Our staff members are skilled technicians with a passion for the arts, and they want to help your dancer reach their dreams!
Kristen Buntin Budlove - Artistic Director
Kristen Budlove began dancing at age 3 under the direction of both Ms. Bonnie Partridge and Ms. Susan Forrester in Columbus, MS. She completed the Dance Educator Development program at Broadway Dance Center before moving to Manhattan to work with the Broadway Dance Center's Intern program. Kristen was able to train under some of the dance industries’ greats, including Michele Assaf, Frank Hatchett, Mia Michaels, Wade Robson & Brian Friedman. Kristen has taught technique and choreography for dance schools throughout the Golden Triangle, and her award-winning routines have been performed as far away as Las Vegas, Nevada. Some of her former students have gone on to major in dance or theatre in college, and others have held various positions in the dance industry, including character performers at Disney World, performers in major motion pictures, interns at prestigious dance academies, collegiate dance team members, dance teachers at studios across the south and a few studio owners. Kristen opened the WHEREHOUSE as a safe place for kids and adults of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds to come together and express themselves through the wonderful medium of dance. In her spare time, Ms. Kristen gives out free hugs.
Tricia Thompson Harbison - CHILDREN'S PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Tricia A. Thompson moved to the USA from England where she taught Dance & Performing Arts for over 20 years. She was trained initially at her Mum’s Dance School, Zazz, in the North-East of England, becoming a qualified dance teacher on her 17th birthday. She then achieved a B.A.(Hons) in Drama/Theatre & Music at the University of London as well as gaining higher dance teacher qualifications. She is a member of Equity UK as well as having served the past three years as a director of the Northern Counties Dance Teachers Association. Tricia has trained all ages from babes to professionals with several students achieving places at top West End Theatre schools. She has also directed and choreographed many productions including for the BBC’s television show, ‘The Paradise’. Tricia is trained in numerous dance styles from Ballet to Ballroom. Now married to an American Forester she is learning how to walk in the woods without being scared of bugs!
DEBORAH LOTT GUIST - CREATIVE MOVEMENT & DANCE 101
We are so excited to welcome Ms. D back to the WDC Family!
Ms. Deborah Lott Guist began dance at age 4 in England. After moving to Columbus at the age of 9, she danced at her Mother's studio, the English School Of Dance, for the remainder of her school years. Deborah trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and acro, and she studied dance under the late Ruth Hart while at MUW in the early 1970s. She began teaching at ESD in 1972 and later became a partner in the business. During the studio's 52 year operation, Deborah had the privilege of teaching three generations of the area's dancers, several of whom are currently dancing at the WHEREHOUSE. After a brief retirement in 2013, Ms. Deborah is now delighted to be putting on her dance shoes once again! A proud 'Dance Grandma' to Clara, who is carrying on the family tradition as a fourth generation dancer, MS D is delighted to have the opportunity to share her lifelong love of the art of dance with the WHEREHOUSE Dance Family.
Ms. Deborah Lott Guist began dance at age 4 in England. After moving to Columbus at the age of 9, she danced at her Mother's studio, the English School Of Dance, for the remainder of her school years. Deborah trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and acro, and she studied dance under the late Ruth Hart while at MUW in the early 1970s. She began teaching at ESD in 1972 and later became a partner in the business. During the studio's 52 year operation, Deborah had the privilege of teaching three generations of the area's dancers, several of whom are currently dancing at the WHEREHOUSE. After a brief retirement in 2013, Ms. Deborah is now delighted to be putting on her dance shoes once again! A proud 'Dance Grandma' to Clara, who is carrying on the family tradition as a fourth generation dancer, MS D is delighted to have the opportunity to share her lifelong love of the art of dance with the WHEREHOUSE Dance Family.
aaron Budlove - co-owner / Business MANager
Aaron Budlove is the Office MANager and resident Prop Dad for the WHEREHOUSE. He attended Mississippi State University & was the General Manager of several local restaurants before joining his wife to make the WHEREHOUSE a true family business in 2014. He ties lots of shoelaces and makes sure that our messages are answered and our emails are sent. If you see him out in public covered in glitter, give him a high five. He deserves it.
"MOMMA LISA" CLARKE - WEE DANCE, CREATIVE MOVEMENT & DANCE 101
Momma Lisa is a long time dance mom who started her music training at age 5. She is a classically trained pianist who was also the choreographer and flag corps captain in high school. Lisa graduated High School with music scholarships to both Brevard College and East Carolina University in North Carolina.
Lisa graduated Cum Laude with a BS in nursing from MUW. She retired from nursing full time in December of 2016 to return to her first loves of music and dance.
Lisa graduated Cum Laude with a BS in nursing from MUW. She retired from nursing full time in December of 2016 to return to her first loves of music and dance.
Alicia Castro - Acrobatics & WEE DANCE Instructor
Alicia grew up here in Columbus, Mississippi. She has practiced yoga and Pilates since she was young and has always been passionate about childhood nutrition and fitness. Alicia attended MSU to study interior design. In her spare time, Alicia home schools her 3 kids while renovating a 126 year old home, runs a design business with her husband Japa, and spends as much time as possible at the WHEREHOUSE. She loves watching the kids learn new things and finds immense joy in helping them land new "tricks"! Seeing them work hard to reach their fullest potential is the greatest part of her Wednesdays.
BROOKLYN BUNTIN - baby ballroom & contemporary I, II
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Miss Brooklyn is back to lead classes again this year! Raised in her mom's dance studio (literally), Brooklyn joined the original Warehouse Competition Team at age 4. Her current WHEREHOUSE team has been ranked National Champions several times over the years, traveling extensively across the southeast. Named as a Platinum National Dance Experience Apprentice in 2018, Brooklyn has been able to assist some of her favorite teachers and choreographers in conventions as far away as Dallas, St. Louis and Orlando! Brooklyn is excited to share her talents with our young dancers this year.
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