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.

 Gabby is originally from Maryland, who moved to Knightdale, NC at a young age. She started dancing when she was just 3 years old, and her love for the arts has only grown since then. Gabrielle graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Performance and Choreography. She’s trained in many dance styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, African, Tap, HipHop and Improvisation, and also received an Entrepreneurship Certificate. She is now a dance instructor in Wake County Public Schools. She has also studied dance at some of the best places in the world, including the Broadway Dance Center and Alvin Ailey in New York City, Martha Graham School of Contemporary, and even in Nairobi, Kenya. When she’s not dancing, Gabrielle loves staying active and spending time with her family. She truly loves teaching dance and sharing her passion with her students.

Ava is originally from Raleigh, NC, and has been active in the world of dance for 15 years, training in styles like Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Majorette, Lyrical, Cheer Dance, and Praise Dance. Alongside her passion for dance, she spent 15 years in competitive cheer, traveling across multiple states to compete. She also cheered for two years at the illustrious Fayetteville State University. Outside of coaching, she enjoys traveling, baking, and seizing every opportunity to inspire and empower the youth. Ava is beyond excited to bring her experience, energy, and creativity to the team, and she can’t wait to see all that we accomplish together!

Sophie grew up in Franklin, Massachusetts and has been dancing since the age of three. She trained at various studios near her hometown and has a strong foundation in ballet, contemporary, and modern techniques. Sophie graduated from Elon University with a BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography and has a strong passion for teaching the next generation of dancers. She has had the opportunity to perform in pieces by Casey Avaunt, Courtney Liu, Jen Guy Metcalf, Ming Lung Yang, Jiwon Ha, Lee Edwards, Virginia DuPont and many others. She has been teaching dance and choreographing for 8 years and is excited to join the team at SC Dance Company as an instructor!

 Michelle is a proud North Carolina native. She has been dancing since the age of 5, and has competed at both the state and national levels. Her favorite styles of dance are lyrical,contemporary, and jazz. She enjoys coaching students of all ages, but loves her minis! Michelle attended college at North Carolina Central University where she obtained herbachelor’s degree in political science and minored in public policy. She returned to North Carolina Central University and graduated from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2022. She currently practices family law and criminal defense in Raleigh.When she’s not practicing law, Michelle can be found enjoying her hobbies, which include shopping, traveling, spending time with her family and friends, learning the latest hair and makeup trends from Youtube, and attending concerts and music festivals. At home, Michelle enjoys spending quality time with her parents, siblings, and godchildren. 

  Ryan is originally from Atlanta, GA where he started his dance training at the age of 7. He went to Kennesaw State University where he studied dance and business. He has trained in tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop and continues to work on his growth in all styles. This season, he is excited to be specializing in his tap instruction here at SC Dance Company. Outside of the studio, he enjoys crocheting, baking, and playing video games.