Birmingham, AL 35243 (Google Map)
Briarwood Ballet
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing.”- Psalm 30:11a ESV
Birmingham, AL 35243 (Google Map)
Meet the director of Immanuel, Mrs. Meredith Dorough!
Meredith Dorough has been dancing since she was 3, joining Briarwood Ballet at the age of 8. She has served the school in many roles starting as a student, teaching assistant, and member of Ballet Exaltation. As a student, she was classically trained in ballet and traveled locally and internationally to perform as a member of Ballet Exaltation from 1997-2002, along with dancing many roles in the school’s annual productions. Meredith then attended Samford University where she received a Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in Exercise Science. Her senior research project at Samford centered around pre-dispositions to injury in the ballet dancer. While attending Samford University, Meredith continued performing with a number of groups - Samford theater department’s dance production, Miss Samford pageant, and Samford’s Step Sing - as well as joined Birmingham Ballet for one season (2004-2005), dancing the role of Dew Drop Fairy in The Nutcracker. In 1998, Meredith joined the faculty at Briarwood Ballet and became the Immanuel director in the fall of 2006, after an interim year in 2003. As director of Immanuel, Meredith has choreographed and rehearsed a varied repertoire of classical and contemporary works, and produces the company’s annual dance concert. Meredith’s commitment to learning new teaching practices always pushes her towards continuing education. She has attended seminars for pedagogical studies, including ABT and RPM. In addition to directing Immanuel, Meredith continues to serve Briarwood Ballet as an instructor, choreographer, and production manager.
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Meet our wonderful office manager, Ms. Lisa Allen!
A native Mississippian and graduate of Ole Miss, Lisa Allen worked at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for thirteen years where she honed her computer skills and studied basic computer graphic design.
Lisa has been in Christian dance administration for over 35 years starting with Ballet Magnificat! For nine years, she helped to establish standard business practices and financial accountability as well as to oversee the company’s graphic design work and publications. She was there for the early formation of their school and summer intensive program.
Moving to Nashville 1998, Lisa began her tenure as General Manager for Hosanna Sacred Arts. The next year she helped them transition to Birmingham. She acted in that capacity for over six years before stepping down to work exclusively with Briarwood Ballet.
As she begins her 26th year at Briarwood Ballet, it is hard to list all of the things that Lisa does. From general office oversight, financial record-keeping, and graphic design to the occasional costume assist she wears a lot of hats. However, her passion is coordinating Ballet Exaltation’s international mission trips.
Although you will never see her on stage, you will find her behind the scenes helping to make it all happen.
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Thank you friend for being there... and for your devotion to bringing the Lord through all your work behind the scenes! For those of us who know of those many efforts and for the countless who probably don't know... you've been a blessing to so many!! ~ K
Oh this amazingly talented, organized, faithful, energetic Godly woman has a heart 💜 for Jesus! Westwood Ballet has been so grateful & blessed to serve alongside Lisa since 2000.
We are all so thankful for you, Lisa Allen!!!
So thankful for all you do Lisa Allen!!!
The Best!
The best! 👏🏼❤️🎉
❤️
Meet our Artistic Director and director of Ballet Exaltation, Mrs. Brittany Bischoff!
Brittany Bischoff was born and raised in Dallas, TX. She trained at the Dallas Ballet Center and performed as a company member with the Dallas Ballet Company, dancing leading roles in Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Raymonda, and The Nutcracker. In 2001, Brittany was chosen to work with Christopher Wheeldon when he and other New York City Ballet dancers came to Dallas as part of a collaborative performance with Dallas Ballet Company. She spent her summers studying at Boston Ballet and Ballet Magnificat!. Upon graduation in 2002, Brittany was accepted into the Trainee Program with Ballet Magnificat! and joined the company in 2004, dancing under the leadership of Kathy Thibodeaux and Jiri Voborsky. While touring with the company, she taught master classes and performed extensively across the U.S. and in 13 countries internationally. Brittany was appointed the Assistant Artistic Director from 2009-2011 and finished her dancing career in December 2011. She served as the Ballet Magnificat! School of the Arts Director for one year before moving to Birmingham, AL. Brittany started teaching at Briarwood Ballet in 2012, served as the Interim Artistic Director for the 2023-24 season, and is currently the director of Ballet Exaltation. Additionally, she has enjoyed choreographing and teaching master classes for the dance department at Samford University. Brittany is honored to be stepping into the role of Artistic Director of Briarwood Ballet this year.
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Beautiful inside and out. God’s amazing gift to Briarwood Ballet. We are all so thankful!
Gorgeous!!!
Introducing our first faculty bio of the 2024-25 season… Meet Briarwood Ballet’s Executive Director, Peggy Townes!
Peggy Barker Townes grew up in Birmingham, AL dancing under the instruction of her mother, Barbara Barker. Towards the end of high school, Peggy discovered a love for musical theatre and went on to attend Samford University as a theater major under Harold Hunt. During her college years Peggy performed leading roles in many shows including The Sound of Music, Gigi, The Music Man, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, My Fair Lady, Summer and Smoke, as well as some period pieces such as Moliere’s The Misanthrope and Sheridan’s The Rivals. In 1986 she had her first opportunity to direct a show for which she was rewarded the Bonnie Bolding Swearingen Award for Best Director. In the following years Peggy joined the faculty at Briarwood Ballet, founded a children’s theater program called NarrowWay Kids, and co-founded MoTowne Productions alongside Tammy Moore. In 2012, God made it clear that He was calling Peggy to step away from children’s theatre and accept the position of Executive Director of Briarwood Ballet. Although she accepted the job with fear and trembling, Peggy has delighted in the privilege of continuing her mother’s vision and legacy. Serving the Lord alongside the best staff and faculty to train young dancers to use their gifts in worship of our Savior is an amazing calling.
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What a wonderful Godly lady who follows in the footsteps of a wonderful Godly mother. Keep up the great work
Peggy is the Best of the best!!
Love Peggy Townes! She is amazing!
Peggy is such an amazing woman…
Love you so much! Miss seeing you!🩷
So gifted and beautiful just like her mama❤️
You are a blessing to the program!!
You are such a gift. Miss and Love you Peggy Barker Townes.
peggy is 1st class ❤️
We are so incredibly grateful for your investment in our girl’s life, Peggy Barker Townes!!! Thank you for not only teaching her the Word of God, but living it out with such faith, grace and contagious joy!