Kim Yarborough

From the time Ms. Kim stepped into her first dance class at the age of seven, it has been her lifetime goal to make dance a career.  She was first inspired by Ms. Barbara James of the Barbara James School of Dance in Camden, SC and went on to dance at numerous studios throughout her home state of South Carolina.  As a teenager and in college, she danced as a principal dancer in the Florence Ballet Company in Florence, SC where she had opportunities to study with teachers from the famed Joffrey Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Buffalo City Ballet, and Ballet West.  After teaching at several studios in the Raleigh, NC area, Ms. Kim had the opportunity to open her own studio in 1996.  Step Ahead Dance Studio was born from a dream and a great desire to dance and share the passion of dance with students of all ages.  Ms. Kim loves seeing the faces of her students light up with joy, and enthusiasm when they enter the classroom and eventually the stage! When not in the studio, Ms. Kim loves spending time with her family, going to the beach, and scrapbooking. Ms. Kim has 2 cats that require a lot of love and attention. Bubba, the Ancient One is 21 years old, and Simon, aka, Le Squeak, is now a toddler!

Bubba

Simon

Ashley Yarborough

Ms. Ashley spent 7 years dancing at Step Ahead before going off to college in 2002.  She spent 3 years at Brenau University in Dance Education training.  While in college, Ashley danced with the Brenau Dance Ensemble and Praise in Motion Dance Company.  She taught dance at NE Georgia School of Ballet, and 5-6-7-8 Dance.  She also worked as technical director and master electrician for many shows at Brenau and in the Atlanta area.  When not dancing and working, Ms. Ashley enjoys reading mystery novels, watching movies and TV, theatrical lighting, planes, and guitar.

Charlotte Adams

Born to a semi-professional toe-tapper, and niece to an ABT and NYC alumni, Ms. Charlotte’s second home has been a dance studio since she was only 6 months old! Raised in Fayetteville, NC, Ms. Charlotte danced and taught with the Ann Clark School of Dance and Fayetteville Performance Company until leaving for college at UNC-W at the age of 18. While in college, she danced with a company and taught intermediate ballet. Ms. Charlotte’s favorite discipline is ballet, with a flair for technique, placement and partnering. She is well versed in tap and enjoys jazz. When not dancing, Ms. Charlotte loves spending time with her 3^rd generation dancer-in-training, Anna, her cat Angelina, as well as crocheting, music and reading.

Jessica Allen

Ms. Jessica is a student at Meredith College where she is majoring in Dance with a concentration in Private Studio Teaching. She has danced for many years at private studios in Virginia before moving to Raleigh. Since she came to Raleigh, she has continued her dance training in private studios as well as in the theater and dance department at Leesville High School. Ms. Jessica also has several years of experience teaching in the triangle. In addition to studio teaching, she instructs Praise & Worship classes at her church. When not dancing, Ms. Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and participating in church activities. 

Danielle Podrazik

Danielle began her dance training 25 years ago in Warner Robins, GA. Since then, Danielle has gone on to become a popular workshop instructor, studio owner and award-winning choreographer. In addition to teaching, Danielle has also been a judge at many premier competitions. Danielle has danced in and choreographed numerous winning competition routines and received many top choreography honors. The former owner of Southern Flare Studio in Perry, GA and clogging instructor at Johnston Dance Academy in Johnston, Iowa, Danielle’s teams have brought home numerous awards including several national championships. Danielle, herself, was named 2008 Senior Adult Miss American Clogger, winning both the talent and interview categories. Danielle also received the Cathy Ebersole Award in 2007 for her work in clogging. She is the founder and director of the Miss Georgia State Clogger Pageant which is in its fifth year. Danielle, her husband Bill, and their 2 dogs Madison and Matilda recently relocated from Des Moines, Iowa to North Carolina. Danielle is very excited to join the Step Ahead Staff.