KIMBERLY R. LIGATTI
Artistic Director/Co-Owner

After many years of studying dance, Kim has found her one dream, to share the love of dance with our youth!  As director of Legacy School of Dance, Kim strives to inspire young dancers, as they work to achieve their own dreams as artists, dancers, and performers.  "My goal as the director at Legacy, is for each child to walk out of class feeling better about themselves."

Kim began studying dance at the age of 4 in her hometown of Richmond, VA!   She began her study of dance at Cary and Clarke Studios, and transitioned to Martinique School of Dance were she had wonderful opportunities to learn, grow and perform.  During her youth Kim was given the opportunity to study dance in New York, under numerous instructors.   The most inspirational was the legendary Frank Hatchett, as his energy and personal style left a lasting impression.   During her dance studies in New York, Kim studied Ballet at Carnegie Hall, as well as other forms of dance at the Broadway Dance Center.   As director of Legacy, Kim finds similar opportunities for her students.  For the past 13 seasons Legacy has traveled to NYC  with students to  study dance at Broadway Dance Center among some of the world's best instructors.   Kim believes for her dancers, "opportunities are everything".   Kimberly has studied dance for over 30 years!   

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Kim later graduated from Radford University in 1998 with a degree in Business Management and Contemporary Dance.  As she worked toward her degree in dance, Kim studied under the direction of Margaret Devaney, Dr. Pegeen Albig, Frano Jelincic, and Dagmar Kessler.  While at Radford, many of her contemporary dance studies were based on the technique of Martha Graham.  Kim was asked to perform multiple times, both at the University and away.  Kim has explored many forms of dance with her technical foundation in ballet and expanding her repertoire to include more contemporary forms of dance as she continues her dance education.  She later attended the University of Richmond where she received her Elementary Education Certification, and has taught in Henrico County, and currently in Chesterfield County Schools.  

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Adding to Kim's dance accomplishments, she began Legacy's Competition Dance Team in 2013.  In the first year alone, the dancers selected for the team won numerous divisions, special judges awards, and recognition's.  Since the first year the team continues to grow in size and talent, winning the highest level of adjudications and top overall scores.    She is looking forward to another year of watching her dancers perform throughout Virginia and along the East Coast.  

When Kim is not teaching dance, she is spending quality time with her husband Matt Ligatti, and two girls, Taylor and Fallon.   Kimberly has experienced dance from many point of views; as a performer and a student, a teacher and choreographer, and most recently as a mother.  Kim’s daughter's, Taylor (17) and Fallon (11), are currently students at Legacy.     

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Many aspects of the behind the scenes office work are handled by Mary.  As the mother of a 2013 Legacy School of Dance graduate, she has spent many hours a week at the studio.  Mary is excited about the opportunities that Legacy provides students through the guidance of a very excited and energetic director and staff.                                                                                                                                                                           
 

Mary's experience as a business manager has been utilized in her husband's business, Midlothian Glass & Door, Inc., where she is the licensed contractor and office manager.  She has been involved with this company since its inception almost 10 years ago.  Mary is the proud mother of 3 children Joseph, Sara, and Alex, and her grandson, Joe.  Joe is currently dancing at Legacy.  Mary attended the University of Richmond and graduated from Pat Ryan Finance and Insurance School in Chicago, Illinois in 1983.

Mary's daughter, Sara, shares the passion for dance and is a Legacy graduate.  

MARY FARR-MAYNARD
Business Manager/Co-Owner

JENN LYMAN
 

Mrs. Jenn began her dance training in Chesterfield, Virginia at the age of 5.  She was trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, lyrical, tap, and contemporary. She also competed on her studio's competition team.  Jenn was accepted into Thomas Dale High School’s Specialty Center Dance Company.  She was extensively trained under Denise Purvis in modern, ballet, jazz, and choreography.  During her four years at Thomas Dale she had the opportunity to take classes from various guest artists such as Maria Bauman of Urban Bush Women, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Will Sterling of Latin Ballet, Richmond Ballet, staff of VCU, Starr Foster and many more.  It was during her senior year that she found her love for teaching after being selected to teach a class of non-dance majors during the school year.  

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Jenn attended Virginia Commonwealth University receiving her Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science in 2013.  While at VCU she was a member of the VCU Gold Rush Dance Team where she was privileged to have been selected to represent the dance team during VCU’s famous journey to the Final Four in 2011.  She performed at every men and women’s home basketball games, a few away games, and the conference tournament.

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Jenn began teaching at Legacy in 2010. She enjoys teaching everyone from toddlers to the dance dads, and both recreational and competition team classes. Jenn hopes to share her love of dance with every student she encounters.  She strives to build strong, confident dancers, and enjoys showing them that they are capable of more than they imagined. Dance holds a special place in her heart, and she hopes to show her students what dance can do for them.    Jenn is one of the most sought after instructors at Legacy, she continues to hold high expectations and standards for each and every dancer because she believes in them, and knows they can attain the high goals.  Jenn has earned numerous honors for her choreography along the east coast, as well as earned top honors and awards for multiple performance and competition groups.    

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Jenn was recently married to her husband Matt (Legacy's biggest fan!) in June 2017. When not at the studio, they enjoy spending time with their 3 dogs and doing things outdoors.   They currently live in Powhatan, Virginia.  s.  Th

TAYLOR RANDALL

Taylor E. Randall, a native of Richmond, Virginia, began her dancing career at the age of 3. Her early years were spent at Martinique School of Dance. While dancing at Martinique, she was a part of the Ballet Petite Company for nine years. Taylor, showed incredible strength as a young dancer, and earned many leading roles throughout her years with Martinique and Ballet Petit.  

In 2011 she was a part of the first graduating class from Legacy School of Dance.   Miss Taylor was Legacy's first Lilac Fairy in our 2011 Sleeping Beauty. 

In addition to dancing at Legacy, she danced with and instructed the Predestined Praise Dancers at Riverview Baptist Church.   Miss Taylor  has been teaching for Legacy shortly after she graduated, and has become one of our most respected and sought after instructors.   Her energy, compassion, and desire to give her students the very best is what makes her truly special to the Legacy Dance Family. 

Taylor attended Virginia Commonwealth University receiving her Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2017.   

Dance is truly Miss Taylor's passion, and believes that a quote by Martha Graham, embodies how she feels, “Great Dancers are not great because of their technique they are great because of their passion”. Miss Taylor wishes to teach her dancers to enjoy every moment on the stage as well as in the studio and to believe in every step that they dance.

Legacy is not only grateful to have Miss Taylor 's hand in many aspects of our program, she choreographs and instructs for the competition dance team, instructs and choreographs for the regular technique classes of all ages, and choreographs and helps plan for our Ballet company.  While working with the LCDT she has earned recognition for her choreography, as well as achieved top scores with her groups and solo dancers.   

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Most days in the week you will find MIss Taylor working in the Legacy Studios, but when she is not at the studio she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Ginny!

ASHLEY ANDERSON

Ashley discovered a passion for dance while a member of the Rapid Motion dance team at James River High School in Midlothian, Virginia.  In addition to performing with the dance team, Ashley also served as a Dance Captain of the JRHS show choir, Anything Goes.  While attending The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Ashley joined the Performing Arts Club, a student-run dance organization. Ashley was cast in various hip hop pieces for the club’s recitals, and for a couple of years after graduation, she continued to choreograph for PAC.

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Since joining Legacy in 2014, Ashley has loved working with her hip hop students.  She has thoroughly enjoyed developing their skills and passion and is glad that she is able to instruct a wide variety of ages and levels of experience.  In 2016, Ashley became a coach for Legacy’s competition dance team.  Her LCDT dancers impress her at every rehearsal and competition with their dedication, work ethic, and positive attitudes.  She is incredibly proud of their award-winning talent and ability to entertain.

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Whether it’s a competition stage or the annual recital stage, Ashley’s proudest moments come while watching each one of her dancers have fun and shine through their energetic performances.  She has developed strong bonds with her students, who mean the world to her, and feels very blessed to be a member of such a wonderful and supportive dance family.  With each new year, Ashley looks forward to many more amazing experiences with Legacy!

Jennifer started her love of dance at the young age of three. Over the years she has studied a variety of dance styles but ballet, tap and lyrical are closest to her heart. In addition to taking classes at Martinique School of Dance, she also performed with The Chesterfield Performing Arts Company and Ballet Petit for many years. She enriched her technique through instruction at Mary Washington College, The Broadway Dance Center and Carnegie Hall. After graduating from Martinique in 1993, Jennifer attended Shenandoah University where she majored in musical theater and dance. She participated in numerous senior projects, children’s theater productions, and performed at The Kennedy Center.

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Jennifer took a break from the dance world to get her degree in Veterinary Technology, get married and have three wonderful children. She currently works as a licensed veterinary technician in the west end. Jennifer is so excited to be a part of the Legacy School of Dance family. She looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm and passion for performing.

JENNIFER SALLEY

SABRINA GOODMAN

Sabrina began studying dance at the ripe age of three in Fredericksburg, VA!  Growing up, Sabrina’s primary focus was ballet, tap and lyrical. Her performance credits include the title role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, The Liliac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty and Kitri in Don Quixote.   Sabrina attended the International Ballet Festival and had the privilege of taking class from a legendary prima ballerina, Gelsey Kirkland.    A whole new world of dance opened for her when she received a scholarship, as a high school senior, to study modern dance at Mary Washington College under the direction of an Alvin Ailey dancer, Eugene Roscoe.  Sabrina decided then that dance was something she would continue to pursue for a lifetime and that the education opportunities were endless!

Sabrina graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2001 with a marketing degree and dance minor.  While at VCU, Sabrina was able to build on her own repertoire in other dance genres such as Jazz, Hip-Hop, African, Improvisation and even Ballroom.  She had the opportunity to study with faculty favorites Chris Burnside, Frances Wessels and Melanie Richards as well as renowned guest artists Ron Brown and David Grenke.    In addition, she completed her marketing internship with VCU’s Department of Dance working on special promotions and publicity for their Spring Season.  Sabrina also spent 13 seasons as an instructor with Martinique School of Dance.

Dance has always had a special place in Sabrina's heart, however she has another great love, her family.  Sabrina and her husband, Dan, have two joyful, adorable little boys, Adam & Xavier and a sweet little ballerina, Sloane.  Being a Mom has brought much love, laughter, and excitement into her life. 

Sabrina’s love for dance, extensive background, and true care for her students, makes her a one-of-a-kind instructor!    She is looking forward to another fun-filled, exciting season at Legacy School of Dance as a dance teacher and dance mom!

WHITNEY MITCHELL

Whitney has been with Legacy since its first year in 2010, teaching ballet, pointe, modern/contemporary, jazz and tap. She is also in her fourth season coaching with Legacy's competition dance team.

Whitney began her dance training at Martinique School of Dance, where she danced for 14 years, and then taught for 3 years. Whitney trained in ballet, modern, jazz and tap at Martinique, and performed with the student company, Ballet Petit, for 9 seasons in various roles. Some of the lead roles she performed were Holly and Ivy, Fairies, Silver Bells, and The Spirit of Christmas. She also worked with a children's music theater for five years, doing choreography for plays and musicals such as The Sound of Music, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and the Chronicles of Narnia.

Whitney majored in Fashion Merchandising and received a minor in dance from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she studied ballet, jazz, modern and improvisation under teachers including Arnott Mader, Julie Job, and Willie Hinton. She also studied at the Richmond Ballet throughout the years under Susan Israel Massey,  Malcom Burn, and Randall Marks, as well as many others. While at VCU, Whitney also was a member of the VCU dance team, performing at basketball games throughout the season, as well as at a Redskins/ Cowboys game at the Fed Ex field in 2005. In her Junior year, Whitney performed at Radford University in a premier student choreographed show.

Throughout her high school and college career, Whitney danced and choreographed for a student liturgical ballet performance group. She was also a member of Radiant Light Ballet, a local ballet company touring throughout the Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. area from 2009-2012. 

  Whitney learned the love of performing at a very early age, and hopes to instill that same love to all her students.  While not dancing, Whitney enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan,  their daughter Trystan and two sons Brayden and Wesley.

KELLY NELSON

Kelly is a native of Florida.  She graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts with a dance major, where she was privileged to receive training from talented instructors and guest artists including Dr. Phyllis Penney, Rhonda Stampalia, Debra Webb, Mia Michaels, Mark Spivak, Michelle Ottley, and Maya Shinavaskyva.  From there she was accepted into the trainee program at Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, Mississippi.  There she trained under the direction of Kathy Thibidoux, Rick and Rose Fauscher.  She became a member of Ballet Magnificat!II performing locally and then touring with the main company nationally, including a benefit concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.  Upon returning to her hometown, she became the Co-Director of The Father's Company, a Christian dance ministry consisting of 30 dancers.  She led TFC, alongside her instructor and mentor of seventeen years, the beloved Lori Miller.  Kelly will always credit Miss Lori as her inspiration to become a dancer; the one who taught her that dance is a gift to be given and a language which speaks from ones heart to another’s soul.  During this time Kelly also taught many styles of dance at over 15 different churches, dance studios, and private academies throughout Jacksonville, Orange Park, and the Beaches.

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In 2002, Kelly and her family moved to Richmond, Virginia where she taught at Martinique School of Dance for three years and performed with Ballet Petit.  Also during that time she was invited to lead the youth Interpretive Movement Ensemble at Bon Air Baptist Church which she led for eight years.  There she continued her mentor’s legacy, encouraging the girls to let the light of hope that is within them shine through their dancing.  She has also privately coached dancers who have gone on to be accepted into the dance programs of Purchase College New York, The Joffery Ballet's Nutcracker, Braided Light Dance Project, Florida State College, Jacksonville University, East Coast Ballet, The Massive of Chicago, The Rockette Experience workshop at Radio City Music Hall, Ballet Magnificat! summer workshop, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and Thomas Dale High School.

In 2009, Kelly began her life’s dream of directing a dance company. Along with the help of her long time friends and dance partners, Jordan Strader and Whitney Hughes, Radiant Light Ballet was created. Her goal for Radiant Light Ballet is to combine excellent technique with a heart of worship in the sanctuary and on the stage.  She also desires to teach the next generation of dancers that this art form can be more than just entertainment; dance moves us not only physically, but also spiritually and emotionally.

In 2010 and 2011, Kelly was asked to stage excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty ballet and La Esmeralda for Legacy’s School of Dance Spring Showcase and taught master classes throughout the year.

Kelly is excited to a part of Legacy’s staff and again having the opportunity to inspire dancers of all ages!

Kelly's home life is full of energy and laughter created by her three boys, her sweet girl, and her ever-loving husband.

Juli Garrett has a background of all styles of dance. She has been dancing for 35 years and teaching for 25 years. She has a BFA degree in dance from George Mason University.   Juli was a part of the dance company and Masonettes while in college. She also taught for Jessica Morgan's School of Dance for 18 years.

Juli currently coaches the James River High School , "Rapid Motion", and Robious Middle School, "Raiderettes".   Juli continues her passion for performance through her Directorship of her hip hop company, "FLAVA".

Juli continues to share her love of dance throughout the RVA area! 

JULI GARRETT

JT BEVERLY

Legacy is excited to introduce Mr. JT Beverly!  Mr. JT's energy and enthusiasm for tap alone will bring a new excitement into Legacy.   Mr. JT is a native of Richmond, Virginia and was the Artistic Director of 

"Da Boom" Tap Company from 2001-2006 in Philadelphia PA.  In 2001, Mr. JT graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and was awarded the Tap Honor Award for Tap excellence.  During this time he is was also the principal dancer of Philadelphia's only tap dance company, TAP TEAM TWO & Co. 

In 2000, the Dean of Dance at U Arts hired Mr. JT to teach the continuing studies tap dance class, teaching many students at night which he was taking classes with during the day.  In 2001, Mr. Beverly was commissioned by the Bermuda Dance Company teaching Master classes in Bermuda and choreographing two tap numbers for the company.  In 2008, Dance Educators of America (DEA) brought him to their National Competition in New York City where he taught master classes to over 400 students. Dance Educators of America National Competition took Mr. JT to their 2009 National Competition in Orlando, Florida where he received the President’s Cup for having the Highest Overall Score for his tap production, Tapology. 

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He was also on tour with ”Stomp” and “42nd Street” being the dance captain for both productions. He has taught classes in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia at power house dance studios such as Jazz Unlimited, Dance Sensations of South Jersey, and the Rainbow Theater Company of Philadelphia.

Mr. Beverly has shared the stage with tap masters such as LaVaughn Robinson, Diane Walker, Savion Glover from "Happy Feet", Donald O'Connor from "Singing In The Rain", Jimmy Slyde and countless others. 

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Along with teaching classes, Mr. JT works for Young Audiences of America where he teaches in schools nationwide the history of Tap and how math, music, and dance come together

KENDALL GRAHAM

HAILEY STEVENS

Hailey Stevens, a Henrico, Va. native, began her dancing career at only two years old. She spent a few years dancing at other area studios, until she found her home at Legacy School of Dance. She began dancing with Legacy in 2011 at the age of 8. In 2013, Hailey was invited to be one of the first members of Legacy’s Competition Dance Team. She was a member of the team until she graduated from high school. During her time as a student at Legacy, Hailey studied ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, and musical theater. Being on Legacy’s Competition Dance Team granted her the opportunity to take classes from dancers such as Travis Wall, Kathryn McCormick, Sheila Barker and Kent Boyd. She also had the opportunity to study at The Broadway Dance Center. Hailey also attended Henrico County’s Center for Fine Arts at Henrico High School for three years. While there, she studied modern, ballet, jazz, contemporary, improv, tap, hip-hop, african, latin, and choreography. 

Hailey is currently a student at Rappahannock Community College, where she is set to graduate with her degree in Business Administration in December 2022. 

In her free time, Hailey enjoys dancing with her sister, Faith (who is also a LCDT member!), spending time with her friends and family, baking, or exploring the outdoors! Whether it's spending the day on the water or driving through the mountains, nature is her favorite place to be! (Besides the dance studio of course!)

Hailey is so excited to join the Legacy team, and cannot wait to work with her students and watch them grow and explore this beautiful art! Dance has always been an outlet for Ms. Hailey to express her feelings and let herself be free. She hopes to bring her passion into her teaching this year! She looks forward to working with our dancers this year and pushing not only them, but herself over these next few months!  

TAYLOR LIGATTI

TORIA DONALDSON