2010 Yearbook - House of Talent

Greetings All!
I’m excited to be part of the HOT team, and eager
to help it become the destination studio of Memphis.
Though I just came on board in January, Jeff, Deanna
and I go way back! I taught their eldest daughter
classical ballet for several years. You will never find
more conscientious, caring owners than Jeff and
Deanna Flaherty.
Our mutual goal is to develop HOT into a superb
“destination” studio, offering the best of every performing art under one roof. The way
to that end is to produce the best students – a feat only the best teachers can accomplish.
We believe we have the staff to do just that!
A teacher may have a resplendent background, glittering with all sorts of accolades,
but as I know so well, that’s no guarantee of teaching know-how and excellence! Our
teachers have the potential to offer even the average student the best scholarship and
career chances. Over the coming years, students training consistently at HOT will have
skills unmatched by most students in the surrounding area. How can I make such a claim
you might ask? The short version answer is that I’ve upgraded studio training methods all
over the United States for decades, and I’ve seen the tangible results. Students who’ve
trained consistently through upbeat, cutting-edge, no-gimmick techniques, are now performing
all over the world, where they act and dance on Broadway, in the world’s finest
ballet companies, on television, in films, with major performing attractions like Cirque de
Soleil, and numerous other venues. I know what it takes in today’s market to get there,
and how to put it into OUR students using proven training methods.
I look forward to working hard to upgrade every inch of HOT, while watching our
students shine with the best in every performing art genre in the years ahead.
See you at HOT!
Nora Curran
Artistic Director

Thank You.
House of Talent is proud to present the premier edition of Bravo!, a yearbook featuring
our students and performers. As you thumb through Bravo!, you will see children and young
adults flourishing in an encouraging, artistic environment. To those of you who braved the early
Saturday morning photo shoots, take a bow, as this is a product your family will enjoy for many
years to come. No matter how many ways it is spoken, we are grateful for all of our students
and parents who made Bravo! possible.
Thank you-Gracias-Shukriya-Tao Chie-Kamsamnida-Arigato-Danke-Spasiba,
Jeff and Deanna Flaherty
Acknowledgements
Cover designs, graphics, and artwork: Noah Shrader
Photography: DeWayne Hambrick
Layout/design: Rodney McKelroy
Costume Designer, Seamstress: Lisa Dunlap
On the Covers
-Front: Alison Shames, 13, a second year student under the direction of Nora Curran, and
a “first priority pick student” for the renowned Boston Ballet 2010 summer program.
-Back (center): Sarah Reimold, 14, a third year student under the direction of
Nora Curran, is attending the world-famous Kirov School this summer, along with
hand-picked students from around the world.
1

The HOT Crew
2
Nora Curran
Artistic Director
Words are simply not enough when describing Ms. Curran’s dedication and love for the art of
dance. Her tender, early years of ballet training were spent under the tutelage of Vera Sohr (Oslo
Ballet, Norway), Bently Stone (Illinois Ballet), and Walter Camryn (Illinois Ballet). Later, Curran
studied with the world’s finest coaches; Helena Kerolinska (Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia and
Stuttgardt Ballet in Germany), Roberta Chesnul (Sanders Wells Ballet in London, England), Richard
Ellis and Christine DuBoulay (Royal Ballet in London, England), Vivi Flindt (Royal Danish Balet), and
Patricia Sigurdson (American Ballet Theater and Jeoffrey Ballet). Curran’s jazz and contemporary
ballet training came from Bob Fosse, Suzanne Carol, Robert Durkin, and JoAnn Craig. Among her
training accolades, Curran received a full scholarship as a 10 year old to the American Ballet
Theater School in New York, and received a full scholarship to the renowned Interlochen School for
the Arts in Michigan. Performance wise, Curran performed in the Chicago Youth Ballet, Hinsdale
Opera Theater, Dance Chicago, Plank Road Players, Gateway Theater in New York, and in major
professional productions of Pippin, Oklahoma, Shenandoah, Oliver, The Music Man, and The Rocky
Horror Picture Show. Among her teaching credits are Salt Creek Ballet School (Chicago), Gateway
Theater (New York), the Fox Valley Theater and Beyer School (Chicago), the Warren Guiness
School of the Arts (Minneapolis), Principia College Theater (St. Louis), the Churchillway Arts School
(Dallas), College of DuPage (Chicago), Vanderbilt University, the University of Memphis, and the
American School of Russian Ballet (Memphis). Curran was also the founder and Artistic Director of
her own school in Dallas, founder and co-director of ABT (Memphis), founder of the Oakland Youth
Ballet, and founder of Allegro Ballet. Having trained and produced many of the best classical
dancers in the United States, Nora’s students are now performing on Broadway, as well as national
and international tours with Cirque du Soleil, Cats, Mamma Mia, and Movin’ Out. Curran’s talents
lie not only in dance, as she was once a freelance writer with the Chicago Sun Times, and holds
bachelor’s degrees in English and psychology. Overthe years Curran has shared her artistic gifts as
a consultant with new and established dance companies. After several months of retirement gave
her renewed energy, Curran offered her services to House of Talent, where she was greeted with
open arms. It is our privilege to have Nora Curran as the Artistic Director of House of Talent.
Camilla Curran
Director of Dance
Camilla received her training from Nora Curran (her mother) at the American School of Russian
Ballet and later at the Allegro Ballet Academy (ABA). She has also attended ballet training intensives
with Mira Popovich , Nurlan Abougaliev (Pittsburg Ballet Theatre), Aygul Abugalieva (Pittsburg
Ballet Theatre), Sergey Sergiev and Vadim Pijicov, all former international ballet dancers of
the Russian School. She has performed in many annual recitals and productions of the Nutcracker.
Her solo work includes the Arabian and Snow pas de deuxs from the Nutcracker as well as solos
from Swan Lake and Don Quixote. She debuts this year as Allegro Ballet’s Sugarplum Fairy in
the Nutcracker. Camilla is currently a scholarship student at Memphis College of Art where she is
pursuing a degree in drawing . She is also in the process of receiving her certification as a pilates
instructor. In adition to her career as a dancer, Ms. Curran is also a ballet instructor and serves as
the program director at the Allegro Ballet.

Music
Ken Taylor
Vocal Director
The HOT Crew
Vocal Coach Ken Taylor is a native Memphian with a not so familiar technique. After graduating
with a degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Tennessee, Ken actively sought out some
of the biggest vocal coaches in contemporary music to study their methods,and further his ability to
help his clients unleash their full potential. In October of 2006 Ken opened Sing Studios, and since
then has helped many students accomplish their goals. His students have been successful in securing
musical theatre leads at local schools as well as Theatre Memphis and Harrell Theatre, placing
in the Orpheum Star Search Competition, and placing in the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest.
Beginning in June, Ken will be the lead vocal coach at House of Talent, in addition to continuing
his mentorship in Nashville on Music Row.
Allison Andrews
Hip Hop
Allison grew up in Memphis and started dancing at the young age of three. By the age of
seven, she knew she wanted to pursue dance as a career. She has been on the Junior Grizzlies
Dance Team for six years, and is now an assistant for the NBA’s Grizzlies Dance Team. She
won the Mid South Fair’s Miss Pom twice, and was a finalist in the youth talent competition. She
has also been in the music video “Strike a Pose”, with major hip hop artists Scat Cat and Al Kapone.
In the past six years, Allison has won over 20 scholarships with Co. Dance, LA Dance Force,
Showstoppers,Monsters of Contemporary, The Pulse, Jump and Tremaine dance conventions and
competitions. LA Dance Force picked Allison to be the recipient of their coveted “Studio Scholarship
Award” to further her dance training. She also received scholarships to Broadway Dance
Center (New York City) and Millennium Dance Complex (Los Angeles). The Edge Performing Arts
Center in Los Angeles awarded Allison with a 4 week scholaship to take an unlimited number of
classes, which she gratefully did during the summer of 2009. She has been honored in recieving
the Pulse Protégé award for two consecutive seasons, which enables her to travel and assist the
celebrity faculty of The Pulse Dance Convention. In addition, she is in the Co. Dance Hall of Fame –
this prestigious position is only given to dancers who have completed the assistant and apprentice
programs, and have faithfully demonsrated the Co.Dance philosophy within the dance industry,
and as well on their personal endevors. Her choreography credits include the Miss Collierville
Pageant, the Miss Memphis Pageant, The Orpheums Season Premier Show, NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies
Dance Team, and Houston Hish Schools Show Choir. Most Recently she has qualified for the
Monsters Of Contemporary Show in Los Angeles.
Monica Brint
Pre-K and Kindergarden Dance
Monica received her early training at another Memphis area studio until she was 12. She has
received her serious Ballet training from Nora Curran. Monica has performed the Arabian Princess
in Allegro Ballet’s, “Nutcracker.” An honor student at St. Benedict at Auburndale, Miss Brint enjoys
helping people through the school Key Club, the Sister Ruth Ann Club, and as president of the club
of St. Jude.
3 3

The HOT Crew
Kristen Brister
Enrollment and Summer Camps
Kristen Brister has been dancing in Memphis for over 15 years. She has a background in many
types of dance including, but not limited to, tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and pom. As a dancer,
Kristen won seven national titles, numerous regional championship titles, and has taken classes from
many esteemed choreographers. As a teacher, she specializes in teaching creative movement, and
has trained extensively under acclaimed teachers such as Jan McCollum, Susan Hale Prout, Tessa
Zimomra, and Jaime Tarbox. She is currently enrolled as a dance major at the University of
Alabama, and teaches at the Academy of Ballet and Jazz in Tuscaloosa.
Kendall Britt, Jr.
Ballet and Lyrical
Kendall is a dancer at Ballet Memphis. Kendall trained on full scholarship at the Pacific Northwest
Ballet School. Previously, he attended Ballet Academy East, also on full scholarship, and Fiorello
H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts. Kendall has performed in the Nutcracker at Pacific
Northwest Ballet School and Dances Patrelle; in Graduation Ball at Ballet Academy East; and in
Theme and Variations and Raymonda Variations at Miami City Ballet School summer performance.
Kendall is from Seattle, WA.
Brittany Flaherty
Dance
Brittany has a very diverse and eclectic background. She is currently a musical theatre major and
dance minor at Pace University in New York City. She was last seen in Pace University’s
musical “Cabaret”, under the direction of Bob Cline, and “Dance Out Loud”, at the Michael Schimmel
Center for the Arts, under the direction of Rhonda Smith. Brittany has trained with such dance
contemporaries as Nora Curran, Charles McGowan, Rhonda Smith, Nurlan & Aigul Abougaliev,
and Fernando Bujones; vocally with Marishka Wierzbicki; and musical theatre master classes with
such distinguished teachers and performers as Lonny Price, Joanna Gleason, Michael Grief, Charlie
Alterman, Joe Calarco, Bert Fink, Melissa Rae Mahon, Jonathan Groff, and Lea Michele. She has
been awarded numerous scholarships in dance and theater to prestigious, nationally acclaimed
programs, and attended the Atlantic Theater Company summer intensive in 2008. Brittany has
also been featured in national ads for Verizon Wireless, Viking Cookware, and Gordman’s.
Among her many achievements, she won a Regional Emmy Award from the “National Academy
of Television Arts and Sciences” for a report she did for a local cable station. Brittany is a bit old
school, and is an ardent proponent for well rounded training in the areas of dancing, singing, and
acting. She will lend a strong hand to the summer programs at HOT, and return to the stage in
NYC this fall.
4

DeWayne Hambrick
Contemporary
The HOT Crew
DeWayne was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He began his formal training at The Bulter Dance
Academy in Salt Lake City, Utah and even did the pilot for the television show “Kids Inc.” with
Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas. DeWayne was also the Octopus with “The Wiggles.” As a
dancer, Dewayne has done several musicals, including A Chorus Line, Cats, and Oklahoma among
others. He has also taught creative movement to the physically handicapped. His resume also includes
choreography, after he choreographed a tour, and a video clip for the Osmonds. Dewayne
spent time with another wellloved children’s show star, Barney, the purple dinosaur, as a dancer for
five years. Since meeting The Wiggles after he moved to Florida, his life has changed completely,
and he becameone of the well-loved Wiggles dancers! He is also an accomplished photographer.
His is currently creating “Another Ballerina Project.” DeWayne is giving back to the community with
“Graffiti Playground.”
Ryan Haskett
Hip Hop/Jooking
An up and coming dancer and choreographer in Memphis, Ryan is a true believer in continuing
your education while educating others. He has performed numerous times around the city and has
taken various classes on a national scale.
Noelia Warnette Jones
Jazz and Dunham (African Jazz)
Noelia is from New York were she trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, Marymount
Manhattan College and Amos Musical Theatre Academy. She has performed in many musicals such
as Fame, Damn Yankees and the Off Broadway productions of The River Flows and Bobo’s. She
was also the stand-in for Jada Prinkett- Smith in the movie “Bamboozled” and a dancer in the motion
picture “Malcolm X.” Noelia is a former dancer for the “XFL Memphis Maniacs” and was also member
of the Memphis Grizzlies dance team. She was also a Professor at the University of Memphis in the
Dance department.
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The HOT Crew
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Scott Spivey
Ballet and Jazz
Charles McGowan
Tap, Jazz, and Muscial Theatre
Charles began his dancing and acting training at age four in San Francisco, CA, and is well versed,
technically and stylistically, in tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballet, and improvisation. Mr. McGowan’s
performance career encompasses stage, film and commercial venues. He has portrayed lead roles
in such plays as George M., West Side Story, Oklahoma, as well as, Dream and A Chorus Line on
Broadway. A selection of Charlie’s film credits include: Grease 2, Annie, and Beaches; he is most
notably recognized for his dynamic performance in the role of “Mike” in the movie “A Chorus Line.”
Most recently, Mr. McGowan was honored to have personally been chosen by the late Gene Kelly to
portray Mr. Kelly in the remake of “An American In Paris.” Charlie currently teaches and adjudicates
internationally at various festivals, conventions, and competitions, including L.A. Dance Force.
Scott has danced with Orlando Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet before joining Ballet Memphis. He has
danced the Pink Boy in Gerald Arpino’s Confetti and received acclaim for his solo in Lacrymosa,
both danced with the Joffrey. Since joining Ballet Memphis, Scott has appeared in Trey McIntyre’s
Grace and Pork Songs, Julia Adam’s Seven Threads, Allegro Brillante, and the lead Russian in
Nutcracker. In 2004 Scott won the best male dancer at the American Ballet Competition and
received an invitation to Victor Ullate Ballet in Madrid, Spain, where he danced for six months. He
joined Ballet Memphis in 2007.
Ashlyn Temple
Tap
Ashlyn has been dancing since the age of three. All of those years has been in Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz,
Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, and Musical Theatre. Ashlyn has received formal training from the
legendary Mitzi Hamilton. Ashlyn has also been involved with Theatre Memphis and been a
featured dancer in productions such as West Side Story and most recently Curtains. She has
received dance competition awards from various competitions around the state such as The Pulse
scholarship in Nashville.

Lindsey Toland
Vocal, Piano, and Violin
The HOT Crew
Music
With 22 years of violin, 19 years of piano, and 15 years of singing under her belt, Lindsey is an
amazing and accomplished performer and instructor. Her accolades are wide ranging - she was
the Grand Award Winner of the 2002 Mid South Fair Youth Talent Competition, and the fourth
runner-up in the 2002 Miss Arkansas pageant, where she was the overall talent winner. She was
also honored to perform as special entertainment for Vice-President Dan Quayle, and in 2002 was
nominated by a member of Congress to receive the “Angel of Adoption” award from the Congressional
Coalition on Adoption. A native of Parkin, Arkansas, Lindsey holds a BA in criminology from the
University of Memphis. Her goal at the House of Talent is to share her love for vocal and instrumental
music, and she is currently accepting new students for singing lessons, piano lessons, and violin lessons.
Lindsey brings a new dimension to HOT, and we are honored by her presence.
Diana Zimmerman
Vocal
Diana holds a Bachelors of Music in Education and teaches Orff-Schulwerk in the Memphis City
School System. She has a background in community/high school theatre including roles in
Godspell, Meet Me In St. Louis and Camelot. She studies voice under Ken Taylor and has been
teaching basic vocal technique for over 2 years in Memphis.
Boomer Brigman
Acting and Theatre
Acting
Born and raised in Germantown, TN, Boomer has been in the entertainment industry for fourteen
years. He recently returned to Memphis from New York City, where he attended the American
Musical and Dramatic Academy. While in New York, he originated the role of Chase in “The Game
Boy” at the Vital Children’s Theater off Broadway. Boomer has been in over 20 plays and musicals
including “Ragtime”, “West Side Story”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”, and
“Show Boat”. He is also a recipient of a Regional Emmy Award from the National Academy of
Television Arts and Science, for “Changed: A Documentary”, which was filmed in Germany. Boomer
wrote, produced, and served as the talent for the documentary. Since his return to Memphis, he is
working on commercials and movie shoots, and is represented locally by The Lisa Lax Agency. He
is eager to share his experiences and training with House of Talent students.
7

Did YOU know?
8
Interesting facts and tidbits about House of Talent staff members
-Ryan Haskett’s favorite gift to receive is socks, and he collects neckties.
-Lindsey Toland received an “Angel in Adoption” award from the Congressional Coalition on
Adoption.
-After her dance career is over, Allison Andrews wants to be a professional sailboat racer.
-As a young dancer, Scott Spivey used to get kicked out of dance class by the instructor, who just so
happened to be his mother!
-Robert “Boomer” Brigman was nicknamed after Boomer Esiason, the NFL quarterback.
Boomer was 12 pounds at birth, so the nickname was very apropos, and believe it or not, Boomer
never played football.
-DeWayne Hambrick played the characters of “Old King Cole” in Barney, and “Harry the
Octopus” in The Wiggles.
-Ashlyn Temple used to perform as a synchronized swimmer. She is also artistically inclined, as she
sketched one of the two black and white pieces in the studio lobby.
-Kendall Britt won a citywide science fair in the 3 rd grade for his homemade mold garden.
-Deanna Flaherty was pulled out of the audience to dance onstage with Prince, during a concert
at the Pyramid in 1999.
-Camilla Curran Howard’s voice was measured to have the highest pitch in her elementary school.
-Diana Zimmerman was on a motocross team with her brothers.

-Ken Taylor won third place in a “Little Miss” pageant. As the story goes, Ken’s sister was a
contestant in the pageant, and his father found out that the event was open to girls AND boys, so he
entered Ken. This was Ken’s first and only foray into the “pageant” scene. By the way Ken, did you
place ahead of your sister?
-Charles McGowan was invited to play poker by Princess Margaret. At the London premiere of
“A Chorus Line”, Charles met several members of the royal family, and during this process, he received
permission to dance with Princess Margaret. After their dance, a conversation was struck and a quick
bond formed. At that time, the Princess asked Charles if he would like to join her for a game of poker.
He was all in, however his concern was that his $50.00 per diem would not stack up well against all of
her riches. As luck would have it, a member of the Princess’ security team nixed the poker match, much
to the chagrin of the Princess.
-Jeff Flaherty owns 27 pairs of golf shoes.
Did YOU know?
-Nora Curran used to get around the city of Chicago on a Honda motorcycle.
-At age eight, Kristen Brister competed her first solo at the regional level. Letting her nerves get
the best of her, she did her entire dance backwards. Ironically, she won top honors and came in 2nd
overall, only a tenth of a point away from first overall.
9

10
Ashlyn Temple, Katie Sneed, Anna Claire Sneed,
Nicole Graham
Sarah Reimold, Hannah Dobilas, Alison Shames,
Taylor Flake, Monica Brint, Sasha Alkus, Alex Andrews

-Ashlyn Temple received a Gold award at Co. Dance and High Gold award at Hollywood Vibe, for her
tap solo. Ashlyn is attending Mississippi State University this fall to study architecture.
-Kennedy Ray landed a radio commercial for the Memphis Zoo, and is represented by Elzemeyer Talent
Agency. Kennedy also performs regularly in New Day theatre productions.
-Kate Lenz performed in Houston Middle School’s production of “School House Rock Live Jr.”, and also
performs in New Day Theatre productions.
-Anna Claire Sneed played the lead role of Claire Scott in the feature film “A Fine Step”, which is set for
release this fall.
-Katie Sneed received scholarships from Co. Dance, The Pulse, Hollywood Vibe, and Monsters of
Contemporary. This summer will be very busy for Katie, who accepted an invitation to perform in The Pulse
summer intensive with Pulse faculty in New York, where she will also be honored to perform in the closing night
gala. On top of all that, she will attend Hollywood Vibe Nationals in Los Angeles, where her scholarship will
allow her to compete for Dancer of the Year and perform with the faculty in their gala performance.
-Madison Alexander recently performed in Desoto Family Theatre’s production of “Les Miserables”. This past
fall, Madi was a finalist in the Mid South Fair junior youth talent contest. In addition, Madi performed in the Germantown
Kiwanis Young Artist Concert.
-Alison Shames successfully auditioned for Boston Ballet School’s Summer Conservatory, which she will
attend in July.
-Jack Gallop performed in Playhouse on the Square’s productions of “Narnia” and “Oliver”.
-Sarah Reimold was awarded a scholarship to attend the Kirov Academy of Ballet in the fall of 2010.
-Taylor Farrell successfully auditioned for Houston High School’s 2010-11 Concert Choir and Show
Choir. She will be singing with the Concert Choir and playing guitar for the Show/Jazz Choir. Taylor was also
invited to participate (which she did) in the Regional Honor Choirs Workshop and Performance at UT Martin
along with the UT Martin Choirs.
-Heather Holliday won 1st Sweepstakes at the 2009 Mid South Fair Youth Talent Contest.
-Alex Andrews was accepted to the summer program of the “Nutmeg Conservatory”.
-Sydney Bell was a top ten finalist at the Delta Fair Fest 2009 “Star of the Fair” vocal competition, where
she was the youngest contestant. She was also a finalist at the 2009 Mid South Fair Junior Youth Contest, and
performed in Playhouse on the Square’s productions of “Narnia” and “Oliver”.
-Caroline Irmscher performed in Moscow Ballet’s “Nutcracker”.
-”Movin’ On” (Anna Claire Sneed, Katie Sneed, Nicole Graham, and Ashlyn Temple)
received High Gold at Hollywood Vibe and Gold at Co. Dance. Their dance was choreographed by our very
own, Charles McGowan.
-Allison Andrews was awarded “Hall of Fame” at Co. Dance for all her years of hard work as one of
their premiere dancers and instructors.
-Hannah Dobilas placed 2nd in the dance division for Shelby County’s reflection program, performing a
self-choreographed dance. She also performed in Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker.
11

14
Katie Sneed
Lisa Dunlap fitting a
costume
Anna Claire Sneed with
Substituto in “A Final Step”
Where’s the party?
Hollywood Vibe Winners
Kennedy Ray & Kristeb Brister
prepping for a contest
Heather Holliday
Mid-South Fair Winner
Santa at HOT
Posing after Holiday
of Sweets

Fun at Hollywood Vibe
Sydney Bell at
Delta Fair
Justin Bey watching over the
little ones
Cami working with
Pre-K 3-4
Katie Sneed, Madison Alexander, &
Sydney Bell at Mid-South Fair
Hanging with the
big girls
Co-Dance Winners
Jazzin at Hollywood Vibe
15

15
Madison Alexander at
Wolfchase Galleria
Kendall Britt with Wolfchase
performers
Kendall Britt with his
fan club
Students in Lyrical Class
Heather Holliday & Allison
Andrews at Mid-South Fair
Discussing choreography
Katie Sneed at
Hollywood Vibe
Kennedy Ray &
Cameron Flaherty
The Sneed sisters with Santa

Home of our beloved
Nicole Corea
Birthday Party Ballet
A quick snack after class
Deanna & Cami having fun
at Co-Dance
Hooper Troopers
Heather Holliday at
Delta Fair
Ashlyn Temple at
Hollywood Vibe
Sydney Bell at
Delta Fair
Fun at Holiday of Sweets
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18
What I Love About HOT
I like that all the girls, parents,
and teachers are so nice, and the
teachers give an honest effort to
give you all the skills needed to
accomplish your dreams
– Taylor Flake
The House of Talent is not a ‘House’, it is
a HOME. From the moment we walked
in, we felt like we were at home. The
staff is so friendly and makes you feel
welcome. All the instructors are backed
by excellent credentials and give each
student a wonderful learning environment.
We have enjoyed our growth in music
and vocals.
– Madi Alexander and family
I like that the teachers are talented and
experienced in the art of dance. I love
that at the age of three, the school can
get the smallest of children to learn
to dance. The children learn grace,
balance, focus, and aptitude.
– Alyssia McCoin
I like to dance with
Sophia.
– Judy Tabrizi
What is there not to love?!!? We
absolutely love everything about
HOT!!! The staff, faculty expertise,
and facilities just to name a few!
– Teresa Ray
I love dancing and
Ms. Cami.
– Luci Watts
I like tap dancing and I like my
friends and teachers. I think that
they are great! And I also like
ballet dancing.
– Sophia Clabby
I love all the wonderful people
that are here, and the awesome
teachers that take their time to
work everyday with us.
– Sarah Reimold
I love the instructors. They are all
so professional and awesome with
the kids.
– Tainaya Green
(Stacee Thomas’ mother)
The teachers and the owners and
the students! LOVE YA’LL!! And
how we actually learn (haha)!
– Katie Sneed
I love my teachers!
– Miesha Levy
I love all the wonderful friends
I’ve made and all of the amazing
teachers!
– Hannah Dobilas
I love everything about
HOT!
– Alex Andrews
I like the costumes.
– Sophia Tabrizi

What I Love About HOT
I love the unity of all of
the different arts here!
– Alison Shames
Maggie loves coming to ballet and
tap on Monday. Everyone is so
nice and she loves her instructors.
– Cindy Dodd
(Maggie Odom’s grandmother)
I LOVE IT!
– Ms. Tracy
It is so cool to study not only
dance, but music as well. I get to
train in one place and do so many
things. I love it here.
– Anais Jones
Where else can you find the best
triple threat training all in one
place, and in a unified atmosphere?
Nowhere! Enough said.
– Camilla Curran Howard
I enjoy dancing, acting, violin, and
guitar here. The teachers are
amazing and make the classes
great.
– Alyssia McCoin
I love everyone at HOT.
– Madison Conkin
I love all my teachers and the
encouraging environment that HOT
provides for me to learn and grow.
– Monica Brint
I love how friendly
everyone is!
– Hannah Buckmaster
Alexa loves her ballet
lessons.
– Alexa Branum
I love the fact that HOT is a real
professional and nurturing environment.
The students are so dedicated and
the parents are extremely supportive.
This is “the performing arts school” in
Cordova. Thank God for HOT.
– Noelia Warnette-Jones
I love how all the teachers
have great experience.
– Justin Bey
I love the amazing teachers and
owners, and how we actually learn
to dance throughout the year . . .
not just run a recital piece! I love
House of Talent.
– Anna Claire Sneed
I love the cleanliness
(shout out to Charlie!)
– Ashlyn Temple
19

DANCE
Pre-Kindergarten
20
AGES 3-4
Lucy Blair, Malaika Kumar, Stacee Thomas

Back Row: Emma Drewry, Aaliyah Ross, Hailee Sines,
Jazmin Jaime Front Row: Mazzie Osmos,
Isabella Rodgers, Cristal Hernandez
NOT PICTURED:
Maggie Odom
Addison Walker
Katherine Walker
Ashley Huff
Abby Perez
Isabella Henderson
Alexa Branum
Malaia “Minnie” Bohannon
Mea’ Stokes
Anneke van Wijk
Deliyah McGhee
DANCE
Pre-Kindergarten AGES 3-4
Back Row: Chloe Thurmond, Dayle Bullen, Luci Watts,
Maeson Morris Front Row: Hylan Kellum,
Grace Wallingford, Sophia Tabrizi, Sophia Clabby,
Sydney Gadsden
21

DANCE
22
Kindergarten
AGES 5-6
Back Row: Lexy Hearn, Lainey Hearn, Nya Goble
Front Row: Cameron Flaherty, Kathleen Mabe,
Elisabeth Burke
NOT PICTURED: Madison Murray, Miya Fitzpatrick, Jordan Simpson

Tyler Gerard, Madison Lawrence,
Chloe Gerard
NOT PICTURED:
Kaitlyn King
Anais Jones
DANCE
Kindergarten AGES 5-6
Shafdaisa Greely
23

DANCE
Junior Hip Hop
24
Back Row: Rachel Nguyen, Miesha Levy, Alyssia McCoin,
Alex Collier, Elizabeth Duong, Abigail Leitner
Middle Row: Kaley Gary, Jewell Kirksey, Roxy Levy
Front Row: Makenzie Flake, Gracye Brandl,
Kes Jackson
NOT PICTURED: Emma Grace Cupp, Kameron Wheeler, N’dia Jones,
SuShmitha Durababu, Maddy Wilkenson, Ellie Jones, Anna Krupinski,
Trace Blackwell

Amand Menon, Justin Bey
Cole Bowden, Adu Menon
DANCE
DANCE
Boys
Boy’s
Hip
Hip
Hop
Hop
Justin Bey, Micah Blair,
Ryan Haskett, Cole Bowden
NOT PICTURED:
Dawson Feathers
Rishi Pammi
Robert Brown
Mac Robertson
25

DANCE
26
Ballet
LEVEL 1-2
Kennedy Ray

Caroline Irmscher,
Hannah Dobilas, Sara Bey
Ballet
DANCE
LEVEL 2-4
Hannah Dobilas, Sara Bey, Sasha Alkus
27

DANCE
28
Tap
LEVEL 1-2
Kennedy Ray
NOT PICTURED: Caroline Irmscher, Nika Kledzik, Sydney Campbell

Hannah Dobilas, Sara Bey,
Caroline Irmscher
DANCE
Intermediate Lyrical
Madison Conkin, Sara Bey,
Hannah Dobilas
29

DANCE
Intermediate Musical Theatre
30
Sara Bey, Kate Lenz, Justin Bey

Mary Fortney
DANCE
Advanced Hip Hop
Mandy Lowery, Alyssia McCoin,
Ashlyn Temple
NOT PICTURED: Jaine Trentnam, Katie Sneed, Anna Claire Sneed,
Miesha Levy, Roxy Levy, Madison Conkin, Alison Shames
31

DANCE
Advanced Lyrical
32
Ashlyn Temple, Alison Shames
NOT PICTURED: Anna Claire Sneed, Katie Sneed, Alex Andrews

Advanced Musical Theatre
Ashlyn Temple, Katie Sneed, Anna Claire Sneed,
Nicole Graham
DANCE
33

DANCE
34
Jazz
LEVEL 3-4
Katie Sneed, Ashlyn Temple, Anna Claire Sneed,
Nicole Graham, Madison Conkin,
Hannah Buckmaster

Boys Hip Hop
DANCE
DANCE
Tap LEVEL 3-4
Madison Conkin, Nicole Graham, Ashlyn Temple,
Justin Bey, Anna Claire Sneed, Katie Sneed,
Sara Bey
35

DANCE
Ballet
36
LEVEL 5-6
Monica Brint, Sarah Reimold, Hannah Dobilas,
Taylor Flake, Sasha Alkus, Alex Andrews,
Alison Shames
NOT PICTURED: Nicole Graham, Ashlyn Temple, Katie Sneed,
Anna Claire Sneed

Kate Lenz
Roxy Levy
Madison Alexander
Trace Blackwell
Jack Gallop
Miesha Levy
Voice
37

Voice
38
Caitlin Douglas
Lily Shallow
Cameron Flaherty
Kaila Durden
Edie Handwerker
Esther Bowen

Makenzie Flake
Mary Fortney
Sydney Bell
Malaika Kumar
Voice
Anna Jones & Cameryn Smith
NOT PICTURED: Alyssia McCoin, Anais Jones, Logan Bradshaw, Alica Khan, Mylee
DePriest, Jessica Magouyrk, Lee Garrett, Aubree Underwood, Brittany Taranski, Kiera
Williams, Taylor Farrell, Caroline Christian, Danielle Ellison, Steve Monismith,
Karlee Nabors, Heather Holliday, Carly Steed, Kaitlyn Jeter
39

Acting
40
Kate Lenz, Dereka Horton, Sara Bey, Justin Bey
NOT PICTURED: Roxy Levy, Miesha Levy, Claire Doering,
Chris Parker, Alyssia McCain

HOT 2009-10: The Year in Review
I hope you are in good spirits as we head towards a long, hot summer. It has been a great year at HOT from a student perspective, and we are
proud of their progress and accomplishments. We have several students participating in prestigious dance companies this summer; a student with a
leading role in a major motion picture; a large group of students participating in local theatre companies; a first sweepstakes award winner at the
2009 Mid South Fair Senior Youth Talent Contest; and many more. Please take a look at the student achievement page in this yearbook for more
details.
The past twelve months brought about many wonderful improvements and additions to the House of Talent family. In April of 2009, Ken Taylor
and Sing Studios joined HOT, giving us a powerhouse vocal department, as well as bringing over some very talented students. With Ken and Sing
Studios came Diana Zimmerman, Ken’s vocal assistant who is currently working with several of our younger students. It is often said that “timing
is everything”, and I don’t know of a better example of this. While we were in search of a vocal director, Ken was looking to lighten his load of
running a business, and focus on teaching, his true passion. Ken is a true “voice technician”, who can lend a hand to even the most accomplished
performers. Needless to say, Ken and Sing have been a fantastic addition to HOT.
A fantastic spring recital in June preceded a summer filled with various programs, including the always popular Princess, Broadway, Pop Star,
acting, and dance camps. After a summer of Facebook stalking, we tracked Lindsey Toland down somewhere in the state of Texas, and much to our
delight, she was coming back home! We’ve admired Lindsey for many years, and knew she would be a great addition to our music department.
The rest is history, as Lindsey is providing us with beautiful vocal and instrumental music results.
In October of 2009, a small miracle occurred. In another situation where an artist chose art over business, as well as good health over the
alternative, Nora Curran and her Allegro Ballet Company joined the HOT family. With this move, Nora and her daughter, Camilla Curran Howard,
brought their extensive ballet expertise, and a ballet company full of talent to HOT. This completed a bond that formed years ago, when our
daughter Brittany danced at Allegro. Many a drive to Oakland, and many conversations comparing the characteristics of ballet and golf, led me
to realize that Nora was the “real thing” (not that Nora needed my blessings!). Believe it or not, ballet and golf share many techniques, specifically
posture, sequences, timing, balance, and body angles. Moving on, with a solid program of professional dancers already in place, Nora and Cami
have unified our training, giving Deanna and me the opportunity to channel our energies towards running the day to day operations of HOT. From
many perspectives, this has been a true blessing.
In the fall of 2009, DeWayne Hambrick approached us about bringing his Graffitti Dance Company to train at HOT. DeWayne’s dance company
is a wonderful outreach program here in the city of Memphis, and is made up of talented young dancers, who have a common goal of improving
their lives through the arts. Made up of multiple ethnicities and backgrounds, Graffitti dancers perform around the city, spreading goodwill through
their dance. Graffitti holds their weekly dance classes and rehearsals at HOT, and take weekly ballet instruction from Nora Curran. The male
members of the group also assist our company dancers with partnering, which is a big help to us. We are thankful that Graffitti is a part of HOT,
and we look forward to their performance in our spring program this June. Please read more about Graffitti in their section of this yearbook.
There are many other additions, and departures, to the HOT family which are dear to our hearts. Noelia Warnette-Jones, a local dancer and
educator, came our way in the fall of 2009, and is doing wonderful things in our dance department. Noelia was trained at Marymount Manhattan
College and the Alvin Ailey School, both in NYC. She brings African-Dunham dance as well as modern jazz to HOT, and from the looks of her
students after class, she really puts them through a workout. On the drama side, Boomer Brigman joined us as our acting instructor. Boomer is a
very talented thespian in his own right, and is being well received from our acting students. If you haven’t noticed the guitar cases coming in and
out of the lobby, you probably don’t know about Jeff Haughton, who joined HOT in the fall of 2009. We are fortunate to have Jeff doing his
thing, teaching acoustic and electric guitar lessons. Speaking of instrumental music, the previously mentioned Lindsey Toland is teaching violin and
piano at HOT. To make the piano portion of this possible, we purchased a new Yamaha piano in February – it is a beautiful model and I welcome
you to give it a try. Another bright spot this past year was our selection of Noah Shrader as our website developer. Noah completely rebuilt our
website, and created our student showcase feature. It isn’t surprising that Noah has received calls from studios all over the country, wanting him to
work his magic for their websites. Moving on but not moving away, Ryan Haskett, HOT HOT hip hop instructor and co-founder of Musical Mindplay,
graduated from Collierville High School in May, and is continuing his education at Christian Brothers College. Unfortunately, I must now move on to
the departures, as four of our staff members are moving on to new chapters in their lives. Allison Andrews, who has been at HOT both as a student
and instructor since we opened our doors in January of 2008, is moving to Los Angeles in July, to pursue a career in hip hop and modern dance.
Ashlyn Temple, another student and instructor of ours, graduated from FACS in May, and is going to college this fall at Mississippi State University,
having been accepted into their prestigious School of Architecture.
As far as the studio itself, you may have noticed a few changes we made in May. In an effort to provide additional seating in the lobby, and better
student and parent comfort, we removed the large reception desk. This seems to have been well received, as it opened up the lobby quite a bit. I
hope this change makes your stay at HOT more enjoyable, as your comfort is our goal. In addition, we relocated our office manager to the small
office adjacent to the lobby, making it easier to find HOT personnel who can assist you with your needs. As many of you know, I’m constantly trying
to improve the quality of HOTTv. To those of you who are new to HOT, or who are unfamiliar with this product, HOTTv is online broadcasting of our
dance classes (also shown on our lobby TVs). This spring we installed new cameras with the added feature of SOUND! These new, higher quality
cameras, also give us the ability to record our dance classes. Beginning this fall, we will record various dance classes, and archive them on our
website for your online viewing.
Whew! If you’ve made it this far, you can see that there is never a dull moment at HOT. Given our students’ progress, combined with an
incomparable staff, I can now say that HOT really is a “house of talent”! Please rest assured that our goal is to constantly improve your overall
experience at HOT, while continuing to provide you the best training available. Thank you for being a member of our family.
Sincerely,
Jeff and Deanna Flaherty
House of Talent
41

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Rachel
Kendrick
Tiffany
DeWayne
Hambrick
Director
Rodney
Kourtney
Alison
Princess
Marlon

The mission of the Graffitti Dance Company is to further the works
of DeWayne Hambrick and other aspiring Choreographers by
establishing an extended cultural community which provides dance
performances, training, and community programs for all people.
As important as its artistic and educational mission, this performing
arts community plays a social role, using the beauty and humanity
of the African heritage and other cultures to unite people of all
races, ages and backgrounds.
Marcus
Robert
Ciera
Iona
Antwone
43

44
HOT Autographs

HOT Autographs
45

46
HOT Ad Sales Contest Winner
Cristal & Jasmin
God made you cousins because he knew no mom could handle you
as sisters”--- we are so proud of you crazy girls..
we love you always...and forever...
Marlene & Evelyn

We are proud of
our little
Ballarina
Princesses...
We love you both
so much!
Mommy & Daddy
BOB WALKER FARMS
and
JSW CORPORATION
Support House of Talent
and their students!
47

48
Kennedy,
we are so
PROUD of you!
We love you!
Dad, Mom, & Mario

50
Para Nuestras
Princessas
Cristal y Jazmin
Nunca Dejan De Luchar
~
Por su suenos!
Las Andoramos,
Marlene y Evelyn

52
Saddle Creek Banking Center | 7600 Poplar Avenue
Paragon Place | 6300 Poplar • Fountain Place | 5400 Poplar • Grove Park I 4515 Poplar • St. Francis I 6005 Park
901.273.2900 bankparagon.com MEMBER FDIC

Cordova Dancewear
Ad
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Certified Carpet Installer
(901) 282-6705 or (901) 282-6310
We take out and install:
Carpet • Tile • Hardwood • Laminate
Have Furniture? No Problem!!
We offer 100% satisfaction!!!
SHIMMER & SHINE
Cleaning Service
1413 Leary Cove,
Cordova, TN 38016
shimmerandshine2010@gmail.com
(901) 262-8616
Since 2005
Commercial & Residential
Free Estimates
• Janitorial • Relocations
• Renovations • Spring Cleaning
• Party Preparation
Licensed & Insured
Call today for free estimates!!
We do free estimates, and if you mention this ad, we will give you 10% off on labor.
53

54
9045 Hwy. 64, Suite 101
Lakeland, TN 38002
(901) 383-4219
DAILY SPECIALS
MONDAY & THURSDAY
$1.00 OFF ALL BEER - 5 - 9pm
WEDNESDAY
KIDS MEAL - 1/2 off*
SATURDAY
2 for 1 Regular Margaritas ALL DAY!
Our patio is open! We deliver! Call for details!
*Valid at this location only. No valid with other offers or coupons.
Offer expires 9/1/10.
J. Hunter Fleming
Architect
Commercial – Institutional – Residential
901.496.6310 jhunterfleming@comcast.net

Congratulations
HOT Students
…on another brilliant year.
ACTING ⏐MODELING ⏐PROMOTIONALS ⏐VOICE OVER | ARTIST | PERFORMERS
www.etaTennessee.com
From Your Friends at ETA, Abby, Raina & Jennifer
55

56
694 N. Germantown Pkwy.
Memphis, TN 38018
Phone Fax
(901) 755-1447 • (901) 755-1473
SUNDAY-THURSDAY
Happy Hour 5-9pm
Regular Lime Margaritas - $3.00
Regular Flavored Margaritas - $3.50
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY
Beer Specials 4-8pm
SATURDAY
2 for 1 Regular Margaritas ALL DAY!!
ALL BEER $1.00 off
Come enjoy a friendly atmosphere, good service, and
great food! We are family owned and operated.
Mention this ad and get 10% off your bill.*
Valid only at this location. Can not be combined with other offers or coupons. Offer expires 9/1/10.

SUMMER CAMPS
2010
AT
HOUSE OF TALENT
714 N. GERMANTOWN PKWY. #1 (In Trinity Commons)
Phone: 901.755.6878
www.HouseOfTalent.com
House of Talent is offering several Summer Camps over the
summer 2010!!!!
Below is a brief description of each of the camps that we are offering:
Princess - June 21-June 25, 2010 - Your children will be entertained by House of Talent
dance instructors, dressed in princess costumes, for two hours each day. Among the
many activities planned are ballet, tap dancing, crafts, face painting, movies, and a tea
party! Times for the 3-4 year olds will be 10:00am until 12:00pm, and 5-6 year olds will be
1:00pm until 3:00pm. The cost of this camp is $150.00 per student.
Pop Star – July 12-16, 2010 - Do you know the words to every Hannah Montana, Miley
Cyrus, or Taylor Swift song? Are you a fan of Disney shows such as Wizards of Waverly
Place, Hannah Montana, and Sonny with a Chance? If so, let House of Talent bring out
the Pop Star in you. A fun filled week of music and dance will make this a summer event
to remember! This camp is geared towards 7-11 year olds, and will be held from 1:00pm
until 3:00pm. The cost of this camp is $150.00 per student.
Broadway/Musical Theatre - July 19-23, 2010 - If classical Broadway singing and
dancing are your thing, this is the camp for you. A week of singing, dancing, and acting
training with Charles McGowan, star of “A Chorus Line” movie, will culminate in a short
production on Friday night. This promises to be an extremely fun week of Broadway style
training and performing. This camp is geared towards children ages 12 and up, and will
be held from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. .The cost of this camp is $150.00 per student.
Summer Dance Intensive – July 26-30, 2010 - Expect to be pushed to the limit in this
week of all encompassing dance training. Our seasoned and professional dance
instructors will provide you the highest level of training in the areas of technique,
choreography, and performance. Dance styles will consist of ballet, pointe, modern, lyrical,
tap, jazz, and hip hop. The cost of this camp will vary depending on student level, with
prices ranging from $100.00 to $400.00 per student.
Acting/Theatre – August 2-6, 2010 - A week filled with theatre training, where students will
work on the many aspects of stage acting, including auditioning techniques, voice projection,
and improvisation, all culminating with a short production on Friday night. Pre-teen times
will be 10:00am until 1:00pm, and age 13 and up will be 2:00pm until 5:00pm. The cost of this
camp is $150.00 per student.
General information - Our summer camps will provide your children a fun filled week
of training and entertainment. We offer a 10% early bird discount for registrations paid
in full by April 15, 2010, so reserve your spot now! For more information, call us at
901/755-6878, or email us at summercamps@houseoftalent.com.
57

58
HooPER TRooPERS
Hula Hooping for fun & fitness!
• We do birthday parties, festivals, health & fitness events and more! •
• Great for physical, mental, and spiritual health •
• Come see us at the Memphis Farmers Market •
• Classes held weekly at House of Talent •
www.hoopertroopers.webs.com • email: revolveit@bellsouth.net

DeWayne Hambrick
photography
(901) 210-6407
WEDDINGS | PROMS | PORTRAITS | MODELING | SPORTING EVENTS
PRIVATE PARTIES | CORPORATE OUTINGS | STAGE PERFORMANCE
59 55

60
Woodson & Bozeman is dedicated to providing great service
while distributing quality products for the betterment of all the
places called home. We proudly carry the following brands.
Call us or visit us at:
Woodson & Bozeman
3870 New Getwell Road ● Memphis, TN 38118
901-362-1500 ● 1-800-876-4243 (Toll Free)
www.woodsonbozeman.com

9947 Wolf River Blvd. Suite 111
Collierville, TN 38139
Phone Fax
(901) 853-7922 • (901) 853-7923
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS!
• Regular Lime Margaritas - $3.00
• Regular Flavored Margaaritas - $3.50
• All Beer - $1.00 off
Mention this ad and receive:
$4.00 off when you spend $15.00 or more
$6.00 off when you spend $25.00 or more*
Come enjoy a friendly atmosphere, good service, and
great food! We are family owned and operated.
Valid only at this location. Can not be combined with other offers or coupons. limit one per table. Offer expires 9/1/10.
61

62
Leasing &
Management
Since 1887
901.761.3333 | www.loebproperties.com
4469 S. Mendenhall Road
Memphis, TN
795-8876
11615 Airline Rd.
Arlington, TN 38008
(901) 867-1883
DRINK SPECIALS
WEDNESDAY - $1.00 OFF ALL BEER
MONDAY - THURSDAY -
Regular Lime Margaritas - $3.00
Regular Flavored Margaritas - $3.50
Mention this ad and get $5.00 off
when you spend $25.00 or more*
*Valid at this location only. No valid with other offers or coupons.
Offer expires 9/1/10.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING
RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL

64
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To provide the best and most comprehensive guide to businesses and services
that support the needs and interests of families in the Mid-South.
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