Tamela and Michael Yelverton
Both NCATSU alums, created a safe space for young talented individuals to display their creative desires. In 2007 the two tied the knot, and she held her first dance class in the basement of their three-level town home later that year. She started with a small group of students and called them "Dancers of Praise", specializing in liturgical and tap.From there, the couple decided to start a family in 2009, due to health issues she decided to take a break from the hair salon where she worked, but she continued to teach dance. Fast forward to 2012, Tamela became an auxiliary coach of the dance and flag squad at the same school her husband served as band director for. They worked side by side for several years. They also by then added two more bundles of joy to their family.
In May 2014, M&T Performing Arts Studio-Home f the Classy Divas was introduced to the city. She started with 8 students and grew to 50 within a year. Classy divas now has about 72 students, ranging in ages 2-18 years, and constantly welcoming new faces.
Meet The Owner
Meet The Coaches
Tekira Moore
Our Junior squad coach. Born and raised in Greensboro, NC and graduate of Northeast Guilford High School. She has been dancing since 2012 as a freshman in high school. She is a ACES group leader. One thing she will always tell the students is "Keep your head up, or your crown is gonna fall!"
Ahkaiya Barnwell
Our Senior team coach. Born and raised in Fayetteville, NC. She went to Seventy First High School where she discovered her passion to dance. Ahkaiya danced all 4 years and served as captain of the auxiliary team for 2 years. After graduation, she then got the opportunity to be apart of the best band in the land, The Blue and Gold Marching Machine of NCATSU, and became Golden Delight 2016. In 2018 she joined the Classy Diva family. She will continue to mold these young women to be beautiful dancers, performers, and show stoppers! "When you love what you do it's easy to...GO HARD OR GO HOME!"
Sharai L Hairston
Northeast Graduate has been dancing since the age of 16. She is currently in college at NCCU. She loves to dance and to watch others grow! As our mini's coach, she loves what she do!
Makayla Christian
19 year old Makayla serves as one of our mini's coaches.She started her dance journey at the age of 7. She has danced for the twirling divas in Greensboro, NC, as well as for the Dudley Pantherettes. She is now a college student aspiring to be a biomechanical engineer!
Darrah M Roberson
EE Smith High School graduate has been dancing since age four.
Currently a facility manager at a pet resort. She love dance and all things art, giving back to our youth is extremely rewarding! She serves as one of our Junior coaches ans she loves what she do!