NICOLE RYAN
DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER/INSTRUCTOR
Nicole’s passion for dance began at the young age of 5 and has continued ever since. Nicole studied under the direction of Shelleh Harkcom at Deltona Dance Academy in Deltona, Florida for 15 years. She studied all genres of dance including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary/ Lyrical, Pointe, Hip Hop, as well as gymnastics. Nicole began traveling to vario
us conventions and competitions at a young age to train with multiple professional Convention Dance instructors and choreographers. Every Summer, Nicole would travel to New York or California on scholarship to train with professional choreographers and instructors such as Mia Michaels, Ray Leeper, and Chris Jacobson to name a few. Nicole worked her first professional job at the age of 8, and continued for the next three years, at Walt Disney World, performing on stage, in the televised Christmas Parade as well as commercials. Nicole starred in her first dance television show at the age of 9. Nicole has also had the opportunity to work and dance at Epcot in Orlando, Florida. Nicole began competitive dance at the age of 8, and has been awarded numerous titles such as Miss Showbiz, Miss Starpower, Miss Rising Star and Miss Dance of Central Florida. Nicole also received the title of 1st place, highest scoring solo, at 4 National Dance Competitions. Nicole started co-teaching at the age of 12, and continued until the time she was 18. After graduating high school, she had the opportunity to teach at Stetson University in Deland, Florida, as well as at a few other studios in Florida. Nicole has toured with two National competition circuits as a judge seasonally for a total of, 4 years now. Nicole has been invited to guest teach and choreograph for various studios around the United States. Nicole has also had the honor of performing as a dancer for the Arena Football League Association’s Orlando Predators. Nicole currently resides in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and is extremely excited to begin a business venture with the Elite Academy of Dance in Southern Pines. As Director, Choreographer, and Instructor, Nicole is thrilled to be able to share her passion and knowledge of dance with all of her students. ALEXA PEREZ
CHOREOGRAPHER/INSTRUCTOR
Alexa Perez has taught all age levels of ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and tap dance for over 16 years. Her dance training began at Sheffield’s School of the Dance in Mobile Alabama, where she was a member of their Dance Ensemble, performing worldwide. Alexa spent her early adult years as a dancer/back-up singer and performed in Casinos all across the U.S. and also had the opportunity to perform on Celebrity Cruise Lines. She has been the co-director and primary choreographer for many dance companies across the southeast, in the states of Alabama, Mississippi and North Carolina, where she has received many awards for choreography. She has taught classes for many studios across the nation and lives to inspire and motivate young dancers that enjoy the Art of Dance.
