About Us

At Revolution Dance, we strive to provide a challenging and encouraging environment for dancers 8 years old and older. We provide classes in many dance disciplines to provide the dancer with a well-rounded experience - no matter their skill or interest. All of our classes are taught by highly skilled instructors using the latest in choreography, techniques, and music.

 

Julie Barton

Julie Barton is the owner and program director for Gym Bugs/Jitter Bugs and Revolution Dance. Julie is a former University of Tennessee Cheerleader from 1995-1998 and Captain in 1998.

She is the former Head Coach for the University of Tennessee Dance Team from 2003-2006-placing 2nd @ the 2006 UDA Collegiate Dance Nationals.

Her background is in gymnastics, dance, and special populations. 

She worked at East Tennessee Children’s Rehabilitation Center for 4 years before starting her businesses.  She and her husband, Jason, are also head coaches of the Special Needs Cheer Team-Revolution Spirit.  Julie received her BS in Childhood Development from UT in 1999.


Melanie Baker Niblick

Melanie Baker Niblick is the Owner/Director of Tap-N-Burn and teh Revolution Dance Tap Director. She has over 30 years experience in tap, lyrical, jazz, and creative movement.

Originally from Oak Rige, she performed with an award winning ensemble for years and continues her education yearly with worldwide leaders in classroom curriculum and choreography (affiliated with Broadway Dance Center).

In 2008, Melanie completed and performed in New York City Tap Festival's tap residency program. In 2005, she was a student at Manhattan Motion Studios in New York, completing courses in Hip-Hop, Lyrical, and Jazz.

She has also had training with world-renowned performers Savion Glover, Dianne Walker, Janice Barringer, Frank Hatchett, Steven Boyd, and Darryl and Becca Retter.

Through her 11 years of ownership of dance studios and teaching in public and private preschools, Melanie has taught over 1,800 students. She lived in Minneaoplis, Minnesota, and Raleigh, North Carolina, where she successfully ran similar dance-based businesses.

Melanie is also the director of Pointe of Praise Dance Ministry at Middlberook Pike United Methodist Church. She is married to Jay and they have three children.