Faculty
Gerrie-Ellen Johnston, Director and Instructor (Previously owner and director of School of Ballet since 1991.)
Ms. Johnston is originally from and trained in New York City, and has been teaching and performing in the four-state area since 1980.
She received her BS Ed. in performing arts. She teaches all levels of dance and musical theatre, from pre-school through senior citizens, as well as teaching college level at MSSU. Ms. Johnston received her master's in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in New Orleans. She has a contagious personality and a great rapport with children. Ms. Johnston is currently the Children's Minister at FUMC and continues teaching at MSSU.
Some of Ms. Johnston's choreography has recently been seen at Ozark Christian College, Godspell, Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music as well as Missouri Southern State University, where she is on faculty since 1989. Some of the recent choreography there has been seen and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Kiss Me Kate, Pajama Game, Carousel, Anything Goes and many others.
Phyllis Cavener
Phyllis Cavener, a Joplin native, graduated from KSU with a BA in Dance. Before joining the School of Ballet in I991, she toured with the Susan Warden Dancers of Blytheville, Ark., where she taught and choreographed for three years. She also taught at Cottey College for two years. Ms. Cavener teaches the intermediate and advanced levels of ballet/pointe, jazz, tap, modern and ballroom. She brings her own unique creative style of dance and choreography to Graystone School of Ballet. Together, she and Ms. Johnston have choreographed several ballets and performances.
Sara Karraker
Ms. Karraker, a
Some of Ms. Karraker’s choreography has recently been seen in Carl Junction High and Junior High School productions, including Meet Me in
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