Our Teachers
Brenda Mealor
Owner & Lead Dance Instructor
Mrs. Brenda has been teaching for 47 years: the first 2 at her hometown studio, the next 12 as the assistant director at Becky Jones School of dance in Smyrna and the rest as the director of The Dancers Studio. Growing up, her family traveled to Auburn, AL each weekend for her to take dance from Mr. Lynn Curtis, formerly of the New York City Ballet. With him, she was able to go as his assistant to DMA conventions and study with some of the great dancers of the 70’s – Maria Tallchief, Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchet, Art Stone, Al Gilbert, Jo Rowan, and Edward Velellha.
The Dancers Studio would not have come into being, without the support of her parents and husband. Brenda is married to Billy Mealor and they are celebrating 45 years of marriage this year. They have 2 daughters, Lesley, whose professional career has included national and international tours, and a corporate position with Capezio. Currently, she is a regional director and event manager for Spirit of Dance Awards and co-host/co-producer of Making the Impact, a dance competition pod-cast. Laura, a former member of the Red Hotz Dance Team, Valdosta State University, and The Dancers Studio. Laura currently lives in Marietta with her husband Nathan, sons Frasier, Jack William, and daughter Mattie Rose. Both girls have followed in their mom’s footsteps!
Laura Franco
Dance Instructor
Laura is a Cobb County native, and grew up dancing at The Dancers Studio from age 6-18. She was honored to be a member of the inaugural performance company at the studio, and in 2003, she was named the top soloist at Star Systems Talent Competition. Laura graduated from the University of Georgia in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, and performed with the Redcoat Band Flagline throughout her career across the Southeast and even in China!
Laura student-taught at The Dancers Studio for the 2002-2003 season, and was on staff at Becky Jones School of Dance in Smyrna, GA, where she taught recital and company classes to students aged 3-16. Laura is thrilled to be back working with Mrs. Brenda at her home studio!
Layla Bodrogi
Dance Instructor
Layla Bodrogi is entering her sixth year as an instructor at the Dancers Studio. Layla has spent sixteen years dancing as a member of The Dancers Studio. She is finishing her Sophomore year at Kennesaw State University, majoring in Psychology as well as minoring in dance. Layla has had the opportunity to be a part of a company under the direction of Cici Kelley. As well as being part of the Apprentice Company for a Contemporary Company directed by Rachel Truitt. Layla has performed in many half time shows at Georgia Tech Basketball games and has been in many professional showcases, award shows, and music videos. She has worked professionally dancing for Spike Lee, Nick Cannon, Nick Hagelin, Ansley Williams, and Sonni Mackenzi. Layla has also had her choreography showcased in professional shows in the Atlanta Area. She is very proud to be the winner of a “Heart of Gold” award, which gives her a fantastic opportunity to represent iDance4aCURE. Layla strives to instill empathy, responsibility, and passion into all of her dancers while having a lot of fun.
Sarah Wade
Dance Instructor
Sarah is thrilled to return to the Dancers Studio to teach ballet. She trained with Dancers Workshop and Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre in Louisiana and attended summer intensives at School of American Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. Sarah has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the Louisiana State University and also attended Penn State for two-and-a-half years prior to finishing at LSU. Sarah danced professionally with The Georgia Ballet for five seasons from 2005-2010 and has taught various dance styles at many studios throughout the Atlanta Metro area. Sarah is the office administrator at a medical malpractice defense firm in Atlanta and resides in Decatur with her two daughters.