EDA Faculty/Staff
Ebony McSwain
Artistic Director/Owner/Choreographer
Received her dance training in ballet, tap, and modern dance from Christian Academy for the Performing Arts (CAPA), under the direction of Ms. Natalie Stewart. She earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Dance from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her Masters of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education with a concentration in Performing Arts-Dance from American University. Ms. Ebony has choreographed for various groups to include but not limited to CAPA, From the Heart Christian School, From the Heart Church Ministries, and Musical Theater Zerkalo. Her passion for dance led her to establish Excellence Dance Academy LLC (EDA).
Sallye McSwain
Student Administrator
Worked as a child care provider for about 25 years in her company, Special Pearls Daycare. Mrs. McSwain graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a Business Education degree. She was a Dance Mom to four children, works in her church's Nursery Ministry, and serves as the Student Administrator for Excellence Dance Academy.
Renita Wigfall
Financial Manager
Has thirty years with the Federal Government and currently works as an Analyst with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mrs. Wigfall earned her MBA from Strayer University. She currently provides consulting services in the areas of employment and interviewing skills, and works as the Financial Manager of Excellence Dance Academy.
Received her dance training in ballet, tap, and modern dance from the Christian Academy for the Performing Arts (CAPA), under the direction of Ms. Natalie Stewart. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in American Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County where she is currently earning her Early Childhood Education degree. Ms. Moriah has choreographed for Rejoice and Sacred Jubilee at From the Heart Christian School as well as worked with young students in both Baltimore city and Baltimore county in various school settings. Her passion for children and dance has carried her to her current position as a teacher at Excellence Dance Academy.
Moriah Hopkins
Tap Teacher & Choreographer
Received her dance training in ballet, tap, and modern dance from Christian Academy for the Performing Arts (CAPA), under the direction of Ms. Natalie Stewart. She earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Recreation & Leisure Studies from Virginia Wesleyan College. Ms. Naomi has choreographed for various events at From the Heart Christian School and From the Heart Church Ministries. She currently teaches dance at Excellence Dance Academy and is the Head Cheerleading Coach for the From the Heart Christian School Cheerleading Squad.
Naomi McSwain
Level 1 Teacher & Choreographer
Received her training in ballet, tap, and modern dance from Christina Academy for the Performing Arts (CAPA), under the direction of Natalie Stewart. Ms. Jasmine was co-captain of the Eleanor Roosevelt High School Dance Team, where she was trained in hip hop, lyrical, and interpretive dance. During her tenure with ERHS dance team she was able to learn sign language and perform at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC with other deaf and hard of hearing team members. In 2012, Ms. Jasmine earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia State University (Petersburg, VA) and her MBA at Strayer University (Washington, DC). She now assists with teaching and choreography at Excellence Dance Academy.
Jasmine Wigfall
Rehearsal Assistant & Choreographer
Received her training in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, Horton, and contemporary at Dance Dimensions under the direction of Dakiya Lambert. She choreographed for Sacred Jubilee while attending From the Heart Christian School, Class of 2019. She is currently attending Bowie State University as a Theatre Arts major.
Ariana Fobbs
Choreographer
Encompasses over 20 years of formal dance training in ballet, modern/contemporary, and hip- hop genres. Mrs. Tiffany discovered her love for dance at a young age, when joining “Spirit Wings Dance Company” and began ministering at churches internationally. She received secondary education at the prestigious Duke Ellington School for the Arts where she majored in Dance. During her time at Duke Ellington, she obtained formal training in Horton Technique from members of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. As a sophomore, Mrs. Tiffany was selected to participate in the Summer Intensive Ailey Junior Program. Mrs. Tiffany has also received extensive ballet training from the Washington School of Ballet and Baltimore School of the Performing Arts where she performed in “The Nutcracker”. Mrs. Tiffany attended St. John’s University in Queens, NY where she was an integral member of the Red Storm Hip- Hop Dance Troupe that performed globally in various competitions. Shortly after college, Mrs. Tiffany returned to DC and began teaching at the Christian Dance Academy. Now, she is the Technique Teacher for Excellence Dance Academy.
Tiffany Elum
Choreographer