Teachers & Faculty
 

We are proud and honored to have a professionally trained staff with over 30 years of teaching experience.

you will observe and notice the dedication that each member brings each week to class.

Biographies and additional photographs coming soon!

  
Director
Lori Oxendine Long
 

Lori Oxendine Long, Director and owner of Dance Productions Studio of Performing Arts, realized a childhood dream upon opening this unique dance studio.  After 16 wonderful years of teaching, Lori decided to create a dance studio in the Carolinas that was designed to meet all of a dancer’s needs, in all styles of dance, both on the recreational and pre-professional level.  The studio opened its doors in 1989 with a one room studio and quickly expanded into 2 rehearsal studios.  Lori’s mission with teaching has always been to share her love of dance and to give each child that walks through the studio door the feeling of “specialness.” In 2000, the studio expanded once again into a state of the art facility with over 7500 square feet of studio and rehearsal space.  A second location, located in Mint Hill, NC, celebrated its grand opening in 2006 with the same standard of excellence that has become the trademark of Dance Productions.

During Lori’s teaching career, her students were awarded numerous regional and national awards as well as performing in many venues in the community. In 1996, the studio performed at the Olympics held in Atlanta Georgia as well as performing with professional sports teams in the Carolinas, Anti-Gravity, NASCAR events and many more.  Many Dance Productions students are now enjoying professional careers in the dance field as well as dancing for some of the top universities in the country.  Lori’s choreography has been awarded many times, receiving notable awards such as the “Capezio Award of Excellence” with her specialty producing exciting tap productions.  Judging for some of the largest dance competitions in the country continues to help her expand her knowledge of dance and to bring only the best to the students of Dance Productions.  A devoted staff which creates her dance family works with her daily to create an environment of excitement and to promote traditional values which she believes is one of her most valued assets in her personal and professional life.  She realizes the responsibility that is placed on the studio in helping to form the young lives of her students. Now with over 30 years of experience in the dance field, Miss Lori feels honored and blessed that so many parents in the Charlotte area continue to trust their child’s dance education to her and the Dance Productions staff.

Miss Lori is an advocate for children and hopes to share in their lives for many years to come.  When not at the studio she enjoys spending time with her husband Robbie and son Dustin ... plus her 3 dogs, Rebel, Scarlett and Roxie!

 
 
 
Office Manager
(Photo Coming Soon)
Karen Whitley Norman
(Bio Coming Soon)
 
 
Our Teaching Faculty
 
 
ASSISTANT STUDIO DIRECTOR / DIRECTOR RECREATIONAL PROGRAM
Sabrina Mowris Perrell
(Bio Coming Soon)
 
 
COMPETITION PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Tracy Russell Faggart
(Bio Coming Soon)
 
 
Ballet Instructor
Denise Britz-Clarke

(Bio Coming Soon)
 
 
 
COMPETITION & Children's Program
Amanda Zygmont
  Amanda Zygmont became a member of the Dance Productions family at the age of 5!  She was a member of the first “DP MINI COMPETITION TEAM!  Her dance training continued through her high school graduation.  As a member of the competition team at Dance Productions, she gained much recognition and received a valuable dance education from the professional staff at the DP Studio along with reaching outside to the dance community and participating in many master classes and conventions with many of the top teachers in the country.  Amanda, along with her team mates, has been awarded many honors both on the Regional and National level.  In 2005 she was selected to become a member of the American Dance Team and represent the United States in Cesena, Italy at the Prix de Italia World Dance Championships.  The US Team won top honors.  Amanda was also selected to perform and compete in Barcelona and Spain in 2006.  During her dance training, Amanda recognized the desire she had for sharing her dance experience with the younger students at the studio.  She began the Dance Productions teaching program and progressed from Student Trainee, Student Assistant and now is an important member of the Dance Productions teaching faculty.  She brings excitement, enthusiasm and encouragement to her young students at the studio.  Her passion for dance and love of teaching makes Dance Productions the perfect place to share her talents.  Amanda is currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina Charlotte where she is majoring in Communications and Public Relations, with a minor in Psychology.  
 
 
COMPETITION & Children's Program
Kristin Laurent
(Bio Coming Soon)
 
 
COMPETITION & Children's Program
(Photo Coming Soon)
Brittany Dawkins
(Bio Coming Soon)
 
 
GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS
(In Alphabetical Order)
 
 
Allen Cooper
  Allen began dancing at age 9 under the direction of Christy Curtis. Throughout his training, he has studied with such greats as Nick Bass, Lauren Adams, Mandy Moore, Jason Parsons, Dee and Dennis Caspary, as well as the world renowned Mia Michaels when she set Celine Dion's Las Vegas spectacular "A NEW DAY". Allen has also spent the past four summers in California studying at the Edge. He has appeared in national commercials and industrials since the age of 15. Allen, and his unique style of award winning choreography, is in high demand at studios and venues across the country. He has spent some of the past two years working with Star Systems where he teaches innovative master classes. He has also joined the faculty of “Shock The Intensive”.  
 
 
 
Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo
  Napoleon and Tabitha’s career began in Las Vegas, directing and choreographing shows for casinos and high profile companies like NIKE, Redken, Levi’s, MAC, and Matrix. Since moving to L.A., the duo has choreographed and performed with artists Beyonce, Missy Elliot, Bubba Sparxxx, Sisqo, Toni Braxton, Monica, Timbaland, and Destiny's Child, including world tours for Justin Timberlake, B2K, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, and Celine Dion. Their film and television credits include The Grammy’s, Billboard Music Awards, Soul Train, The Andy Dick Show, Nickelodeon’s Zoey, UPN’s One on One, Disney’s Pixel Perfect, Legally Blonde, Resurrection Boulevard, Mr. Fix It and a MasterCard commercial. They can be found in L.A. teaching at the Edge P.A.C. and Millennium Dance Complex. Their latest feat has been starting their own line of hip-hop gear called Nappytabs.  They were recently seen on "The View", and can be seen on the hit dance shows "Dance Crew" and "So You Think You Can Dance?".  Their innovative routines are changing the way people think about Hip-Hop.  
 
 
 
Dale Lam
  As the artistic director and choreographer of the Columbia City Jazz Dance Company and a member of the dance faculty at the University of South Carolina, Dale has developed a very exciting teaching and choreography style that combines traditional jazz, ballet, ethnic, street, modern and natural movement. Her high- energy classes and choreography incorporate theatrical elements to teach the importance of emotion in dance and stage presence. In addition to teaching master classes at the Kiradjiev Cultural Center in Bulgaria, the American School in Singapore, and the Singapore Dance Association at Lasalle College of the Arts, Dale has set choreography and conducted master classes at studios and dance conventions all across the United States. Dale has appeared in MTV’s “Made”, performed for the King of Norway during an overseas tour of “Godspell”, was a principal singer and dancer in “Hooray for Hollywood” at Carowinds, and has been featured in issues of "Dance Spirit" and "Dance Teacher" magazines for her inspired lyrical jazz choreography.  
 
 
 
Shannon Mather
  Described as the most sought after choreographer in the United States and Canada, Shannon has taken dance and choreography to incomparable heights. Her creative vision and excellence to the dance arts have been described as moving, emotional, and inspiring. Shannon’s talent has been recognized by numerous choreography awards and critical acclaim, including two national titles for Cal State Fullerton University Dance Team. Her strive for excellence, and her ability to bring out the passion of young dancers nationwide has created high demand for her gift of teaching. Currently, Shannon is the assistant choreographer on the Fox hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance”, and is the Co-Owner of Coastal Dance Rage. Her choreography has been featured on CBS’ Star Search and her students have danced with stars such as Brittney Spears, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce.  
 
 
 
Mike Minery
  Mike has established himself as one of the finest tap dancers working today. He combines youthful power with the finesse of the old time hoofers. He was featured at The Supper Club on Broadway in the '40's swing revue This Joint is Jumping. Michael has also performed throughout the world with the internationally acclaimed touring company Manhattan Tap. In the last year, Michael was seen in Footprints Tap Jam 2000 in Chicago, an Equity Cares Fight AIDS production Zoot Suit Strut, and was a soloist in the 2001 Tap Extravaganza at Town Hall Theater in Manhattan. Mike is not only a performer, but a choreographer and teacher as well. Look for his new instructional video Hoofin' with Mike, produced by Bob Rizzo. He has also choreographed pieces for many tap companies including Manhattan Tap. Most recently he debuted his original tap show “Tapaholics” at the famed Duke Theatre in NYC. Mike is also the Director and Choreographer of “Slide,” a tap workshop and Off-Broadway show in NYC.  
 
 
 
Martha Nichols
  Martha has been dancing since the age of 2.  She was recently a choreographer / instructor for CC & Co. Dance Complex in Raleigh, NC.  She was a member of the Power Company for 9 years and a full performing member of the Raleigh Civic Ballet for the past 2 years.  This past year, Martha was chosen to dance in Carnival in LA where Janet Jackson and Gwen Stefani were in attendance.  She was also chosen to audition for Janet Jackson at Monsters of Hiphop.  Her passion for dance has given her numerous opportunities to travel the country to take from world reknowned choreographers including Jason Parsons, Lauren Adams, Wes Veldink, Dee Caspary, Mandy Moore, Nick Bass, Tabitha & Napoleon D'umo and others.  Martha has been trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, Lyrical and more recently Krumping.  In 2006, Martha was chosen as a contestant for the second season of FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance".  Martha is currently performing with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.  
 
 
 
Patrick Daniel Pugh
  Patrick began dancing professionally at age 16 as one of the Carolina Opry Dancers. Shortly after, he relocated to NYC to study under legends David Howard, Suzi Taylor, and Andy Blankenbuehler. In 2005, Patrick toured as a demonstrator for NYC Dance Alliance as their National Male Outstanding Dancer. Since then, he has made guest appearances with The New Jersey Ballet, BalletMet Columbus, and at Bryant Park's annual DRA event with choreographer Lauren Adams. Patrick's industrial credits include work for Sports Illustrated, Harley Davidson, and Hardrive Productions. Patrick's choreography can be seen on both commercial and competition stages around the country, including the recently televised Miss Teen Ohio Pageant. Patrick is also proud to be named a guest artist with Rasta Thomas's Bad Boys of Dance.  
 
 
 
Christopher Robbins
(Bio Coming Soon)
 
 
 
Athena Sterig
  Athena discovered a passion for dance at the age of 7 when she began taking ballet classes. During a recent interview, she said that she is in her own world when she is dancing. "I love being on stage and performing because I feel so free. And it's like time-stopping, and like nobody can touch me. And I just feel so alive.” As a Senior at Buena Vista High School in California, Athena competed in the Music Center Spotlight Awards where she won first place in the non-classical dance category. The Spotlight Awards Program is one of the nation’s most acclaimed performing and visual arts education programs for teens. It offers distinctive learning opportunities in the arts for all participants and awards over $100,000 in scholarships annually. This Program has launched numerous professional careers.  
 
 
 
Courtney Turner
  Courtney began dancing at Dance Productions at the age of 6.  As a competition dancer, Courtney won numerous individual and group awards at competitions hosted by Star Systems, Showbiz, Showstopper and others. She has been the recipient of numerous dance scholarships. She was a participant in the NYCDA national outstanding dancer competition in 2003 and was DMA’s Miss Dance of North Carolina in 2005. Courtney was also a semifinalist for the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance”, making it through Las Vegas Week to become one of the top 22 females. Courtney has taught at Dance Productions for 3 years.  She will be attending the University of the Arts as a Dance Major full time starting in September 2006.  Courtney received an artist’s grant to attend UARTS. It is given to "those students who demonstrate the potential for outstanding success in their studies at UARTS."  Courtney was also offered a merit scholarship to attend Loyola Marymount University in California. She was one of approximately 1200 "good" students to be accepted into one of 250 places in the transfer class.  Courtney will continue to work with DP students when she is home on breaks.  

 

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