MEET THE OWNER

Joslyn Evans

Joslyn Evans

Joslyn Evans is a dance educator, choreographer, and the Founder & Director of Haven Dance in Franklin, Tennessee. With more than a decade of teaching experience, she is passionate about cultivating confident, artistic, and compassionate dancers through exceptional training in a safe, encouraging environment.

Joslyn began dancing at a young age and trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical dance throughout her youth. She continued her collegiate dance training at the University of Wyoming, where she studied ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and modern, before transferring to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance. At Nebraska, she studied ballet, contemporary/modern, improvisation, choreography, and dance pedagogy under a distinguished faculty while also working with acclaimed guest artists including Julie Mayo, for whom she performed featured solo works, Laurel Jenkins, Jenna Riegel of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and Kayvon Pourazar. She also performed annually at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Regional Conference, choreographed and performed in student dance projects, and participated in faculty-directed concerts. Joslyn continued her professional development through intensive training at the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival at the University of Wyoming, Inlet Dance Theatre's Summer Dance Intensive, and New Dialect's Summer and Winter Intensives.

Joslyn served as a founding board member, choreographer, and performer with Nashville-based Satellite Dance, a contemporary and aerial dance company. She performed throughout the Nashville area and in Chicago, and her choreographic highlights include include works in the dance film By Nature. A Dream Ballet as well as original collaborative works presented through the Kindling Arts Festival. In addition to her work in dance, Joslyn has taught a variety of fitness disciplines, including Barre, Dancer Strength & Conditioning, HIIT, and Aerial Fitness, further expanding her expertise in functional movement, strength development, and injury prevention.

As an educator, Joslyn specializes in early childhood dance education and age-appropriate curriculum development. She has taught dancers of all ages throughout the United States and internationally, including leading dance and movement workshops for underserved youth in Kolkata, India. Drawing from her background in both dance and fitness, she incorporates strength, conditioning, proper body mechanics, and injury prevention into her curriculum while fostering artistry, creativity, and confidence. Her teaching philosophy combines technical excellence with age-appropriate instruction and whole-child development, empowering students to grow both as dancers and as individuals.

As the founder of Haven Dance, Joslyn's vision is to create a studio where every dancer feels seen, known, and loved while receiving elevated, purposeful training. She is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, belonging, and joy, inspiring young dancers to become not only skilled artists but confident, compassionate leaders in their communities.

Joslyn resides in Tennessee with her husband, Nolan, and their four beloved pets: Maisy and Lucy, their dogs, and Gemma and Ruby, their cats.

MEET THE TEAM

  • Laurel Crain began dancing at the age of four and has been passionate about dance ever since. She trained for 14 years at Artistic Dance Unlimited in Alcoa, Tennessee, where she studied contemporary, jazz, ballet, acro, and lyrical. As a member of the studio's competitive dance team, Laurel earned numerous national titles while developing a strong technical foundation and a love for performance.

    She continued her dance education at Belmont University, where she focused her training in modern and ballet while expanding her knowledge of choreography and artistic expression.

    Since moving to Nashville, Laurel has taught ballet, tap, and lyrical at St. Paul Christian Academy. She is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging classroom where dancers can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance.

    Laurel is excited to join the Haven Dance faculty and looks forward to inspiring and encouraging dancers throughout the season.

  • Alyssa Maddox launched her dancing career at a young age, coming from a military family, she has trained all over the United States and abroad, including Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.  Alyssa holds a degree in dance from the University of Georgia, Athens, where she had the opportunity to perform with the pre-professional modern dance company, CORE, under the direction of Bala Sarasvati, as well as train with such professionals as Joan LaGhee, Molissa Finley, Kent DeSpain, Cornelius Carter, and Matt Kent of Pilobolus. Alyssa has served as Adjunct Professor for Belmont University, Brenau University, and Junior Company Director for The Gainesville Ballet.  Her Nashville choreography credits include works for Belmont University’s Musical Theatre Program: Grease, The Drowsey Chaperone, and Anything Goes, and original choreography for Marcus Hummons’s The Piper, performed by Actor’s Bridge Ensemble, Nashville, TN.   For the past 25+ years, Alyssa has choreographed and taught both classical ballet and contemporary dance forms to students of all ages at private studios in Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Along with teaching the talented students at Haven Dance, Alyssa teaches upper elementary full-time at Montessori Academy and, most importantly, serves as mom to Evie and Lottie and wife to Brent.

  • Michaela Hillman began her dance training at the age of 8 in Peachtree City, Georgia. She studied classical ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap, and was a senior company member with the Georgia Academy of Dance and the Performing Arts by the age of 14.

    She continued her training at Nashville Ballet, where she danced in the Professional Training Division, performed in Paul Vasterling’s Nutcracker, and was awarded the prestigious Patricia C. Todd Scholarship, a full scholarship award, for her senior year. Michaela also received additional classical ballet training from American Ballet Theatre in New York over three consecutive summers, and Boston Ballet.

    Michaela danced with Oklahoma Festival Ballet from 2018-2022, and performed original works by several choreographers including Michael Bearden, Price Suddarth, Boyko Dossev, and J’aime Griffith. In 2022, Michaela earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma before joining Ballet Frontier in Fort Worth, Texas, as an apprentice. She now shares her expertise with dancers of all ages, specializing in ballet and pointe, and bringing a creative, technical approach to other contemporary dance styles.

  • Jessi Seal, an experienced dance instructor, has taught tap, jazz, and hip hop to students aged 3 to 18. She has also lent her expertise to high school dance teams and show choirs for multiple seasons. What truly excites Jessi about teaching dance is helping students discover their own comfort and confidence through movement. She firmly believes that dance offers a unique avenue for individuals to explore their true capabilities while effectively expressing emotions that words sometimes can’t quite capture. A fun fact about Jessi is she has been skydiving before and would 100% do it again!

  • Growing up in Colorado, Lizzy’s love for movement and dance began at the age of three at Parker Dance Academy. Since then, she has spent her life immersed in the art of dance in some way or another. Her training spans a wide range of styles including jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop, each shaping her journey and deepening her love for expression through dance.

    Lizzy had the incredible opportunity to compete with both the jazz and tap companies, experiences that taught her discipline, teamwork, and the thrill of performance. She also was a committed attendee of the St. Louis Tap Festival and fell in love with the art of rhythmic tap. In college, she continued to grow as an artist and educator through the Orchesis Dance Company, where she taught, choreographed, and performed all four years.

    Today, Lizzy is grateful to share her love for dance with amazing students and fellow dancers through teaching and choreographing.

  • Aven Weikert began her early training at the Cumberland County Playhouse with Eldar Valiev and Lilia Valieva studying ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and musical theater. She holds  a B.A. in Art History and a minor in Dance from Belmont University.  Ms. Aven was the founder of  ABC Dance Academy in Crossville, TN and the Children’s Program Coordinator at the School of Nashville Ballet. She also has experience choreographing for dance teams, musicals, and cheerleading. She strives to make dance class a positive experience for all children leaving them feeling empowered, encouraged, and loved. Ms. Aven is married to Robbie and they have two little girls who keep them busy dancing and playing dress up!

  • Abbi Roe is a native of Roswell, New Mexico and started her training in High School when she joined her school’s Drama Program. Roe appeared in Community Theatre productions, The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, Annie, and Shrek the Musical.

    Roe received two bachelor degrees from West Texas A&M University: a BFA in Musical Theatre in 2021, and a BFA in Dance in 2023. Roe appeared in university productions; A Flea in Her Ear, 9 to 5, Spring Awakening, The Theory of Relativity, Phaedra, and six dance concerts. Roe also choreographed university productions, The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee, and Sweeney Todd, both of which she received a Meritorious Achievement Award in choreography.

    Roe has taught Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Acro, Hip-Hop, and Lyrical to ages 3 to 13 both at WTAMU’s Dance Academy, and Kids Love to Dance-Roswell.

    Roe spent two summers working professionally as a dancer and actor in TEXAS the Outdoor Musical, as well as in 2022 was an Instructor of Theatre at Interlochen Arts Academy choreographing and teaching dance classes for their summer camp. Roe also fulfilled a summer contract in Ligonier, PA at Idlewild and Parkzone as a performer and show host.

    Abbi Roe wishes to spread joy and love by creating and performing movement.

  • Hannah Harvey began her pre-professional training at North Atlanta Dance Theatre and attended summer intensives at The Royal Ballet School’s Upper School in London, Nashville Ballet, and Joffrey Ballet. After graduating from high school, she joined Nashville Ballet as a trainee, where she performed Myrtha in the spring showcase.

    She then danced with Louisville Ballet, performing Principal Rose in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Soloist Shade in La Bayadère, and Zulma in Giselle. From 2018–2021, Hannah was a company member with Lexington Ballet, where she performed the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, Peter Rabbit in The Magical Tales of Beatrix Potter, and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She later spent four seasons with Chattanooga Ballet, performing works by Ingrid Silva, Silas Farley, My’Kal Stromile, and Dwight Rhoden, as well as featured roles in The Nutcracker, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Dew Drop, and Lead Coffee. Most recently, Hannah danced for one season with Roxey Ballet in Pennsylvania. 

    Alongside her performing career, Hannah has been teaching dance for over a decade, striving to create a classroom environment where every student can flourish. She is currently pursuing a degree in Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences through University of Pennsylvania's online program, where she was awarded an academic scholarship in recognition of her academic achievement.

    Gwen moved to Nashville to continue her professional pursuits and expand her training. Since her move last year, she has danced in a choreography submission for K-pop’s own, Jimin, and performed in Kane Brown and Marshmello’s new music video “Miles On It.” She currently teaches hip hop, among other styles, and has been hired to choreograph for weddings, competitions, and plays.annah Harvey began her pre-professional training at North Atlanta Dance Theatre and attended summer intensives at The Royal Ballet School’s Upper School in London, Nashville Ballet, and Joffrey Ballet. After graduating from high school, she joined Nashville Ballet as a trainee, where she performed Myrtha in the spring showcase.

    She then danced with Louisville Ballet, performing Principal Rose in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Soloist Shade in La Bayadère, and Zulma in Giselle. From 2018–2021, Hannah was a company member with Lexington Ballet, where she performed the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, Peter Rabbit in The Magical Tales of Beatrix Potter, and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She later spent four seasons with Chattanooga Ballet, performing works by Ingrid Silva, Silas Farley, My’Kal Stromile, and Dwight Rhoden, as well as featured roles in The Nutcracker, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Dew Drop, and Lead Coffee. Most recently, Hannah danced for one season with Roxey Ballet in Pennsylvania. 

    Alongside her performing career, Hannah has been teaching dance for over a decade, striving to create a classroom environment where every student can flourish. She is currently pursuing a degree in Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences through University of Pennsylvania's online program, where she was awarded an academic scholarship in recognition of her academic achievement.

  • Julia Mott, an experienced dance instructor, has been teaching dance since she was 14 years old. She grew up as a competitive dancer, participating in various styles such as jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, acro, and musical theatre. Julia has taught children aged 2-16 and has been a summer dance camp director, working with kids aged 3-12. She also has a theatre background and has choreographed and danced in musicals such as Willy Wonka Junior, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Aladdin.

    Currently, Julia is a junior at Belmont University, studying Organizational Leadership Communication and Dance. She is passionate about helping young dancers explore different styles and find their passion for dance. Julia enjoys challenging dancers to tell stories through their movements and loves to witness their physical and emotional development. She emphasizes proper technique while ensuring that learning remains fun. A fun fact about Julia is that she lived in Ireland for six months!

  • Miranda is a creative mover from Nashville, Tennessee. She is drawn to somatic movement and exploring her own strengths and limitations though contemporary dance. Her introduction to contemporary movement was through her training with Rachel Catalano in Nashville, TN. At Middle Tennessee State University, she minored in Dance Studies while completing her bachelor’s in teaching and education and was a member of the MTSU Dance Theater company. Here, she had the opportunity to work closely with faculty including past program director Meg Booker and had the original repertoire of Isadora Duncan set on her. Dance is a passion and a profession for her, but most importantly a safe place that Miranda has always come back to. Miranda currently teaches and dances professionally for Fresh Congress Dance Company. 

    Miranda believes in the power and purpose in the profession of teaching and most enjoys the moments of connectivity she finds with her students. Above all else, she believes that dance should be accessible and safe for anyone to feel, explore, and find themselves.

  • Nolan Evans is the Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Haven Dance. By trade, he is a Commercial Roof Consultant, and by night, he works as a Dance Studio Handyman. There is no task too small or too great for him to tackle, earning him the nickname, 'The Jack of all Trades.' Nolan’s skills boast an innate ability to be precise, excellence in communication, and adeptness for numbers, which makes him the ideal candidate for the role of studio CFO.

    Nolan is thrilled to partner with his wife, Joslyn Evans, in creating Haven Dance. His co-founding this studio stems from their shared desire to establish a safe space for children to thrive in the art of dance. You will often see him at the front desk at night making jokes and handing out stickers to the kids.

    In his spare time, Nolan enjoys riding bicycles, hiking, walking his dogs, and tinkering in the garage. Although he is not yet a Dad, he serves as the President and CEO of the Haven Dance Dad Joke Club. He hopes to see you around the studio, and make you laugh a time or two.

  • Katie Hicks has over twenty years of experience in dancing, specializing in contemporary, jazz, jazz funk, hip hop, and commercial dance. Katie has 10 years of experience in educating, coaching, and choreographing for multiple studios across the southern states. At the age of 19 she was apart of "Innovative Fusion” - a in studio convention where she assisted professional choreographers around America. In 2025 she got into CLI Conservatory where she trained under top choreographers including : Teddy Forance, Martha Nichols, Blake Mcgrath, Ashley Cruz, Tia Rivera, Brain Nicholson, Tina Landon, Rhapsody James, and mentored by Theresa stone. She also had the privilege to be apart of multiple creative films made by: Andyej, Robert Green, Jessica Castro, Martha Nichols, and Noel Bajandas. Katie’s experience with educating makes her classrooms fun, full of knowledge, and filled with supportive energy! She knows how to push her students past their comfort zones, while also supporting the struggles that come along with it. Katie is so excited to keep giving back to the younger generations and share her love for dance!