Instructors

 Shircola ("Ms. Cola") is a Raleigh, NC native.  She graduated from Broughton High School in 2007 and obtained her bachelor's degree from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2011. She later attended law school and received her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law and is a practicing attorney, realtor and dance educator.

Shircola began her dance training at Vereen's School of Dance, at the age of 3. She's trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. In college, Shircola danced for the school's hip hop team.  Shircola is also a retired professional cheerleader for the Carolina Hurricanes ("Go CANES!")

Although Shircola has a dual career as an attorney and realtor, she has always had a passion for dance. She enjoys teaching, educating and mentoring young girls, as well as helping them become the best they can be, whether in the professional corporate world, or the dance world. 

Shircola has spent many years as a youth advocate, as she also serves on the Board of Directors for the Wake County Boys & Girls Clubs.  

Shircola is excited to see all the heights SCDC reaches and be a part of the growth and development of her dancers.

Samantha Jones is from Wendell, North Carolina. She began dancing at the age of 3 at Heathers Dance in Knightdale, North Carolina. Throughout her years as a dancer, she trained in a variety of styles including jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and hip-hop. She also continued her passion for dance as a member of her high school dance team and later participated in the Dance Club at East Carolina University.

In 2023, Samantha moved to Greenville to attend East Carolina University, where she is pursuing a degree in Family and Community Services with a concentration in Child Development and will be graduating in May of 27’. Her education has strengthened her understanding of child development and reinforced her passion for working with children.

As an instructor, Samantha believes dance is about more than technique, it is about confidence, creativity, and joy. She loves sharing her passion with dancers and creating a positive, encouraging space where they can grow. She is excited to be a part of the SC Dance Company team!

Liv Kyles grew up competitively dancing in the dance and pageant world, where her passion for performance and artistry first began. She is currently a competitive dance judge for Inferno Dance Competition, traveling to regional and national events and working with dancers of all levels. As an instructor, Liv teaches all ages and levels in all styles, though her favorite styles are acro, jazz, lyrical, modern and technique. She believes strong foundations allow dancers’ individuality to shine and enjoys using improvisation to build confidence, creativity, and body awareness.

Liv studied at Appalachian State University, where she trained in jazz, ballet, and modern technique, performed with SADE and FADE, and choreographed for Momentum Dance Club. She also brings experience as a pageant coach, working with students of all ages to support confidence and stage presence.

Makhia McCullers’s dance journey began at the age of two, and over the course of more than two decades, she has grown into a deeply versatile and passionate performer, choreographer, and educator. With extensive training in Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz Fusion, and Acro, she brings a dynamic range to both the stage and the studio.

Her artistic development has been shaped by elite training and mentorship at CC & Company Dance Complex, where she learned directly from some of the most respected names in the industry—including choreographers and performers from So You Think You Can Dance, the Step Up franchise, Dance A.C.E. Award winners and participants, and Emmy Award-winning creatives who helped elevate her artistry to new heights. Makhia has also brought her creative vision to the competitive world as a USASF choreographer.

Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the art form, Makhia began co-teaching and teaching at just 13 years old. With over 20 years of total dance experience and well over a decade of teaching under her belt, she brings unparalleled passion, expertise, and a nurturing approach to every class. Her encouraging teaching style inspires students to challenge themselves and break through limitations.

Believing that dancing has no limits, Makhia strives to help her dancers discover their own unique movement styles and embrace the joy of the art form.