Staff & Production

Artistic & Executive Director

Caroline Calouche

Caroline Calouche began dancing in the small North Carolina town of Gastonia right outside Charlotte and then branched out to Texas Christian University for two BFA degrees in Ballet and Modern Dance. From there she studied, performed and taught in Rome, Brussels and Austria where she completed a postgraduate program in choreography at the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance.

Finally home sick, Caroline returned to Charlotte and founded Caroline Calouche & Co. in 2006. She is known for blending a variety of dance and circus arts disciplines in her choreography. She has created over 70 choreographic works for the professional stage. Notable works are 'Carmina Burana', 'Lingua', 'Stargazer' and 'Clara's Trip'.

Many people have inspired her along the way in the dance and circus field. Some influential teachers are Li-Chou Cheng, Elizabeth Gillaspy, Mary Cochran, Susan Douglas Roberts, Kerry Kreiman, Susan Quinn, Joao da Silva, Andrew Harwood, Libby Farr, Keren Levi, Elsie and Serenity Smith, Molly Graves, Susan Murphy, Nancy Smith, Nicole Merman, Christine van Loo, Aimee Hancock, Amanda Lynch, Rodleigh Stevens and Tanya Burka.

Hanna Atkinson (She/Her) is thrilled to join Caroline Calouche & Co. and the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center for her second season as production manager. She previously served as calling stage manager for the 2023 production of Clara’s Trip. A Charlotte native, Hanna earned degrees in Theater Design & Technical Production and Business Administration from UNC Greensboro. Trained as a stage manager and theater electrician, she has worked with companies nationwide, including Greensboro Dance Theater, Greensboro Opera, Piedmont Opera, Toledo Opera, Opera Carolina, and the Chautauqua Opera Company & Conservatory.

Stage Manager

Valerie Wheeler

Valerie Wheeler (She/Her) has served as a Production Stage Manager at opera companies and festivals across the US, including New York City Opera, Portland Opera, Opera Carolina, Toledo Opera, Opera Grand Rapids, Wichita Grand Opera, Wolf Trap Opera Company, Opera Cleveland, University of Southern California/Thornton Opera, Opera Santa Barbara and Chautauqua Opera. With over 25 years of experience in the field, among her additional roles and credits, she served as Production Manager for the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival from 2010-2017.

Production Manager and Administrative Assistant

Hanna Atkinson

Chloe Shade (She/Her) Chloe Shade is an arts administrator and theatre director based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She holds a Master’s in Arts Administration and brings a collaborative, equity-centered approach to both her artistic and administrative work. As a theatre director, Chloe is drawn to storytelling that centers community, care, and social justice, with a particular commitment to uplifting BIPOC artists and narratives. Some of her professional experience includes work with Kennedy Center, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, National Black Theatre, Theatre Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Nouveau Sud Circus Project. Alongside her directing practice, Chloe works in arts administration with a focus on building sustainable, artist-centered organizations through thoughtful planning, public engagement, and accessible cultural infrastructure.

General Manager

Chloe Shade