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 is joining The Studio Dance Center, LLC for her second season. She is a 2023 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 character, and she is eager to impart the blessings that come with dance to each of you.
Abigail Rhodes
Abigail Rhodes is the newest staff member of The Studio Dance Center, LLC. She is a 2024 graduate of Abeka Academy and The Studio Dance Center, where she was a competition team member of the Collective, competing in jazz, tap, and contemporary/lyrical categories. Abigail, along with her team, received many overall and special judges awards at competitions along the East Coast, including the Star Talent Galaxy Award. As a dancer of 12 years, she is well versed in all areas of dance offered at SDC and will be joining The Studio as an assistant for the 2024-2025 dance season for Level 1, 2, 3, Pre-Beginners, and Crew/Core Teams. Abigail is known for her gentle and loving spirit, and will be an extreme asset to the students and families at The Studio!