.png)
Natalie Smith Pope
Owner/Instructor
Natalie Pope is the owner and instructor of Dance Dynamics of Hattiesburg, where she has been inspiring dancers for nearly two decades. With over 20 years of teaching experience and 18 years as a studio owner, Natalie has dedicated her career to helping young dancers grow both artistically and personally.
Natalie began dancing at a young age and trained in both recreational and competitive dance for 12 years. Her background in multiple styles—including jazz, ballet, contemporary, acro, and tumbling—allows her to provide well-rounded instruction while encouraging dancers to develop strong technique and confidence.
Committed to growing as both an educator and studio owner, Natalie regularly pursues professional development opportunities. She has traveled to Las Vegas and New York to attend continued education courses, workshops, and conferences designed for dance teachers and studio owners, allowing her to stay current with industry trends and bring new ideas and training back to her students at Dance Dynamics.
Through Dance Dynamics of Hattiesburg, Natalie is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired. She believes dance is not only about movement, but also about building confidence and giving students a meaningful outlet to express themselves.
Natalie attended Pearl River Community College, where she earned an Associate of Applied Science with an emphasis in Business Marketing and Management. During her time there, she was also a member of the PRCC String of Pearls Dance Team.
Outside of the studio, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family. She is married to Mason Pope and is the proud mother of Phoenix Pope, who continue to support and inspire her passion for dance and teaching.
Channinge Jones Cannon
Pre-School Director and Instructor
Alexis Allseitz
Instructor
Alexis has been at Dance Dynamics of Hattiesburg for 15 years. She began dancing in 2011. She was a part of the competition team for 3 years. She competed group routines, as well as solos, duos, and trios. Alexis graduated from Pearl River Community College in 2025 with her Practical Nurse Degree. She currently has 2 boys, Deklyn and Rowan.
Seana Rains Martinez
Choreography/Instructor
Seana Martinez, a Mississippi native, is an enthusiastic dance educator and a firm believer in dance integration. She believes dance is its own unique art form, and everyone can dance in their own way. Seana began dancing at the age of two in Poplarville, MS and she later received her B.F.A. in Dance Education at the University
of Southern Mississippi where she was formally trained in modern,
contemporary, jazz, and ballet. Seana is a strong advocate for the arts and has a true passion for performance and choreography, as well as bringing dance to all bodies. Seana believes that dance incorporates these three key principles: freedom, expression,
and authenticity. When she’s not dancing, Seana is also an instructor at a local fitness studio, Pure Barre Hattiesburg. For her, dance means
being true to yourself.
Kathryn Clearman
Instructor/Choreography
Katie has been at Dance Dynamics of Hattiesburg for 17 years. She began dancing at DDH at the age of 5 and when she graduated from Oak Grove High School in 2022 she began teaching at the studio. Katie competed with DDH for 7 years doing group routines as well as solos. Katie graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2026 with her Bachelor’s Degree in English Education. Katie has been teaching all ages and genres of dance at the studio and assists with the competition team.
Blayne Pope
Instructor and Social Media
Blayne Pope began dancing at just two years old and has carried a passion for dance with her ever since. She started her dancing at her hometown studio in Collins, Mississippi before joining Dance Dynamics in 2013, where she danced until 2017. Blayne then continued her dance journey as a member of her high school dance team from 2017 until graduating in 2023. During those years, she competed in multiple MAIS and UDA competitions, earning the title of UDA All-American for three consecutive years and being recognized as a MAIS All Star Dancer during her senior year.
Alongside dancing, Blayne developed a love for choreography and teaching, assisting with and choreographing productions for her high school drama club, including The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Give my Reguards to Broadway, Little Women, and Hello, Dolly!, and participating in a total of 12 shows. She is currently attending The University of Southern Mississippi, where she will soon graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiotherapy and hopes to become a Registered Kinesiotherapist. Dance Dynamics holds a special place in her heart, as the studio is owned by her aunt, Natalie Pope. Growing up watching and learning from her is where Blayne truly developed her deep love and appreciation for dance. Blayne began teaching at Dance Dynamics in January 2025 and quickly fell in love with the studio all over again. For her, Dance Dynamics is more than just a studio — it’s a family, and she is passionate about sharing her love of dance with the future generations.
Maggie Pope Clayton
Choreography/Instructor
Maggie Pope Clayton, graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Dance Education. She began her career as Director of Dance at Dunbar Performing Arts Magnet School, where she taught for two years before advancing her training in New York City through Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Program. While there, she trained under industry professionals including Emily Bufford, ElynCollier, and Daniel Booda, gaining experience both as a student and assistant. Since then, Maggie has choreographed and performed across various platforms, worked as a teaching artist with the National Dance Institute, and continues to share her passion for dance through teaching, choreographing, and performing!