Marissa Schroeder

Marissa Schroeder is a contemporary dance artist from North Carolina with a passion for both performance and choreography. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Dance and Choreography in 2024. During her time at VCU, Schroeder was selected to perform works by Christian Von Howard, Eric Rivera, Dr. Kate Sicchio, Trebien Pollard, and Stephanie Martinez.

Schroeder has trained at numerous professional programs, including the American Dance Festival, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Intensive, and B12 Dance Festival. Through these experiences, she had the opportunity to study repertoire by acclaimed choreographers including Ohad Naharin, Kyle Abraham, and Amy Hall Garner. She later collaborated with choreographer Ben Wright, performing his work in Berlin, Germany, and performed repertoire by internationally renowned choreographer Azure Barton in Chicago, Illinois.

Marissa joined ShaLeigh Dance Works as a Guest Artist in 2024, making her debut in enVISION: The Next Chapter, commissioned by the American Dance Festival. Following the premiere, she was invited to join the company in 2025 and is excited to continue creating and performing with SDW as a Company Artist.

Sawyer Kadel

Sawyer Kadel is a nonbinary and queer person raised in West Virginia and California. They are a movement artist, researcher, and educator focused on the connections between dance, social interaction, and community building. A Radford University BFA graduate, they work across contemporary, jazz, modern, burlesque, improvisation, and ballet. Most recently they have been serving with AmeriCorps’ ArtistYear, promoting equitable arts education in North Carolina schools. Inspired by social interaction, nature, and mosh pits, they explore dance as a tool for connection. Sawyer applied for apprenticeship with SDW in 2024 and was invited to join the company in 2025.

“Being part of ShaLeigh Dance Works has been transformative for me. The mentorship I have received, the skills I have developed, and the sense of community I have found here are invaluable. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this organization provides, not only to me but to so many others.”

Ciara Coleman

Ciara Coleman is a social worker and dancer from Durham, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2022, with minors in Dance and Human Development and Family Studies. In 2023, she received her Master of Social Work through the Joint Master of Social Work Program at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Ciara began dancing at the age of six at Dance Theatre South and has continued her training through Ninth Street Dance and UNCG. Over the years, she has studied a wide range of movement styles, including ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and clogging.

Ciara joined ShaLeigh Dance Works as an apprentice in 2023 and was invited to become a company member in 2024. Her work is informed by both her artistic training and her commitment to social work, bringing a deep appreciation for community, connection, and human experience to her creative practice.

“I admire how the company uses its platform to empower others and bring awareness to marginalized communities, which is why ‘Be the beacon of light in someone’s darkness’  by Abraham Maslow is a quote that touches on my excitement.”

Jessica Proctor

Jessica Proctor is a dancer, choreographer, educator, and arts leader based in Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography from East Carolina University, along with an Entrepreneurship Certificate. Passionate about cultivating confidence, artistry, and a lifelong love of movement, Jessica is dedicated to creating meaningful artistic experiences while mentoring the next generation of dancers.

Jessica serves as Studio Director and Dance Instructor at Studio Fine Dance Company in Fuquay-Varina, where she leads programming, mentors faculty and students, and fosters an environment that encourages artistic growth, collaboration, and excellence. Her work as an educator and choreographer emphasizes strong technical foundations, creative exploration, and authentic storytelling through movement.

As a performer, Jessica has trained extensively through the American Dance Festival summer intensives, where she performed Martha Graham’s Dark Meadow Suite, and through the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance study abroad program in London. Additional performance credits include Carrie Mae Weems’ outdoor exhibition RESIST COVID / Take 6! and Pairs in the Park by Taryn Griggs and Chris Yon.

Jessica began her journey with ShaLeigh Dance Works as an apprentice in 2021 and was invited to join the company in 2022. Since then, she has become a trusted artistic collaborator, helping to support rehearsals, mentor emerging artists, and uphold the company’s commitment to artistic excellence, accessibility, and community engagement. As Assistant Rehearsal Director, she plays an integral role in fostering a collaborative creative environment and supporting the development of new work.

Jessica believes in the power of dance to build connection, inspire curiosity, and create meaningful experiences that resonate far beyond the stage.

“It is an incredible privilege to be part of a community that values creativity, diversity, accessibility, and artistic expression. SDW is a space where I can fully embrace my passion for dance and contribute to the creation of thought-provoking and emotionally resonate work.”

Hannah Nicole Marr

Hannah Nicole Marr is a dancer, choreographer, and educator based in Raleigh, North Carolina. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she also attended high school, Hannah has dedicated her career to fostering artistic excellence both in the studio and the classroom.

She currently serves as Director of Dance at Jordan-Matthews High School and regularly guest teaches and choreographs for dance programs throughout North Carolina and beyond. Since joining ShaLeigh Dance Works as a company member in 2017, Hannah has become an integral part of the organization’s artistic growth and creative process. In 2022, she stepped into the role of Rehearsal Director, helping guide rehearsals, mentor artists, and support the development of new work.

Throughout her career, Hannah has had the privilege of performing works by renowned choreographers including Doug Varone, Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, Wayne McGregor, Juel D. Lane, Netta Yerushalmy, and Kira Blazek, among others. Deeply passionate about choreography, she is drawn to exploring the relationship between movement, emotion, and human connection, creating work that invites both performers and audiences into meaningful shared experiences.

“I have witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of our work. The work we do is not only artistic; it is deeply practical, healing, and urgently needed. Through SDW, I’ve gained skills that extend far beyond the studio, and together we build performances that reflect joy, trust, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves.”