A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Cari Kirkland has had extensive experience in training and choreographing dancers. She has owned and directed Bailey Fine Arts Centre since 1999. This is also her 25th year serving as the Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Columbia, a non-profit organization benefitting local children’s charities through presenting dance productions in the greater Columbia, SC area. In these positions, she has trained dancers and teachers in the rigors of ballet, tap, pointe, jazz, lyrical, theatrical, and other styles of dance, as well as preparing them for various stage productions. Notable pieces include Alice in Wonderland, Red Riding Hood, Babes in Toyland, and her original dance production of The Wizard of Oz. Some of her students have gone on to become working professionals in the arts as stage performers and dance instructors. As Artistic Director of the Bailey Fine Arts Competition Company, Mrs. Kirkland’s choreography and dancers have been adjudicated at regional and national competitions and have received many outstanding accolades including: 1st place at nationals, overall high score for a competition, multiple Elite scores and special judges awards, multiple 1st place Production number awards, and overall studio technique and sportsmanship awards.