MEET THE STAFF

Dorothy O’Neill is a native of Hillsborough, North Carolina. She grew up dancing under Orpah Hamlett at the Hillsborough School of Dance where she performed and competed for many years. Dorothy continued her study of dance at the University of Richmond, during which time she became a member of Dance Masters of America through certification exams. Dorothy has taught at many dance studios in Virginia and North Carolina, including the historic Bounds Dance Studio in Chapel Hill. From 2010-2016, Dorothy owned and operated Southern Elite Pageants, which during her tenure became one of the largest glitz pageant systems in the US. Dorothy opened Hillsborough Cheer, Dance & Gymnastics in 2019 in order to provide quality and family friendly instruction to the children of central NC. Dorothy is a member of Dance Masters of America, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, Association of Professional Women, the North Carolina Bar Association, and USA Gymnastics. As well as leading HCDG, Dorothy is a family law attorney at Foil Law Offices. She and her husband, Bret, have eight children.

Devon has coached cheer at HCDC since the opening day. She has developed into an athlete favorite with her upbeat personality, endless energy, and constant motivation. Devon’s passion for the sport of cheerleading is evident in her coaching. A lifetime cheer athlete, Devon loves passing on her knowledge to others.

Taylor Hobgood began dancing at age two in Hillsborough, North Carolina. She has trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, musical theater, pom and hip hop. Taylor competitively danced throughout middle and high school and has competed against top studios across the country. In May of 2020, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Psychology and Sociology. During her time at UNC-Chapel Hill, Taylor was a four year member of the UNC Dance Team and cheered for Tar Heels from the sidelines! She competed yearly in the National Dance Association’s Collegiate College Championship, and was a member of the team that placed 6th in the nation in 2019!

Alexis Hobgood is a Hillsborough native and began her dance training at the age of two. She has trained in lyrical, tap, contemporary, musical theater, hip hop, ballet, pom and jazz. Alexis became part of a competitive dance team at the age of six. Throughout her career as a company dancer, she has had the opportunity to take classes from many well-known professional dancers and choreographers, such as Travis Wall and Brian Friedman. She also competed against some of the top studios on the east coast. Alexis will be attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall. During her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends. She is super excited to share her passion for and knowledge of dance with others!

My name is Tori Owens, and I started dancing at In Motion Dance Center in Winston Salem, NC at the age of 4 and continued until graduation. Additionally, I competed with the Dance Elite competition team at In Motion from age 13 until graduation. I was also a member of the Reagan High School Raiderettes Dance Team for 3 years. During the summer between my junior and senior year of high school, I was fortunate to attend NC Governor’s School East for dance.

Candace holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Shaw University and a master’s degree in biomedical science from UNC. She has been teaching locally for 17 years and her choreography consistently ranks at the top in many competitions. Candace has danced for over 20 years and auditioned and was accepted to attend Talent Unlimited High School in New York City where she performed with numerous dance companies throughout the country. She is a former National Dance Competitor. Candace choreographed the dance “Lose Control” which was performed on BET’s Television Show 106 and Park on Wednesday, April 12th, 2006 for “Wild Out Wednesday”. Candace has taught dance since she was 15. She continues to be recognized for being one of the top all-around dancers on the east coast.

Competitive Experience: Advanced gymnast in N.C. Competed locally, regionally, and nationally, placing in all. Earned full gymnastics scholarship to attend UNC-CH. Top gymnast for them, after injury competing on Bars and Beam. Placing multiple times in college states and regionals.

I am a rising senior at the University of North Carolina majoring in Exercise and Sports Science and English. At UNC I dance with Carolina Vibe and actually have the privilege of serving as President this year. I have been dancing since I was three and competed from the ages of 8-18. I am trained in jazz, lyrical, tap, ballet, and hip-hop. My favorite style is probably jazz but I love everything! Dance has always been a safe, positive, and joyful environment for me and I’m glad that gets to continue! My favorite dance memory is attending the UNC School of the Arts Commercial Dance intensive in the summer of 2016.

I have been participating in competitive cheerleading since I was 6. I have also done school cheer and before that, I did gymnastics and Pop Warner cheer. I have always loved cheerleading. I have experience in all stunt positions (including regular stunts and one-man stunts). I have competed at the biggest cheerleading competitions including The D2 Summit, The Summit, and The Cheerleading Worlds. I also have experience coaching special needs teams. I love coaching and being able to teach others about cheerleading.

Kenzie is a former level 9 gymnast. She has learned a lot along the way— safe execution of drills and the skills they turn into. Kenzie is USA Gymnastics certified. She holds the female weightlifting record for Cedar Ridge High School in the bench press and pound-for-pound! Kenzie enjoys sharing her love for this sport with the girls she coaches & can’t wait to see their growth & improvements!

Emily Lowrey started dancing at the age of 3. She moved to Northfield, NH at the age of five and joined the Creative Steps Dance Company, studying Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Tap. Emily’s love for performing took off from a young age, and she went on to win the American Dance Award “Dancer of the Year” for three consecutive years. She was also awarded many first-place awards and titles through International Dance Challenge, Starquest Performing Arts, Dance Educators of America, Showstoppers Talent Quest, and many more. Though passionate about the competition world, Emily remained equally passionate about pursuing her dance education and attended many festivals and conventions in Boston and New York with choreographers such as Tyce Diorio and Aaron Tolson. Emily spent her teen years involved with a love for theatre and acting. She danced and acted at The Palace Theatre in Manchester NH, and through local community productions; performing roles such as “Puck” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Molly the orphan in Annie.

Ashleigh Paschall was born and raised in Hillsborough/Durham area and competed in competitive cheer and dance since the age of three. Ashleigh enjoys sharing her passion for dance and cheer through teaching. Fun facts – Ashleigh is a die-hard Duke fan and has been a hair stylist for over 11 years!

Abby began her dance training at the age of 5 and has studied tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and hip-hop. In high school, she danced competitively with Steps on Stage Academy of Performing Arts, winning national awards with their senior company. She was also a member of the national award-winning West Johnston High School dance team.

Graduate of North Carolina School of the Arts where she trained under the direction of Nina Danilova, Melissa Hayden, and Frank Smith. Nina began her training at Greensboro Ballet with Maryhelen Mayfield, John Dennis and Elissa Fuchs. Nina has spent summers at the Boston Ballet and Richmond Ballet. As an NCSA alumni, Nina spent two summers with Rick McCullough for the Manteo Summer Festival, performing at Roanoke Island. Nina currently is a professional dancer with the Greensboro Ballet and also teaches in their school.

Marie Rouser began dancing under Jo-Ann Stevens in Durham, NC. She graduated from Belhaven College (now Belhaven University) in Jackson, Mississippi in May 2007 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Dance. There, she studied under Cynthia Newland, Laura Morton, Britta Wynne, Stephen Wynne and many others. She volunteered as a counselor for the USA International Ballet Competition Dance School in 2006 and 2010. Marie owned and operated her own dance studio in Hillsborough for 7 years then taught at Arts Alive in Burlington for several years before becoming their interim director in 2016. Over the years, she has taught ballet to a handful of ice skaters. She planned and choreographed many dances for herself and others throughout her dancing career and led dance/worship arts ministries at local churches. Marie is passionate about teaching dance and making sure children, teens and adults learn correct ballet technique to help them excel as a dancer.

Annalie Cummings has been competing in competitive cheerleading since she was 7 years old. She has experience in all positions (flyer, base, and backspot). She loves cheerleading and passing on her knowledge and experience. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with friends and family and just relaxing.

Graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in May 2019 with her Bachelor of Arts in American History. Devin is currently a graduate student in the Masters of Arts in Teaching program at UNC, with a focus in Elementary Education. Devin is originally from Wilmington, where she was a competitive gymnast for almost 10 years, competing through level 9. Devin competed her highest levels at Gymnastics & More in Little River, South Carolina. USA Gymnastics Certified and CPR & AED Certified, Devin has worked with kids at multiple levels through coaching, youth ministry, and student teaching.