Meet Our Movement Collective Faculty
Former professional dancers and dedicated educators, the people who will guide your dancer with intention, artistry, and genuine care.
Performed on the world's stages. Devoted to your dancer.
Alessandra Ball James
A former professional ballerina whose career spanned nearly two decades with leading ballet companies in the United States and Europe, including Charlotte Ballet, Colorado Ballet, and Spain's Compañía de Danza Víctor Ullate. Throughout her career, she performed a wide-ranging repertoire of classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works while developing the artistry, discipline, and technical excellence that define professional ballet. Recognized early for her exceptional promise, she was awarded the prestigious Princess Grace Award. Today, Alessandra brings her extensive performance experience and passion for mentorship to the next generation of dancers.
James Kopecky
A professional dancer, choreographer, and educator whose career has spanned performance, choreography, and higher education. After earning a BFA in Dance from Butler University, he danced professionally with Ballet San Jose and Charlotte Ballet, performing a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire while also serving in rehearsal and staging leadership roles. His choreographic works have been commissioned by professional companies, universities, and arts organizations across the country, and he was selected to participate in the inaugural Ballet Choreographic Institute at the University of Utah. James currently serves as Adjunct Faculty at Winthrop University and continues to teach, choreograph, and mentor dancers throughout the Charlotte area.
Sarah Hayes Harkins
She enjoyed a distinguished 17-season career with Charlotte Ballet, performing principal roles in classical masterworks and contemporary works by world-renowned choreographers. Her experience also includes choreography, rehearsal direction, teaching, and coaching. She has performed at The Kennedy Center, The Hollywood Bowl, throughout Europe, and at the renowned Chautauqua Institution, where she was an artist-in-residence for ten summer seasons. A North Carolina native, Sarah trained at the North Carolina School of the Arts before joining Charlotte Ballet (then North Carolina Dance Theatre), which remained her artistic home throughout her professional career. In 2021, Sarah co-founded TangoCLT with dance partner Matthew Seneca, followed by The Long Room, a community event space dedicated to performances, private events, and dance.
Chancey Gregory
She began her dance training in Southampton, England, where she studied ballet, modern, and tap, represented Team England in international competitions, and earned both silver and bronze medals. She continued her education at Bird College on scholarship before completing her teaching qualifications and working with respected dance schools throughout the United Kingdom. Since relocating to Charlotte, Chancey has combined her passion for dance and fitness as a dance educator, fitness instructor, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer, bringing a unique understanding of movement, strength, and body awareness to her students.
Hilary Kossack
An E-RYT 500 certified yoga instructor and Charlotte native. After discovering yoga in her early twenties, she completed her 500-hour teacher training with Bikram and Rajashree Choudhury in Los Angeles, followed by a 200-hour Vinyasa training with Shiva Rea. She has also studied with respected teachers including David Swenson, Kino MacGregor, Andrey Lappa, and Desiree Rumbaugh. Passionate about making yoga accessible to everyone, Hilary especially enjoys working with beginners and helping students experience the physical and mental benefits of a lifelong yoga practice.
The people behind the studio.
Robin Link
Robin Link serves as the Finance Lead for Movement Collective, bringing extensive experience in finance and business strategy. She began her career as a management consultant with Deloitte, where she developed the initial strategic plan for the Cain Center for the Performing Arts. Robin later served as a Finance Director for several manufacturing companies. Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, she moved to Charlotte after earning her graduate degree from the University of Notre Dame. Robin and her husband are raising their two young children in Charlotte and are passionate about building a vibrant arts community where young people can thrive.
Lex Bixler
Your contact for all things Movement Collective, with a retail background spanning Anthropologie and design work in Italy. Lex is building the studio's Collective Catalogue.
Dr. Noelle Williams
Dr. Noelle L. Williams is a strategic and wellness advisor to Movement Collective. She is currently a radiation oncologist in Charlotte, North Carolina and a former professional ballet dancer with Atlanta Ballet. She trained in St. Petersburg, Florida, and spent her summers studying at the School of American Ballet and the Chautauqua Institution.