Shay Thompson Morgan, Artistic Director

morganShay Thompson Morgan began her ballet training at age three, following the Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus.  She has studied with world-renowned teachers including David Howard, Karena Brock, Patricia Wilde and William Starrett.

Mrs. Morgan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University.  She served as faculty member and soloist with Ballet South/ Columbia City Ballet from 1996 to 2001.  Her performance achievements include major roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Les Sylphides, Cinderella, Hansel & Gretel and Dracula.

Mrs. Morgan has choreographed numerous original works and taught community outreach and dance enrichment programs for Bulloch/ Candler County schools, Georgia Southern University, and the Boys & Girls Club. A member of the Statesboro/Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce since 2003, Shay is heavily involved in community improvement.

She has participated in the Safe Haven Women’s Shelter fundraiser Dancing with the Statesboro Stars, as well as Georgia Southern University’s Festival of Trees; a fundraiser that provides Christmas gifts to needy families. In 2017, Shay was honored with a Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award for her work in the Statesboro community. Mrs. Morgan resides in Statesboro with her husband, Clint, and two sons, Rand and Rhett.

School Faculty

Mandy Edwards

Mandy is the Marketing Director for Statesboro School of Dance. She is owner of locally-owned, and award-winning, ME Marketing Services, where she creates successful digital marketing strategies for clients, along with designing websites. Mandy has been happily married for over 19 years and is the mom to two red-headed dancers at Statesboro School of Dance – Allie, who is in the B&B Class; and Eliza, who is in the Green Class. She’s a member of First Baptist Statesboro and is active in Professional Women of Statesboro, the Ibis Foundation, and the Lynda Brannen Williamson Foundation, where she sits on the board for all three.

Chloe Ledbetter

Chloe is a Freshman at Georgia Southern University. She majors in Secondary Education with a focus in English. Chloe danced at Steps of Faith Dance Studio in Cartersville, Georgia. She has a love for dance and kids and is so excited to be helping at SSOD. Chloe’s favorite style od dance is ballet. You can find Chloe on giving tours of Georgia Southern and hanging out with her friends and painting in her free time. She is the daughter of Jeff and Michele Ledbetter and little sister of Tyler Ledbetter.

Karlye Brooke Mainer

Karlye Brooke is a current junior at Georgia Southern University where she majors in elementary education. She danced under the instruction of Mrs. Shay for 14 years at SSOD. Karlye Brooke has also been assisting and teaching at the studio since the ninth grade. Her passion for dance and children have led her back helping at the studio. While not at the studio, you can find Karlye Brooke working at Forest Heights Pharmacy or spending time with friends and family. She is also a member of First Baptist Church of Statesboro. Karlye Brooke is the daughter of Niki Gladin and Terry Mainer, and she is the older sister of Kayla Mainer.

Diana Ray

Diana is the backstage director for all of Statesboro School of Dance’s performances. She graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is the Clinical Director of Critical Care and Dialysis at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. Diana is married to Justin Ray and they have 3 beautiful children: Elaina, Lucas, and Liam, all of which dance at SSOD.  Diana is a member of Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church, where she teaches religious education classes for the 8th grade.  She serves as secretary on the board of Safe Haven and Dancing with the Statesboro Stars Committee. When it comes to dance, Diana is no stranger to dancing and the stage.  She participated in the Safe Haven Domestic Violence Shelter fundraiser Dancing with the Statesboro Stars in October 2018 and 2020.  Her dance partner was former SSOD dancer Aaron Carter. After performing a ballet to “Titanic”, they walked away with 1st runner up and People Choice Award Winner!

Student Teaching Assistants

Lauryn Bazemore

Lauryn is a 8th grader at WJMS. She has danced with Mrs. Shay since age 3. When she is not at dance, you will find her on the sideline cheering on the Knights. She is a member of the math team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Lauryn loves babysitting and working with children. She is the daughter of Chris and Melissa Bazemore.

Bella Bishop

Image and bio coming soon.

Abbie Durden

Abbie is in the 8th grade at Trinity Christian School where she is a member of Student Council. She has been dancing for 10 years, 6 of which have been with Statesboro School of Dance. Abbie is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and is active in the youth group. In her spare time, she loves reading, drawing, painting and hanging out with her friends and family. Abbie is the daughter of Cameron and Anna Durden and the older sister of Cameron Jr.

Eliza Edwards

Eliza is an 8th grader at Bulloch Academy. She has been dancing with Ms. Shay since she was 2 1/2 years old. When not at the dance studio, Eliza is active at FBC Statesboro and in Bulloch County 4-H where she also competes in archery. At school she is on the math team, middle school archery team, and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Eliza is the daughter of Ben and Mandy Edwards, and little sister to B&B Class Dancer Allie Edwards.

Savannah Gordon

Image and bio coming soon.

Elle Greeson

Elle is a junior at Bulloch Academy, and has been dancing with Mrs. Shay at SSOD for 13 years. She is an active member of the Brooklet United Methodist Church youth group. Elle enjoys spending time with family and friends at the beach. She is the daughter of Josh and Holly Greeson and big sister to Hannah Grace.

Madelyn Lanier

Madelyn is an 8th grader attending Trinity Christian School as a new student this school year. She has been dancing with Ms. Shay since she was 2 1/2 years old. Madelyn is an active member of First Baptist Church Statesboro where she enjoys being a part of youth group.  Madelyn has enjoyed participating as a member of the math team at school and place 3rd individually in the Penny Sikes Math Team Tournament. When she’s not dancing she enjoys writing and reading, she can usually be found behind a good book. Madelyn is the daughter of Landon and Malinda Lanier, and big sister to purple class dancer Blair, and brother J.B.

Reagan Mays

Reagan is an 8th grader at Southeast Bulloch Middle School.  She has been dancing for 11 years and 9 of those years have been with SSOD. She is a member of FCA and Junior Beta Club.  She is also a member of Statesboro First United Methodist Church.  When Reagan is not dancing she enjoys babysitting and playing with her dog Charlie.  Reagan is the daughter of Larry and Ansley Mays and is the older sister of Riley Mays.

Charlotte Pagliarullo

Charlotte is in her 12th year of dance with Mrs. Shay and is currently a 9th grader at Southeast Bulloch High School. When Charlotte is not dancing she enjoys being with her friends and family. She is also an active member of Old Fellowship Baptist Church youth group, Builders Club, and is a huddle leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Charlotte is the daughter of Tony and Cyd Pagliarullo, and sister to Claire and Tripp.

Claire Pagliarullo

Claire has been dancing with Mrs. Shay for 14 years and will be assisting for her 6th year. She is currently a senior at Southeast Bulloch High School. When Claire is not dancing she enjoys spending time with friends and family. She is also an active member of Old Fellowship Baptist Church youth group and FCCLA where she is an officer. Claire is the daughter of Tony and Cyd Pagliarullo, and big sister to Charlotte and Tripp.

Sara Rawlins

Sara is a junior at Southeast Bulloch High School. She has been dancing for 14 years and 8 of those years have been with SSOD. Sara attends Trinity Presbyterian Church. When she is not at dance, she enjoys watching movies with her family and eating out with friends. Sara is the daughter of Don and Melissa Rawlins and the younger sister of Jacob.

Elaina Ray

Elaina is in the 6th grade at Langston Chapel Middle School. She has been dancing for 9 years at Statesboro School of Dance. Elaina is a member of Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church.  In her spare time, she loves reading, drawing, hanging out with her brothers, and serving at the soup kitchen every Saturday. Elaina is the daughter of Justin and Diana Ray and the older sister of Lucas and Liam, who also dance at SSOD.

Harper Whitlock

Harper Whitlock has been dancing with SSOD for 11 years. Harper is an 8th grader at Bulloch Academy where she is a member of the math team. Harper has performed with the Columbia City Ballet as a Bon Bon in “The Nutcracker”. Outside of dance, Harper loves traveling, spending time with her family, and playing with her dog, Scout. Harper is the daughter of Austin and Heather Whitlock and the younger sister of Ansley and Katherine.

Katherine Whitlock

Katherine is a senior at Bulloch Academy and in her 15th year of dance at Statesboro School of Dance. At school, Katherine is the President of her class and active with the Science Club and Y-Club.  She attends First United Methodist Church where is a member of the Youth Group. When not at school or dance, Katherine loves spending time with her friends and going to the beach or to Disney World. The past four summers has seen her attend the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive at the University of Georgia twice, private lessons with William Starrett, the director of the Columbia City Ballet in Columbia, SC., the South Carolina Dance Conservatory Summer Intensive at the University of South Carolina, and Florida State University’s Summer Dance Intensive. Katherine is the daughter of Austin and Heather Whitlock and the sister of Ansley and Harper.