Our Staff
Kaitlyn Vincent Sutton
Owner
Kaitlyn Vincent Sutton is a native of Sylacauga, where her passion for dance began at just two years old under the direction of Shirley Wright at Shirley’s Studio of Dance. She trained there for 16 years, developing the strong technical foundation that continues to influence her work today.
Kaitlyn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from The University of Alabama, along with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a Minor in Computing Technologies. As a student in The University of Alabama’s nationally recognized dance program, Kaitlyn trained extensively in Ballet,
Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary under world renowned faculty and guest artists including Joy Spears, Chris Jones, Cornelius Carter, Sarah M. Barry, Rebecca Salzer, Qianping Guo, Lawrence Jackson, Alessia Lovreglio, Melissa Toogood, Natasha Diamond-Walker, and Mikhail Ilyin.
In addition to her formal training, Kaitlyn has extensive experience in Hip Hop, Tap, Cheerleading, Tumbling, and Acrobatics. She performed with Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre and has danced professionally as a backup performer for the National Olympic Trials in San Jose, California. She was also awarded a scholarship to train with the prestigious Gus Giordano Dance Company in Chicago, Illinois.
Her accolades include Miss Sylacauga’s Outstanding Teen and a Top 15 finalist at Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen, along with numerous talent and choreography awards. She has served as a UCA All-American Cheerleader, model, Auburn University Dance Line Judge, pageant judge, and choreographer for the Miss Alabama Volunteer Pageant.
As the founder and director of Centre Stage Dance Academy, Kaitlyn has built an award winning program recognized for excellence in both performance and character development. Under her leadership, CSDA has earned numerous overall awards, choreography honors, and the prestigious Studio of Excellence Award at Inspire Dance Competition. The studio was also named Best Locally Owned Business (2022), reflecting its impact within the community.
In addition to her work in the studio, Kaitlyn is a dedicated educator and Dance Team Coach at Sylacauga High School, where she was honored as the 2024 Educator of the Year for Sylacauga City Schools.
Kaitlyn is passionate about developing confident, technically strong dancers while creating an environment where students feel empowered to grow, shine, and love the art of dance
Fran Vincent
Office Manager
Fran Vincent is the mother of CSDA’s owner, Kaitlyn. Fran danced with Shirley’s Studio of Dance for 16 years, was a Darlin’ Devil Majorette for three years where she served as Head Majorette her Senior year of high school. Fran earned the title of Miss Sub Deb 1987. Fran is experienced in costume designing where she has had numerous costumes win Best Costume Awards at dance competitions across the state of Alabama. Fran has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management.
Madisyn Vincent
Office Manager
Madisyn Vincent Vawter is the twin sister of Centre Stage Dance Academy’s owner, Kaitlyn Vincent Sutton. Madisyn earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She graduated cum laude from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Biology. During her time at Alabama, Madisyn was Zeta Tau Alpha’s 2019 Recruitment Chair and Risk Reduction Education Chairman. Madisyn received her dance training at Shirley’s Studio of Dance, she has also received individualized training in Tumble and Stunting. Madisyn was a Sylacauga High School Varsity Cheerleader, she was Miss Childersburg’s Outstanding Teen, and was top 10 at Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen. Madisyn is currently employed by Coosa Valley Medical Center.
Faith Grier
Instructor
Faith Grier is from Rockford, Alabama and has been dancing since she was three years old in the styles ballet, tap, and jazz. Faith has been an instructor with Centre Stage Dance Academy for three years. She has experience teaching a variety of dance classes and served for four years as an apprentice for Patti Rutland Jazz Dance Company. Faith studied with the Christian Ballet Company Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, Mississippi where she served as a dancer in their trainee program. Faith also served as a dance instructor and office manager for Central Mississippi Dance. Faith desires to use her talents to share her love for dance and to bring honor and glory to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Emma Hopkins
Instructor