Logan Tharpe
Owner and Artistic Director
Logan Tharpe opened Artistry Dance Alliance in the Summer of 2016 bringing her unique approach of operating a studio to Tallahassee and the surrounding area. Tharpe began her training at the age of three. She was a competitive dancer and trained in a variety of dance styles both classical and modern. After high school graduation, she became a member of the prestigious Florida State Golden Girls Dance Team. She was a member for three years before moving to Jacksonville, Florida to complete her degree in event management. While on the Golden Girls Dance Team, she began her professional teaching and choreography career. Tharpe traveled the region choreographing for dance teams, studios and soloists and quickly found her passion in creating and working with young artists.
In 2008, after receiving her bachelor’s from Florida State, Tharpe was brought on to work at a growing local dance studio. In 2009, she was named Company Director and became an integral component of the studio's growth which grew substantially, both in size and acclaim, during her tenure. Her competitive company grew into an elite contender at competitions throughout Florida. Tharpe was committed to providing her dancers with every opportunity to grow both in the dance room and outside of it often stressing the importance of dedication, self-empowerment and responsibility.
In 2015, Tharpe and her husband of 6 years, moved back to Tallahassee. She continued to choreograph and instruct master classes throughout north Florida until setting roots in north Tallahassee with Artistry Dance Alliance. Her choreography is widely recognized as being innovative and dynamic, receiving much recognition. Her work has been seen at regional and national competitions and in dozens of studios and dance teams as well as on NFL Cheer teams and at Miss Florida pageants. However, her contribution to the dance community reaches far beyond the stage. She’s sought after for her mentorship and commitment to creating kind, professional and artistically driven dancers.
“I am one of the lucky ones. My hobby became my passion; my passion became my work, and my work has shown me my calling. Every young person deserves to feel unique and empowered and what better way to encourage this than through the art of dance. I am committed to Artistry Dance Alliance’s mission, to provide safe, supportive, skillful and inspirational instruction to any and all aspiring dancers.”
Elizabeth Kessler, MA
Office Manager
Elizabeth (she/her) is originally from Maryland but has been a Floridian since she was 8 years old. She grew up dancing with Pofahl Studios, the resident ballet school of Dance Alive National Ballet, in Gainesville, FL. She is an alumna of Florida State University where she received her Master of Arts degree in Dance in 2019 and Bachelor of Science degrees in Communication Science and Disorders and International Affairs in 2014. While earning her graduate degree, she was given the opportunity to live and work in New York City as a dancer, choreographer, and intern at Steps on Broadway.
Her work has been performed at the Off-Broadway (NYC) production of The Secrets We Keep, The Lab Theatre at Florida State, CPR (Center for Performance Research) in Brooklyn, the FSU School of Dance, video productions, and more. She specializes in contemporary ballet but loves all forms of dance!
Elizabeth’s time as a Soloist with Dance Alive National Ballet, fitness instructor, graduate instructor and assistant at FSU School of Dance, and Marketing Intern with the School at Steps in NYC have given her a wide variety of experiences in both the performance and business sides of the dance world. She is excited to begin her seventh season with Artistry!
Faryn Scott
Director’s Assistant
Faryn Scott was born and raised in Tallahassee and is currently pursuing her freshman studies at Tallahassee State College. She has been a valued member of Artistry Dance Alliance since its second season—first as a competitive dancer with the ADC, then as a classroom assistant, and now proudly serving as the Director’s Assistant.
For the past three years, Faryn has been honored to be part of Artistry’s administrative team and is excited to continue growing within a studio that reflects her own values and creative spirit. In the upcoming season, she will also be stepping into a teaching role, sharing her love for dance with younger students. Faryn has always believed that inspiring and uplifting others through dance is her true calling, and she looks forward to forming meaningful connections with her students—just as her own mentors at Artistry have profoundly shaped her journey.
She is thrilled to be part of Artistry’s tenth season, contributing as both an administrator and faculty member!
Lauren Shoemaker
Lauren, a Tallahassee native, grew up dancing competitively. She eventually stepped away to pursue a career in nursing and start a family, but her love for dance remained. When her daughter began dancing, she found herself back in a the studio - this time behind the scenes. Her unique perspective as both a former competitive dancer and a parent gives her a special insight into what it takes to thrive in the dance world today.
Lauren is super excited to be a part of the team at Artistry. Spending her time not only where she can share her passion with others, but a place that shares the same values and visions she finds so important.
Kamdyn Kitchens
Front Desk
Kamdyn Kitchens, lifelong Tallahassee resident, graduated from Lawton Chiles High School and is attending her second year at Tallahassee State College to get her AA. She will then head to Florida State University to pursue a business degree. Kamdyn has been dancing since the age of 3. She been dancing with Artistry in Season 4 and started competing with Artistry in Season 5. Her leadership and creativity has driven her to be a part of Artistry’s admin team! She can’t wait to have a role with the events and supporting the girls through their dance journeys from the desk! She is passionate about dance and was not ready to leave the studio quite yet! She is so excited to continue her journey with ADA but this time as a role model.
Io Ermoli
Company Management
Io Ermoli is an artist from Savannah, Georgia where she trained and competed for thirteen years at Gretchen Greene School of Dance. Inspired by how her dance teachers influenced her, Io became a dance assistant and teacher for 7 years. Her love and passion for dance grew during her time as a Florida State University Dance major and expanded to include dance film, conditioning, projection work, and music composition. She’s had the opportunity to present choreographic works films at multiple festivals including the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, Open Doors North America, Digital Grafitti, and multiple festivals in New York City. Now a proud graduate with a BFA in dance, she is pursuing a career in performance, choreography, and arts administration.
She couldn’t be more excited for her fourth season with the Artistry Family!