Our Dance Team
Kyle Barels
Co-Owner, Professional Instructor
Kyle Barels has been dancing for over 19 years as a professional. He has studied ballet/tap/jazz/hip hop/and lyrical, and also instructed in these areas for six years before becoming a ballroom instructor in 2006. Kyle has been awarded Top Teaching Awards through the Fred Astaire organization, and has also received national recognition for his achievements. He has competed professionally for many years, and is currently active in the competitive circuit, where he holds several regional titles. Kyle is now co-owner of Dance Tonight Chattanooga, and he works closely with several nonprofit organizations helping to better the community and further the appreciation of the arts in Chattanooga. He believes that dance is expression in its rawest form, and loves pushing himself and others to new heights while sharing his passion of dance with everyone around him.
Casey Haywood-
Co-Owner, Professional Instructor
Casey Haywood started teaching ballroom dancing in 2009. He came into the studio in Chattanooga, Tennessee with some previous experience with Latin dances in college. After graduating from Vanderbilt University in 2007, Casey moved back to Chattanooga where he found his way into teaching social dance professionally. He has competed in several regional competitions, and loves working on his dancing to get ready for competing. He also loves participating in the non-profit charity events in Chattanooga that raise money to help those who are less fortunate. Casey believes that everyone has a desire to dance inside of them, and loves sharing his love of dance with others. Casey is now co-owner of Dance Tonight Chattanooga, and he aims to get all of Chattanooga up and dancing!
Andrea Tankersley-
Professional Instructor
Andrea has always had a passion for dance and movement. She began dancing at an early age in Monterrey Mexico, where she attended La Escuela Superior de Música y Danza de Monterrey and studied different dance styles.. After moving to the U.S she continued to pursue ballet in Texas and later danced professionally with Dance Theatre of Tennessee, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, Chattanooga Dance Theatre, Ballet Esprit, Pop-up Project, Dance Tonight Chattanooga and has guested with Sterling Baca, Niccolo Orsolani, Travis Stancil, Casey Haywood and Louie Marin-Howard. Between Tennessee and Georgia she has taught at several ballroom studios allowing her to compete in both American Rhythm and Smooth. Andrea has acted as a liaison for Global Education Center and Casa Azafrán, Chattanooga Dance Theatre and Best Beginnings Early Learning, Ballet Esprit and Montessori Elementary and Wauhatchie Nature School. Aside from teaching dance Andrea has is a certified PBT (Progressive Ballet Technique) teacher allowing her to support and train dancers for several years around the Chattanooga area, she is also a certified Health and Life Coach with Health Coach Institute. She hopes to educate, support, and empower her students through their journey.
Jonathan Kopp-
Professional Instructor
Jonathan Kopp discovered a passion for dance shortly after graduating college in 2000, and it quickly became a lifelong pursuit. He trained and taught with the Arthur Murray Organization and Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Northern Virginia before later pursuing a career in Information Technology.
While working overseas as a U.S. Army contractor in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Jonathan volunteered with the Army’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program, teaching Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata to service members as a way to give back and help build community through dance.
Now based in Chattanooga, Jonathan is excited to continue growing as both a dancer and instructor while building connections within the city’s vibrant dance community.
Tyler Kaiser-
Professional Instructor
Tyler is a Chattanooga native who discovered his passion for dance in high school. He quickly turned that passion into a successful professional career, competing on the pro circuit and earning multiple podium finishes as well as a championship title.
In addition to his competitive achievements, Tyler has a strong track record of guiding students to reach their goals—whether they seek to become confident social dancers or accomplished competitive dancers. He believes dance is one of the finest activities for people of all ages, as it builds essential character traits including discipline, determination, confidence, and commitment.
Natalie Duke-
Professional Instructor
Natalie Duke is a Chattanooga native and 2004 graduate of the Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts. She has studied several styles of dance, but her heart is with anything and everything Ballroom. Natalie moved to New Jersey in 2015 to pursue her competitive career with her partner, Joe Hasson. Together they had many achievements in American Style Rhythm. They were regular finalists in competitions across the country, including some wins at Washington Open and American Star Ball. One of their proudest moments was representing the United States at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival in the inaugural year of American Style, and making it to the Semi Finals. Natalie trained not only in her personal dance skills, but also how to be the best teacher she could be for her students. In 2019, she received an award for Top Female Instructor in the state of New Jersey with Fred Astaire Dance Studios. As much as she loves to teach advanced dancers, Natalie has a special fondness for Beginners. She strives to make learning as fun and as easy as possible, and to inspire the same love of dance that she has. Natalie believes in the positive, healing, and transformative power of dance, and has one question for you. "Will you dance with me?"
Olga Kaiser-
Professional Instructor
Olga is originally from Ukraine and brings extensive experience in both International and American ballroom dance styles. She began dancing and competing professionally in International Latin and Standard at the age of nine, winning numerous competitions throughout Ukraine while also teaching dance to children. After moving to the United States 11 years ago, Olga expanded her training to include American Smooth and Rhythm, competing professionally and teaching students in both styles.
Dance has always been a central part of Olga’s life. Through her experiences, she has learned that hard work, discipline, and dedication create lasting success and valuable lifelong habits. Teaching is truly her passion, and she loves sharing the joy and artistry of dance with others. Olga firmly believes that everyone can dance and that dancing is one of the best ways to build confidence, express yourself, and discover more about who you are.
Zachary Taylor-
Professional Yoga Instructor
