Rebekah... Owner/Artistic Director
Rebekah is a professionally trained classical dancer and the owner of En Pointe Dance Academy. A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, she began her training at a young age and quickly advanced, placing in the highest level of her ballet company by age 8 and going en pointe by age 10. She trained extensively in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern, Character, Irish, Musical Theatre and more, developing a strong foundation as a versatile performer.
Throughout her performance career, Rebekah appeared in classical ballets alongside principal dancers from companies such as the New York City Ballet (NYCB) and American Ballet Theatre (ABT), including productions such as The Nutcracker, The Secret Garden, and The Tales of Beatrix Potter, where she performed in a featured role. At age 12, she was selected to tour and perform internationally with the Robitschek Dance Ensemble in Germany.
She began performing professionally at 16 and has spent over 15 years teaching and mentoring dancers. In 2009, Rebekah founded the Y Performing Arts Academy, which she led until 2014. In 2015, she realized her vision of creating En Pointe Dance Academy, where she continues to serve as Artistic Director and Owner.
Rebekah’s instructional approach is rooted in nurturing the safety and well-being of each child while providing technically strong, classical training. She emphasizes proper alignment, progression, and awareness to help prevent long-term injury, all while guiding dancers to achieve their highest level of technical and artistic development. Her passion lies in fostering confident, disciplined artists and supporting each student in reaching their individual goals.
Kevin- Instructor
Kevin Hawkins was born in Williamsburg, VA. At a very young age his mother realized his talent and put Kevin in the Regency Dance Academy in Richmond to study dance. Kevin trained in Hip Hop and Jazz and later joined to study at Broadway Dance Arts as well. After graduating high school, Kevin attended the Savannah College of Arts and Design in Georgia. There he studied graphic arts, hip hop, jazz funk, belly dancing, dance hall, African, and contemporary. During his college studies, Kevin held summer dance jobs on cruise ships. In 2002 Kevin had the opportunity to work with Missy Elliott during her music video, Gossip Folks, set as an extra. There he was introduced to the famous choreographer Fatima Robinson from NYC who has choreographed for artists like Aaliyah, The Black Eyed Peas, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears. In 2005, Kevin accepted an instructor position at VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) and is currently still instructing young dancers who attend there. Kevin has also been an instructor for the Debbie Allen Dance Academy located in Los Angeles, CA. During his time with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, he is flown all over the United States to teach a seminars and conventions. Starting in 2012, Kevin was hired to instruct hip hop by Rebekah Blythe at the Y Performing Arts Academy and then followed her as she opened En Pointe Dance Academy! Kevin love being a part of En Pointe as a hip hop instructor and is thrilled to be able to share his art to young children and the people who surround him!
Erin- Instructor
Erin is an En Pointe Dance Academy alumna who began dancing at the age of eight under the direction of Rebekah at the Y Performing Arts Academy. She continued her training with Rebekah when En Pointe Dance Academy opened in 2015. Erin was part of the first group of dancers selected for the EPDA Senior Company—an elite group that receives specialized opportunities to further their education, technique, and training.
During her four years with the Senior Company, Erin had the opportunity to travel and train with master teachers in Florida and New York. She also performed in notable events including the Miss America “Show Us Your Shoes” Parade in New Jersey and the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Some of her most cherished memories come from her time with the EPDA Senior Company.
Erin’s passion for teaching began at the age of ten when she started assistant teaching, and she became an instructor at seventeen. She is classically trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Pointe. She has a special gift for working with younger dancers and specializes in pre-ballet programs, where she nurtures a love of dance in her students from the very beginning.
After graduating high school, Erin remained an integral part of the studio family by substitute teaching, volunteering backstage, performing, and participating in adult classes. After earning her degree in Business, Erin officially returned to EPDA as an instructor in 2023. She is excited to share her love of dance with her students and is passionate about helping each dancer grow in both skill and confidence.
Payton- Instructor
Miss. Payton is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer originally from Pittsburgh, PA. She began her dance training at Michele’s Dance Center at the age of 2 and fell in love with the art of dance almost immediately. As she grew older, she set out to expand her dance training and attended additional classes at Point Park University and Allegro Ballet Academy. She trained, performed, and competed in a multitude of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, modern, and musical theater. During her youth, she also had the opportunity to perform in the Pittsburgh performances of Broadway Across America’s production of The Wizard of Oz. After high school graduation, Payton attended Mercyhurst University on both academic and artistic scholarships and earned a B.F.A in Dance and a B.A. in Arts Management. Here, she performed as a member of The Mercyhurst Dancers and acted as captain of Mercyhurst University’s Dance Team. Upon beginning her professional career, she was hired through RWS Global and has since completed multiple contracts with the company at Hersheypark and Six Flags Great Adventure. For some time, Payton lived in Florida and performed as a dancer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Now residing in Williamsburg, VA, she performs at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. She is so excited to join the En Pointe family and share her knowledge and love for dance!
Elena- Instructor
BIO COMING SOON!
Dr. Blair Sweeney- PT, DPT
Dr. Blair Sweeney is a certified performing arts medicine allied health professional and pediatric physical therapist in the Williamsburg area. In addition to working with En Pointe’s awesome dancers, Blair is also the owner of Cardinal Pediatric Therapy Services. Her passion for performing arts and expertise in movement are coming together perfectly through this partnership with EPDA. Blair has an extensive history working with pediatrics and has expertise in development of growing bodies. She understands the rigor and demands of training a dancer undergoes, and utilizes research based approaches to help your dancer achieve their goals related to their dance career. Blair is also a mom of EPDA dancers.
As the studio's personal physical therapist, dancers have access to Blair when appointments are scheduled before, during, or after their classes, at the studio. This will save families and dancers both time and money. Whether your dancer has an acute or chronic injury that would benefit from physical therapy, or you want to use her expertise for monitoring the overall wellness of your development as a dancer, Blair exclusively offers dance medicine services to the EPDA family
Charlotte- Instructor
Charlotte Robbins, an alumna of En Pointe Dance Academy, was born and raised in Williamsburg and began dancing at just two years old. She started her training locally at the Institute for Dance before continuing her education with En Pointe Dance Academy through her high school graduation.
During her time at En Pointe, Charlotte was a member of the Senior Company for six years and served as Company Captain. She trained extensively under Artistic Director Rebekah Keese and quickly developed a passion for teaching. As a student, she volunteered as a teacher’s assistant, which led to further training and her transition into an instructor role.
Charlotte is a well-rounded performer with experience in dance, singing, and acting. She has performed at Walt Disney World in the internationally broadcast Candlelight Processional and has participated in show choir, numerous musical theater productions, and as a soprano soloist with the award-winning a cappella group “Harmonix.”
Her dance training includes ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, modern, lyrical, and musical theater. She has also had the opportunity to further her training with Ballet Hawaii and the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, where she studied additional styles such as African, Latin jazz, street jazz, ballroom, and conditioning techniques including yoga and aerobic training.
Outside of the studio, Charlotte enjoys Pilates and barre conditioning. She is also a pediatric nurse, bringing a compassionate, patient-centered approach to her work both in healthcare and in the classroom. Charlotte is passionate about working with children and is dedicated to fostering confidence, discipline, and a love of dance in each of her students.
Frankie-Guest Instructor
Frankie is a philosophy major at the College of William Mary, and a member of Orchesis Dance Company. Originally from Santa Barbara, CA, she was a member of the dance company at Santa Barbara Dance Arts for eight years and traveled competitively throughout middle and high school. She has spent summers studying with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Frankie has been awarded a scholarship through New York City Dance Alliance to train in the conservatory program at Steps on Broadway in New York City. She has also been awarded a scholarship to the American Musical and Dance Academy, and several regional scholarships from Radix, NYCDA and Revel dance conventions. She is the recipient of numerous awards including 1st place contemporary solo at Revel Dance Convention in 2017, 2018, and 2019, as well as the winner of Santa Barbara’s Teen Dance Star competition in 2016. Frankie is on a mission to make the dance world an inclusive space where all people are given the opportunity to express themselves through movement. She is so thrilled to join the En Pointe family!
Sean- Guest Irish Instructor
Sean began taking Irish dancing lessons in the Lehigh Valley at the age of six. He dances with the well known O’Grady Quinlan Academy (OGQ) based in Easton, PA who is registered with An Chomhdháil - the oldest and largest organization of Irish Dancing in Ireland. Through countless hours of hard work over the years, Cousland has earned an astounding competitive career status which includes eight-time regional champion (CLRG AND AC), two- time US Open Champion (AC), top five at several high-profile international competitions including All-Scotland, Great Britain and North American Championships (CLRG), and 5th in the world (CLRG). He is also so grateful to be 2 time runner up in 2021/2022 and finishing his competitive career placing 3rd at the 2023 An Chomhdháil World Championships held in Killarney Ireland. His love of performance was truly evident when Sean earned coveted spots to perform with the following professional Irish dance shows: Celtic Angels across the United States in 2020, “Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance” in Belfast 2022 and “Feet of Flames” within Taiwan 2020/2022/2023, and USATODAY’s #1 best theme park entertainment show 8 years in a row “Celtic Fyre” at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia for 6 seasons 2021-current. He was also hand-picked to do a special project for a month in Budapest to work with world-renowned Michael Flatley and his elite team of choreographers in 2022. Cousland has been granted his Associate TCRG (Teastais de Comhdháil na Rince Gaelacha) which is temporary membership as he continues to complete his TCRG certification. His teaching background since the age of 17 includes choreographing several performance pieces for OGQ and co-directing their annual recital last year, along with organizing set lists and a weekend of performances for Celtic Classic, the largest free Celtic festival in North America. Cousland has worked with beginners, taught private lessons, and supported dancers in their performance abilities by offering performance workshops and one on one coaching. Sean is very excited to start teaching at En Pointe Academy and spread his love for Irish dancing.
Shawn- Guest Instructor
Miss Shawn has had an extensive professional career in dance and theatre as a performer, choreographer and director. As a professional entertainer, she performed around the country as a dancer, singer and actress in touring shows, theme parks and regional theatres. At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay while the lead dancer in "Kaleidoscope", she was also the assistant park choreographer and trained the incoming performers for their shows. Her work also includes appearances in commercials and film.
After settling in Williamsburg, Miss Shawn opened "Broadway Dance Arts" where she served as owner and artistic director for 21 years. She formed the first competition dance team and musical theatre performance group in Williamsburg. Her students have won many National awards and gone on to professional careers. Miss Shawn also enjoys performing and choreographing for Williamsburg area school musicals and theatres. Her most recent performance was as Mrs. Wormwood in "Matilda"at the Willliamsburg Players Theatre. Shawn is very excited to join the EPDA students and become a part of their dance family.
Haley- Studio Experience Coordinator
Haley, originally from California, moved to Williamsburg, VA at a very young age. As a young girl, Haley performed in the Nutcracker as a mouse. She has always had a passion for the arts and at the age of seven decided to pursue her love taking classes at the school of the arts studying art. Her talents as an artist strived as she placed in over 20 art competitions. Haley's other passion is working with children. She has many years experience as an assistant teacher, working in her church nursery, and recently became a camp counselor. She enjoys attending leadership trainings and studying youth psychology. Haley is happy to be at En Pointe and be a part of the studio family.
Tabitha- Customer Engagment
Bio Coming Soon!
Lori- Customer Engagment
Bio Coming Soon!