EST. 1972 · SEASON 55
A legacy of excellence since 1972
Three generations of leadership, one mission: give every dancer a place to grow into who they're becoming.
THE NAOD LEGACY
Grandmother. Mother. Daughter.
Norma B. Mitchell
FOUNDER, 1972
Established NAOD with a vision of technique-based training and community for young dancers.
Erin Rawlings
DIRECTOR · THIRD GENERATION
Building on that foundation with new programs, systems, and opportunities for NAOD families.
Djana Bell
OWNER · SECOND GENERATION · 40+ YEARS
Carried the studio forward for four decades, deepening its reputation and reach.
PROUDLY ATLANTA
Norma's Academy of Dance is a Black-owned, family-led studio that has trained dancers in the Fayetteville / Fairburn area for more than 50 years — one of the longest-standing African-American-founded dance studios in Metro Atlanta. That history is central to who we are, not a footnote to it.
MISSION & CORE VALUES
"Norma's Academy of Dance exists to advance dance education and performance through high-caliber training, mentorship, and community engagement — honoring a multi-generational legacy while expanding access, opportunity, and artistic pathways for diverse young artists."
Community
A supportive, family-like environment.
Inclusivity
Equitable opportunity for every dancer.
Passion
Igniting a lifelong love of dance.
Excellence
50+ years of high-quality training.
Trust
Guiding families with care, every step.
WHAT SETS US APART
The NAOD difference
A 54-year legacy of technique-based training in the community.
Tight, tested operating procedures families can rely on.
Owner
Djana Bell
Access to credentialed, accomplished instructors.
A real pathway to pre-professional dance careers.
OUR PEOPLE
Staff directory
Director · YAA Ballet
Erin Rawlings
Ballet, Jazz, Tap & Hip Hop
Katrice Shealey
YAA Contemporary
Kate Rackley
YAA Jazz & Acro
Caitlin Gray
Enrichment Ballet
Lauren Oblitey
SOAR · Ballet & Tap
Jasmine Foreman
Enrollment Coordinator
Taren Brown
YAA Ballet & Pointe
Lenai Wilkerson
Contemporary
Jeffery Duffy
Content Coordinator · YAA Rehearsal
Kyndal Williams
Tap & Hip Hop
Xavier Wilcher
SOAR & Enrichment Ballet/Jazz
Cimara Shackelford
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Norma's Academy of Dance is a Black-owned, family-led studio built on the belief that every dancer deserves serious, technique-based training in a space where their full identity is celebrated, not just accommodated. Rooted in the values passed down by our founder, we're committed to equitable access and opportunity for dancers of every background — so every young artist who walks through our doors can grow with confidence and be fully seen.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Our community impact
NAOD's community work is carried by NBM Legacy, our nonprofit arm — launched to sustain and expand what Norma B. Mitchell started. We're in our founding year of fundraising, with our first programs just getting underway.
Hope for Christmas
— a holiday performance and outreach initiative premiering December 2026, including shelter performances and toy & coat drives.
Young Artists Academy Mentorship
— pairing advanced dancers with mentors as they grow toward pre-professional training.
Meet our programs
See where your dancer's path begins.