Encore Extreme Columbia 2026
Convention and Competition
Friday, October 16 - Sunday, October 18, 2026
Columbia Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Encore 2026 Extreme Columbia Outline + Schedule
Schedule Outline + Competition Schedule for Friday, Saturday & Sunday
(3 day)
Updated September 30, 2026
Dance
with the Stars in 2026
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!
2026 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!
Wyatt Oswald
Wyatt Oswald is a New York-based dancer, choreographer, and performer represented by MSA Agency. A native of Savannah, Georgia, Wyatt began dancing at a young age and rose quickly through the competitive circuit, earning numerous national titles across multiple styles. His gift for tap has always set him apart, and it shone through three consecutive seasons with the Broadway National Tour of A Christmas Story, where he played multiple roles and showcased his rhythm and precision in the show's featured tap solo.
Wyatt continues to expand his craft as a performer and creator. He currently dances with SHINSA THE COLLECTIVE under the direction of Bo Park and collaborates on stage and screen projects. Most recently, he joined the Tap Dance Performance Ensemble at The School at Jacob's Pillow, training with some of the most influential names in tap, including Derick K. Grant, Dormeshia, Heather Cornell, Dominique Kelley, Lisa La Touche, Nicholas Van Young, Sam Weber, and Josette Wiggan.
A nationally recognized, award-winning choreographer, Wyatt also teaches and sets choreography for studios across the United States.
Kassidy Oswald
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 Cicero
Brandon Cicero - 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.
Nathalie Marrable
Nathalie Marrable is a performer, choreographer, and educator sharing her time between New York City and London, England. Originally from South Africa, she trained at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School for her formative years, and The Joffrey Workshop every summer. She graduated from Boston Ballet School while also dancing as a guest with the company in her Senior year. She started her journey as a ballet dancer with Alberta Ballet, Ontario Ballet Theatre and The Royal Canadian Symphony. After transitioning to a contemporary ballet company in London, she found her passion in other commercial dance styles when she was requested by Madonna to be her tv double.
Stage credits include Broadway: Assistant Dance Captain/My Fair Lady, Swing,Cover/An American in Paris. National Tours: Kitty/The Drowsy Chaperone, Associate Choreographer/Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. This past summer she was Dance Captain and Dream Clarice in Christopher Gatelli’s ‘Silence!’ at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and on London’s West End. She has performed with The Radio City Rockettes, Madonna, Michael Buble, as well as working in film and television: Center Stage, Step Up, Night At The Museum, Gossip Girl, Nike, Battlestar Galactica, Superman, Marvel, Kate Spade.
After transitioning to a contemporary ballet company in London, she found her passion in other commercial dance styles when she was requested by Madonna to be her tv double. Stage credits include Broadway: Assistant Dance Captain/My Fair Lady, Swing,Cover/An American in Paris. National Tours: Kitty/The Drowsy Chaperone, Associate Choreographer/Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. This past summer she was Dance Captain and Dream Clarice in Christopher Gatelli’s ‘Silence!’ at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and on London’s West End. She has performed with The Radio City Rockettes, Madonna, Michael Buble, as well as working in film and television: Center Stage, Step Up, Night At The Museum, Gossip Girl, Nike, Battlestar Galactica, Superman, Marvel, Kate Spade.
Nathalie has directed productions for fashion house Dosso Dossi ft. Miranda Kerr, Koc Festival, Adidas, Madonna (MDNA), British Petroleum, Sony Experia, Eurovision Song Contest, RedBull, Star TV, Miss Turkey Elidor, and Target for Vogue. She choreographed a star-studded 16-city tour, featuring original choreography and 10 dancers for Coca Cola and has been an associate in works for Schmigadoon, Dancing with the Stars, X Factor, Fanta Festival, Billboard Awards, and more. She returned to An American in Paris alongside Director Christopher Wheeldon as Dance Captain/Swing at the Grand Théâtre de Genève in Switzerland this part winter season to help launch a 10th anniversary performance run.
Featured in Marie Claire Magazine as a “top female artist to follow”, Nathalie is the founder and director of The Cabaret Burlesque, a unique ballet-based cabaret production company with a sold out resident show at The Culture Lab NYC. She is also a Talent Scout with The Dark Horse Agency UK, and on faculty at Broadway Dance Center New York, Pineapple Dance Studios London, Stella Mann College London, The Manor London, House of Jazz London and The Joffrey Ballet School NYC.
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!
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. 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.
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.
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
Dillon Lehman
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Dillon is a choreographer, performer, teacher, actor, and founder of his fusion classes “Broadway Meets Ballroom!”, exploring International Latin/Ballroom, as well as other rhythmic styles. “Co-choreographer Blackbox Movers (Roxanne). “Assoc. Choreographer BlackBox Movers (Bamboleo).” “Take the Lead: A New Musical.” “On Your Feet - The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan (Marquito).” “Toured with popstar Kristina Orbakaite.” “Represented USA at the Olympic World Games in Poland.” “Performed at Princess Discovery Cruises.” “Alumnus of Alvin Ailey /Professional Performing Arts School.” @dillonlehman
2026 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!
4 Host Hotel Options For Encore EXtreme Columbia
See below
Hampton Inn Columbia
Downtown Historic District
822 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Special Rate: $159
* Across street from Venue
** For Reservations Call (803) 231-2000
** MUST book before September 16, 2026 or until rooms sell out
Current block is Full at this special rate!
There may be just a few rooms at higher published rates online at
hilton.com
For help, contact:
Don - 904.303-4424
Hilton
Columbia Center
924 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Special Encore Rate: $209
* Across street from Venue
* Refer to Encore Dance Competition
* Must Reserve Before Sept 1, 2026
Reservations- Call HOTEL - 803 744-7800
Or
Use Link
For help, contact
Don
904.303-4424
Springhill Suites by Marriott
Springhill Suites by Marriott
511 Lady Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Reservations: (803) 978-2333
SPECIAL RATE: $179
MUST BOOK before September 15, 2027 or until room block sells out.
Mention: Encore Dance Competitions / Extreme Convention
* 4 Minutes to Venue
For help, contact
Don. - 904.303-4424
Courtyard by Marriott
630 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Reservations: (803) 799-7800
(Encore Extreme Dance Competitions)
SPECIAL RATE: $169
Book NOW and Early.. Before Cut off of Sept 14 - Rooms will sell out fast!
* 5 Minutes to Venue
For help with hotel, contact
Don@904.303-4424
2025 Results
Congratulations to the 2025 Season Encore Extreme Dancers
Overall Mister Encore Extreme 2025-2026
Owen Truong
Miller Street Dance Academy
Overall Miss Encore Extreme 2025-2026
Edyka Mcclellan
Dynamic Dance Force
Senior Miss Encore Extreme 2025-2026
Aubrey Guarino
SCDC
