Allison Little

About Allison

Allison Little is a native of Franklin, TN and started dancing at the age of three. She got exposure at an early age to professional ballets, Broadway musicals, and competitions which helped give her the drive she now has as a professional teacher, choreographer, director and performer. After earning her BFA in Performing Arts with an emphasis in Dance from Western Kentucky University she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her performing career. Allison’s professional experiences span over 20 years and have taken her from Nashville to LA, New York, Canada and even South America!

Allison loves performing in every genre of entertainment but her true passion is live theatre. Some of her favorite theatre credits include: The Broadway National Tour of CATS, How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Grand Ole Opry, The Nutty Professor directed by the legendary Jerry Lewis, Cabaret, West Side Story & Mamma Mia with Studio Tenn, Mary Poppins, Elf and choreographing 9 to 5 at Nashville Repertory Theatre, A Chorus Line, All Shook Up, Guys and Dolls.

Throughout her professional experiences, Allison has had the privilege to work with some of the top choreographers and directors in the world. Choreographers like Travis Payne (Michael Jackson), Joann Hunter (School of Rock Bway), Gillian Lynne (CATS), Lisa Shriver (Ring of Fire B’way), Tony G.(Bring It On Films), Lee Martino (Ovation Award Winner) and Bob Richard (How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Directors like Jerry Lewis, Kristen Blodgette (Musical Dir CATS & Phantom of the Opera Bway), Richard Stafford (CATS), and Matt Logan (Studio Tenn). Other non-theatre credits include dancing/choreographing for: Mary Kay, Lifeway, Valerie June, Integrity Music, Ni/Co, Violet Lavelle, and The Music City Queens.

The most rewarding aspect of all of her experiences is getting to share that knowledge and passion with others! Whether she is teaching a masterclass, choreographing a music video, or creating a live show from scratch, Allison pours her love of creativity, dance, and art into every project she has.

Currently, Allison is in her 4th year teaching at Roots Academy and will be directing their first full musical, Matilda Jr. this fall ’24 with the launch of their new Musical Theatre program! She is also their director for the Triple Threat Camps in the Summer and teaches Musical Theatre dance classes throughout the school year. She has been an Adjunct Professor at Belmont University in the College of Music and Performing Arts’ Theatre and Dance Department and the School of Music for the past 10 years teaching and choreographing. This fall marks her 11th year at this prestigious University.

She is also the CEO and founder of Kerosene Creative Productions, LLC which offers Creative Direction, Choreography, and Professional Development under her program, IGNITE, to performing artists 13 yrs and older.

Color: Purple
Salty Treat: Nacho – Siete Chips
Sweet Treat: Twix
Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A / Panera
Sit Down Restaurant: Bricks / Koi
Coffee Drink: Iced Vanilla Latte with Almond Milk
Movie: Wicked
Place to Shop: Target
Scent: Lavender / Magnolia
Clothing Brand: Lululemon / Lizard Thicket
Animal: Giraffe
Music Genre: Pop and Folk
Travel Destination: Europe

THE ROOTS MENTOR PHILOSOPHY

Our mentors play a crucial role in shaping not just artists but well-rounded individuals equipped with a growth mindset, character, determination, confidence, and grit — skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Beyond the Steps: Our Teaching Philosophy

Our approach to dance education goes beyond the traditional. While we undoubtedly focus on developing your technical skills and artistry, we understand that life's most valuable lessons extend far beyond the steps and choreography.

Our dance mentors are passionate about nurturing your movement abilities and your personal growth.

At ROOTS, we recognize that dance is a powerful vehicle for character development. Our mentors instill qualities like discipline, responsibility, and respect through the art of movement. Whether you're mastering ballet technique or perfecting your jazz performance, you'll also be enhancing essential life skills.

Learning choreography and refining your technique takes patience and perseverance. Our mentors are there to guide you through the challenging moments, teaching you the importance of determination and grit – qualities that transcend dance and apply to all areas of your life.

Self-confidence is a cornerstone of success. Our mentors help you build it through dance by celebrating your achievements and nurturing your self-belief. As you nail that challenging turn sequence or master a complex combination, you'll feel your confidence soar.

When you embark on a dance journey with ROOTS, you're not just gaining proficiency in your chosen style. You're also acquiring essential life skills that will serve you well in your academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

At ROOTS, it's not just about the dance classes. It's about the profound impact our dance mentors have on your life.

At ROOTS, we are proud to have mentors who are actively engaged in the dance community. They're not just teachers; they're performers, choreographers, and artists who live and breathe dance. This unique perspective enriches your learning experience, providing insights that go beyond the studio.

In the heart of Music City's vibrant arts scene, ROOTS Academy mentors often balance roles as professional dancers and educators. While their occasional commitments with dance companies or performance tours may lead to mentor substitutions, we're dedicated to keeping you informed about any class changes. In the rare event of an unmissable performance opportunity, rest assured that our team will facilitate a seamless transition to a new mentor.

Join us today to embark on an artistic and personal journey that will shape you into the best version of yourself. Experience the difference of mentorship at ROOTS Academy — where performing arts education becomes a transformative life experience.

THE ROOTS WAY

Our mission is to develop extraordinary artists and exceptional humans through transformative performing arts education. Through music, dance, and theatre, we inspire creativity, nurture character, and empower our students to positively impact their community and the world.

mindset
matters

(How we Think)

We believe mindset shapes not just who we are in the studio, but who we become in the world.

excellence
matters

(What we Do)

We believe excellence flourishes when preparation and vision align with discipline and passion.

people
matter

(How we Act)

We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels safe to create, supported to grow, and inspired to excel.

questions?

If you have any questions about our dance program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.

SASKIA HARMON – Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN – Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON – Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS – Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON – Dance Operations Coordinator

SASKIA HARMON
Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN
Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON
Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS
Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON
Dance Operations Coordinator