Our faculty is dedicated to inspiring excellence through exceptional instruction, mentorship, and a genuine passion for dance. Each member of our team brings unique experience, expertise, and a commitment to helping every dancer grow in confidence, technique, and artistry. Together, we strive to create a positive, encouraging environment where every student can thrive.
Meet Our Faculty
Darleen Bolton
Owner and Director
Qadera Malveaux-Smith
Tumbling Acro & Conditioning Coach
Coach Qadera Malveaux-Smith, originally from Richmond,
Virginia, began gymnastics at age 7 after moving from
Houston, Texas. Summers spent with her grandmother in
Mobile, Alabama helped fuel her love for the sport. From ages 8 to 18, she competed in USA Gymnastics (USAG), achieving notable success at Level 9.
At 14, she discovered her passion for coaching while mentoring younger athletes. In high school, she served as captain of the Herndon High School Gymnastics Team, earned the title of District Vault Champion, and helped lead her team to back-to-back district and regional championships. In college, she was a four-year cheerleader at North Carolina A&T State University, where she served as captain and was named MVP. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
Her coaching philosophy, “Flip That Fear,” inspires athletes to transform fear into confidence and approach challenges with courage. She currently serves as a recreational coach at Buckhead
Gymnastics.
Alayna White
Dance & Business Operations Intern
Her dance journey began at the age of three with formal training in tap, jazz, and modern dance at Price Performing Arts Center, where she trained for over 13 years. During this time, she developed a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for the art of performance—both of which continue to influence her growth as a dancer and emerging educator.
She further enriched her training through summer intensives at the Southwest Arts Center Performing Arts & Cultural Enrichment Academy, where she participated in both instructional programs and live performances. As a teenager, she was selected to assist the dance director, supporting foundational instruction for younger students—an experience that cultivated her leadership, professionalism, and passion for mentorship.
Among her early accomplishments, she was selected as a member of the Atlanta Hawks Junior Dance Team, performing during halftime at NBA games. This opportunity refined her stage presence and
strengthened her ability to perform with confidence and poise in high-energy, large-scale environments.
Recognizing a gap in access to dance within her high school, she took the initiative to establish a dance team—demonstrating both vision and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. She later expanded her performance experience as a dancer for the Junior Basketball Association (JBA) in 2018.
Her training continued at Z Pro Prep under the direction of Zakiya Alta Lee, where she focused on technical refinement, physical conditioning, and performance quality. This preparation led to her successful audition and selection for the Mercer University Dance Team, where she performed while
pursuing her collegiate studies.
After a period away from dance, she has since reconnected with her passion through an internship with Ms. Darleen at DDL. This experience has reignited her purpose, allowing her to return to the art form with renewed intention, discipline, and a deeper appreciation for its impact on both the individual and the community. She aspires to continue growing as an educator and ultimately own a dance studio of her own.
