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DANCE INSTRUCTORS

We pride ourselves in our talented, educated, and understanding teachers.

ANDREA CORNPROBST

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Hip-Hop/Dance Director

Bio Coming Soon

RACHELLE HARTIGAN

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Ballet/Tap/Lyrical/Combo Classes

A native of the Southern Pines area and having returned after a decade in the Pacific North West, dance has always been a vital element of Rachelle’s life. Classically trained in ballet since the age of 2, her repertoire varies - extending into other elements of the performing arts as well. She has studied within the programs of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Tacoma Ballet, and The Portland Ballet - transversing the country by way of a military lifestyle. Now settled with her blended family, Rachelle takes pride in bringing her love of movement to the next generation. Additionally, as a certified yoga instructor, Rachelle values safe and intentional expression in dance with a mindful approach that emphasizes connection with body confidence.

JOSIE LANKFORD

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Combo Classes/Tiny Tots

Born and raised in North Carolina, Josie Lankford has been studying all styles of dance for over 16 years at various studios over NC. Starting with a simple combo class at the age of 3, Josie has now been attending advanced dance classes, pointe dance, and is on her college dance team. Having studied various styles of dance in New York City, Josie is thrilled to be teaching. While having studied her dance education at the Encore Center, she has performed in many dance productions such as Lion King as Zazu, Alice in Wonderland as the Mad Hatter, and most recently, Frozen as Anna. Josie is currently attending Montreat College to get her Associates in Christian Ministry while being on the dance team full time. Josie is excited to bring her passion of dance here at Encore Performing Arts Studio!

GABRIELLA TAYLOR

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Ballet/Jazz/Acro/Combo Classes

Gabriella Taylor was raised in North Carolina and trained in ballet throughout her time here. She found an interest in dance at the young age of five, when she first began ballet classes. As years passed, Gabriella's passion for dance developed and her interest in teaching grew. Eventually, pursuing her B.A. in Dance and Minor in business at Eastern University, located in PA, where she gained many different teaching experiences. Though her love for movement first started with ballet, Gabriella also has experience in cheerleading, as well as, years of training in jazz, contemporary, modern, and lyrical dance. Throughout her time at Eastern, Gabriella took part in many of the University's dance concerts, also performing with the Eastern University dance ministry and leading it for her last two years there. Gabriella loved having the chance to explore worship through dance and to also experience dance in a way that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit. She also appreciates the ability that dance gives people to tell stories, express feelings, and send messages to others. Gabriella is not only passionate about teaching dance, but using it to benefit others. This art form can be a rewarding outlet for people and she looks forward to seeing this truth more through encouraging, relating, and communicating with others through dance by teaching.

LYDIA MCGRATH

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Ballet and Combo Classes

Lydia McGrath is originally from upstate New York and moved to North Carolina in 2011. She has been dancing since she was three years old and has trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and contemporary. After high school, she spent a year dancing at Elon University and returned to Moore County to pursue nursing at Sandhills Community College. Over the years, she has been involved in several productions, taken countless classes to round out her dance education, and gained experience teaching various ages and styles. Teaching dance, she aims to provide an encouraging environment for students to explore movement and grow their technical skills. Lydia is so excited to be sharing her passion with Encore students!

ARLENE MCCUE

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Tap

Bio Coming Soon

ASHLEY LITKO

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Beginning Irish/Combo Classes

Bio Coming Soon

KAYLA BURTON

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Ballet/Pointe/Lyrical/Jazz/Combo Classes

 Kayla Burton has been dancing since 10 years old. As a child, she trained under the direction of Broadway performers Scott Wise and Elizabeth Parkinson by way of the “Fine Line Theatre Arts” in New Milford, Connecticut. Later in life, she traveled with a pre-professional company named “Artist in Motion”. Her areas of practice include Classical Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Acro. Her favorite memories in dance are teaching the next generation of dancers and when she had the opportunity to perform “The Nutcracker” and many other dance performances in New Milford, Connecticut. She is so happy to be here teaching and dancing with you all!

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