Owner/Artistic Director

A LIFE IN FULL VOLUME. Karsia Slaughter doesn’t just teach dance—she lives it. As the powerhouse owner of Volume Performance Center, she has spent the past 30 years shaping movers into artists, dreamers into doers, and routines into showstoppers. A native of Kentucky with a fierce heart and a flair for rhythm, Karsia earned her Bachelor and Master of Arts in Public Relations and Mass Communications from Murray State University, where she also studied dance and sang, danced, and performed in many theatre productions.

Karsia has also choreographed for NFL cheerleaders (hello, Colts and Titans) as well as high school dance teams. In choreography, her work has taken home 16 awards for choreography and costume design.. She was chosen as Heat Dance Convention’s Passion award winner for two years in a row. Not to mention, she is also certified in Pound and Progressing Ballet Technique. And if you think that’s all, think again—Karsia is also the author of The Amazingly Awesome Adventures of Dancing Dee, a children’s book that captures the joy of dancing through the mind of a little girl.She is also a dance adjudicator and judged stages from Indiana to Nebraska to California for CRU Dance, Jamfest, IHSDTA…always bringing a keen eye, a kind heart, and a deep love for the art.

But behind the curtain, she’s got layers. Karsia is a southern woman who loves Jesus, cooks a mean chili, and enjoys being a homebody. She’s been crushing the New York Times crossword puzzle for five years straight (no big deal), and when she’s home alone, she admits that she sometimes makes weird noises just because she can (a quiet room drives her crazy)! Her eclectic music tastes include Janet Jackson to Eminem to Yo Yo Ma and finds creative kinship in the genius of Twyla Tharp. And if you’re wondering what she’s up to in her downtime, she’s likely lost in a Stephen King novel, building her family tree one ancestor at a time, or doing something creative.

Karsia Slaughter: movement maker, memory shaper, chili queen, music enthusiast and an absolute vibe

Co-Competition Director
Contemporary/Tap

PRECISION, PASSION, AND A POP OF PERSONALITY. Now in her sixth season as a dance instructor at Volume Performance Center, Ashleigh Southline brings a dynamic mix of technical training, creative vision, and contagious enthusiasm to every class. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Ashleigh’s dance journey began at her mother’s studio, where she trained in tap, ballet, and jazz from a young age.

A proud alum of St. Joseph High School, she danced on both the pom and jazz teams before continuing her education at Ball State University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Cellular Molecular Biology while minoring in dance—blending science and art with equal passion.

Ashleigh is a featured member of the Crossroads Indy Dance Company and has received multiple choreography awards at regional competitions. Her favorite styles to teach are contemporary and jazz, where she thrives in storytelling through movement.

Ashleigh is also the owner of DanceBox, “providing quality customizable dance wear boxes to dancers and dance studios.”

When she’s not in the studio, you’ll catch her enjoying all types of food and jamming to Chapelle Roan, Noah Kahan, and Taylor Swift. And yes—she can make a clover with her tongue! Ashleigh is married and has an entire zoo in her house! We cannot count the number of dogs and cats that live with them.

With precision, personality, and a genuine love for dance, Ashleigh continues to inspire Volume dancers to move with heart and excellence.

Hip Hop/West African

FUELING THE BEAT. Ciera Thomas returns for her third season as an instructor, bringing unmatched energy, creativity, and confidence to every class she leads. A proud Indianapolis native, Ciera grew up training in various dance styles and competing in high-energy step competitions that laid the foundation for her signature style.

She continued her education at Ball State University, where she majored in Dance and performed with the dynamic Outlet Hip Hop Troupe. After college, Ciera’s choreography to “Flashlight” earned a buzzer and special recognition at the 2025 ID Dance Competition in Louisville—an award that solidified her place as a rising choreographic talent.

Ciera’s favorite dance styles are hip hop and West African dance. She inspired by the bold and unapologetic artistry of choreographer Parris Goebel. She’s also a huge fan of Disney movies, blending her love for storytelling and movement to captivate dancers of all ages.

As far as fueling her body, Ciera loves watermelon and blueberries.

Whether she’s teaching a class or vibing to a playlist filled with Etta James, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, and Solange Knowles, Ciera brings flavor, fun, and fearless expression. Her favorites? Hip-hop grooves make moments that feel like magic.

Ballet/Pointe

DANCER. WRITER. DREAMER. Jillian is a passionate dancer and writer originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. A graduate of New Palestine High School, Jillian trained and competed in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and modern dance throughout her youth. She is currently pursuing a degree in Creative Writing with a minor in Classical Studies at Butler University.

Jillian is a proud member of Revelations Dance Company and the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, where she was honored as a merit scholar. Her favorite dance style is modern, drawn to its emotional depth and expressive movement.

A lover of all things creative, Jillian finds inspiration in musicals and music by artists like Chappell Roan, Hozier, Noah Kahan, Fleetwood Mac, and Doechii. When she’s not dancing or writing, you’ll likely find her exploring her favorite city—New York—soaking in its art, culture, and energy.

Early Childhood Dance, Youth Jazz

HIP HOP, HUMOR, HEART. Elyse is in her second year as an instructor at VPC and is proud to be a Volume alum. Originally from Zionsville, Indiana, Elyse grew up training and competing in hip hop, jazz, and lyrical, with hip hop being her favorite style. She was a member of VPC’s Adult Open team that won the Jamfest National Dance Championship.

Elyse brings a vibrant energy and deep love for dance to every class. She is passionate about building confidence and creativity in her students and is especially grateful for the VPC families.

“I love the strong community that VPC families have created and the opportunity to share my passion for dance with an amazing group of girls,” she says.

Outside the studio, Elyse is married with three children. Her favorite music artists include Michael Jackson, Leon Bridges, Forrest Frank, and Whitney Houston. Fun fact: she has a “stupid human trick” and can touch her tongue to her nose and raise her left eyebrow independently—sometimes at the same time!

Co-Competition Director
Jazz/Conditioning/Strength

FROM SOUTHERN GIRL TO SHOWSTOPPER. Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Janelle McKinney is a dynamic performer whose dance journey began at Hardin Valley Academy and Knox Dance Worx. There, she trained extensively in ballet, jazz, hip hop, Bollywood, contemporary, and lyrical, laying the foundation for a vibrant and versatile dance career.

Janelle continued her education at the University of Kentucky, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience while dancing as a member of the nationally ranked University of Kentucky Wildcat Danz Team. Her passion and talent later took her to the professional level as an Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader, where she served for two exciting seasons and had the honor of representing the team internationally in Poland.

Known for her infectious energy and fierce stage presence, Janelle’s favorite styles are jazz and hip hop. Off the dance floor, she’s a true foodie who lives for crab boils and crab legs, and she finds peace and joy visiting her favorite getaway—Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Her playlist is just as eclectic as her personality, with favorites including Lizzo, Meg Thee Stallion, Sabrina Carpenter, T-Pain, Polo G, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne.

Whether she’s performing in front of thousands or vibing to her favorite tracks, Janelle brings boldness, creativity, and Southern charm to everything she does.

Sexy Adult Jazz/Jazz

ROOTED IN RHYTHM. Rykeshia Bankhead joins Volume Performance Center for her first season as an instructor, bringing passion, precision, and undeniable presence to the studio. Originally from Danville, Illinois, Rykeshia is a proud Volume alum whose dance journey took flight at North Central High School, where she danced with the Pantherette Dance Team and competed on the jazz team.

Her favorite style—jazz—continues to influence her choreography and performance with dynamic energy and soulful flair. Rykeshia earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology from Southern University A&M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and continued dancing as a member of Indianapolis’ own Kenyetta Dance Company.

Rykeshia also leads “Saucy Stilettos” classes, where confidence and empowerment take center stage. She’s fueled by her favorite meals—seafood boils and stir fry noodles—and inspired by musical legends like Chaka Khan, Beyoncé, Keri Hilson, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, The Whispers, and The Isley Brothers.

Her favorite city to visit is Chicago, where the rhythm of the streets echoes her love for dance and culture. Now returning to Volume as an instructor, Rykeshia brings her full-circle journey, bold spirit, and a mission to help every dancer find their fire.

Teeny Weenies/Adult Jazz

JAZZ, JOY, AND UNSTOPPABLE ENERGY

Asia Carter enters her first season as an instructor at Volume Performance Center with passion, precision, and a whole lot of jazz swag. Hailing from Merrillville, Indiana, Asia’s dance foundation includes jazz, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical—blending her technique with the bold influence of artists like Ciara, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Mary J. Blige.

She was a proud member of the IUPUI Dance Team during college and earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ivy Tech. Today, she leads with heart both in the studio and in her full-time role as a childcare director at The Imagination Center.

A devoted dance mom, Asia has cheered from the audience as her daughter has danced at Volume for the past six years—an experience that fuels her drive to uplift young performers. Known for her fierce focus (and a surprisingly long, unblinking stare!), Asia brings joy, discipline, and flavor to every class.

Asia is excited to guide the next generation with confidence, rhythm, and her signature flair for jazz.