RISE CITY DANCE

Burning bright futures in dance and beyond.

Rise City Dance is a youth, pre-professional dance company in the heart of Atlanta. We exist to cultivate the innate artistry and passion that exists within every one of our dancers.

We believe in elevating technique, nurturing creativity and expression, and preparing our dancers not only for incredible dance careers, but providing them with valuable tools that will serve them everywhere life takes them.

Our faculty consists of talented dancers and insightful educators who approach their roles within RCD as an opportunity to inspire and uplift the next generation of professional dancers. Many of our faculty are active choreographers and professional dancers in the Atlanta dance scene: creating independent works, dancing with ballet and contemporary companies, traveling nationally and internationally for dance opportunities, making waves within the film and television scene, and showing our dancers all the extraordinary pathways that could be available to them after their time with RCD.

We believe dance truly is a way of life. All of the lessons learned within the studio can extend far beyond its walls and barres — the confidence built, the creativity explored, the discipline learned, the friendships made, the experiences had — all of this shapes life and futures outside of the studio. We take care to ensure that every experience during a dancer’s time with RCD is enriching, nurturing, and gives them that push to not only believe in, but ultimately achieve, their wildest dreams.

We know we have something special.

Our faculty consists of professionals with rich and diverse backgrounds in the world of dance. From professional careers in ballet, contemporary dance, film & tv, to kickstarting their own companies and productions, our team collectively covers so many facets of the dance world and has access, connections, and wisdom to help guide our dancers as they consider what lies beyond RCD.

Remarkable Faculty

We are proud to produce shows featuring 60+ dancers between 9 and 18 years old! Each and every role if fulfilled by one of our talented young dancers – which means countless opportunities to shine, and as they progress, they are able to take on lead roles!

Youth-Driven Productions

Each dancer carries with them unique dreams and desires for their futures. We take care to provide a well-rounded curriculum so they are prepared for whichever direction they may go. Our dancers train in ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, musical theater, and hip hop. Additionally, we offer a modern-contemporary program, Unbound, for dancers that are interested in training in contemporary, modern, and floorwork.

Well-Rounded Training

In addition to supporting our students’ dance careers, we take measures to give them tools so that they can be prepared for a number of pathways after their time with us! We offer mentorship in the form of teacher and administrative training. These opportunities provide our dancers with hands on training via Neighborhood Ballet Faculty and Staff, real world experience to support their future careers, an inside look into arts administration, and for many of our students, serve as their very first paid jobs.

Mentorship

Artistic Leadership

  • Rebecca Harman

    Founder and Artistic Director

  • Margaret McPherson

    Associate Artistic Director

  • Andie Knudson

    Unbound Director

Board of Directors

  • Mark Tioxon

    Chair of the Board: Mark Tioxon is a creative force and community advocate who brings vision, resilience, and heart to his role as Chair of the Board at Rise City Dance. A celebrated Atlanta-based photographer, Mark has captured hundreds of weddings and events, using his lens to tell stories that matter. After surviving a near-fatal battle with dermatomyositis, he emerged with a renewed commitment to living boldly and giving back. He’s also the founder of Witchy Kombvchy, a whimsical kombucha brand infused with crystal elixirs. At Rise City Dance, Mark champions access, creativity, and joy—helping young dancers thrive in and beyond the studio.​

  • Amy Husseini

    Chair Elect: Amy Husseini brings a dynamic blend of financial acumen and community dedication to her role as Chair Elect of the Board at Rise City Dance. As a Certified Fraud Examiner with a robust background in financial compliance and risk management, Amy ensures organizational integrity and transparency. Her commitment to empowering youth through the arts aligns seamlessly with Rise City Dance's mission. Amy's leadership is instrumental in strategic planning and fostering sustainable growth, ensuring that young dancers have the resources and support to thrive. Her passion for both finance and the arts makes her an invaluable asset to the organization's future.

  • Kristen Silton

    Secretary of the Board: Kristen Silton is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising professional with 15 years of experience working with Metro Atlanta arts organizations. She is currently the Head of Education Advancement at Alliance Theatre. Before joining Alliance Theatre she held positions at Actor’s Express, Horizon Theatre, and the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts and was a wedding planner. As a community volunteer she serves as the Co-President of the Parkside Elementary PTA, on the board of the Parkside Foundation, as a member of the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts Advisory Board, and is a Girl Scout troop leader.

  • Ashley Davis

    Treasurer of the Board: Ashley Davis is a powerhouse producer whose career began with a passion for movement—as a dancer turned animation visionary. With degrees in business and film from Emory University, she brings 20+ years of production expertise to the table. At Primal Screen, she led standout projects for Cartoon Network, AMC, Nickelodeon, NBC Universal, and Netflix’s Elf on the Shelf specials. Now Head of Production at Block Party Animation, she recently oversaw Crayola’s IDEAWorks and CN’s NBA All-Star Slam Dunk. Ashley also champions women in animation as co-leader of WIA ATL and serves on the board of Rise City, a youth dance nonprofit.

  • Marisa Hammett

    Fundraising Chair: Marisa Hammett brings her passion for community and creativity to the Board of Rise City Dance. A Realtor® with Groundwork Realty Group, she specializes in helping families find their perfect home in Atlanta’s vibrant intown neighborhoods. Originally from California, Marisa knows the power of transition—and is proud to support young dancers as they grow in confidence, artistry, and expression. A Grant Park resident and mom of two, she’s a fierce advocate for local schools and a firm believer in the impact of arts education. Marisa is honored to help Rise City Dance continue building a joyful, inclusive space for youth to thrive.

  • Margaret McPherson

    Executive Director: Margaret McPherson brings bold vision and deep experience to her role as Executive Director of Rise City Dance. After a 15-year career on the professional stage—including seasons with Atlanta Ballet, a European tour of West Side Story, and nearly a decade as a Radio City Rockette—she pivoted to the business side of the arts. Now an MBA candidate with a focus in Accounting and a future CPA, Margaret blends her creative roots with sharp financial strategy. She’s passionate about building sustainable, joyful opportunities for young dancers and ensuring Rise City Dance thrives for generations to come.

  • Michele Swing

    Board Member: Michele Swing brings a dynamic blend of financial expertise and creative passion to the Board of Rise City Dance. As the founder of Swing Accounting, she specializes in empowering small businesses and nonprofits with strategic financial guidance. A dedicated advocate for youth arts education, Michele is committed to ensuring Rise City Dance's mission thrives both artistically and financially. Her deep roots in Atlanta's creative community and her unwavering support for equitable access to the arts make her an invaluable asset. Michele's leadership helps build a sustainable foundation for young dancers to flourish and express their full potential.

  • Meredith Kincaid

    Board Member: Meredith Kincaid brings a powerful blend of artistic passion and legal expertise to the Board of Rise City Dance. A former professional pianist with degrees in music and arts administration, Meredith now excels as an appellate and trial attorney, co-founding the Atlanta-based law firm Cross Kincaid Baskam. Her career spans from representing Fortune 100 companies to advocating for the underserved. A dedicated community leader, she serves on the Atlanta Judicial Nominating Commission and sings with the Atlanta Women’s Chorus. At Rise City Dance, Meredith champions equitable access to the arts, ensuring young dancers have the support to thrive.