Deonna was born in Annapolis, Maryland, but spent the majority of her childhood in Collierville, TN. Deonna has always had a love for dance since a young age. There she competitively trained in contemporary, jazz, hip-hop-, lyrical, ballet, tap, and pointe at a highly renowned local studio. At the same time she was also a member of Collierville High School’s varsity pom squad. She competed in various competitions and conventions where she has won scholarships, specialty, platinum, and monetary awards. Deonna has attended Universal and National Dance Association camps, where she also won numerous awards. Deonna attended Middle Tennessee State University on an academic and dance scholarship where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Microbiology with a minor in health and dance. During her freshman year she became a member of the MTSU dance team, in which she begin choreographing for the team and ultimately becoming captain her sophomore year. By junior year she held the captain position until graduating. Deonna’s teaching career began to expand while attending MTSU as she taught various ages and levels at multiple studios throughout the Murfreesboro/Nashville area. She has also choreographed for multiple dance teams in the Memphis and Nashville area. She worked for Universal Dance Association as a head instructor and has taught thousands of children in over 20 different states in the country. She has worked for Varsity All Star as a judge at many large competitions and conventions. Deonna was also apart of the Memphis Grizzlies Dance Team as a Grizz Girl. In 2014, Deonna started directing dance at e.Studio Performing Arts.  She led and choreographed over 300 dances for her competition team.  She also led the company with everyday operations and growth of the business.  Now as the owner of Visions Academy of Performing Arts (formally e.Studio Performing Arts), her vision is to instill confidence and tools in young performers to pursue their own vision. 

Classes taught by Deonna: 

Lyrical 

Hip Hop 

Ballet 

Company Classes 

Where do you look for creative inspiration?
Music is my main inspiration.  Music carries me to imagine and create movement.  I love all genres of music to allow my creativity to continuously grow. 

What type of student will excel best with you as his or her mentor?
A student who listens and applies corrections and also has the heart and drive to improve and become their best.

In the past five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
Owning a studio! 

What is one of your best accomplishments? 
Getting my masters in medical laboratory science and becoming a microbiologist is one.  The other is owning a studio and watching my students accomplish their goals.  

What is your all-time favorite TV show?
Boy Meets World 

What is your favorite quote?
Everything happens for a reason.