Spotlight Dance Company is proud to have a team of highly qualified and passionate instructors dedicated to providing exceptional dance education. Our instructors are not only skilled dancers but also experienced educators who are committed to fostering a fun, positive, and inclusive environment where students of all ages and levels can thrive. They believe in nurturing each student’s unique potential, encouraging creativity, and building confidence through the art of dance. Get to know the instructors who make Spotlight Dance Company a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow.
Marianna Jarrett
With over a decade of experience teaching dance at Spotlight Dance Company, Marianna Jarrett brings a contagious enthusiasm and dedication to every class. A graduate of UNCC with a degree in dance education, Marianna’s primary goal is to share her deep love for dance with students of all ages, from toddlers discovering movement to adults seeking to refine their skills. She is passionate about sparking joy and fostering creativity in her students, believing that dance is a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth. Marianna and the entire team at Spotlight Dance Company are committed to providing a supportive and empowering atmosphere where every student feels confident and inspired to reach their full potential in dance.
Erica Averill
Erica Averill, based in Salisbury, NC, is a multifaceted artist and dance instructor at Spotlight Dance Company. Early graduation from Forestview High School allowed her to pursue her artistic passions at Savannah College of Art and Design, focusing on ballet and the arts. Currently, Erica proudly represents North Carolina as Ms. North Carolina Petite 2023, showcasing her dedication and talent both on and off the stage. Erica’s artistic breadth spans classical dance, photography, drawing, painting, and acting. Her dance background is rooted in classical ballet, and she has expanded her expertise into contemporary dance and choreography. Erica’s performance experience includes lead roles in short films such as “When I Grow Up,” and she has presented original choreographic works like “Reasons Not to Die.” Internationally, she has taught master classes in Canada, and across North Carolina, she has instructed intermediate and advanced ballet and contemporary classes. As a dance educator at Spotlight Dance Company, Erica emphasizes strength, poise, and technique, believing a strong foundation is crucial for lasting dance education. Her teaching philosophy centers on building confidence and fostering a supportive community within the studio, ensuring students are well-prepared for their dance journey.
Elizabeth Paulus
Elizabeth Roach-Paulus, a North Carolina native, is a highly sought-after dance teacher and a valuable instructor at Spotlight Dance Company. Since 2012, Elizabeth has enriched the dance scene with her performances of classical and contemporary works with various regional dance companies and through her work with a Raleigh-based talent agency across the East Coast. She holds a BFA in Dance from the prestigious University of North Carolina School of the Arts and has supplemented her training with renowned institutions such as The Limon Company and the American Dance Festival. Elizabeth’s accomplishments are underscored by scholarships from the Harkness Foundation for Dance and the UNCSA Career Development grant, among others. She holds certifications from the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, Limon Dance Teacher Certification, and Progressive Ballet Technique, reflecting her commitment to excellence in dance education. At Spotlight Dance Company, Elizabeth’s diverse teaching portfolio includes Classical Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Contemporary, Improvisation, PBT, and Jazz. She currently instructs students from beginner to pre-professional levels in the Charlotte area, sharing her extensive knowledge and passion for dance with the next generation of dancers at Spotlight Dance Company.
