MEET OUR FACULTY
Learn all about our talented and experienced instructors at Charleston Dance Center. Our professional dance instructors are dedicated to providing top-notch dance education in Charleston, SC. Whether you’re looking for preschool dance instructors or coaches for competitive dance teams, our faculty’s expertise spans all dance genres and skill levels. Get to know the exceptional dance teachers who make Charleston Dance Center a premier destination for dance classes in Charleston, SC.
Buffi Whetsell
Founder & Director
Founder & Director
Buffi founded the studio in 2000 with her mom, Barbara Campbell Wade, and sister, Kim Wade Roberts. Buffi has 30+ years experience teaching jazz, hip hop, and tap classes.
Lindsey Gentry
Just Dance! Company Director
Just Dance! Company Director
Lindsey joined the CDC faculty in 2008 and was named Just Dance! Company Director in 2016. Lindsey handles all choreography, costumes and rehearsals for the Just Dance! company.
Barbara Wade
Co-founder & Administrator
Co-founder & Administrator
“GaGa” opened the studio with her daughters, Buffi and Kim in 2000.
Andrea deVries Snider
Ballet Mistress
Ballet Mistress
Andrea teaches all upper-level ballet classes (levels I – IV), as well as, pointe.
Vanessa Gibbons Henry
Just Dance! Collective
Co-Director, Instructor
Just Dance! Collective
Co-Director, Instructor
Vanessa teaches all of our preschool classes and the majority of lower-level classes. She co-directs Just Dance! Collective team, as well as, our Mini Mini and Tiny Tot teams.
Kyla White
Just Dance! Collective & KREW Co-Director, Instructor
Just Dance! Collective & KREW Co-Director, Instructor
Kyla has been an instructor at CDC for the last year. Kyla has been a studio owner in New England for 20 years prior to relocating to Charleston.
Taylor Zandi
Just Dance! KREW Co-Director, Instructor
Just Dance! KREW Co-Director, Instructor
Taylor teaches all hip hop (I-IV) classes in addition to co-directing Just Dance! KREW. She is an alumna of Just Dance! and attended the University of South Carolina, where she was a four-year Carolina Girl and MVP.
Madi Dailey
Instructor
Instructor
Madi, a recent University of Tennessee dance team alumni, has joined the CDC family for the 24-25 season.
Claire Skipper
Instructor
Instructor
Claire, a recent University of Tennessee dance team alumna, is excited to join the CDC family for the 2024-2025 season.
Alexandre Proia
Ballet Instructor
Ballet Instructor
Alexandre has an extensive professional career including being an instructor at Peridance Center, Joffrey Ballet School, and New Jersey Ballet. Moreover, he has danced with Boston Ballet, New York City Ballet, and Martha Graham Dance.
Morgan Pawloski
Instructor
Instructor
Morgan, a University of Oklahoma alumni, has joined the CDC staff for the new season.