2023 Encore Extreme
Convention and Competition
Columbia Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Friday, October 20 - Sunday, October 22, 2023
Encore 2022 Extreme Columbia Schedule + Competition Order SAMPLE
NOTE: This is 2022 Schedule (2023 will be posted close to event date)
Dance
with the stars in 2023
Coming Soon
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!
2022 Choreographers
Columbia, SC
Nick DiNicolangelo
Beginning his teaching career at the age of 15, Nick DiNicolangelo has become one of the most in-demand tap choreographers in the country. With his unique and energetic approach to teaching, Nick hopes to inspire students across the country to embrace tap dancing and explore its rich history and community. Nick was a charter member and captain for the New Jersey Tap Ensemble and was an original member of Mike Minery’s Tapaholics. For the past two decades Nick has traveled the country on faculty at numerous dance conventions.
He also is grateful to the many studios he teaches and choreographs for nationwide. Nick founded the popular, Syn.co.pate Tap Intensive in 2008, bringing together many of the most talented tap dancers in the nation. In 2012 Nick created the “Hands Down Tap Project”, an inspiring collaboration of young tap artists dedicated to creating performance opportunities for tap dancers. Nick is excited to once again travel the country educating dancers with Revel Dance Convention.
For the past two decades Nick has traveled the country on faculty at numerous dance conventions. He also is grateful to the many studios he teaches and choreographs for nationwide. Nick founded the popular, Syn.co.pate Tap Intensive in 2008, bringing together many of the most talented tap dancers in the nation. In 2012 Nick created the “Hands Down Tap Project”, an inspiring collaboration of young tap artists dedicated to creating performance opportunities for tap dancers. Nick is excited to once again travel the country educating dancers with Revel Dance Convention.
Ashley Payne
Ashley Payne hails from Buffalo, NY holding a B.A. in Dance Performance from the prestigious Point Park University. As an international adjudicator, professional dancer and choreographer, Ashley has studied and taught throughout New York City, Miami, and now Chicago. As a performer, Ashley has appeared in film, television, concert dance and theatre productions. Ashley’s first standout roll was in the University production of Contact where she was a featured dancer and served as dance captain.
Professional credits include: Regional Performances of: Contact; Grease; Mame; Fame and Sing, Sing, Sing; Episodes of: The Rachel Ray Show, Blue Bloods, The Dark House, and Company Work: 11:11 (The Company by Slam); DSMR; Crazy Love. Ashley has served as a choreographer for Jordan Sparks, Flash Mob America, Chicago Freelance Dance Festivals and created an original work for ConvergeDance Dance Company. You may recognize Ashley from promotions for Verizon, Oreo Cookies, M&Ms, Estee Lauder, Suave and Avon.
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!
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.
Susan Hancock
Susan Hancock was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina and began her ballet training at the Calvert-Brodie School of Dance. In 1989 Susan entered the School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet and studied there for three consecutive summers. In 1992 she was invited to stay for the winter term, but instead decided upon North Carolina School of the Arts. From there Ms. Hancock went on to join The Los Angeles Classical Ballet in 1994.
Susan performed roles in ballets such as The Nutcracker (Mirlitons) Coppelia (Swanhilda’s friend), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena, Hermia) and Paquita. In 1998, Ms. Hancock joined Francisco Martinez Dance Theater while continuing to dance with Los Angeles Classical Ballet. During her time in L.A. Susan was a featured dancer on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as the VH1 comedy hour featuring Wendy the Snapple Lady.
Lauren Hummel
New York based artist, Lauren Hummel is an award-winning choreographer and dancer in the industry. She began her artistic career in Syracuse, NY where she grew up training in all styles of dance and was a competitive/convention dancer for 15 years. Lauren 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 numerous guest artists including John Lehrer and Guy Thorne.
Lauren is a sought after choreographer who travels to share her passion and knowledge with young artists all over the country. She is currently on faculty with Quest Intensive and Encore Extreme Dance Convention and is a judge for Encore DCS. Lauren is known for her work in Contemporary dance, which has led her to receive multiple choreography awards and recognition for her innovative and distinctive choreography. Most recently, Lauren was awarded Top Choreography 2022 for her piece Cry Me a River by Young Creators Challenge X CREO. Follow Lauren @laurenhummelchoreo.
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.
Cassie Russo Sweeney
Entertainment industry entrepreneur, award-winning choreographer and infectious educator, Cassie Russo-Sweeney is a born innovator. Constantly inspired to create new movement as owner and artistic director of CaRu Entertainment, Cassie's choreography is nationally recognized for its blend of fem funk, hip hop, and street jazz with constant emphasis and focus on self-confidence and bold performance artistry, and can be seen on the performance stage, on TV and film, and in master classes all over the country.
Cassie has lent her talents as a faculty member to Millennium Dance Complex Philadelphia, as head coach for the Philadelphia Soulmates Dance Team, and to choreographing the opening scene in Little Red Wagon Film's Carver. In her former career as a professional dancer, Cassie was a back-up dancer on Rascal Flatt's "Bob the Head Tour", headlined ABC 7's "Columbus Day Parade Live!” and was a featured performer on networks such as MTV, VH1 and FuseTV. Alongside running the day to day at her entertainment studio,
Trevor Sones
Originally from Clearfield, Pa – Trevor received a BA degree in Dance from Mercyhurst University. National Tour Credits: CATS, Beauty and the Beast. TV/Film Credits: ZIPS Dry Cleaners, The Knot, CATS National Tour commercial, “Step Up 3D”, Good Morning America, “Do You Dance, Ms. Parker?”. Trevor has worked extensively with Royal Caribbean as a performer (Hairspray, MAMMA MIA), Associate Choreographer (GREASE, Name That Tune), and Director (Bada Bing Bada Boom).
He has worked with RWS Entertainment Group as a dancer, Audition Choreographer/Casting Assistant, and now is a Director/Choreographer. Trevor also is a Guest Teacher/Adjudicator/Director for Encore DCS and on Faculty with REVEL Dance Convention traveling North America teaching young artists! Most recently he toured Germany, Switzerland, and Dubai with SweetBird Productions "Rock The Ballet X" and "Romeo and Juliet". Follow his journey at @trevorsones
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!
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.
Regina Willoughby
Regina Willoughby began dancing at the age of 8 at Ballet Midland while growing up in West Texas. At the age of 15, she was awarded a scholarship to study at Virginia School of the Arts, where she went on to graduate. She also studied at Westside in Los Angeles and on scholarship with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York. Regina's professional career began at Ballet Austin, where she danced solo roles, including Stephen Mills' "Four Mortal Men." I
In 1997, she joined Columbia City Ballet, dancing such roles as the Arabian, Dew Drop Fairy, Snow Queen, and Sugar Plum Fairy in Nutcracker; Maiden and Lucy in Dracula: Ballet with a Bite; title roles in Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet; and Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty. Director William Starrett created many roles on her for his original ballets, including Mina in Dracula's Revenge and the "Sand Dance" pas de trois and "Daughters of the South" from Off the Wall & Onto the Stage. The title role of Cleopatra was created on Regina receiving rave reviews. Critics have lauded her commanding stage presence, stating "Willoughby, as one of City Ballet's up and coming stars, was exotically arrogant as Arabian," and "the showstopper was Regina Willoughby with her sultry stage presence." Free Times said that "Willoughby is the company's most enchanting female performer, both technically and dramatically," and "Willoughby possesses that special it quality that makes a performance so riveting." Regina was made a Soloist of the company in 2001, Principal dancer in 2006, Ballerina in 2010, and retired from the stage in 2018. She is married with two grown daughters. Regina has over 20 years teaching experience and is an ABT National Training Curriculum certified teacher in Primary through Level 7.
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!
Hotels For Encore EXtreme Columbia
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Springhill Suites
Springhill Suites by Marriott
511 Lady Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Reservations: 803-978-2333
SPECIAL RATE: $159
Cutoff Date: October 6, 2023
* 6 Minutes to Venue
* Parking is $10 per day per vehicle
Results
Congratulations to the 2021 Encore Extreme Dancers
Mister Encore Extreme
Aidan Conway
Miller Street Dance Academy
Miss Encore Extreme
Liv Hummel
Artistic Designs Dance Company
Senior Miss Encore Extreme
Emily Arriaga
Nina's School of Dance
