Studio Faculty


Meredith Parks, Director

Acrobatic Arts Certified, Progressing Ballet Technique Certified, American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum PrePrimary - Level 3 Certified, Danscend Mental Wellness Certified Dance Educator, Danscend Dance Adjudicator Certified, Alixa Flexibility Module 1 Certified.

Meredith Parks was born and raised in Smithfield, Virginia and began her dance training at the age of 3 at Southside Ballet Studio under the direction of Leslie McGinn. While dancing at Southside Ballet Meredith performed at many community events, annual recitals, local competitions and in “The Nutcracker.” Upon graduation from Isle of Wight Academy Meredith performed as a dancer in The Lost Colony, America’s longest running outdoor drama, for two seasons. Meredith earned a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in dance at Radford University where she performed many lead roles in “The Nutcracker,” “Giselle,” "Graduation Ball," and “Swan Lake.” Meredith graduated with honors from Radford University and moved to Charleston, South Carolina where she performed with The Charleston Ballet Theatre during their 2001 and 2002 seasons. Meredith attended the Graduate School at the College of Charleston and graduated in 2005 with a Master’s of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education. She taught third grade for two years and was excited to find an available position teaching dance in the public school system in Dorchester District 2. Meredith served as a dance educator at Oakbrook Middle School for five years. She was awarded two $18,000 Arts Innovation Grants for arts related projects and has written several curriculum guides on both the local and state levels. Meredith received the honor of being named the Oakbrook Middle School “Teacher of the Year” in 2012. Meredith firmly believes in continuing education and is an active member of Dance Educators of America. She joined the “Ignite Dance Competition” staff as a judge/adjudicator in 2025. Meredith is overjoyed to be back in the studio where her love for dance began and blossomed.

Leslie McGinn

Progressing Ballet Technique Certified

Leslie trained in New York under Andre Eglevsky and was a member of the Eglevsky Ballet Company at the age of 16. Danced as a child in The Usdan Performing Arts Camp in New York. Performed with Fernando Bujones and George De La Pena in Coppelia, Cinderella, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and many more. Also studied at American Ballet Theatre and Joffrey Ballet in N.Y.C. Studied Jazz & Tap at Steps on Broadway. Attended Adelphi University majoring in dance, becoming the first freshman to perform in their dance company. Member of Chamber Ballet of Williamsburg and Young Audiences of Virginia. Director of Southside Ballet Studio since 1981. Leslie has choreographed and judged for many plays & beauty pageants. She has choreographed “Grease,” "Peter Pan", "Annie", "Dark Of The Moon” and " Steppin' Out " for the Smithfield Little Theatre. She stars as “Clara’s Mother” in Southside Ballet’s annual production of the “The Nutcracker.” Leslie has won numerous awards for choreography at dance competitions and was awarded "Educator Of The Year" in Richmond through a nomination from The Governors School For The Arts. Leslie is an active member of Dance Educators of America.

Amanda Spivey Rogers

Alixa Flexibility Module 1 Certified

Amanda Rogers began dancing at the age of three at Southside Ballet Studio under the direction of Leslie McGinn. She was a member of the student dance company until graduating from high school. She received her BS in Psychology with a minor in dance and family studies from James Madison University in 2002 and her MA in Community Counseling from Regent University in 2008. Amanda began student teaching at Southside Ballet Studio as a teenager and has been teaching the senior company members consistently since 2002. She is an active member of Dance Educators of America. She has a passion for dance education and assisting her students to reach their full potential.

Danielle Ann Glaser

Progressing Ballet Technique Certified, Acrobatic Arts Certified, Alixa Flexibility Module 1 Certified

Danielle’s passion for movement began early—born and raised in Long Island, NY, she started dancing at the age of three. After training for nine years, she transitioned into competitive cheer and gymnastics, earning multiple awards with her team at both local and national competitions. In 1999, she and her husband, Tommy, moved to Smithfield, VA, where they built a life together and welcomed their two wonderful children. Danielle’s love for dance was reignited in 2009 when she enrolled Zoe at Southside Ballet Studio. She seized the opportunity to return to the studio herself, stepping into the role of Ballet/Tap instructor and sharing her expertise with young dancers. Over the years, she has mentored both recreational and competitive students at various competitions, continuously expanding her knowledge by attending the DEA Teacher Workshop in Richmond, VA, where she trained with esteemed dance educators. As a certified instructor in Progressing Ballet Technique, Acrobatic Arts, and Alixa Flexibility, she thoughtfully integrates pre-ballet/tap and acrobatics syllabi into her weekly lessons. With a dynamic teaching style, a wealth of experience, and an infectious enthusiasm, Danielle’s classes are engaging and inspiring. She is deeply committed to helping each dancer develop their skills, confidence, and passion, ensuring they reach their fullest potential while fostering a lifelong love for the art.

Zoe Glaser

Alixa Flexibility Module 1 Certified

Zoe Glaser is a proud alumni of Southside Ballet Studio. She is currently attending Old Dominion University, and intends on pursuing a career in Kinesiology and Health Sciences to become a physical therapist while also minoring in Dance. Zoe started dancing at Southside Ballet when she was three, continued through high school, and has transitioned into a teacher. Zoe attended the Governor's School for the Arts from 2019-2023 as a ballet major, and was a member of the Southside Ballet Student Company. She has earned many inspiring awards, special awards hand chosen by judges, the Nicole Ferguson Whaley Excellence in dance scholarship 2022, two regional competition titles, improv winner, and an array of placements in top overalls. In 2023 Zoe was given the amazing opportunity to dance as Sugar Plum in Southside Ballet annual production of “The Nutcracker.” She became a member of Dance Educators of America in 2025. I aspire to teach children the curriculum that was instilled into my training, which includes technique, creativity, and passion with the guidance of Southside Ballet Studio and the teachers that molded me into the dancer I am proud to say I am today. I am excited for this new journey with my Southside family and I anticipate to encourage and motivate the next generation of Southside dancers to be the best possible versions of themselves.

Bekah Elmore

Bekah Elmore was born and raised in Mathews, Virginia. She began dancing at the age of 11 years old at Diggs School of Dance. She soon became a member of the Bayside Youth Ballet Company, where she performed in many recitals, community performances and dance productions. After graduation Bekah earned her Bachelor’s degree in English at Christopher Newport University, where she continued to perform all four years on the Bluewave Dance team. She has lived in Smithfield for the last 7 years and is a lead teacher at Trinity UMC Preschool and at Great Oaks Learning Micro School. This is her third year teaching at Southside Ballet. She is excited to share her love of dance and creativity with young dancers.

Brittany Jackson

Brittany Jackson grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, where her love of dance began at an early age. She trained at Maureen’s School of Dance and was a member of the competition team, where she developed both her technical foundation and passion for performance.

Brittany’s experience in the performing arts also includes working with Destination Broadway, a summer intensive in New York City focused on singing, acting, and dancing. She attended the camp during her high school years where she trained under broadway professionals and grew her knowledge of theatre. Through this opportunity, she gained valuable experience in a well-rounded performing arts environment and further strengthened her appreciation for the arts.

Charlie Tucker

Charlie Tucker began dancing at Southside Ballet Studio at only 2 years old. As an alumni, they are currently attending Tidewater Community College and hope to eventually pursue a degree in Dance & Choreography. Aside from dancing with Southside Ballet for 16 years, Charlie also competed with Southside Ballet Studio's Student Company for 11 years. In the past, Charlie has performed with the Richmond Ballet, and taken intensives with the American Ballet Theatre, the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and the St. Louis Ballet. They earned the Nicole Ferguson Whaley Excellence in Dance scholarship at Southside, as well as multiple other awards and recognitions. Teaching and dance are both strong passions of Charlie's, and they are excited for the opportunity to do both at Southside Ballet Studio.