Our Staff

Our top-notch dance faculty and music faculty receive critical assistance from our excellent support staff. Assistant Dance Instructors help maintain classroom discipline, make sure the Lead Instructor's attention can always be where it is needed most and help keep our student to teacher ratio low while our office staff see that any administrative, book-keeping and billing issues are taken care of quickly and efficiently and are available to answer any class, camp or recital question that you might have.

Ms. Lucy Hattemer

Operations Manager

Lucy grew up doing ballet, attending a performing arts school and performing in the Nutcracker every year. She graduated with a BA in Music from Yale University, where she continued dancing (and got to be a total beginner at hip hop and modern). Lucy then managed programs and operations at the DC Youth Orchestra Program for six years, where she loved creating systems to improve family and staff experiences, and received her MBA from Georgetown University. She is excited to be back in the dance studio!

Mr. Christopher Slatt

Technology Director / HR Director / Facilities Director

Chris danced for several years, sampling many disciplines including ballet, tap and jazz. That all ended in the mid-1980s when he finally convinced his parents that watching Saturday morning cartoons was more important than being around lots of icky girls - this is often how you think when you're six years old. A nugget of that dancing spirit must have remained, however, as after growing up, moving to Washington, and getting his Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from American University he went on to marry his High School sweetheart, Miss Kendra. After 18 months as acting Operations Manager, he is excited to return to his roots as Technology Director, along with his many other hats.

Ms. Kelly Powers

Front Desk Associate

A Falls Church native, Kelly began ballet at the age of three and went on to graduate from Walnut Hill School for the Arts as a ballet major, also studying modern, jazz, and Spanish dance. She later earned a B.S. in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Virginia Commonwealth University and built a successful 25-year career in advertising and digital marketing. Kelly is thrilled to return to the dance studio environment that first inspired her. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and her dogs, Nutmegatron SuEllen the Chug (Pug–Chihuahua) and Elise, the newly adopted senior Chihuahua mix.

Ms. Zoey Smith

Front Desk Associate

Zoey is a lifelong dancer. They grew up doing ballet, tap, and modern. In high school, they switched to twirling flags with the marching band's color guard. In college, they took classes in all different styles, such as salsa, musical theatre, and yoga. They recently graduated from George Washington University with a major in Human Services & Social Justice, where they interned with 8 different local non-profit organizations. In their free time, they love to volunteer, read, play video games, and sing at karaoke!

Ms. Kalaya Breeden

Front Desk Associate

Kalaya was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She began dancing at the age of five, training in tap and ballet. She earned her B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Clark Atlanta University in 2025, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her love for the performing arts has remained an important part of her life and a meaningful way for her to express herself creatively. Outside of work, Kalaya enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new places. She looks forward to connecting with students and families while continuing to grow within the Perfect Pointe community.