Please meet our wonderful Board of Directors !
René Nesbit, President
 |
| Photo by Jessica Grace |
René Nesbit is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, poet, painter, and producer. She is also the founder and Director of Cherish Dance. René is a graduate of Fordham University in New York, with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in English. She has danced since the age of 6, beginning at Backstage Dance Studio in Las Vegas, and at 16 years old, attended The Ailey School of Dance, where she trained in Horton, Graham, and Ballet.
As an educator, René has lead ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and hip hop classes at many local Atlanta studios, most recently at Peachtree Dance in Buckhead. As a performer, she has brought her unique blend of modern dance and visual arts to a diverse range of venues including NACHMO Atlanta, Artz'N Park Festival, and Fall for Fall Dance Festival. As a producer, René has organized multiple shows in the Atlanta area, collaborating with artists from different genres, including singers, musicians, and photographers, to create unforgettable events, while raising awareness and donations for nonprofits such as charity : water and Peace One Day. Bringing people together and uplifting their voices has been a highlight of her career.
"I love to create stories through dance--to see people moved and changed by an emotional narrative on stage." ~ RN
She brings her passion for music and creativity to Cherish and is powerfully motivated to see its programs and productions continue to grow.
Megan Hundley, Vice President
 |
| Photo by Michael Boatright |
Megan Hundley is a professional dancer and performer based in Atlanta, Georgia. She specializes in belly dance, Bollywood, Hawaiian hula, and fire dancing, and has been fortunate to share her passion for over 15 years. She is also an aspiring aerialist, always exploring new ways to express herself creatively.
"Dance allows me to embrace vulnerability and step beyond societal norms, giving me the confidence to be my truest self. It’s one of the most empowering experiences to connect with an audience and make them feel something meaningful through movement." ~ MH
Teaching dance is equally fulfilling for her. She loves helping others discover their own strength and confidence through movement, and watching them grow is incredibly rewarding. Whether performing or teaching, she strives to use dance as a way to inspire, uplift, and empower those around me.
She's also incredibly grateful to be a part of Cherish Dance and its vibrant community of artists. Being surrounded by such talented, like-minded individuals continues to inspire her, and she is excited to contribute to and grow with this amazing group.
Laila Campbell, Community Outreach Coordinator
 |
| Photo by Jessica Grace |
Laila Campbell has been dancing since the age of three and her love for dance started at Uptown Dance Academy (UDA) in Harlem, NY. UDA is where she first fell in love with dance and the art of movement became an essential part of her identity.
"I quickly realized, dance is not just a hobby, but a passion. It is my way to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with others in a deep and meaningful way." ~ LC
Now, as an adult, Laila remains passionate about sharing the joy of dance with others so they can experience the power of the arts. Laila strongly desires to continue dancing and being involved in the arts for as long as she lives on this earth.
Jaiya Smith, Secretary
 |
| Photo by Rene Nesbit |
Jaiya Smith began dancing at the age of four, training first in ballet and tap before continuing her dance education at En Pointe School of Dance, where she studied ballet and jazz. She later expanded her technical training at Atlanta's Resource for Entertainment and Arts (AREA), studying ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, and pointe. It was there that she discovered a love for modern dance while also developing a desire to use dance as a form of worship.
She continued her training with Amazing Grace Dance Company, where she further refined her technique and discovered a passion for choreography. During this time, she began choreographing and teaching dance at her church, performing with the ministry group Divine Pursuit at church services and community events. While attending the University of Georgia, Jaiya also danced with Pamoja Dance Organization, where she had the opportunity to choreograph several pieces.
For the past four years, Jaiya has served as a dance instructor and choreographer at her church, mentoring dancers ages 5 to 23 and helping cultivate a love for dance ministry. She is grateful to now be a member of Cherish Dance Company, where she continues to grow as both a dancer and artist while performing at community events, fundraisers, and other special events. Jaiya considers it a true blessing to be part of a company that values excellence, creativity, and community, and she is thankful for the opportunity to learn alongside such talented and encouraging dancers.
Find our Bylaws, here : Cherish Bylaws
Read our 1st Amendment, here : Cherish Bylaws Amendment
Read our Conflict of Interest Policy, here : Cherish Conflict of Interest Policy
View our Determination Letter, here : Cherish Determination Letter
