Our staff are our most valuable asset. Their talents, development, participation and motivation are critical to our success.  

NIKKI CALDER BRAUN

Nikki graduated Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising in May 1991 and has been the director and owner of Top Hat Talent Performing Arts Studio for 18 years.  She’s been awarded dance scholarships from OCU, Dupree Jazz Camp and the 3rd Street Dance Academy in L.A.  Nikki has been a dance educator and choreographer for 22 years for THT, school pom squads, the National Dance Alliance, high school and college summer curriculum and the Japan Song leading and Dance Association in Tokyo, Japan.  She travels extensively, judging for regional and national competitions, including Showbiz and NDA.  She is a member of the current advisory board for the Federation of Dance Competitions Association and is the former choreographer for the OK Storm Basketball Dance Team and has won numerous choreography awards.

GINA HENRY

Over the past 16 years Gina has held many responsibilities with Top Hat Talent including Company Co-Director, Costume Designer, and Award winning Choreographer and Curriculum Consultant.  A student of dance for over 20 years, she’s performed all over the country including the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Festival.  Gina coached THT’s Petite Elite to back-to-back National Championships and has received coveted Choreography Awards from  1997 - 2009.  Gina judges for Showbiz National Talent Competition and travels throughout the year to further her training through conventions and seminars.

COURTNEY MCKEE

Courtney graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health, supporting field Sociology and a minor in Human Environmental Sciences, emphasis Nutrition. She has been training in dance for 24 years and has been teaching at THT for 17 years.  She is a past adjunct professor for the Oklahoma City Community College’s dance program.  She shares her talent with us through teaching and is the Operating Manager of Top Hat Talent.

TONI FOX

Toni has been training in dance for over 25 years.  She has participated in numerous conventions across the country, competed nationally and has trained in Los Angeles and Hollywood, CA.  She taught at Karen’s Kids Performing Arts Studios for over 10 years and has trained competitive dancers as well as recreational.

AMELIA PATTERSON

Amelia Patterson graduated from St. Gregory's University with a Bachelor's in Entertainment Management and Dance. She was a four year member of The Spirit and Sole Dance Ensemble and The St. Gregory's University Basketball Dancers. During her time at St. Gregory's she trained under Liz Reiter and Tasha Hinex. Growing up she trained under Susan Webb at Dance Innovations dance studio. Amelia is 24 and a native to Oklahoma City. She is the only child to Harold and Sheila Patterson.

KARISSA SUCHY

Karissa attended The University of Central Oklahoma and earned a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Public Relations. While in college she taught ballet, tap and jazz at Dance Star Productions in Cushing Oklahoma for two years. In addition, she coached cheer leading in the Upward Program through her church. Karissa was a dancer at Top Hat Talent for 15 years and was a member of THT’s competition team for 12 of those years. Karissa is a graduate of Putnam City High School and was a member of the Putnam City Pom squad for 3 years. She was a captain her senior year and traveled to New York City to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2003.

JAQUELINE MCKAMIE

Jacqueline McKamie is an alumni of Top Hat Talent and danced here for over twelve years. She is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma where she was active in her sorority by choreographing homecoming cheer routines, dance routines and "Spring Sing" musicals each year. She taught for two years at a dance studio in Edmond, OK. Jacqueline is excited to be returning to the Top Hat staff after living in upstate New York for the past year.

SARAH COWEN

Sarah is a recent graduate of Cyril High School. While in high school, Sarah was the sole owner and teacher of a dance studio she personally opened in Cyril Oklahoma for three years. She won numerous coveted dance awards and titles throughout the country! She will attend OCCC in the fall majoring in Business Management.