Tess Luechtefeld is the Owner of Carolina Collective Dance and brings a rare blend of business expertise, artistic training, and deep industry experience to the studio. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing with a Minor in Dance, as well as an MBA, equipping her with a strong foundation in both the creative and operational sides of running a successful dance organization.

Tess has spent her entire life immersed in the competitive dance world. From growing up as a competitive dancer herself to working professionally within the industry, she has firsthand experience in every aspect of dance education, team development, and performance. Prior to opening Carolina Collective Dance in 2018, she spent several years in Los Angeles, California, serving as a part studio owner and studio manager, where she gained invaluable experience in high-level training environments and studio leadership.

Through Carolina Collective Dance, Tess has built a program where excellence and kindness coexist, and where dancers are challenged to work hard, dream big, and grow into strong, confident individuals.

Melanie’s professional career began at a young age, performing in musical theater productions, including the Broadway tours of Oliver! and Showboat. She was a dancer in the Radio Disney Tune Troupe and showcased her talent at venues all over New England, even opening for Britney Spears. As a resident performer at Foxwoods Resort Casino, she honed her craft while also competing nationally and internationally with the Dance Connection, earning numerous regional and national titles for her solos.

After earning a BFA in Acting from Elon University, Melanie moved to California in 2010, where she obtained her MFA in Dance from the University of California, Irvine. She has appeared in music videos with artists such as Loui & Scibi, Kimberly Caldwell, and Eva, and has performed commercially in Los Angeles with the jazz cabaret group The Beauties and the contemporary ballet company Reach Sisters.

Now, Melanie loves sharing her passion for dance at Carolina Collective Dance, finding immense joy in inspiring her students and watching them flourish in their own love for the art.

Sara Hyatt is an experienced dance instructor, choreographer, and director with over a decade of involvement in recreational, competitive, and community-based dance programs. She brings a strong passion for teaching, creativity, and mentorship, working with dancers from preschool through high school on both recreational and competitive levels.

Sara has taught creative movement, technique, and performance-focused classes and has choreographed numerous solos, small groups, and large group routines. Her choreography has earned multiple awards at the state and competitive levels, including a Louisiana State Beta Group Talent Championship, and she continues to serve as a choreographer and assistant choreographer for award-winning competitive dance teams.

With a teaching style rooted in positive encouragement, strong technique, and artistic growth, Sara Anne is dedicated to helping dancers develop both on and off the stage while fostering a love for dance that extends beyond competition.

Madison is from Huntsville Alabama where she began dancing at a young age under Olga Jacobs. She moved to Community Ballet Association in 2006, home of Huntsville Ballet where she danced until 2019. As of 2008, she began dancing under the direction of Phillip Otto and Rachel Butler within the Huntsville Ballet School. In 2010 she began attending summer intensives around the country to further her training. She has spent time training with professional companies such as Ballet Austin, Carolina Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, and Oklahoma City Ballet. She joined Huntsville Ballet as a professional company member for her first season in 2016 and spent three seasons in the company. She has performed many roles with Huntsville Ballet Company such as Sugar Plum in Nutcracker, Tiger Lily in Huntsville Ballet Company’s Peter Pan, and Christine in Phantom of the Ballet. She made the move to Georgia in 2019 and danced as a principal with Savannah Ballet Theatre.

A native of Greensboro, NC, Miss Anna's incredible ballet journey began at the age of 3 with Greensboro Ballet School.

She has trained with American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, and Burklyn Ballet, performing in productions across the U.S. and even at The Fringe Festival in Scotland! Most recently, she spent four seasons as a company member with

Savannah Ballet, where she performed leading roles, including Clara in The Nutcracker.

Ariel has always had a passion for dance since a very young age. Beginning her training at her hometown dance studio in Massachusetts to graduating with a Bachelor’s of Performing Arts degree specializing in dance performance from Oklahoma City University. Ariel moved to New York City and began her career performing professionally as an Actor’s Equity Member. Some performance credits include-Tour: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (U.S. and Japan). Norwegian Cruise Line (U.S. and Europe). Regional Theater: Featured Dancer for The Four Piano Men; West Side Story; Holiday Inn; and CATS.

Since leaving the city, Ariel and her husband (Bruno) found their way to Bluffton to be closer to family. She keeps herself busy with her daughter (Alessandra) and son (Nico). Ariel has been so lucky to be a part of the Carolina Collective family and continues to live out her passion for dance by teaching. 

Micaela Ricco relocated to the area from Pittsburgh, PA, where she began dancing at the age of two and grew up as a competitive dancer. She has continued her training throughout her career through college-level dance classes and ongoing professional development at teacher-focused dance conventions.

With over six years of teaching experience, Micaela specializes in acro and gymnastics, while also teaching ballet, technique, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. She loves helping dancers develop strong technique while gaining confidence and discipline in a positive, supportive environment.

Micaela is thrilled to be part of the Carolina Collective Family and is excited to inspire, challenge, and watch each student grow both on and off the dance floor!

About Music Miranda

Dance has been a part of Savy’s life for as long as she can remember. She began dancing at just 2 years old and performed her first solo at age 4, which sparked a lifelong passion for the art and sport of dance. Over the years, Savy has competed at DanceOne competitions across the country, earning recognition for her performances, including Top 10 Dance Awards in 2023 and Top 20 Dance Awards in 2024.

Teaching is one of Savy’s greatest passions. She loves helping young dancers grow, build confidence, and discover their own love for dance. Creating a positive and encouraging environment is important to her, allowing dancers to feel supported while pushing themselves to be their best.

For Savy, dance is more than movement, it is an outlet and a form of self-expression. Through dance, she is able to communicate emotions, tell stories, and connect with others in a powerful and meaningful

Aubrey is a dedicated dance teacher with a lifelong passion for movement and artistic expression. She began dancing at the age of three and has continued to grow and develop throughout her dance journey, gaining both experience and a deep appreciation for the art form. For her, dance is more than a pastime—it is a powerful way to express emotion, creativity, and storytelling.

She began assisting dance classes at just twelve years old, where she discovered a love for teaching and mentoring young dancers. Since then, she has embraced the opportunity to teach her own classes, supporting students at every stage of their learning. She especially enjoys working with younger children, helping them build strong foundations in dance and watching their confidence and skills progress over time. Her commitment to dance and to nurturing the next generation of dancers is at the heart of her teaching approach.

About Sami Nix

Elliana Bowden is a high school senior with a background in cheerleading and gymnastics, bringing strong communication skills, organization, and a positive attitude to the studio.