Welcome to Peacock’s Performing Arts Center, we are glad you are here!
Peacock’s Performing Arts Center is a technique driven performing arts studio located in Middle Georgia! Peacock’s offers dance classes, competition dance team, voice lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons, pageant coaching, musical theatre classes and art instruction. Performers of all ages are encouraged to explore the performing arts and express themselves through music, dance, theatre and visual art. Whether your goals are to go to Broadway or just to sing and dance for the joy of singing and dancing, Peacock’s has a place for you!
Erin Atcheson Sullivan
Artistic Director & Co-Owner
Erin Atcheson Sullivan began her dance training in Warner Robins under the direction of Judy McCune, Elaine Moore and Susan Tackis when she was five years old. Erin soon became a member of the Southern Spirit Dance Troupe, Competition Team and the exclusive Ballet Ensemble. Competitively these groups received numerous awards and accolades. In 2000, Erin performed a solo and received a Gold Award and Fifth Place Grand Champion in Teen Jazz Solo Division at PDTA. Erin participated in several workshops and competitions and was awarded scholarships to PDTA and a DEA Scholarship to train in New York. She trained under superb choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Darrin Henson, Finis Jhung, Edward Villella, Dawn Axam, Kris Cangelosi, Andrei Ustinov and Elena Martinson. Erin has studied intensively across the United States at the University of South Carolina, Dance Educators of America in New York, Atlanta Ballet, Ohio Dance Theater, and NYC Rockette Camp. Erin was also a Governor’s Honors Program recipient and studied dance at Valdosta State University for six weeks.
Supporting the arts in the Middle Georgia area, Erin auditioned and performed in the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia for eleven years. Erin’s roles in the production included Jester, Little Girl, Lead Snowflake, Flowers, Spanish, Marzipan and Solo Arabian.
Erin was a contestant in many local pageants and in the Miss Georgia system. She performed Pointe and jazz for the talent portion of the pageants and received several talent awards while competing. Erin held the titles of Miss Houston County High School, Miss Tifton and Miss Valdosta.
In 2008, Erin graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA in Communication/Public Relations with a minor in Dance from Valdosta State University. While attending VSU, Erin was very active in the dance program serving in the role as president of the VSU Reparatory Dancers organization. At VSU, Erin performed in “Masterpieces in Motion”, “Turning 20”, “Steps in Time” and “Journeys”. In 2006, a BFA in Dance was acquired by the university and Erin along with other members of the dance department performed in two pieces choreographed by Catherine Schaffer and Sarah McAllister at ACDFA to complete the BFA process.
Erin was employed with The Jones Company as a Special Projects Marketing Coordinator for 6 years. She is happily married to Arthur Sullivan. Erin and Arthur welcomed their little boy in 2018. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping, crafting and dancing!
Chris Pinto
Business Executive & Co-Owner
Hi, my name is Chris Pinto. My wife Christy and I have been married since 2008 and have been blessed with two sons Carter and Collin. Prior to owning PPAC I spent 4 years as a Senior Program Director at The Family YMCA in Augusta, GA. My time there was focused on program development and achievement. I specialized in Youth and Family Development, Social Responsibility, and Healthy Living. Prior to working for the YMCA, I was an Assistant Manager for Dick’s Sporting Goods in Dallas, TX.
My love for the Arts was cultivated from playing Tenor Saxophone at Feagin Mill Middle and all four years at Houston County High. I was in the Concert Symphonic 1 but my true love was performing in the Houston County High Jazz Band. I started a Praise and Worship band in college and played guitar with my wife and church friends. I received a degree in Business Administration in 2008 from Valdosta State University.
I am excited to build the performing arts program in Middle Georgia and give the community a way to express themselves through the arts!
Mary McIntosh
Dance Instructor
Mary McIntosh is a 2008 Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Georgia with an AB in Dance and an ABJ in Public Relations. In 2017, Mary earned her Masters in Dance Education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
While at UGA, Mary was a member of the Honors Program and performed and choreographed with a number of university and community groups. Her choreography was selected for the American Collegiate Dance Festival and featured in the Young Choreographer’s Series and Tap Dawgs Showcase. She graduated with High Honors, completing an Honors Thesis.
Since graduation, Mary has performed with a number of Atlanta-based companies, including Gathering Wild, Notchyomamas Modern Project, Expressions Dance Company, and SIDEWAYS Contemporary Dance Company. In Macon, Mary has performed with Macon Moving Company and Hayiya Dance Theater. She currently performs with SIDEWAYS Contemporary Dance Company out of Roswell, and this is her 11th year with the company.
Through her Master’s at UNCG, Mary had the opportunity to present research and teaching work at the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) Conference in 2016 and 2018. She is also a founding board member of Georgia’s state affiliate for NDEO, the Dance Educator’s of Georgia Society (DEGAS). Mary currently serves as the Treasurer of the Board.
Mary has over fourteen years of teaching experience, nine within Georgia’s public schools. Mary currently teaches dance at Central High School in Macon, GA and Peacock’s Performing Arts Center in Bonaire, GA.
Kennedy Jones
Dance Instructor
Kennedy has been training in all genres of dance since age 2. She gained most of her growth and passion while attending the International City School of Ballet directed by Georne Acoin. Later, she began to explore the dance world by competing, attending conventions, winning many different awards and scholarships and dancing with Ready for Action directed by Brent smith. She continues to grow with her teaching and passion through movement hoping to inspire young dancers with her technique, training, and choreography.
Katie Powell
Dance Instructor & Musical Theatre
Miss Katie found her passion for dance and the performing arts at the young age of three. She graduated from Stephens College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Music. At Stephens she was the President of Dance Collaborations, an organization through the dance department meant to promote the art and love of dance throughout campus. Katie had the opportunity to dance original works from 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, Bob Fosse’s Dancin, Coppelia and West Side Story. Miss Katie was a member of The Moving Company, a modern based dance company out of Omaha, Nebraska. She has spent the past 7 years teaching recreational dance, competitive dance and
Michaela Heide
Dance Instructor
Michaela Heide is a Middle GA native and holds a BA in dance from Kennesaw State University. While studying with KSU Dance she performed in eight Company pieces and served as a KSU Dance Company officer. She has traveled to perform at Alabama Dance Festival, FEMME Fest Atlanta, Ballet Fest Atlanta, and was invited to perform at the ACDA South Eastern Conference March 2020. Aside from performing and teaching dance Michaela enjoys creating original dance films and will be featured in Virtual FEMME Fest 2020.
While growing up in Middle GA she performed with Middle GA Youth Ballet, Nutcracker of Middle GA, Theatre Macon, and in other musical theatre productions. She was honored to model for Nutcracker of Middle GA’s 2019 poster and billboard.
Michaela is the reigning Miss Macon and will compete at Miss Georgia in June 2021. She has earned many scholarships and talent awards in her time with the Miss America Organization.
Rachel Tessin
Dance Instructor
Bio coming soon
Blakney Ward
Dance Instructor
My name is Blakney Ward. I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. There I studied dance at Debbie’s School of Dance, taking, ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and modern. I went to several conventions and competitions to include Tremaine Dance, LA Dance, and Showstoppers. I was on my high school dance team and went to New York to dance in the Macy’s Day Parade. While in New York I got to take a class at the Broadway Dance Center and had the opportunity to dance on Good Morning America. After finishing high school, I taught dance and went on to study a little ballroom dancing while living in Fort Bragg, NC. When I was 22, I decided to enlist into the Army as a Military Police Officer. Now I am married and have 4 beautiful children, 3 girls and 1 boy. Dance has always been apart of my life, and I am excited to share my passion. The great Martha Graham once said, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
Cameron Lowery
Dance Instructor
Caroline Mayfield is a Middle Georgia native and grew up dancing at Dance Dynamics in Macon. She also performed in the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia and the Middle Georgia Youth Ballet. She went to Kennesaw State University to then pursue a degree in Dance. During her time in metro Atlanta, she performed as a freelance professional dancer working with many different artists. Since then she has been working as a Dance Educator at Miller Fine Arts Magnet Middle School and is completing a MAT in Pedagogy for Dance P-12.
Christy Pinto
Music Therapist & Vocal/Piano Instructor
For Christy, singing and dancing came right along with walking and talking. Growing up, she was actively involved in choir, dance, and theater programs both in school and within the community. She continued to study music, dance, and theater as she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Valdosta State University. Music made such a profound difference in her life, she decided that she wanted to use music to help others as well. Christy earned a Master of Arts degree in music therapy from Texas Women’s University, and the credential MT-BC (Board Certified Music Therapist). She also holds a license to practice music therapy in the state of Georgia. In her professional career as a music therapist, Christy has worked with persons of all ages, ranging from newborns in the NICU to older adults in nursing homes and hospice. As a music therapist, she uses music to accomplish non musical goals, such as cognitive development, communication, emotional and self expression, social skills, pain management, relaxation, and motor skills. She also is thrilled to be a part of the PPAC team as a vocal coach. She is honored to help train and shape the students at PPAC as they cultivate their love for the arts. Christy is excited to share in this adventure with her husband, Chris Pinto. Christy enjoys chasing after their two little boys, walking their dog Zoe, and spending time with family and friends.
Sara Dejournett
Private Voice and Piano Instructor
Sara DeJournett found her love for music when she was in elementary school. At the age of 6 she began singing in school, churches and community functions. When she was 9 she began taking private lessons for piano and at the age of 11 she began voice lessons. Throughout her high school and college years she received many awards for her vocal ability, receiving one of the highest vocal honors the “National Vocal Award.” When she graduated high school she attended North Central University to pursue a degree in Music Worship. Her love for music led her to start giving both vocal and piano lessons privately. As she got married and her family grew she took a break from giving lessons to focus on raising her children. Even though she loved being with her family there was still a part of her that was missing. She was thrilled when the opportunity to teach again was presented to her through PPAC. She loves to engage with kids of all ages as well as adults who are wanting to pursue their love for music. She would love to work with you and help you develop your musical abilities. When Sara is not at PPAC working with her students she volunteers as the Choral Director at Feagin Mill Middle School and also sings with her church worship team. Sara is thankful her supportive husband, Charles, and five children, Tyler, Marian, Emma, Jacob and Lillian. She feels she would not be able to do what she does without their love and support.
Grace Watson
Piano Instructor
My name is Grace Watson, and the arts have always been an influential part of my life. At the age of 3, I began dancing at Kids America in Perry, Georgia. Over the next 15 years, I was trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and pointe. In high school, I began sharing my love of dance with others. I began teaching young students ballet, tap, and jazz. Also, I helped choreograph the spring musicals at Westfield School.
Music has also been an important part of my life. I developed a love of singing at a very young age. I sang in the Mercer University Children’s Choir and a variety of choirs at Trinity United Methodist Church and Andrew United Methodist Church. Through these experiences, I had the opportunity to attend choir tours and sing all over the country—from New York to Florida. In high school, I was an avid member of the Westfield Chorus. I competed in girl’s solo and trio at the literary competition. In 2010 and 2011, we won the state competition for girl’s trio. I was selected for All-State Chorus and Honor Choir where I was able to sing with a variety of students from all over the state.
Another outlet to share my love of music playing the piano. At the age of 6, I began taking piano lessons. I quickly began playing the piano in church and in praise band. In high school, I started my professional career by playing for church services and weddings. In 2012, I competed and won the regional literary competition for piano.
I graduated from Georgia College and State University with a bachelors and masters degree in Early Childhood Education. After the completion of these degrees, I began teaching dance again at Kids America in Perry, Georgia. As the primary ballet and pointe teacher, I taught students of all ages and choreographed appropriate dances for a variety of performances. Additionally, I have been able to share my love of dance with students in education as the Stunning Stallions dance coach at Langston Road Elementary School. In 2020, I began teaching piano lessons at Peacock’s Performing Arts Center. I have loved being able to share my love of the piano with students and watch them grow each week!
Emmaline Wheeler
Piano Instructor
Emmaline Wheeler is an Alumni of Carson-Newman University and graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. She recently moved to Macon, GA with her husband, who is attending Mercer Medical, and is excited to be teaching with Peacock’s Performing Arts Center. She is experienced in teaching anywhere from early childhood to adult students, and passionate about providing music education for all ages.
Emmaline has been studying and performing Piano for 19 years and has won multiple awards including The Benjamin Kilgore Gibbs award with the Raleigh Symphony, the NCMTA Composition Contest Winner, as well as other performing and composition contests in undergraduate. She is an experienced teacher who started her teaching career in the CNU Preparatory Department and continued privately. She is also a current member of the Delta Omicron Music Fraternity, MTNA (music teacher’s national association) GMTA (Georgia music teacher’s association) and MMTA (Macon music teacher’s association).
Bastien Millo
Voice, Piano, and Flute Instructor
Born and raised in France, Bastien Millo is a orchestral and choral conductor and also a pianist, organist, flautist and vocalist. He graduated from the conservatory of Arpajon in 2015. During his studies at the conservatory, he had the opportunity to perform with the Symphonic Orchestra Divertimento. It is, when watching the conductor, that Bastien knew he wanted to follow the same path in his life. Bastien pursued his undergraduate studies at Houston Baptist University. As un undergraduate student, he had the opportunities to conduct a variety of ensembles, from the symphonic orchestra to college choir, and also church choir. Being able to conduct different level of ensemble taught Bastien the sense of always adapting his conducting to the ensemble. Bastien also started his own piano studio which picked at 30 students by 2020. Bastien obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in piano performance in May 2020. Bastien is now a second year master’s student at Mercer University in instrumental conducting. Bastien has been studying conducting with one of the pupil of Pierre Monteux, Maestro Adrian Gnam. Since July 2021 Bastien became the conductor the Middle Georgia Flute Choir.