A top-notch studio with an open-door philosophy

Let me tell you a little about myself. I started dancing when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped. I am a 1998 graduate of Princeton High School and a 2002 graduate from UNC-Wilmington with a BS in Business Management and a minor in Music. While in college I attended Mt. Olive College in Mt. Olive, NC and was a member of the Mt. Olive College Singers, a singing and dancing traveling group. I have performed in Washington, D.C. and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York in 1999. I am certified through Dance Masters of America, a dance educator organization, since 2002. I have taught dance classes for about 30 years which have included studios in Goldsboro, Wilmington and Beulaville.

In 2007, I was voted in as a director on the board of Carolina Dance Masters (CDM). From 2012–2023 I was voted as the treasurer of CDM. I have been a member of CDM and Dance Masters of America (DMA) since 2002. I was the first high school senior to receive a college scholarship from CDM. I was a student of two CDM members. And I am a Nationally Certified Examiner for DMA and CDM. CDM is very important to me and I hope to educate all of my students about CDM and what they can get out of the organization. DMA in 2019 honored me with the Zee Brown Aherin Award. This award is given to one member each year demonstrating hard work and dedication to the organization. Around 2015 to the present I have been on the DMA Performing Arts Scholarship Competition committee and held the position of the DMA Open Scholarship Tabulator. Giving back to this organization fills my heart like no other.

Along with teaching my own students I enjoy guest teaching at different chapters of DMA and local studios. I have also judged for Chapter 4 Michigan, Chapter 27 Tri-State (Oklahoma), Chapter 40 Bluegrass (Kentucky), Chapter 3 South Texas, Chapter 33 South Eastern (Alabama), Chapter 5 New England, and Chapter 6 Louisiana just to name a few. Getting to see the amazing talent around our country and share my passion of dance is so rewarding. Tabulation has been a new adventure that I enjoy doing either in house studio auditions, open scholarships, solo title or competitions. Thank you all for the opportunities!!!

As a student I competed regionally and nationally winning many awards. I continue my dance education by attending annual conventions and workshops. I have trained with dance professionals such as Judy Bassing, Thommie Rhetter, Joe Tremaine, Rhee Gold, the Bad Boys of Dance, Greg Russel, and Mike Witmers just to name a few. I believe that hard work and fun can be done at the same time. Dance is my passion and I am glad to be able to share it with other people. This will be a wonderful year filled with fun and excitement.

Rita has had over 28 years of dance training in many areas of dance including: acrobatics, African dance, ballet, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, pointe' & tap. Several of these dance genres were taught under the instruction of Tori Melby, Betty Newll & Barbara Clark at Dancers Workshop in her hometown of Sanford, NC.

Ms Rita is nationally certified in tap & acrobatics with Dance Masters of America Chapter 15 Carolina Dance Masters. Under this organization, she has held two chapter titles as Junior Miss Dance of NC 1992–1993 and Miss Dance of NC 1996–1997.

She has also held the titles of Majestic Miss Sanford (the first African American to ever hold this title) in 1995, Overall and 3rd runner up for Teen Miss North Carolina, and top soloist for National competition at Myrtle Beach as "Miss Superstar".

We are honored to have her as part of our dance family and can't wait to see what magic she can bring to the dance floor.

Ms Rita comes with her amazing daughter, Egypt. She has danced her whole life. Everything from ballet, tap, acro, African dance, hip hop, lyrical and more.

Egypt graduated high school from Pine Forest High and graduated college from Hollins University with a teaching degree.

Egypt is like no other. Her dance skills and ability to work with children are outstanding. We are glad to have her on our team at TTDS!!!!

Hey everyone! My name is MacKenzie. I am 21 years old, I am from Four Oaks, but grew up in Princeton. I actually started dance at Tippy Toes when I was younger. I moved on to dance at Artistry in Motion in Smithfield until the age of 17. I absolutely love clogging. It has been a very big part of my life!

I currently am a student at Sampson Community College working on my cosmetology license to specialize in color and color correction.

A little bit about me: I am very kind and love nature. I also love to travel! I hope to get to meet everyone this year and have a great time clogging!

Kristen started her dance career on the playground. One of her closest and dearest lifelong friends was taking dance at TTDS and would see Kristen on the playground to teach/show her what we were doing in class each week. Her mother then signed her up and the rest is history.

Kristen graduated high school from the Wayne County Engineering Program in Goldsboro in 2022. She is attending college at East Carolina University in Greenville.

Kristen was a December high school graduate but made sure she stayed through our annual Nutcracker. In 2023 she came back to the studio to teach the next Sugar Plum the choreography. Kristen helps with our clogging team, Tumble Tots, Baby Ballerina & Tiny Tappers classes along with whatever else may pop up.

We are certainly glad Kristen has come back to her dance home.

Kelly is a native of Princeton and loves to work with children and adults. She is a high energy, spunky, motivating instructor. She helps move and groove all of the adults that join us for our Adult Dance Fitness program to sweat the calories away. We are so blessed to have Ms Kelly!!!

Jeff and Mandy come to us HIGHLY recommended as some of the best shaggers in the Wilson/Wayne/Johnston area.

What is shag? Many years ago, the shag was born on the beaches of South Carolina. Quick and smooth, the dance rose in popularity among young people in the 1940s as they stepped and twirled to "beach music".

Mandy and Jeff go over the steps, help each student hands on, and enjoy getting to dance together and show others the steps as well.

Couples or singles are welcome on Monday evenings to come join!!!