OWNER/DIRECTOR OF DANCE

Broadway Dance Center NYC • Steps on Broadway • The Herbert Berghof (HB) Studio of New York • The Barrow Group Acting Studio • Acrobatic Arts’ Teacher Certification Program

Born and raised in the High Country, Suzanne has been dancing since the age of two. She trained in classical ballet, first as a child and then again as an adult, under the private instruction of former professional dancer Diane Smole. After graduating from Watauga High School, Suzanne moved to New York to continue her education in the arts. There she trained under world-renowned masters Frank Hatchett at Broadway Dance Center and Paul Taylor at Steps on Broadway, among many other New York-based dancers and choreographers. She received her acting training with NYC’s HB Studios and The Barrow Group, and has performed professionally in theatre, television, and film. As a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, featured roles have included Law & Order SVU (NBC), The Mysteries of Laura (NBC), Vinyl (HBO), Gotham (Fox), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix), and national commercials for Pizza Hut and Ben’s Original. In the theatre, Suzanne has appeared as Mayella in To Kill A Mockingbird at Virginia Repertory Theatre, and as Bruno/Yamba in Shipwrecked!, Lady Caroline Bramble in Enchanted April, Molly Aster in the regional premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher, and Johnna in August: Osage County, all with Company of Fools in Idaho. Suzanne served as a dance instructor and choreographer at Dancin’ Debbie’s in Ashe County for over 10 years, and her students consistently received top awards from premier dance competitions, both regionally and nationally. Suzanne has also received numerous Choreography and Judges’ Awards including Fancy Feet (Tap), the Entertainment Award, the Epic Moment Award, and the Award of Excellence in Choreography. Suzanne is a certified instructor of tumbling and acro through the Acrobatic Arts’ Teacher Certification Program. As HCPAA Director of Dance, Suzanne is proud to expand on the legacy her aunt Debbie Little built for over 40 years, inspiring and encouraging generations of students through her generosity, spirit, and love of dance. Suzanne is also the grateful mother of two children, Jack Dean and Emmagene, who have brought her more joy than she could have ever imagined.

INSTRUCTOR

East Carolina University, BFA in Dance • Michigan State University, Cecchetti Ballet Certification

Jina Motts is originally from Concord, North Carolina, and has danced since she was a young child in the disciplines of Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. She was selected to attend Governor's School East as a sophomore in high school and went on to continue her studies at East Carolina University, receiving her BFA in 1985. Jina stayed on at ECU for a year as a part-time Lecturer in the Theatre & Dance Department. In the summers between her time at ECU, Jina studied in New York with Peter Sparling of the Martha Graham Company. She earned her Cecchetti Ballet Certification at Michigan State University, and has acquired several other certifications to include Fitness and Pilates. In subsequent years Jina trained with multiple artists such as Pat Pertalion, Mavis Ray, Petrus Van Myrden, and Margaret Craske, who were affiliated with NC School of the Arts. Performance and choreography experience throughout the east and west coasts include Dance Impressions Company, ECU Performance Company, The Lost Colony, Carowinds, and JoAnn Warner Dance Troupe, as well as over 30 years of artistic direction of her own studios. Jina moved to Ashe County from Davidson, NC following her husband’s retirement, and her desire to educate and motivate young dancers to be their personal best has brought her back into the studios at High Country Performing Arts Academy. She is grateful to be a part of the HCPAA community where she leads instruction in Ballet and the Adult Yoga/Barre/Strength classes.

INSTRUCTOR

University of North Carolina Wilmington, BA in Communications

With a lifelong passion for dance and performance, Mattlyn began her journey at just 2 years old at Dancin’ Debbie’s in West Jefferson, NC under the guidance of Debbie Little, and later expanded her training at age 12 with Suzanne Rieder. Her dedication to growth and commitment to other students quickly became evident—by age 12 she was assisting classes, and by 14 she was already teaching and choreographing top-scoring routines. Mattlyn’s competitive achievements include numerous 1st Overall Awards, Elite Soloist Titles, and Highest-Scoring Routines in Solo, Duet, Trio, and Group categories. She has received multiple Judges’ Awards, particularly for stage presence and exceptional tap technique, often recognized for her “Fancy Feet.” A highlight of her dance career was receiving a $1,000 scholarship to train with top choreographers in Los Angeles and perform in both Disneyland and California Adventure parades, as well as being featured in a special showcase in Disneyland. She has also been invited to compete in title competitions at multiple elite events. While Mattlyn loves all styles of dance, musical theatre holds a special place in her heart—and tap will always be her first love. Her dance technique was further sharpened at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she trained under Nancy Carson in the Martha Graham Modern Dance Technique. She recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and is currently pursuing a degree in Mortuary Science at Piedmont Technical College. Mattlyn is thrilled to be returning to the dance studio and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers with energy, creativity, and passion as she guides and nurtures our Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Level I & II Beginner dancers at HCPAA.

INSTRUCTOR

Appalachian State University

Isabella Goodhand is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, where she danced with South East Dance Academy under Lynn D. Raley and Taylor Raley Wilson for 15 years. She competed with the SEDA Performing Teams for 9 years in the genres of ballet, tap, jazz, acro, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, and modern. Isabella has been recognized for her technique and performance abilities over the years as a soloist. She was a Junior Member with Carolina Dance Masters, where she was also given the privilege to compete in their title holder competitions. Currently, Isabella is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology at Appalachian State University, with the plan to become a Physical Therapist. She combines her understanding of movement and anatomy with her years of performance experience to help dancers improve their technique, performance, and artistry. Isabella is so excited to join the HCPAA family, where she will be teaching Technique, Acro, and Contemporary for the 2025/2026 Dance Season. She hopes to inspire students and is so excited to get back into the competition world. Isabella looks forward to creating a supportive and encouraging classroom environment where students feel confident to take risks, grow as individuals, and develop both technical and artistic expressions.