2026 Encore Extreme
Convention and Competition
ONE DAY - Sunday, October 25, 2026
Durham, NC Convention Center
301 W Morgan St
Durham, NC 27701
Schedule Outline Now Posted
Encore Extreme Durham Outline Schedule 2026
Encore Extreme Durham, NC
One Day-October 25, 2026
Handbook Rules and Fees
Dance
with the stars in 2026
Coming Soon
One full day Workshop of Exciting Master Classes taught by the best faculty! HANDS-On instruction with the focus always being on technique!
It's the Encore Extreme you've come to know and love, now in a more compact version to accommodate every dancer!
Audition to become part of the "Dream Team."
2026 Faculty and Choreographers
Durham, NC
Constance Kordes
Constance Kordes grew up in Florence, South Carolina, and began dancing at the age of two before entering the competitive dance world at five. She trained at KFA Dance and Gymnastics throughout her childhood and continued until graduating from high school. Her training includes tap, jazz, modern, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, acrobatic arts, and her personal favorite, clogging. Constance also spent three years furthering her dance education through the University of South Carolina’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program.Constance began teaching during her junior year of high school at KFA Dance and Gymnastics, where she taught dancers ranging from ages two to eighteen until the summer of 2026.
She has always considered dance a safe place and is passionate about creating that same sense of comfort, encouragement, and belonging for her students. In addition to her work as a dancer and teacher, Constance has competed in the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization and received a Talent Preliminary Award at Miss South Carolina for her performance of her clogging routine “Sandstorm.”
Having competed with Encore as a dancer growing up, Constance fell in love with the company’s Southern hospitality, joyful atmosphere, and ability to make everyone feel at home. She now serves as Encore’s Office Administrator, assisting Rhonda and the Encore faculty with developing ideas for each season, preparing materials for traveling staff, and supporting Encore’s clients and their needs. Through Encore, Constance has met some of her closest friends and even her husband, who works with Encore’s partner production company. Service is at the heart of everything Constance does. She loves building relationships with Encore’s clients and their students, traveling with the team, and being part of something larger than herself. Each season renews her passion for her very first love—dance. Constance is honored to teach at her first large-scale convention and grateful for the opportunity to pour into the next generation of dancers. Above all, she hopes every student who enters her classroom feels loved, cared for, and encouraged to find their own safe place within the art of dance.
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.
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.
Karsen MacDougall
Karsen MacDougall is a Charlotte-based dancer originally from Lexington, South Carolina. She began dancing at Southern Strutt, where she trained throughout her childhood and developed a love for both dance and performance. In high school, Karsen continued dancing while also participating in competitive cheerleading, building her experience in both dance and athletic performance. She went on to attend High Point University, where she spent four years on the Division I Dance Team and served as a Co-Captain.
Through collegiate dance, Karsen competed at the NDA Collegiate National Championship and gained experience in team choreography, musicality, performance, and working as part of a competitive collegiate team. Karsen earned her degree in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Sales and now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Christian Triano
Christian Triano is a graduate of the prestigious LaGuardia High School and a versatile dancer and choreographer known for his dynamic style and creative vision. Trained extensively in modern, ballet, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and improvisation, Christian quickly transitioned from student to standout choreographer, gaining recognition for his award-winning work soon after graduation.
He is currently on faculty with both Quest Intensive and Wild Dance Intensive, and serves as a judge for Encore DCS. Christian is also a company apprentice with marInspired: the storytellers, under the direction of acclaimed choreographer Marinda Davis.
He has trained under and assisted top artists such as Brandon Girouard, Frankie Zulferino, and Davis herself—experiences that have shaped his distinct choreographic voice and approach to movement. Based in New York City, Christian has immersed himself in both the concert and commercial dance scenes, performing in numerous live productions and continuing his education in one of the world’s leading dance hubs. His choreography has taken him across the country, where he teaches high-energy workshops and masterclasses known for pushing creative boundaries and inspiring dancers at every level. Beyond the stage, Christian is passionate about mentoring the next generation of artists. He is dedicated to helping young dancers discover their unique voice, emphasizing the power of dance as a tool for connection and positive change. Through every class, performance, and piece he creates, Christian strives to leave a meaningful and lasting impact on the dance community.
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!
Wyatt Oswald
Wyatt Oswald is a New York–based artist represented by MSA Agency. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, he began dancing at a young age and quickly rose through the competitive circuit, earning numerous national titles across multiple styles. His undeniable gift for tap has always set him apart. Wyatt’s early career highlights include three consecutive seasons on the Broadway National Tour of A Christmas Story, where he performed multiple roles and showcased his rhythm and precision in the show’s featured tap solo.
He has also trained and performed with various elite extended teams throughout his competitive years. Now based in New York City, Wyatt continues to expand his craft as a performer and creator. He is currently dancing with SHINSA THE COLLECTIVE, under the direction of Bo Park, and actively collaborates on stage and screen projects. Most recently, he was honored to join the Tap Dance Performance Ensemble at The School at Jacob's Pillow, where he trained under some of the most influential names in the tap world, including Derick. K Grant, Dormeshia, Heather Cornell, Dominique Kelley, Lisa La Touche, Nicholas Van Young, Sam Weber, and Josette Wiggan. In addition to performing, Wyatt is a nationally recognized, award-winning choreographer teaching classes and setting choreography for studios across the United States.
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!
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!
Visit the Encore Dream Team Page to view the Dream Team Videos....
Host Hotels For Encore Extreme Durham, NC
Results
Congratulations to past Encore Extreme Dancers
Overall Mister Encore Extreme 2024
Anthony Hunt
Steel City Dance and Gymnastics
Overall Miss Encore Extreme 2024
Haylie Dunaye
Starz Dance Galaxy
Senior Miss Encore Extreme 2024
Onna Williams
Evolve Dance Complex
