Untitled

DanceWorks was founded in July of 1989. The original studio was in Wake Forest on the corner of South White Street and Roosevelt. With the expansion of our business to include gymnastics we moved to 1921 South Main Street near Ligon Mill Road. When the building was torn down in 1998 to make room for a business park, we moved to our current location in Youngsville. In 2007 DanceWorks Studio and Tri County Gymnastics expanded its Location to a 10,000 square foot facility off of highway 96. They are currently the largest Gymnastics Facility in Franklin County.

Courtney has been a dancer/gymnast most of her life. She has been both a dancer and gymnast competitively in high school. and into college. She holds a Bachleor of Arts and Science Degree from UNC Chapel Hill. Over the past four years, Courtney has had the oppotunity to take master classes from such great minds as Shane Sparks, Donvoan Helma, Natalie Fotopolous, Emily Shock, Sonya Tayeh, and Caroline Lewis. She is also USAG Professional Member.

Competition Director/ Partner Jazz, Lyrical and Hip Hop Instructor, Choreographer
Wendy has danced competitively throughout high school and professionally in New York City. While in NYC wendy was an assstant teacher at the Broadway Dance Center and has had the pleasure to take from some of the professional teachers/choreographers in the world. She re-joined the DWS Staff in the Fall of 2007 and has been instrumental in creating the competitive company/programs that you see today.

Kristen is new to our Staff in 2009, she joins DWS from Western Kentucky where she recieved a BFA in Performing Arts with a concentration in Dance at WKU. Kristen has had the pleasure of training at the Prestigous North Carolina School of the Arts and Nutmeg Conservatory. She currently performs regularly with Barskills Dance Theater Theater. We ae excited to welcome Kristen to the DWS Staff and can't wait to see what the new year brings.Company based out of Durham and has been a past professional member of the Atlanta Dance Project and The Alliance

Elissa attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pa. and received a full dance scholarship to Point Park Conservatory. She has won scholarships to the EDGE in Los Angeles and has been invited to perform for Stiletto Entertainment and Anheiser Busch theme parks. Elissa judges for several national competitions and teaches master classes throughout the country. Elissa's unique and innovative choreography has won her many choreography and top teacher awards. Elissa has a fresh and innovative approach to dance which enables her to instill in her students a special passion for the art. Elissa will be choreographing a Small group for our Company Dancers this year, so you will see her in the studio throughout the year. She will also be hosting EVOLVE on September 12th and 13th with some of the most diverse Staff of Choreographers in the Country. Elissa is also known for her Work with her very own pre-professional Company FactorE Based out of Wilmintgon NC. Her soloist and group numbers can bee seen on The Hall of Fame, Jump, and NYCDA websites.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Kentrell has been dancing and competing for many years. He is a member of the renowned Bloc Talent Agency of Atlanta, GA, and has performed his unique hip hop styles from here to China. Kentrell has been heavily involved with activities for the 102 JAMZ dancers, where he played a major role in the vision and establishment of their dance group in 2003. He has been involved with Couture Productions and appeared as a dancer for the Greensboro Super Jam concert on numerous occasions. Kentrell has coordinated numerous major dance events for North Carolina A&T State University, including homecoming and Aggie Fest. He has been invited to travel with numerous dance organizations and competitions, including Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, and has performed as a dancer for numerous R&B and rap artists. His unique approach to hip hop technique and foundations, as well as his exciting teaching style make him a studio favorite for students of all ages and levels! Kentrell will be choreographing for our Intermediate Hip Hop Company and coming in for master classes for all levels throughout the year.

Since the age of three, Donovan Helma has been dancing under the direction of his mother's dance studio in Denver, CO. Before the age of 17, Donovan had studied with many tap legends including Savion Glover, Robert Reed, and Henry Le Tang, just to name a few. He currently continues his education in New York City. When he is not taking class or performing, Donovan teaches for numerous studios and national conventions all across the United States. Some recent works include General Motors and Charles Schwab industrials along with a Monday Night Football halftime show with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. He has recently performed for Montreal’s Danse Encore International Festival in a production by Tap’d Out. In 2004 and 2006 Donovan toured and performed with the national cast of Tap Dogs. Donovan looks forward to continuing his performing career and inspiring students nationwide.Donvan Choreographs for our Advanced Tap Company and we are so happy to have him back this year.

Ms.Bertina is entering her 6th year with us. Bertina holds a BA in Exercise Sport Science and a BS in Child Development from East Carolina. Her love for gymnastics and dedication to educating young children have made her a welcomed member to our staff. Bertina is a certified Level 9 USA-G Judge.