Step South Dance: Student Dancing
Step South Dance // Rock Hill, SC
About Step South Dance
> Mission Statement
> Lindsey Farris: Owner/Studio Director/Recreational & SSD Company Instructor
> Nicole Southgate Lowe: SSD Company Tap Instructor
> Ashley Smith: SSD Company Technique Instructor
> About Step South Dance
> SSD Competitive Dance Company
Mission Statement:
It is our mission at Step South Dance (SSD) to provide high quality dance instruction to children of all ages in a fair and friendly environment. At Step South Dance we will encourage children to express themselves through age appropriate movement and technique among various styles of dance. We at Step South Dance are dedicated in providing each student with a comprehensive dance education that will help them grow both mentally and physically as performing artists.
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Lindsey Farris: Owner/Studio Director/Recreational & SSD Company Instructor
Lindsey Beard Farris has nearly 24 years of dance experience. Lindsey attended Winthrop University and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance Education. Lindsey is a South Carolina Certified Teacher K-12, who previously taught four years of Dance Education in the Rock Hill School District. She began the Dance Education program at Sullivan Middle School in Rock Hill and watched the number of students nearly triple in her time there. Lindsey has also coached competitive cheerleading and began the first middle school dance team in the district. She has also directed numerous concerts and choreographed for musicals and plays.
In the fall of 2008, Lindsey founded Step South Dance. It had always been a dream for Lindsey to open a dance studio where children and adults of all ages could learn and celebrate the art of dance in a fun and positive environment! Since its opening, Lindsey has enjoyed watching the studio grow, adding new classes, instructors, and programs, to Step South Dance. The Step South Junior and Senior Dance Companies were founded in the fall of 2008, and have since been awarded numerous awards and achievements. Lindsey Farris has also received top scores and awards for her innovative choreography skills and ability to work with dancers of all levels. In the fall of 2010, Step South Dance will also add a mini dance company to their competitive program! Lindsey is excited to watch Step South Dance grow and excel in the years to come!
Step South Dance (SSD) strives to provide the opportunity and environment for our students to learn, develop and perform relevant dance skills and techniques. Students not only learn dance technique, but develop lifelong skills that will better prepare them for the future. We offer a challenging program for students of all ages and skill levels.
At SSD we encompass art, athleticism, and discipline, to develop the best possible dancers!
“Every dancer is a star at Step South Dance”
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Nicole Southgate Lowe: SSD Company Tap Instructor
Nicole has been involved with dance for over 23 years as a student, performer, teacher, judge, and choreographer. She has had training in tap, jazz, clogging, ballet, pointe, and lyrical, but her passion has always been tap. Nicole graduated in 2005 from Converse College, where she was also a member of the Converse College dance ensemble.
Nicole tap danced her way into the top ten in Miss South Carolina and Miss North Carolina, and finished first runner up to Miss South Carolina in 2002 and 2005. In her spare time, Nicole helps pageant contestants prepare for competition, focusing on interview, stage presence, and talent preparation.
Nicole is thrilled and honored to join Step South Dance as the tap company instructor, and is excited to be working with such talented, motivated students at Step South Dance!
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Ashley Smith: SSD Company Technique Instructor
Ashley is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native who began her dance career at the age of 4 starting with tumbling and ballet classes. From age 4 until 11 she continued dance lessons with a small dance company in Washington, PA. It wasn’t until she was 11 that she started dancing competitively with her hometown dance studio, “Dance Extensions Performing Arts Center”. During her time at “Dance Extensions” she studied the Cecchetti Ballet method under Betsy Wray Shuttleworth, along with: Pointe, Jazz & Lyrical. As well as studying Tap under Sandy K Messler for 6 years. During her time at 'Dance Extension's', Ashley competed in numerous dance competitions all over the north east and won numerous 1st place and overall high scores. Also winning the title of “Miss Sophisticated Dancer” at Sophisticated Productions Competition in 2001. Ashley has also trained with numerous Principle dancers with Pittsburgh Ballet Company, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, and the Mon Valley Ballet Theatre. Where she performed each year with Mon Valley Ballet Company in “The Nutcracker”. In 2000 Ashley assisted/ co-choreographed dance routines for Washington & Jefferson College Dance team in Washington Pa.
In 2002, Ashley auditioned and was accepted as a dance major into Point Park University’s dance program under a partial scholarship, with a minor in Kinesiology. Under the direction of a world renowned staff, Ashley studied Jazz, Ballet, Pointe’, Modern, Contemporary Jazz, and Dunham. While attending PPU, Ashley also was a part of Fall & Spring Showcases at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. After college Ashley continued instructing and co-choreographing for Dance Extensions; including numerous competitions and recitals.
Ashley is honored to begin instructing at Step South Dance, and hopes to not only help improve your child’s technique, but to appreciate dance just as much as she does.
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About Step South Dance (SSD):
Step South Dance opened in the fall of 2008. Step South is a brand new facility equipped with ballet barres, mirrors, and injury prevention floors. Parents are able to observe class through a one way observation window located in the lobby. Come and see our beautiful facility!
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SSD Competitive Dance Company:
Company Info:
SSD’s Award winning company performs at various events throughout the year and attends 3-4 regional competitions and possibly one National Competition each year. Being a part of the SSD Company is a big commitment. Students must be committed to the team and all performances/competitions are mandatory. It is also a financial responsibility. If you have questions and/or would like further information please see Lindsey Farris.