meet our staff

  • Darbie Duff

    Owner + Artistic Director

    Darbie started dancing at the age of three. She is trained in ballet, hip hop, and contemporary. In high school, she joined a professional contemporary company called Dance Theatre Suitcase (DTS) under Gabriel Otrevel.

    Darbie has been teaching choreography for 17 years and is often asked to set choreography for other studios because of her powerful style and unique teaching methods.

    She has trained under Nadia Thompson (Boston Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet) and Anna Marie Holmes (Emmy Award winner, Kirov Ballet)

    Darbie has had many performing opportunities around the country. She has performed an original piece called “Kristallnacht” alongside Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Elle Wiesel at the Jewish 200th holocaust celebration. She has also had the privilege to perform for the Queen of England during her visit to Jamestown, VA.

    Darbie made it to the final round/cut of the tv show “Live to Dance” and has also appeared in several movies and tv shows, such as Scary Movie 5, Merry Freakin Christmas, Necessary Roughness, Vampire Diaries, Fast7, The originals, and Ride Along 2, to name a few.

  • Elizabeth Lobovitz

    Ballet

    Elizabeth grew up in Holden, Massachusetts and began her dance training at the age of five at Paula Meola Dance and Performing Arts.  She has attended multiple summer intensives, including Cincinnati Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. In May 2020 she graduated cum laude from Butler University’s Jordan College of the Arts, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in dance pedagogy with a minor in English.  

    After graduating, Elizabeth danced at BalletMet and Ballet RI, before joining Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre in 2023. With Terminus, she has performed in numerous works and world premiers by choreographers including Jennifer Archibald, Frank Chavez, Annalee Traylor, and Shane Urton as well as Terminus’ own Tara Lee and Rachel Van Buskirk.  She is currently the rehearsal director for Terminus Ballet School’s Student Company. 

    When not dancing, Elizabeth is passionate about teaching and choreographing. She has been on faculty at numerous professional company academies, as well as ballet and competition schools around the country. Elizabeth is thrilled to be joining The Pulse’s faculty for the upcoming season. 

  • sydnie cammarata

    Jazz + Directors Assistant

    Sydnie is a passionate and energetic dance instructor who brings fresh creativity and enthusiasm to every class. She specializes in contemporary and jazz funk and brings that expressive, dynamic style into her jazz classes, helping students build strong technique while encouraging individuality and performance quality.

    Orginally training and dancing at Kennesaw State University, Sydnie is now continuing her education at the University of Georgia. While pursuing her degree, she actively trains in Atlanta at Xcel Studios, staying connected to the professional dance community and continually sharpening her skills.

    As a young teacher, Sydnie connects easily with dancers of all ages, creating a positive and supportive environment where students feel empowered to grow both as performers and as individuals. She is committed to helping dancers find confidence, artistry, and joy in every step they take.

  • Monique Nicole Jackson

    Tap

    Monique started her dance training 32 years ago training in both the competitive and concert dance circuits.  Upon graduating high school, Monique set out for a degree in Dance Education at Brenau University. While studying at Brenau, she had the honor of participating in the Disney College Program in Orlando as a character/parade performer. Throughout her time at Disney, she participated in the televised “Mickey’s Once upon a Christmastime” parade in Magic Kingdom. She also had the opportunity to perform in “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” Parade in Animal Kingdom. 

    After the Disney College Program, Monique returned to Brenau to complete her Dance Education program and set her sights on her second love-- writing. In 2013, Monique received her bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism from Georgia State University with a minor in English. Soon after, Monique was afforded the opportunity to write for Dance Informa Magazine; a publication based in the U.S. and Australia. She has had the opportunity to interview dancers across the spectrum from commercial to performance styles while showcasing new and upcoming dance companies and talent alike.

    During this journey, Monique went back to school to pursue a master’s in journalism at Regent University in 2016 while planning to pursue a master’s in law afterward. After graduating with a master’s in journalism (2018) and Law (2020), Monique continues to write feature articles and advice columns for Dance Informa Magazine while choreographing for various dance programs and studios around Georgia.

  • Chloe conaway

    Youth Acro

    Chloe is a fun and energetic acro instructor with a lifelong love for movement. She has been involved in acro and gymnastics since she was a young child and has developed a strong foundation in flexibility, strength, and technique over the years. Her dedication to the art of dance continues to grow as she actively trains and performs at Pulse Dance Studios, where she is constantly expanding her skills in acro, contemporary, jazz, and more.

    In addition to her studio training, Chloe is a proud member of the Buford High School Dance Team, where she helped lead the team to state the past 2 years. Her competitive background includes numerous top 5 placements at national dance competitions, showcasing her talent, discipline, and commitment to excellence.

    As a teacher, Chloe brings the same energy and enthusiasm to the classroom that she brings to the stage. She creates a positive and supportive environment where students feel encouraged to challenge themselves, build confidence, and celebrate their progress. Whether working on foundational skills or advanced tricks, her goal is to help every dancer reach their full potential—while having a blast along the way!