INSTRUCTORS

Mira is a graduate of UNC Greensboro with a BFA in Dance and has more than 25 years of teaching and choreographic experience. Mira traveled with the Hoctor Dance Caravan throughout the US and Canada for 10 years and worked with such greats as Tommy Tune, Danny Hoctor, Barry Lather and Henry LeTang. Choreographing for South Pacific at Thalian Hall, being on set of Dawson’s Creek and working with the Hoggard Voyagers are among some of Mira’s other achievements. She worked as the assistant choreographer for the Miss NC Pageant, High Steppin’ Country, The Pro Bowl half time show, as well as the Aloha Bowl in Hawaii. She also appeared as a principle dancer in the major motion picture, “Super Mario Brothers.” Mira owned and operated Danceworks for 18 years and is beginning her 21st season as the director of her performance company, Fox Troupe Dancers! She has directed and choreographed many award winning numbers, receiving national recognition for excellence in technique and artistry. Her training has placed a multitude of dancers into the dance profession. You will find her former Fox Troupers on Broadway, Television, Movies, Commercials, Theme Parks, Cruise Ships, Theaters, Award Shows, International Touring Companies, National Ballet Companies and the Radio City Rockettes. Mira is very excited to be joining the SEDA family, meeting new dancers and she is looking forward to continuing her teaching and training. Mira resides in Wilmington with her husband, Ed Lamendola, their two sons, Coleman and Nicholas and their 2 year old mini goldendoodle, Kirby.

James DeVita is originally from Owego, NY where he began his training in ballet, tap, and jazz at age 3 at Kathy Hansen’s School of Dance. At age 12, he continued his technical training at Ballet Arts Theatre in Endicott, NY under the direction of Tina Christina-Price. Throughout his time at both studios,James competed at numerous regional and national competitions, and performed in several regional performances of The Nutcracker and other originally choreographed works. He also attended Joffrey Ballet’s summer sessions in New York City. James continued his training while attending Colgate University where he also taught ballet, jazz, and technique classes at the United Academy of Dance in Oneida, NY. Since completing his undergraduate degree, he has performed with and taught for several regional companies in the Northeast, including New England Ballet Company, Ithaca Ballet, and Hangar Theater Company. While working on his graduate degrees at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, James performed with, and taught and choreographed for the UT Dance Company. In 2010-2011 he was the primary ballet instructor with Charlee’s Elite School of Dance in Waukee, IA. James also works as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.

LaVonda Howard is a graduate of East Carolina University where she received a BFA in dance and was the recipient of the Marie Wallace Dance Scholarship. While at ECU, she was a member of the “5678” Musical Theater performances. She also appeared in the musical “Gypsy” with Barbara Bosson of Hill Street Blues. LaVonda danced professionally and traveled throughout North and South America on various cruise lines such of Royal Caribbean, Costa, Holland America and Celebrity. Being a veteran of the stage, she also performed on stages in San Diego, CA at the Coronado Resort, Showboat and Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, and the Newport Hotel and Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

LaVonda has appeared in local theater productions in the Wilmington area including “42nd Street”, “Guys and Dolls” and “A Chorus Line”. Film credits include “Track 29”, “Cats Eye”, “Firestarter” and most recently onset of the film “Adrenaline”. Industrial credits include Daisytek, Ross Stores and IBM.

For the past 17 years, she has taught dance to recreational and competitive students. LaVonda is a 6-year Breast Cancer Survivor. In her spare time she is very dedicated to volunteering for charity organizations such as Women of Hope, Susan G. Komen and Pretty in Pink Foundation. LaVonda is a single mom of two beautiful children Brooke (15) and Trevor (11) of whom she shares life’s treasurable moments! She is excited for the “new” chapter in her life and delighted to share her passion and love of dance to children of all ages!

Molly Gumbert, hailing from Ashland Kentucky, started dancing at age 2. She found her spot on the stage with the Ashland Youth Ballet and The Ashland Regional Dance Theatre. Molly was honored to be able to dance with this company for 16 years, showcasing Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, and bringing home the Teen Miss Dance of the Bluegrass Title and competing on a national level. Growing up she danced with The Gainsville Ballet Company, Nashville Ballet, Moscow’s Great Russian Nutcracker, JADCO, and Jeslyn performing arts, under teachers such as Nathan Andary, Dawn Hillen, Kevin Martin, Tammy Westafer, and Chrissy Johnson. Molly has been involved in various dance and theatre productions landing her a scholarship in dance with Milligan College in Johnson City TN. She graduated with a B.S in Communications and Humanities minor. During her time at school she was able to teach in a local studio and be involved with Milligan’s theatre program. Her time at Milligan let her dance professionally with a local company, and still lead her dance team as captain. After graduation, she moved to Wilmington and immediately found SEDA. Molly is currently working in admissions at Cape Fear Academy and is the JV and Varsity Cheer Coach. She is excited to be a part of the South East Dance Academy family.

Audrey Brown relocated to Wilmington, NC when she was ten years old and quickly found a home inside the walls of South East Dance Academy. She was a member of our SEDA Performing Team for five years. In that time, she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip Hop. Audrey has also studied dance at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and was featured on the cover of the “Livin’ Out Loud” magazine. She is currently getting her Associates in Fine Arts from Cape Fear Community College and is excited to be a part of the wonderful SEDA Family.

Born and raised in Leland, Morgan graduated from North Brunswick High School in 2013 where she was a member of the dance team all 4 years, and captain for 2 of those years. She was also the team hip hop choreographer. Morgan competed on the SEDA Performing Team at the elite level with Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern and Hip Hop. She is a soon to be graduate of East Carolina University where she was Vice President of the Club Dance Team for two years, and President her senior year. Morgan will graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health Studies upon completion of her internship at Verizon Corporate Wellness in December. She also completed the Disney College Program at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando FL in 2016! Morgan is extremely excited to be back at here home, SEDA, sharing her passion with the students!

Sean Tinkler was born in St Petersburg Florida and moved to Wilmington at the age of 3.  He started teaching himself gymnastics at the age of 8 and specialized in trampoline and floor tumbling.  Sean started teaching at Gymnastics Unlimited in 2002 and has continued to teach privately till the present. He has 15 years teaching experience. When he is not teaching, he also owns and operates an automotive paint and body refinishing business. Sean is very excited to be working with South East Dance Academy.