Our Founder
Pat Brown (Advisor and Founder)
Pat Brown first studied dance with Jane Hart in Hartford, Connecticut, and then at the Hartford Conservatory. She was trained in the Cicchetti method of ballet but believes that an eclectic approach to teaching and learning is the most beneficial for her students. After moving to Jackson, TN. from Upstate New York she opened the Pat Brown School of Dancing in 1963. She founded Ballet Arts, Inc along with Jacquelin Rolls was the Artistic Director of the local civic group Ballet Arts, Inc., since its beginning in 1972 – 20. Under her direction many master teachers and famous dancers from various parts of the world and the United States have performed for Jackson audiences. In 1999 the Tennessee Association of Dance awarded Ms. Brown “Dance Teacher of the Year.”
“Miss” Pat has taught and touched the lives of young people that have gone on to careers in dance, as dancers, actors, singers and dance teachers. She is proud of those that work in the business and professional world, are homemakers and are parents of new dancers. She enjoys the visits of her former students and likes to see the added generations in her classes.
Since 1964
Professional Dance Instruction
Kim (Brown) Turner
Owner and Instructor
Kim Turner has been an integral part of the Pat Brown School of Dancing for over 54 years and now proudly serves as the studio’s owner and director. Her dance journey began at the age of two, studying Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Acrobatics, and Pointe, and she continued her training throughout high school. She also enhanced her skills through gymnastics training at the YMCA until her graduation.
Kim’s foundation of excellence was built under the guidance of her mother, Pat Brown, whose mentorship shaped her into a dedicated teacher and leader. Kim began teaching full-time in satellite schools in Dyersburg, Corinth, and Savannah. As enrollment at the Jackson studio grew, she shifted her focus to the acrobatic, lyrical, tap, hip hop, and preschool programs, where her passion and expertise have flourished.
Committed to providing the best for her students, Kim earned her Acrobatic Arts Certification (all levels), enhancing her ability to teach both tumbling and acrobatic dance. Her influence extends beyond the studio, having trained dancers who have earned spots on university dance teams across Tennessee and Mississippi as well as professional teams, including the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders.
Kim’s warm and nurturing teaching style is especially evident in her work with the studio’s youngest dancers. Her gentle yet firm approach has helped transform many shy children into confident, poised performers. Known for her patience and genuine care, she creates an environment where young dancers feel supported and empowered.
She continues to grow as a teacher by attending conferences, training seminars, and workshops to stay at the forefront of dance education. Kim’s dedication, energy, and passion for her students make her a beloved and invaluable leader of the PBSD family.
Scott Brown
Office Manager
Scott Brown was practically born into the world of dance, growing up in the studio founded by his mother, Pat Brown, the visionary behind Pat Brown School of Dancing. From an early age, he was immersed in the rhythm of the dance community, learning the art both on and off the stage.
While Scott danced in his younger years, his passion for creativity and craftsmanship led him to use his talents in unique ways. As the driving force behind Patty’s Porch Engraving & More, he specializes in crafting custom trophies, awards, and personalized gifts that celebrate achievements and milestones.
His artistic abilities extend beyond engraving—Scott is also a music composer, creating original pieces for the studio that inspire dancers and enhance performances. In addition, he plays a vital role in the daily operations of the dancewear store and serves as one of the studio’s office managers, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Through it all, Scott remains deeply grateful for the gifts and opportunities he has been given, recognizing that everything he does is by the grace of God. His dedication, creativity, and commitment to the legacy of the Pat Brown School of Dancing continue to leave a lasting impact on the community he holds dear.
Melissa Turner
Instructor / Assistant Director
Melissa Turner was born and raised in Jackson, TN, where her passion for dance was cultivated from an early age. A graduate of TCA, she is the daughter of Kim (Brown) Turner and the granddaughter of Pat Brown, the founder of Pat Brown School of Dancing and co-founder of Ballet Arts, Jackson.
Melissa began dancing at the age of three and dedicated the next 15 years of her life to intensive training, spending five days a week at the studio under the guidance of Pat Brown, Stephanie Freeman, and Kim Turner. Her training encompassed a diverse range of styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Acro, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip Hop. She also expanded her expertise through summer intensives, working with renowned instructors from San Francisco Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, NYC Theatre of Harlem, and others.
At just 10 years old, Melissa joined Ballet Arts of Jackson as an apprentice member, progressing through the ranks to Junior Performing Member and later Senior Performing Member. During her time in the company, she performed in numerous lead roles, including Clara (The Nutcracker), Stepsister (Cinderella), and Coppélia (Coppélia), among others. Now, in her second year as the Dance Répétiteur, she continues to shape and refine performances with her expertise in staging and choreography.
Melissa holds an ABT Certification from American Ballet Theatre in New York City and remains committed to advancing her knowledge to better serve her students. She has also completed specialized training through the Rhee Gold Las Vegas Conference and the Las Vegas Dance Teacher Web Conference.
Her vision for choreography and staging is a tremendous asset to Pat Brown School of Dancing, where she also serves as an assistant to her mother and studio director, Kim Turner. Melissa is deeply passionate about teaching and is thrilled to share her love of dance with the next generation of dancers at PBSD!
Eboni Godwin
Instructor
Eboni Godwin is a Jackson native and an alumna of Pat Brown School of Dancing. Eboni began her dance training at age 4, and she was trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, acrobatics, lyrical, and hip hop.
Eboni is an alum of Middle Tennessee State University, where she graduated magna cum laude in just three years with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Pre-Law cognate and a French language focus. She also minored in University Honors, which gave her the opportunity to present her honors thesis project, “Exploring Grief through Dance,” during the Spring 2024 semester.
During the Spring 2022 semester, Eboni joined the MTSU Performing Arts Company (MPAC), where she expanded her dance education in hip hop, majorette, contemporary, modern, lyrical, and afro fusion. While with the organization, Eboni was a member of its professional company, First Company, from September 2022 to May 2024. Eboni served on the executive board with the MTSU Performing Arts Company, as the Secretary for the 2022-2023 year and the President for the 2023-2024 year.
Eboni is excited to return to her childhood studio to spread the love of dance that has been deeply instilled in her throughout her life.
Kelly Bryan
Instructor
Kelly Bryan is a Jackson native and an alumna of Pat Brown School of Dancing, where she trained for 13 years and participated in the student-teacher program. She was a member of Ballet Arts of Jackson for eight years. Along with Ballet Arts Summer Intensives, Kelly attended the Rockette Summer Intensive in New York City and Governor’s School for the Arts. After graduating high school from the University School of Jackson, she continued her education at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville where she majored in Recreational Therapy and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education.
While in Knoxville, she served as a counselor at several camps for individuals with special needs and worked recreational workshops helping those with unique abilities. Kelly has worked in a variety of facilities such as skilled nursing, therapeutic horseback riding, and youth behavioral health helping residents and participants find alternative ways to achieve their goals and increase their quality of life. Along with teaching dance classes, she is also currently working as the Program Assistant at the Therapy and Learning Center here in Jackson.
Kelly trained with the very best at Pat Brown School of Dancing and is excited to use what she has learned with her very own classes this year!
Allie Hampson
Instructor
Amber Hobbs
Instructor
Amber Hobbs found a passion for dance in her early teens when she first learned Hebrew and folk dancing. This love for dance quickly became her focus and she started choreographing and performing for many church events. At 17 she watched Riverdance with her friends and was captivated. They hired Wendy Windsor from the Scott Ellis School of Irish Dance in Franklin to come teach them workshops. These workshops eventually led to the formation of an Irish dance troupe that would tour and perform.
Amber’s love of dance and self-discipline led to her becoming the head instructor and choreographer of the 50+ member Irish dance troupe named Windance. Windance performed in festivals all across Tennessee and drew crowds with their high energy and unique dances. Windance went on to perform at the Jackson Mississippi Celtic Fest multiple times and at the North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas.
Amber hopes to pass on her enjoyment of dance and strong work ethic. She brings a sense of community to her classes as well as helping students individually excel.
Colleen Johnson
Instructor
Colleen Johnson has dedicated her life to the art of dance. She began dancing at the age of three and started competing by eight, continuing through high school. She attended the prestigious High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas, where she majored in dance. During her time there, she had the opportunity to train with renowned institutions and instructors, including the Bolshoi Ballet, Tremaine faculty, and Broadway Dance Center.
Throughout her dance journey, Colleen studied under esteemed mentors such as Delia Stewart, Glen Hunsucker, Al Gilbert, Mia Michaels, and Doug Caldwell. She trained extensively in multiple styles, including Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, and Modern. Her talent and dedication led to an invitation to dance professionally in New York, but she chose to prioritize her family.
Transitioning into fitness before opening her own dance studio, Colleen has remained deeply passionate about sharing her knowledge and love for dance. Now based in Jackson for the past 10 years, she has focused on raising her six children, who range in age from 11 to 30, while continuing to inspire young dancers.
Her extensive experience, both as a performer and an instructor, makes her a dedicated and dynamic educator, committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Sharla Patton Key
Instructor
Sharla Patton Key is a Jackson native and an alumna of Pat Brown School of Dancing, where she studied all style of dance. She is a graduate of Jackson Central Merry High School in Jackson, TN. She graduated with honors from The University of Memphis in 2005 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater and Dance. Her accomplishments include choreographing the opening number for the Miss Bronze West Tennessee Scholarship Pageant sponsored by The Jackson (TN) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for the past 16 years and she has served as its production chairperson for the last 5 years. In addition to the production chair, she now serves as chair of the pageant. Other accolades include choreographing dance numbers for churches and other organizations and assisting with productions. She graduated from Jackson State Community College in May 2017 as a Registered Nurse and is currently employed by West Tennessee Healthcare where she previously specialized in Respiratory care but now utilizes her skills in the Labor and Delivery Department. In spite of a busy life, she finds time to volunteer with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, serving as past chairperson of the Nominating Committee as well as an active role in her church, Journey, serving in their nursery and as a spokesperson for their “informational videos”.
Raven Parks
Instructor
Raven Parks is a Jackson native and an alumna of Pat Brown School of Dancing, where she studied dance and tumbling. She started cheering Madison County Parks and Recreation and YMCA. She continued to cheer for Jackson Middle, Rose Hill Middle, Jackson Central Merry High School, Northside High School, and Memphis Elite. Her dance and tumbling training also started at a young age at Pat Brown School of Dancing, Southern Extreme, and Jackson 10 Allstars. She continued on into college cheering with Bethel moved University and The University of Memphis. She later graduated college with her Bachelor’s and Masters’s in Early Childhood Education.
Raven served as an instructor for the Universal Cheerleading Association and at numerous clinics and camps throughout the southeast region. She made over 10 appearances competing notionally and won 7 championship titles. She coached Jackson Christian cheerleaders for 4 years and brought back 6 first place trophies in their division at UCA camp. She currently works for West TN Healthcare as a Family Support Specialist.