Kathleen McPherson

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About Kathleen

Kathleen was born and raised in Nashville, TN, where she began dancing at the age of two. She took tap and ballet classes early on and quickly developed a love for performing.

As she got older, Kathleen became more serious about dance, joining a local competitive team and participating in dance conventions and competitions. Throughout her middle and high school years, she trained intensively and was a member of the dance teams at Woodland Middle School and Ravenwood High School.

In the summer of 2013, Kathleen moved to Los Angeles to pursue an apprenticeship with the contemporary dance company SoulEscape, directed by Justin Giles. As one of only five apprentices, she had the opportunity to learn and grow under Giles’ mentorship. This experience played a key role in shaping her as both a dancer and a choreographer.

Kathleen then attended the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, where she began teaching at Revolution Dance. She balanced her academic studies with teaching and competing, spending her mornings and afternoons as a student and her evenings and weekends in the studio. It was during this time that her passion for teaching truly took root.

After earning her degree, Kathleen returned to Nashville and joined ROOTS Academy, where she has been a mentor since 2017. She is committed to providing a supportive environment where students can grow both as dancers and individuals. Kathleen’s approach as a mentor is focused on understanding the unique needs of each student and helping them reach their full potential in all areas of life.

Color: Sage Mint/Lavender/Millennial Pink
Salty Treat: GF Cheesy Treats
Sweet Treat: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (From Trader Joes)
Fast Food Restaurant: CAVA
Sit Down Restaurant: Noko
Coffee Drink: Crema Oat Milk Latte with Honey
Movie: The Grinch
Place to Shop: Target
Scent: Paddywax Candles
Clothing Brand: H&M
Animal: Quokka
Music Genre: So Many
Travel Destination: Barcelona

Take a class with Kathleen

class schedule

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
RILEY GOUDY – Competition Coordinator
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