MEET our staff
Stacie Dawson
Stacie Dawson is the Owner and Artistic Director of The Studio Dance Center, LLC. She is a 2013 graduate of The University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Her dance journey began at the age of 4, and quickly transitioned from a hobby to a passion for life. Stacie has been a Star Title Performer, Youth Dance Ambassador, National Callback Challenge winner, and Assistant for Dance Troupe Competition. She has been a top ten finalist for Miss Dance of North Carolina twice and in 2012 she was second runner up and received the interview award. She has been a member of Carolina Dance Masters and Dance Masters of America and has been certified by both to teach ballet, jazz, and acrobatics since 2015. Stacie is a member of NDEO, the National Dance Education Organization, which advocates for advancing education in the arts for people of all backgrounds. She has choreographed many award-winning numbers and received top choreography and entertainment awards at Dance Machine, Star Talent, Inspire Dance Competition, Star Systems, Dance Troupe, Carolina Dance Masters Performing Arts Competition, Imagine Dance Challenge, and Encore competitions. In The Studio’s first season, her company was awarded specialty awards and overall placements at regionals as well as top placements at Star Talent Nationals in Myrtle Beach, SC. She was also honored to choreograph “Mary Poppins” and “The Little Mermaid” for Stagestruck Theatre. She began teaching dance in the Beulaville community in 2013, and quickly developed a heart for the area. She actively continues her education through the NDEO Organization through certification classes to give her best to her students. While performing will always have a special place in her heart, sharing the gifts that dance has to offer, and the love Jesus freely gives, will always be her life’s mission and is a huge part of SDC.
Saedi Jenkins
Saedi Jenkins joined The Studio Dance Center staff in 2023. She is a graduate of East Carolina University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Science. Her dance journey began at the age of 7 in the Beulaville community. She began taking recreational classes in the styles of ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop, and her love for dance blossomed! At the age of 10 she began dancing competitively with routines in lyrical, contemporary, tap, and jazz. Under the tutelage of Stacie Dawson, she had the pleasure of competing in several top scoring routines at various dance competitions, including Star Systems and Encore DCS. As she transitioned into high school, she fell in love with the use of creative movement and the story-telling abilities that dance brought into her life. In 2019, she attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and joined Star Heels Dance Team, where she was able to choreograph several numbers and participate in Family Day 2019, and the Fall 2019 Showcase. At the close of her college journey, Saedi moved back to the Beulaville community with her husband Ty and her daughter Poppy James. Sharing the benefits of dancing will always be an important part of her LIFE, and she is eager to impart the blessings that come with dance to each of you.
Laura Bostic
Laura Bostic is joining The Studio Dance Center, LLC for her first season as a teacher. She is currently a senior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Middle Grades Math Education with a minor in Agribusiness Management. Laura’s dance journey began at the age of 2, starting with recreational classes in tap, ballet, jazz, acro, and hip hop. At the age of 9, she began dancing competitively in jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theater.
Under the instruction of Stacie Dawson, Laura had the privilege of competing in numerous top-scoring routines at regional and national competitions, including Encore, Star Systems, Inspire, Star Talent, Dance Troupe Inc., StarQuest, and Carolina Dance Masters. She has always loved the art of dance, especially the technique, precision, and artistry that come together to create a beautifully skilled routine.
While in college, Laura had the opportunity to teach at a dance studio as both an assistant and a long-term substitute, where she demonstrated skills, cleaned dances, and helped dancers strengthen their technique. Having been part of The Studio Dance Center family since its very first season, Laura is thrilled to continue sharing her passion and expertise with dancers, and she looks forward to inspiring the next generation to discover the joy and discipline that dance brings.
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Emmeline Fountain
If you look up “JOY” in the dictionary, you’ll find a photo of Emmeline in the description! She is such a light at SDC and has an incredibly caring heart. She has been with The Studio since it’s beginning in 2021 and has been an active member of The Studio Dance Center’s “Clique” Competitive team. Emmeline’s passion for dance and for others shines everywhere. She is an assistant for the the Tots classes.
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Kyleigh Turner
Kyleigh – “KB” – has been dancing at The Studio Dance Center since classes began in the fall of 2021. Her passion for dance is only second to her passion for sharing The Gospel, and what a special thing it is to combine them both! KB has been dancing competitively with the SDC Competition Team and is a member of the “Clique” team. She is a wonderful assistant in the Pre-Beginner classes.
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Maci Sanderson
You will not find a more driven and focused dancer! Maci is an incredible storyteller through her dancing and is laser-focused on learning, growing, and improving. She is constantly inspiring her team AND her instructors to be their best. Maci is a member of The Studio Dance Center “Clique” Competitive team. She is an assistant for Level 3 and is already inspiring the younger generations.
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Zoe Thigpen
Zoe is one-of-a-kind! She is always eager to be a helping-hand for any and everyone! As an assistant for Tots and Level 1, her care and patience really have the opportunity to SHINE! When Zoe is not dancing, she is found baking and volunteering – what a SWEET and CARING heart! Zoe is also a member of The Studio Dance Center’s “Collective” Competitive team.
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