which include Jack Daniels and several promotional events like NBC'S Fallen Soldier. At the age of eighteen, she moved to Nashville to get more involved in the clogging world. She has danced on several clogging teams and performed on television with several celebrities. She has four children that clog also. Michelle's youngest two daughters (Ashley and Alyssa) help her with classes today. They have won multiple competitions, clogged for 21 Pilots and are the cloggers on the Quaver's music dance videos, which schools throughout the world use to teach their music class. Michelle also teaches clogging in Mt Juliet. Email Michelle directly!
Jeff Stricherz was born in South Dakota, and started clogging on an exhibition team at age 7. He moved to California at the age of 10 and continued to pursue his love for clogging. Jeff started teaching and choreographing at about age 20, and has been on 3 exhibition teams. He has taught at more than 100 workshops and conventions nationwide. Jeff has also competed in competitions in the Hoedown, Individual, Duet, Show and a capella categories. He also started and produced with two other cloggers the Lone Star Shootout National Clogging Competition in Texas for 2 years. Jeff has lived in South Dakota, California, Switzerland, Texas, Illinois, and now in Tennessee. He has been married to his wife Sherry for many years, and they have 3 daughters. Email Jeff directly!
Bernadette Turnage grew up in Nashville, TN where her training was primarily in Classical Ballet and Pointe work with the Centennial Youth Ballet and Vanderbilt Dance Program. Bernadette is a BA graduate of Western Kentucky University's Theatre and Dance program 2018. There, she gained experience in teaching and performing in a wide variety of styles constantly challenging herself to experience movement outside of her comfort zone. She believes the more vulnerable and open to being “bad” an artist is, the more well-rounded and accomplished that artist will become. Email Bernadette directly!
Ms. Kerstin Forbes began dancing recreationally at the age of 5 and dancing competitively at the age of 8. She has had extensive training in a variety of disciplines including Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, and Tap. She has attended multiple workshops and dance clinics throughout her years of training.
Ms. Kerstin’s love for dance education began at the age of 15 while assisting classes at her home studio in Upstate NY. She continued her teacher training for 4 years under the direction of Jack Gronau and excelled in her Tap and Jazz exams through Dance Masters of America, Chapter #8.
Ms. Kerstin began her professional teaching career as Director of the Forbes Academy of Dance and then proceeded to work at the nationally acclaimed Tawn Marie’s Dance Centre for the past 26 years. Ms. Kerstin directed the Pre-school and Kinder program for over 20 years and her love for the recreational dancer is obvious in every class she teaches.
Throughout those years, Ms. Kerstin has taught both recreational and competitive dancers and has won numerous Regional, State and National Overall Awards. She is recognized for her choreography and technical excellence of her students.
Ms. Kerstin comes to CenterStage from Camillus, NY and is looking forward to sharing her passion for dance
with her students while helping them reach their personal goals.
Ms. Kerstin’s love for dance education began at the age of 15 while assisting classes at her home studio in Upstate NY. She continued her teacher training for 4 years under the direction of Jack Gronau and excelled in her Tap and Jazz exams through Dance Masters of America, Chapter #8.
Ms. Kerstin began her professional teaching career as Director of the Forbes Academy of Dance and then proceeded to work at the nationally acclaimed Tawn Marie’s Dance Centre for the past 26 years. Ms. Kerstin directed the Pre-school and Kinder program for over 20 years and her love for the recreational dancer is obvious in every class she teaches.
Throughout those years, Ms. Kerstin has taught both recreational and competitive dancers and has won numerous Regional, State and National Overall Awards. She is recognized for her choreography and technical excellence of her students.
Ms. Kerstin comes to CenterStage from Camillus, NY and is looking forward to sharing her passion for dance
with her students while helping them reach their personal goals.
Kaylee Davidson was born and raised in Nashville Tn where the arts has always been a huge part of her life. She grew up from a young age participating in theater productions and taking all styles of dance classes throughout the years. She even spent a few years competing at different dance competitions and attending Southern Association of Dance Masters (SADM) conventions. Kaylee begin assisting and substitute teaching ballet, tumble, and jazz classes while in high school and in that moment knew that’s what she truly loved to do. Working with dancers of all ages to not only help grow their knowledge and skill of dance but to also help build confidence and relationships is what Kaylee loves most about teaching.
Ashley Breedlove is a yoga instructor, partner acrobatics teacher, and an aerial instructor. When she’s not teaching she’s training. Her teaching is fueled by her passion for these arts. She began Acro with her partner in 2017 and hasn’t stopped since! Aerial came along shortly after in 2018. After practicing Acro and Aerial, she decided she had to share her love and experience with others and that’s when she began teaching!! She loves to help others start and continue their journey in Acro and Aerial. Ashley also loves to perform partner Acro and Lyra doubles any chance she gets.
Patrick Pride Jr., (substitute instructor) born and raised in Richmond, VA, recently graduated from Austin Peay State University among the the top of his class. During his time at APSU, he has rigorously been involved in the Theatre and Dance Department from auditioning for shows to volunteering a helping hand. He has also been a prominent member of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), National Honor Society of Theatre, and rose to the position of Vice President his junior year and later President as a senior. He has also attended and performed at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) four times, and even presented his own choreography, Boundaries, his junior year. Patrick currently lives in NYC but flies back to work with CenterStage when he can and occasionally offers Zoom specialty classes.
CenterStage Music and Theatre Faculty
Jerry Klein grew up in Southern California where he started playing the guitar at about 10 years of age. He graduated college with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, has played in a variety of bands and music settings, church and secular over the years. He and his family moved to Gallatin in 2014. After a sabbatical from teaching of quite a few years, Jerry is happy to have the opportunity at CenterStage to share the gift of music through guitar or piano lessons. Email Jerry directly!
Matthew Kennedy has been teaching music and dance for 15 years, and performing for 25. Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Matt studied classical voice, violin and piano, as well as Ballroom, Latin and Swing dance. His passion for dance and music brought him to California, where he joined the Young Americans. Matt performed, taught, managed and directed on tours in 3 continents, 15 countries, and 24 states, but is now proud to call Tennessee home! Matt is involved in all capacities at CenterStage including as our studio's Technical Director. Email Matt directly!
Christian Bare has been performing in the theatre for over a decade in many different capacities from acting to stage managing and everything in between! He has performed with several theatres across middle Tennessee, learning from a number of teachers with different backgrounds. He is also a member of The Young Americans, a non-profit performing arts organization, where he has performed in Southern California as well as all over Eastern Japan. After graduating from Tennessee Technological University, he relocated to Nashville where he spends most of his time acting, dancing, and singing. Email "Bare" directly!
Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Robert Salsich is an alumni of Berklee College of Music majoring in guitar performance. He’s had over 14 years of experience on guitar, bass, drums, and over 3 years of vocal experience.
Over the last decade, Rob has performed a plethora of venues on the east coast and spent a few years on Broadway as a session musician. Nowadays, Rob writes, records, sings, and plays bass in his original band. Rob believes that learning music is therapeutic and helps develop cognitive skills and creative thinking
Over the last decade, Rob has performed a plethora of venues on the east coast and spent a few years on Broadway as a session musician. Nowadays, Rob writes, records, sings, and plays bass in his original band. Rob believes that learning music is therapeutic and helps develop cognitive skills and creative thinking
Andrea Campbell has been apart of the theater community for over 15 years and has been dancing for 10. In addition to a love for performing, she also has a passion for choreography. She has choreographed countless musicals and shows at Hendersonville Performing Arts Company and other local theaters in the area. Additionally, she has choreographed at various schools including Ezell-Harding Christian School, Belmont University, Knox Doss Middle School, and Volunteer State Community College. She also loves teaching and has been teaching privates in tap, ballet, and jazz for 5 years. Along with this, she has assisted in tap classes with the MTSU theater department. Andrea is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelors in Arts and Science in Foreign Languages and Communication. Andrea has choreographed for several Springboard shows at Centerstage and is excited to be working with students, old and new! Email Andrea directly!
Tate Burgess has been an active member of the performing arts community for nearly 10 years now. He is most often seen performing at the Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (HPAC) and has been involved in both cast and crew there. In recent years, Tate has served as one of the production team members with HPAC’s Youth Enrichment Programs as the Stage Manager, doing set construction, and being a light operator. He is currently studying Mathematics at Belmont University, while pursuing a Pre-Medical Track and a Music Minor.
