Carnissa Kilgore , affectionately known as miss carni, is a distinguished artistic director and talent educator based in Metro Atlanta, bringing over two decades of professional training and experience to her craft. Her journey in the performing arts began with early success in pageantry—crowned 1998 Little Miss Walking Doll in Union, South Carolina, and 2003 Little Miss North Georgia State Fair in Marietta, Georgia. These formative achievements sparked a lifelong passion for the arts and helped shape her dedication to performance, poise, and excellence.

Specializing in dance—tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater—and pageantry, Carnissa has trained under renowned choreographers and earned recognition for her innovative choreography and dynamic performances across a wide array of competitions, festivals, and music videos. Her creative vision and technical prowess have consistently stood out in the industry.

With more than a decade of teaching experience, Carnissa has shared her expertise with dancers of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Her commitment to cultivating the next generation of artists has earned her numerous scholarships and choreography awards, including top honors at both regional and national levels for choreography and technique.

Beyond the classroom and studio, Carnissa has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Professional Dance & Cheer Captain for the Atlanta Wildcats of the American Basketball Association. In this role, she successfully led and inspired a team of dancers, contributing to the team’s strong presence both on and off the court.

Her talents also extend into the music industry, where she has worked with award-winning recording artists. She served as Dance Captain for Ivy Shades and held dual roles as Choreographer and Dancer for Brianna Shelko. Her versatility and stage presence have been showcased at major events including the Pure Heat Community Festival and Atlanta and Nashville Pride, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and sought-after performer.

Currently, Carnissa continues to share her passion as a beloved talent adjudicator for Dance One Tours and an educator at Steppin’ Out Performing Arts Center in Woodstock, Georgia. She is dedicated to fostering not only technical proficiency but also a deep love for performance, empowering her students to reach their fullest potential.

In 2020, Carnissa was featured in Black Nuptials Magazine, where her multifaceted talents were spotlighted, celebrating her impact in the performing arts and her work beyond the stage.

Driven by a deep commitment to inspiring youth, Carnissa strives to help her students excel in all aspects of their lives, encouraging them to embrace their passions and pursue excellence.