Our Instructors

Leah Green (Tap and Acro)

Leah Green grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and relocated to Cleveland in 2004 to attend Lee University. She started dancing ballet and tumbling at age eight and quickly became passionate about it, eventually training in modern, jazz, tap, and pointe. Leah dedicated her entire dance career to her training facility, where she had numerous opportunities, including serving as a teacher’s assistant from age 13, performing in annual Memorial Day parades, and participating in masterclasses with the Radio City Rockettes and Ballet Magnificat.

In addition to dancing, Leah enjoys performing in various capacities, such as singing and acting. She was a member of her high school’s auditioned A Capella choir and the Melodymen & Melodettes show choir. During her competitive years, she was honored with the “Best Performer” title in her group twice in the same season. As a senior, Leah participated in her school’s production of “Once Upon a Mattress,” where she was both a chorus member and dance captain. She also applied her dance and tumbling skills to cheerleading during her junior and senior years and was a member of the Varsity Dance team throughout high school.

Leah has choreographed dances for her church’s production of “Uncle Phil’s Diner” and portrayed “Clarisse” twice in their production of “Baggage Claim,” most recently in 2019. A lifelong learner, she regularly attends workshops and explores dance history to enrich her students’ education. Leah joined the CCB staff in 2012, teaching creative movement, ballet, jazz, tap, and acro, with a focus on tap and acro. Her teaching philosophy centers around helping students understand music through tap and encouraging them to “try YOUR best,” embracing individuality over perfection.

Outside of teaching, Leah homeschools her four children with her husband, Lanny, and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Dani Clark (Ballet, Jazz and Company)

Dani Clark, a native of Decatur, Georgia, began dancing at the age of three and brings over 17 years of experience in dance teaching, choreography, and performance. Her initial training took place at Cathedral Dance Studio in Decatur, where she studied ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. Dani attended DeKalb School of the Arts for high school, concentrating on dance and technical theater.

In 2010, Dani graduated from the University of Georgia with an A.B. in Dance and Religion. During her time at UGA, she received extensive training in ballet and contemporary dance and served as president of the Young Choreographers Series, a student organization dedicated to organizing and showcasing student choreography, from 2007 to 2010.

Over the past 25 years, Dani has been an active member of various performance companies, choreographing and performing across the southeastern United States. Since completing her degree, she has been teaching dance to students of all ages throughout the Metro Atlanta, North Georgia, and Chattanooga areas.

Sarah Trippeer (Ballet)

Sarah Jane Trippeer, originally from Asheville, NC, is a classically trained ballerina and teacher renowned for her emphasis on strong fundamentals and technique.

Beginning her dance journey at the age of two, Sarah quickly became an award-winning performer in jazz, contemporary, and tap before discovering her true passion for ballet, which she views as the cornerstone of all dance forms.

Her training includes studies at some of the nation’s most esteemed ballet institutions, such as The Rock School of Dance Education, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under the guidance of Marcia Dale Weary.

Sarah has performed various roles en pointe as both a soloist and a corps de ballet member in productions like The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Swan Lake. Her repertoire includes classical variations such as the Fairy of the Golden Vine from Sleeping Beauty, as well as contemporary works including George Balanchine’s Four Temperaments, Heather Maloy’s Le Suil Go (3rd movement), and Run Ragged.

Inspired by the quote, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” Sarah attributes her success to perseverance and the unwavering support of her parents. She is dedicated to sharing her lifelong passion for ballet with her students and motivating them to achieve their full potential.

Devan Green (Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet)

Devan, a 26-year-old mother of two from West Virginia, began her dance journey at the age of nine with 3rd Day Anointing Dance Ministry. Her passion for dance quickly grew, leading her to take additional classes at Bloom Dance Studio in Maryland. At 16, Devan auditioned for Neshema Dance Company, where she performed modern and contemporary dance at various venues. She rejoined the company as a part-time member for the 2020-2021 season.

Since 2010, Devan has been involved in teaching and participating in numerous dance intensives. In 2012, she relocated to Tennessee to attend Lee University, where she earned a B.A. in Anthropology in 2015. That same year, she began teaching Hip Hop at Cleveland City Ballet and married her best friend, Will, in 2016.

Devan’s dance expertise spans a broad range, with a primary focus on Contemporary and Hip Hop. Her passion for art is a driving force in her teaching, and she aims to inspire her students with this creative energy.

Hailey Johnston (Pre-Ballet)

Hailey Johnston, originally from Chattanooga, has made Cleveland her home for the past 15 years. With 25 years of dance experience, including extensive training in ballet, tap, and jazz under Lively School of Dance, she has been a dedicated dance instructor in the Cleveland area for many years. Hailey cherishes the relationships she has built with the families she teaches.

Married to Steven, Hailey is the proud mother of two daughters, Kate and Ellie. She is also the Founder and CEO of Project Free 2 Fly, a local nonprofit organization.

Rachael Bice (0ffice Manager)

Rachael, a native of Ooltewah and a 2008 graduate of Ooltewah High School, has been actively involved in dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading throughout her life. She is married to Ian, and together they have two wonderful daughters. Racheal is a key asset to the studio, bringing extensive knowledge to the studio store and a warm, welcoming presence to the office.

Casey Brock (Studio Mother Hen)

Casey, a lifelong resident of Cleveland, graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1995 and from Lee University in 1999. With a strong background in sports, she is enthusiastic about expanding her horizons into the world of dance. Casey has been married to her husband, Brian, for 25 years, and they have three beautiful daughters. Always ready to assist wherever needed, Casey is a positive influence and a supportive presence for all the dancers at the studio.