Encore Extreme Columbia 2025
Convention and Competition
Friday, October 17 - Sunday, October 19, 2025
Columbia Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC
View Host HOTELS, Event Information below (Final schedule will be posted in October)
Encore 2025 Extreme Columbia Schedule
Schedule Outline Posted -Friday, Saturday & Sunday (3 day)
Updated August 18
Encore Extreme
2025 Rules and Fees and Handbook
Dance
with the Stars in 2025
Three days of master classes in Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, and more! Also featuring workshops, classes and networking events for teachers AND Jazz Funk classes for parents!
Experience our exciting group competition with live judges’ feedback for all routines and a $1000 cash prize!
Compete for the title of Miss and Mister Encore Extreme!
2025 Columbia, South Carolina Faculty and Choreographers
Allynn Simons
Allynn Simons is an NYC based freelance casting director who has the pleasure of casting for TV/Film, commercials, theater and print. She
holds a B.A. in Musical Theater with a minor in dance from Point Park University. While in school, Allynn was chosen to dance in original pieces choreographed by Kiesha LaLama and Kiki Lucas, just to name a few. Before settling in New York City, Allynn taught dance and musical theater all over Pennsylvania and New Jersey and still teaches numerous classes all over the country.
She is also a regular faculty member of QUEST Intensive; a prestigious in-studio dance experience that brings the industry to the studio. She is currently a faculty member at THRIVE Dance Convention where she teaches contemporary and how to market yourself. She also adjudicates for numerous dance competitions in the U.S. Some of her favorite casting credits include: the North American premier of Dirty Dancing, The Mansion which premiered at Sundance and a multi-million dollar campaign for NIKE that had her casting on the streets of NYC. She enjoys traveling to choreograph all over the county for which she has won numerous awards for. She grew up in the dance competition community and loves seeing young artists flourish. The future of the arts is in the hands of the next generation, so let's cultivate it!
Marissa Ledford
Marissa Ledford is a passionate Michigan-based dancer, choreographer, and instructor with a lifelong love for movement. She began her training at age six, building a strong technical foundation in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, tap, and lyrical, shaped by years of studying the Cecchetti method. After a successful competitive career, Marissa transitioned to teaching straight out of high school, eager to share her love of dance and help students of all ages grow in both confidence and creativity.
Over the years, Marissa has choreographed a wide range of solos, duets, and group pieces for competitive studio dancers as well as dance teams throughout the state of Michigan and beyond. Many of her routines have earned top placements, special judges’ awards, and recognition for choreography at regional and national competitions. Her work is known for its musicality, emotional depth, and inventive movement style. She has been praised for her storytelling approach, which blends technical precision with artistry.
While she enjoys all styles, tap holds a special place in her heart. She’s captivated by its rhythmic complexity and expressive potential, viewing it as a conversation through sound. With deep respect for its history and a fresh, creative perspective, Marissa is honored to return to Encore as a judge and looks forward to celebrating the individuality and artistry of each performer
Kassidy Oswald Shenk
Kassidy Oswald Shenk is an Atlanta-based dancer, choreographer, and educator with deep roots in the Southern dance community. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, she began her training at her mother’s dance studio and as a student at Savannah Arts Academy, where she developed a strong foundation in competitive and concert dance. Kassidy pursued collegiate dance training at Marymount College and the Ohio State University before transferring to the University of Georgia to join UGA’s dance team, the Dance Dawgs. As a student-athlete, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a certificate in Music Business, combining her passion for the arts with a strong foundation in media and communication.
Now in her fifth season as an NFL Cheerleader and current team captain, Kassidy has performed for hundreds of thousands of NFL fans, participated in community outreach programs, taught Jr. Cheerleaders, and traveled internationally to support U.S. troops. She has shared the field with major recording artists including 2 Chainz, T.I., Lil John, Ying Yang Twins, Bobby Brown, Ludacris, Big Boi, Jeezy, Jermaine Dupri, Cupid, and C+C Music Factory.
Kassidy is a choreographer for competitive studios and collegiate dance teams, including multiple national routines for Georgia Southern University. In addition to her dance career, Kassidy works professionally as a project manager in the lighting manufacturing industry, working on large-scale projects across hospitality, healthcare, and athletic sectors.
Kassidy is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers with a focus on artistry, discipline, and community
Brandon Girouard
Brandon Girouard BA/MFA is a highly in-demand international choreographer, teacher, dancer, and talent manager – having brought audiences to their feet in Paris, Canada, London, Argentina, NYC, Mexico and Spain in summer of 2017. Known for “compelling, explosive movement”, Brandon has performed with dance companies such as dancetheatreX, Melanie Stewart Dance Theatre, Ailey 2, Koresh Dance, Plasma Dance Theatre, and for Bill Clinton’s Inaugural Presidency Gala.
Brandon resides as Guest Faculty at Broadway Dance Center NYC, Millennium Dance in Philadelphia, Studio Harmonic in Paris and is faculty to many dance conservatories on Long Island, NY. Holding a BA in Theatre & Dance from Muhlenberg College and a MFA from NYU, Brandon also studied for 18 years at the Cheryl McCormack Academy of Dance in New Bedford, MA.
Chandler Brown
Chandler Brown grew up as a competitive dancer at The Southern Strutt under the direction of Nancy Giles for 15 years. He is now pursuing a degree in Dance with a minor in Business at the University of Alabama. Chandler has choreographed and performed in nine shows at the University of Alabama and at various other theaters in Alabama. He is currently an instructor at Birmingham Dance Theater in Hoover, AL where he teaches Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Acro technique. schools.
He also travels with Encore where he works as a stage manager and sound technician. In addition, he is a member the professional dance company, “Unbound,” directed by Caroline Lewis-Jones and Susan Dabney Hancock. When not in school, Chandler travels the US teaching, choreographing, and cleaning competition dances at various studios and schools.
Lauren Hummel
Based in Charlotte, NC, freelance artist Lauren Hummel is an award-winning and sought after Choreographer and Dancer in the industry. Lauren is known for her work in Contemporary Dance and travels to dance studios all over the country sharing her passion and knowledge with young artists. She holds a BS in Business Administration with a Minor in Dance from SUNY Geneseo where she completed an additional 4 years of performance dance and worked with several artists including John Lehrer.
Currently, Lauren is with Quest Intensive as a Choreographer and Director and is on faculty with Encore Extreme Dance Convention. She has also worked as an adjudicator for Encore DCS for 4 years and is a Regional Director for the company. Lauren's work can be seen on film and stages across the country and continues to receive Choreography and “Best in Category” awards at both the regional and national levels including most recently at Revel Dance Convention, NUVO, and Hall of Fame Dance Challenge.
Jenny Oehlwein
Jennifer Oehlwein grew up in the competition circuit and has now made a career out of dancing, choreographing, and directing professionally. A graduate of Point Park University with a B.F.A. in Dance and a minor in Musical Theater. I have been blessed to have been dancing professionally ever since graduation. In addition to dance I am also a singer and aerialist. Upon moving to NYC 3 years ago a new challenge fell into my lap as a rehearsal director/installer for an entertainment company that casts for a multitude of different arenas
Cruise-ships, national tours, theme parks, industrial gigs, etc. When I am not working on their shows and installing their casts of professionals. I also work with their casting team assisting there dance calls all over the world and teaching master classes. Most recently I have taken a step back into the performance side of the dance world performing in Legally Blonde, The Bodyguard, and the national tour of Elf the musical! I am very passionate about dance education and students who love what they do just as much as I do. I consider myself lucky to have made a career out of my life passion and look forward to continuing it with inspiring dancers this competition season!
Josh Perez
Josh (Jato) Perez has helped launch many Hip-Hop programs over the years at multiple dance schools in the New England area. He has trained with master teachers from around the world. In 2010 he made his television debut on the 5th season of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" with his crew Draztik. In 2012 Josh toured with Jordan Knight of The New Kids on the Block. In early 2017 his choreography was showcased on Season 1 of the hit reality TV show "World of Dance" produced by Jennifer Lopez. He also choreographed opening acts for some of the industry’s best artists like Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, The-Dream, Lloyd, Newcleus and many more.
As a teacher and mentor, he takes pride in preparing his students for a successful career in the dance industry. Many of his students have been signed to major talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York and have toured with popular artists such as Missy Elliott, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lil Nas X, and Doja Cat just to name a few.
Josh’s dedication to his craft has awarded him many accolades and recognition for his dynamic choreography. In 2018 he was invited to join Liv3lihood, an entity of Thr3e Live Dance Complex based out of Rhode Island. Throughout the years his role has evolved to Co-Choreographer and Visual Assistant. His contributions have helped lead to numerous winnings including 1st place USA Division at World of Dance Finals LA in 2023 and 1st place at Elements 2022-2024.
Josh's style goes beyond Hip-Hop; Josh is the real deal! He’s the perfect combination of natural ability, learned skills and determination. With the emerging popularity of Hip-Hop, his high energy, fun and original classes are a game changer for today's youth. Josh brings a fresh authentic style, and he is excited to be able to share his love of movement with all dancers
Caroline Lewis-Jones
Caroline Lewis-Jones from South Carolina, has been dancing for over 28 years. At the age of 18 she moved to New York City where she performed for six years. Her credits include the VMA’s with NSYNC, the Latin Grammy Awards, WNBA National Commercial, a French Energy Commercial, Disney Industrials, Britany Spears and Madonna “Me Against the Music” video, MTV’s Body Rock Fitness Video, and more.
Although successful as a commercial dancer, her true passion lies within contemporary company work, where she has had the opportunity to work for Mia Michaels Company R.A.W, Dee Caspary’s IV Dance Company, Notario Dance Company, Rhapsody and Company, A.S.H Contemporary, and Justin Giles’ Soul Escape.
In 2001 she traveled to Seoul, Korea where she performed for Jason Parson’s and POZ Dance Theatre. In July 2010, Caroline performed with Sonya Tayeh from “So You Think You Can Dance” with her company in Chicago. She also choreographs for studios around the country, and teaches for Adrenaline Dance Convention and The Dance Sessions. In December 2007, Caroline choreographed and performed a one-woman show, called Finding My Way. It was about the loss of her mother and her life currently without her. It is her greatest accomplishment yet. Caroline also founded Unbound Dance Company in Columbia, South Carolina. Her goal as Artistic Director of UNBOUND is to inspire and give dancers young and old, a new outlet to perform.
2025 Dream team
Encore DCS is proud to offer an amazing opportunity for elite dancers to be cast in a one-of-a-kind promotional video and become a member of the Encore DCS Dream Team!
Students were selected at Encore Extreme and this January each dancer was choreographed, staged and featured in a video to create a new advertising campaign for Encore DCS. This opportunity gives up and coming stars the chance to taste what the world of entertainment has to offer with a “dream job” experience.
Professional lighting, staging, make-up, choreography and directing are just some of the many facets of this experience! The video features many styles of dance and is the perfect opportunity to showcase well rounded dancers.
Interested in becoming a member of the next Encore DCS Dream Team? “Shooting Star” tickets will be awarded at Grand Finals. This ticket will give select dancers a free convention fee at Encore Extreme and guarantees their spot on the Dream Team. The remaining Dream Team members will be chosen at Encore Extreme this fall. Don’t miss out on the “Dream Team” cutting edge experience only offered by Encore DCS!
Host Hotels For Encore EXtreme Columbia
Busy Weekend BOOK NOW
For help with Reservations contact
Don@904.303-4424
Tru by Hilton
Columbia Graystone
185 Stoneridge Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Reservations: 803-756-6140
Mention CODE=Encore Dance Competition
SPECIAL RATE: $193
*** NOTE: ROOMS ARE STILL AVAILABLE - BUT Going FAST
Cutoff Date: September 16, 2025
* 7-9 Minutes or less to Venue
Congratulations to the 2024 Encore Extreme Dancers
Overall Mister Encore Extreme 2024-2025
Ethan Greer
Burns Dance Studio
Overall Miss Encore Extreme 2024-2025
Rose Mangan
Renner Dance Company
Senior Miss Encore Extreme 2024-2025
Makaehla Beckel
PBR Dance
