MEET THE FACULTY

EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP

The faculty at Invictus Dance Company brings extensive experience in competitive dance, professional performance, and youth mentorship. Each coach is committed to helping dancers develop strong technical skills while fostering confidence, discipline, and creativity.

Our instructors believe that great training goes beyond choreography. It includes mentorship, encouragement, and building an environment where dancers feel supported as they grow.

IDC Faculty
Brittany Payton

Brittany Payton

Owner & Competitive Team Director

Brittany’s journey in dance began in Speedway, Indiana, where she trained at a local studio and quickly stood out—earning numerous solo titles and awards as a young dancer. That early success fueled a deep passion that led her to the nationally renowned University of Louisville Ladybirds, where she became a multi-time national champion and laid the foundation for her coaching career.

After college, Brittany continued her training in Los Angeles before turning her focus to mentoring young dancers. Her choreography has earned national recognition, and she has coached teams to top finishes at UDA Nationals, The Dance Summit, DTU Nationals, and more.

In 2021, she was named NDCA National Coach of the Year. Brittany currently serves as the head coach of the 33x national champion Floyd Central Dazzlers, continuing the legacy of excellence while bringing creativity, high standards, and passion to every program she leads.

Todd Sharp

Todd Sharp

Owner & Competitive Team Director

Todd's passion for performance and dance began at Floyd Central High School, where he was an active member of the award-winning Theatre Department under the direction of H. Glenn Edwards. He remains a proud member of Thespian Troupe 1794. Todd served as Head Coach of the internationally renowned Floyd Central High School Dazzlers Dance Team from 1995 to 2017. During his tenure, he led the team to 19 National Championship titles, including an unprecedented 10 consecutive UDA National Championships.

In addition, Todd coached the University of Louisville Ladybirds Dance Team from 1998 to 2017, earning 18 National Championship titles over nearly two decades. During this time, he gained national and international recognition as the star of the unscripted reality television series So Sharp, which aired on Lifetime and A&E and followed his work with the Ladybirds.

Todd is also the former owner and coach of Planet Dance All Stars, where he guided his teams to 17 National Championship titles and one World Championship title. Today, Todd brings his passion, experience, and dedication to Invictus Dance Company and is excited to work alongside his lifelong friends and fellow staff members to inspire the next generation of dancers.

Shannon Best

Shannon Best

Mini Pom / Hip Hop Coach

A Louisville native, Shannon has been dancing since the age of three, with a background in gymnastics, school dance teams, all-star dance teams, and musical theatre. She was a member of the Western Kentucky University Varsity Dance Team and later performed professionally as an NFL cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans.

With more than 20 years of dance experience and over 15 years in leadership roles, Shannon has coached award-winning teams that have earned Grand Champion titles, Best Choreography awards, and bids to national competitions.

She is passionate about developing confident and disciplined athletes who excel both on and off the floor.

Sadie Rowan

Sadie Rowan

Youth Pom / Hip Hop Coach

Sadie has been dancing since the age of five and spent five years as a member of the Floyd Central Dazzlers, where she developed a strong passion for dance and performance.

She is currently attending nursing school and works as a pediatric medical assistant, combining her love for working with children with her dedication to healthcare.

As a youth team coach, Sadie is passionate about helping young dancers build confidence, improve technique, and develop a lifelong love for dance.

Kylie Stewart

Kylie Stewart

Youth Pom / Hip Hop Coach

Kylie Stewart has been involved in competitive dance for over 16 years.

She began her dance career in an All-Star program before becoming a member of the Floyd Central Dazzlers, where she was part of four national championship teams.

Kylie is passionate about helping young dancers grow both technically and personally while sharing the love of dance that has shaped her own life.

Alyssa Celletti

Alyssa Celletti

Solo Director

Alyssa is a dedicated dance educator with four years of teaching experience, specializing in technique, contemporary, jazz, tap, jazz funk, and additional styles. She trained and competed extensively from a young age and brings strong performance experience and technical knowledge to her teaching.

Based in Pittsburgh, Alyssa toured nationally as a Protégé Ambassador with The Intensive Dance, where she refined her leadership and mentorship skills while working with dancers across the country.

She is committed to helping dancers become disciplined, confident, and well-rounded performers.

Natalia Velinova

Natalia Velinova

Ballet Instructor

Born in Bratsk, Russia, Natalia graduated from the world-renowned Novosibirsk Ballet Academy, studying under Tatiana Sulimova and Tatiana Kapustina. She became the youngest prima ballerina of the Russian National Ballet in Moscow, performing the company’s full principal repertoire and working extensively with Andrey Kudeline. She is the winner of the Audience Award at the 1998 International Ballet Competition Arabesque, a gold medalist at the 1999 Competition of Professional Ballet Academies in Russia, and holds an equivalent of a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the Novosibirsk Choreographic College.

She later held a principal position with Ballet Internationale in Indianapolis, working with legends Irina Kolpakova and Vladilen Semenov and performing across the United States and Canada, before joining the Louisville Ballet as a principal dancer in 2006. Under the guidance of former Artistic Directors Bruce Simpson, Alun Jones, and Robert Curran, as well as long-time Associate Artistic Director Helen Starr, she continued her distinguished career, performing leading roles including Aurora (The Sleeping Beauty), Giselle, Nikiya (La Bayadere), Cinderella, Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Odette/Odile (Swan Lake), and many others.

Having recently retired from the stage, Natalia now teaches and coaches the next generation of dancers through the Louisville Ballet School and Studio Company, several other regional ballet schools, and private lessons and coaching. She inspires students with her artistry, deep understanding of classical ballet techniques and repertoire, and passion for dance.

Shannon Andrada Bramer

Shannon Andrada Bramer

Recital Director

Shannon started dancing at a young age at Alice Ryan School of Dance. She became a Floyd Central Dazzler where she was Captain of the dance team and won a National Championship during her 3 years on the team. She went on to become a University of Louisville Ladybird where she was a member of the first team to win a National Championship Title.

She worked for Universal Dance Association as a Head Instructor for 10 years. She ran and taught high school and college camps and events all over the country. She has performed and worked the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 10 times, performed on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, traveled to London, England and Paris, France for their New Year’s Day Parades, and judged UDA High School and College Nationals.
Shannon has also choreographed several competition routines for high schools and done some motivational speaking. She was a Coach at Planet Dance for 10 years where she coached Youth and Juniors to win several National Titles.

Shannon’s passion is working with young people to teach them the art of dance and pour into their well being to help them to grow to become all God has created them to be.

Ilena Earl

Ilena Earl

Acro Instructor

Ilena began her athletic journey in gymnastics, training and competing in South Carolina. After graduating from Centre College, she relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, where she has remained actively involved in gymnastics and tumbling through several clubs across Louisville and Southern Indiana.

In 2015, Ilena shifted her professional focus and now works full-time with UPS. While her schedule allows for less time in the gym, her passion for coaching remains strong. She specializes in applying gymnastics fundamentals—balance, strength, and flexibility—to functional fitness, helping athletes of all ages and abilities improve performance and overall body awareness.

Ilena holds a Level 10 judge’s rating from USA Gymnastics and enjoys traveling to competitions on weekends, staying closely connected to the sport she loves. In addition to gymnastics, Ilena has been involved in the dance community for over 15 years, thanks to her roots at Southern Indiana Gymnastics School (SIGS) and the lifelong friendships she’s built along the way. Her favorite dance skill is a really well-done 540 and her favorite skill to teach is a Raiz.

Simone Oliver

Simone Oliver

Lyrical / Contemporary Style Instructor

Simone is an accomplished and dynamic dance instructor with over six years of teaching experience and eight years of choreography experience. Backed by 17 years of elite-level training in a variety of styles, she brings both technical excellence and expressive artistry to every class she leads.

Throughout her career, Simone has attended top dance conventions and earned multiple scholarships, including prestigious recognition from MODUS and Hollywood Vibe. She further refined her craft at the Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS), where she trained extensively in modern and ballet for four years. She has also continued her performance and training journey as a member of the Louisville Ladybirds for the past five years.

Specializing in technique, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and modern, Simone is known for developing strong, confident, and versatile dancers. Her dedication to excellence is reflected in her success as both a performer and choreographer, earning seven national titles thus far. Passionate about mentorship, Simone is committed to inspiring dancers to reach their full potential while instilling discipline, confidence, and a lifelong love for the art of dance.

JOIN THE IDC FACULTY

Invictus Dance Company is looking for passionate, skilled instructors and staff to join our growing team. We’re seeking individuals who are dedicated to inspiring dancers, fostering a positive environment, and bringing creativity and professionalism to every class and performance. If you’re driven, collaborative, and committed to excellence in dance education, we’d love to hear from you.

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Join Invictus Dance Company and learn from experienced coaches who are passionate about helping dancers grow.

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