About Us

Gaynelle Costner opened First Class Dance Studio in August of 1998. Her enthusiasm, motivation and natural love of dance brought First Class Dance Studio to the community. As First Class Dance Studio’s motto “for those who have never experienced dance…and for those who expect the best” states, Mrs. Costner is not concerned with only the advanced student. Mrs. Costner teaches Adult Jazz. Mrs. Costner is appreciative of all the love and support that she receives from her present/former students/parents.

Taryn banks began her training at Divine Dance Institute under the direction of Amanda F. Standard and has now been teaching for over 15 years. After leaving Divine Dance Institute Taryn worked at several different dance schools in the DMV area teaching ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical/modern, hip hop, combination classes, and various creative movement and beginner toddler classes. Taryn recently became certified to teach acrobatic arts in February of 2019 and is now the owner of The Flip Zone. Taryn continues to teach all forms of dance at various dance schools in the DMV area to this day.

Whitney Brown initially joined FCDS teaching Summer Intensive classes in 2017. Whitney teaches Ballet to our Junior level class, as well as our Senior class.

Jasmine currently teaches Mini Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop. She also teaches Junior I Hip Hop. She is a certified Zumba teacher in her other life!

Donne’ has been dancing pretty much all of her life. She currently teaches Junior II Hip Hop, Intermediate III Tap and Intermediate II Jazz classes. This year Donne’ adds another challenge – Adult Hip Hop! Donne’ also is the Rehearsal Director for our FCDS Allstar Competitive Team.

To empower students physically, emotionally, intellectually and aesthetically by developing their creative talent and leadership skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and cultural awareness through participation in the performing arts. Mr. James teaches Senior Ballet.

Sharon Terrell-Lindsay (Ms. Sharon, aka Peaches) developed the desire to dance at First Class Dance Studio, watching her daughter and other students grow into beautiful and graceful dancers. She brought her customer service skills and overall friendly, cordial, and motherly nature to support the First Class Dance Studio front desk.

Nikki Sutton-Mackey started studying dance at the age of 2 and continued to study at Duke Ellington Arts High School, Univ. of the Arts, Philadanco and Alvin Ailey. She is currently teaching dance and P.E. at the Duke Ellington Arts High School and enjoys promoting fit and healthy lifestyles to all ages through dance and fitness! Ms. Nikki teaches Horton and Jazz to the Senior students.

Nicole Wicker, affectionately known as “Ms. Nicki,” has been a teacher at First Class Dance Studio since its inception in 1998. Nicole teaches Liturgical Dance. Nicole always endeavors to keep God first in everything she does, and attributes her many successes throughout the years, both personally and in the dance world, to that fact.