Meet S.O.P.A.C. Teachers & Staff
At Steppin’ Out Performing Arts Center, our team is the heart of everything we do. Each instructor and staff member brings passion, talent, and a commitment to nurturing every student’s growth—both on and off the stage. With backgrounds in professional performance, choreography, and education, our faculty combines expert training with a genuine love for teaching. Whether you're just beginning your dance journey or preparing for competition and beyond, our team is here to guide, support, and inspire you every step of the way.
Heather Knight
Owner| Director| Instructor | Choreographer | Dance Competition Judge
Heather got her start in New York, where she fell in love with dance at just 3 years old. Raised in Georgia, she continued her training and performance journey as a Lassiter High alum and Atlanta Workshop Player, dazzling audiences across the metro area.
Her professional career took her to the seas with Norwegian Cruise Lines and to the Magic Kingdom stage at Walt Disney World—where she performed in multiple productions and even portrayed Cinderella.
Since 1999, Heather has been a force in the dance community, earning choreography awards at the regional and national levels. She’s also a seasoned competition judge, sharing her expertise with studios across the country. But her proudest role is being a dance mom to Makhenna, whose years on stage were filled with unforgettable performances and numerous top honors. Now a college student at the University of Alabama, Makhenna carries her love of dance with her into this next chapter of life.
Autumn Ritter
Owner | Director | Instructor| Choreographer
From the stages of Atlanta to the spotlight at Walt Disney World, Autumn Ritter has lived and breathed the performing arts since childhood. A graduate of Point Park University with a B.A. in Musical Theatre, her professional journey includes performing in national productions, Disney parades, cruise line shows, and musical theatre classics like Hello Dolly and The Music Man.
With a sharp eye for movement and storytelling, Autumn has choreographed award-winning routines recognized at both regional and national competitions. Her creativity, energy, and years of industry experience fuel her mission to inspire and develop the next generation of dancers and performers at Steppin’ Out Performing Arts Center.
