Meet our Team
Lauren Griffis
Client Relationship Associate
Lauren began dancing at 3 and continued competing until 20. She has taught all ages and genres for nearly 10 years and is certified in the Twinkle Star Dance and Acrobatique programs. Along with teaching, Lauren served as the office operations and social media manager for a dance studio in Northern Virginia for several years. She holds a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Waldorf University and is pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. Lauren values the sense of community dance brings to children and believes in guiding dancers beyond the steps, helping them grow into the next generation of extraordinary individuals.
Rebbekkah Eller
Instructor
Rebbekkah has been passionate about the arts from a young age. She is currently completing her AFA in Music at Cape Fear Community College, where she serves as a videographer for the Beats Lab and a member of the Women in Music Club, helping to connect and inspire the music cohort. Most recently, she performed with The Rev Theatre Company in The Magic Paintbrush, an educational touring production that brought live theater to schools across New York. Through this program, she helped introduce young audiences to the performing arts, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation. She has also taught students of all ages as a dance instructor at Tippi Toes, a choreographer for Dockside Theater Company, and worked at the Community Arts Center in Wilmington, gaining experience in arts education and community outreach. She plans to pursue a career in arts administration, furthering her mission to create inclusive and inspiring spaces in the arts!
Chelsea Griffis
Instructor
Chelsea has been in the dance world since she was three years old. Starting that love of dance early, she has grown a passion and love for the art that she is now excited to share with others. Chelsea is attending Cape Fear Community College on a transfer track to the University of North Carolina Wilmington. While staying involved in the dance world, she is embarking on a new adventure on the Sea Devil’s Cheer Team with CFCC Athletics Department. New to the area, Chelsea was an assistant teacher back in Northern Virginia for four years. She quickly fell in love with sharing the joy and expression of dance with little ones! Chelsea is ready to begin her journey with Little Leaps and cultivating the next generation of dancers.
Torri Johnson
Instructor
Torri is an Oakland University graduate located in Rochester MI, with a BFA in dance formerly certified in Acro Arts and with USAG. She began her training at Motor City Dance Factory at 3 years old, where she was able to cultivate a love for dance and dance education. In high school, Torri was a part of their Creative and Performing Arts program where she grew a love for choreographing and was recognized for her performance quality. Torri’s love for dance and dance education continues to soar as she trains and expands her worldview in many different settings, sharing her experience and knowledge with all of her students. She has worked with professional companies like Eisenhower, The Institute of Dancers, and DIAVOLO LA; and has attended American Dance Festival on scholarship. Currently, Torri is working on obtaining her master’s in athletic training in hopes to teach her students more about body awareness and injury prevention as they continue their own athletic and artistic journeys.
Photo coming Soon
Chelsea Griffis
Instructor
Chelsea has been in the dance world since she was three years old. Starting that love of dance early, she has grown a passion and love for the art that she is now excited to share with others. Chelsea is attending Cape Fear Community College on a transfer track to the University of North Carolina Wilmington. While staying involved in the dance world, she is embarking on a new adventure on the Sea Devil’s Cheer Team with CFCC Athletics Department. New to the area, Chelsea was an assistant teacher back in Northern Virginia for four years. She quickly fell in love with sharing the joy and expression of dance with little ones! Chelsea is ready to begin her journey with Little Leaps and cultivating the next generation of dancers.
Payton Loden
Instructor & Client Care Associate
Payton has been dancing since she was just 3 years old. Payton has danced for 16 years, spent 11 on a competition team, and 8 as a special needs dance teacher. She has trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and contemporary. She has worked under numerous talented instructors such as Denise Wall and Jamie Goodwin from So You Think You Can Dance, Sarah Lapointe from the Charlotte Ballet, and more. Payton is currently attending UNCW for a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis and has dreams of getting her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. With that, she hopes to exercise her passion for working with the special needs community! When she isn’t dancing, you can find her at the beach or doing yoga!
Testimonials
"Joining little leaps with Miss Carrie has been the best experience for my daughter. Each class I get to see her personality and confidence grow. The classes are so engaging for the little ones and parents. They are always full of energy, dancing and laughter (along with the occasional high pitch screams). It’s an amazing way to get yourself and your little one moving while seeing them develop and learn before your eyes through music and play. We love Miss Carrie and you will too!"
Tamekia Y., Little Leaps Parent
"As a former elementary educator turned stay-at-home mom, I couldn’t be more impressed with our experience at Little Leaps. Miss Carrie welcomed us by name the first time we met her and has made us feel like a special part of the Little Leaps community ever since! Her dance classes are perfect for my busy toddler (and even her baby sister). I am constantly amazed at the skills my daughter picks up after each class, such as listening and following directions, moving with coordination, and confidently expressing herself. I love connecting with other mothers and caregivers and seeing my daughter build relationships with her peers. My daughter asks to go to “dance class” almost daily and it has become the highlight of our week!"
Kelly W., Little Leaps Parent
Contact Us
ADDRESS
5226 S. College Rd, Unit 8-A, Wilmington, NC 28412
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About
Little Leaps is a children's dance studio located in Wilmington with an award-winning team dedicated to providing the best dance instruction while fostering creativity, confidence, and growth in every child.
Email: office@littleleapskids.com
Telephone: 910-994-3130
