Ellen Otte ~ Owner/Director

My love and dedication to children is why I am in this business. I am truly blessed to have a job I absolutely love. I believe that my love of dance and my passion for educating those who want to learn is why my studio is so successful.

My early training came from the Eleanor Brooks School of Dance. I went on to attend the New York City School of Dance Arts. Prior to acquiring the Brooks schools, I directed the Camden County dance school for five years. I am certified to teach by Dance Masters and Dance Educators of America, and I have won a number of choreography awards. I am constantly attending dance workshops to stay abreast of the latest styles and techniques. My students have won many dance awards and competitions, on regional, state, and national levels.

Jessica Reina ~ Assistant Director

Member of Dance Educators of America. Danced for 15 years locally in all forms of dance. Associates Degree in Computer Information Technology. Auditioned and received a scholarship from LA Dance Magic. Dancer in the movie "The Legend of Bagger Vance", filmed in Savannah. One of 23 U.S. students to study under such directors as Joe Malone, Director of the Performing Arts Center in LA; Marguerite Derriks and Michael Rooney. Co-directed, staged and choreographed "The Lion King" ballet in 2006 and "The Little Mermaid" in 2007.

Angie Kimsey Pietsch

Angie received her early dance training from The Eleanor Brooks School of Dance where she also worked as a student assistant and instructor. While majoring in Communications and Public Relations at Valdosta State College, she studied dance composition, choreography and history of dance from Eric Nielson, the college dance professor.  She has participated in several dance workshops and seminars in the country.  Her love for children radiates in her classes and she is an experienced teacher and choreograher.  Her certification is from Dance Masters of America.

Courtney Herndon

Has been with Southern Strut and Eleanor Brooks for over 15 years. Danced principal roles in "Cinderella", "Sleeping Beauty", and "Swan Lake" under the direction of Mrs. Debbie Doliveira. Served as Youth Dance Ambassador in 2001. Senior Miss Stars of Tomorrow in 2003. Has won numerous awards during regional and national competitions. Auditioned for the Atlanta Falcon Cheerleaders in 2004. Helped stage and choreograph "The Lion King" ballet in February, 2006 and "The Little Mermaid" in 2007. Participant in the Miss Georgia pageant, 2006 where she won the "Miss Congeniality" award.  

Ginny Amos

Ginny has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She grew up dancing with The Eleanor Brooks School of Dance. Her love and passion for the art of dance knows no limits and she considers it an honor and a privilege to share her love of dance with her students.

Brenna Thomas

Has been teaching for the past 19 years, and trained with the best professional teachers, choreographers and dancers from LA to New York. Won a scholarship to dance with Joe Tremaine. Professionally trained in all forms of dance; specializes in ballet, lyrical, and jazz. Owned and operated her own dance school in Jacksonville, Florida. Spent 17 years training competitive level dancers. Dance teams have won countless National Titles, and she has won numerous choreography awards. Has worked with all levels and ages, and has even taught master classes and judged National dance competitions. Many of her students have moved on to pursue professional dance careers. Co-directed, staged and choreographed "The Lion King" ballet in 2006 and "The Little Mermaid" in 2007.

Megan Good

Megan began dancing with The Eleanor Brooks School of Dance at the age of 3. She has performed in numerous ballets and won Regional and National dance competitions. She was Miss Brunswick High School in 2006. Megan loves children and has just completed her first year of teaching at Southern Strut.  She helped stage and choreograph "The Little Mermaid" ballet in 2007.  Currently, Megan is attending Coastal Georgia Community College working towards her business degree.