About Us
Lauren Dixon (Instructor), Denise LeVan (Owner/Instructor), Cortney Toothaker (Studio Manager), Amy Brookshire (Instructor) and Madison Deal (Instructor)
Owner Denise Tilley LeVan has danced her entire life. When she first opened the studio, Denise set out to create a safe and fun space for people to learn how to dance. For the past 32 years, she’s enjoyed watching young dancers grow up in her studio and helping them nurture a love for dance.
Denise and her staff believe dancing has the power to positively impact people’s lives. Whether you’re looking for competitive classes, adult dancing, or kids dance lessons in Statesville, NC, there’s something for everybody at Tilley’s Dance Academy!
Need leotards, tutus, or a pair of tap shoes?
Come see us at our Dance Shop, and we’ll help you find what you’re looking for!
To find out what we have in stock or to ask about our hours, contact us today!
Meet Our Award-Winning Staff of Passionate Dancers & Teachers
Our staff of dancers and teachers have trained, competed, and worked in the dance industry for over 30 years. We’ve garnered a long line of teaching and dancing awards, and we’ve helped put Tilley’s Dance Academy on the map as a premier dance company.
Nothing satisfies us more than helping dancers of all ages and skill levels grow through the beautiful art of dance. Whether you’re signing up for kids dance lessons, adult classes, or want your child to audition for our dance company, call us at 704-872-6438.
Meet Cortney Toothaker
My name is Cortney and I have been the studio manager at Tilley’s Dance Academy since 2013. After graduating high school in 2007, I attended Mitchell Community College taking accounting courses. I also taught a few dance classes here at the studio, but soon realized as much as I love dancing, teaching wasn’t as much of a passion for me. So, when presented with the opportunity to become studio manager, I quickly accepted. I grew up in the studio, with my mom teaching when I was younger, so I absolutely love being here! I love seeing the kids each week, and at the end of the year recital getting to see all they have accomplished and see everything we have worked for all year come together is amazing!! I also love that I get to work with such an amazing group of women! There is truly nowhere else I’d rather be.
Meet Amy Brookshire
Hello everyone! My name is Amy Brookshire and I have been a dance instructor at TDA for 26 years!! WOW-seems like yesterday! My love for dance started at the young age of 3. By age 10, I was hooked and competing with the first ever Jr. Dance Co. for Tilley’s. Throughout my years here I have been able to train under many notable instructors and choreographers. I have also performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, at Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios and many cruise line companies. I have been awarded several “Top Choreography”, “1st place Grand National Overall Champion” and “Top Teacher” awards in my career. I love teaching and helping to mold these beautiful dancers that we have here today. I absolutely love the excitement and energy they bring to my class everyday. They are the reason I teach! When I’m not dancing I love spending time with my husband, Britt and my two beautiful children, Jay and Bella.
Meet Madison Deal
Hey everyone! I’m Madison Deal aka Pickle! I am 21 years old. I am a current senior at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte studying Management Information Systems. I have held multiple leadership positions at my time at UNCC. This is my 17th year dancing and my second year teaching. I have been a teacher assistant for 9 years. I am also an Acrobatic Arts certified teacher. I am super excited to be able to do what I love and am honored to have the job of teaching yours kids!
Meet Lauren Dixon
I’m Lauren Dixon and this is my 6th year as a dance instructor for Tilley’s Dance Academy. I graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA in Dance with a concentration in performance, choreography, and theory. I studied with the Martha Graham Dance company and performed at The Joyce Theatre in NYC and the Knight Theatre in Charlotte performing a restaged work of the Martha Graham Dance Company. I was also a performer in the Tony Award winner George Faison’s Suite Otis and a dancer in the rapper Remi’s music video for his single “Smile”. I was a founder and President of the dance organization Range of Motion at UNCC and held multiple leadership positions. I am so passionate about dance and even more passionate about seeing your amazing children grow their love of dance in my class and on the stage. I am home grown and grew up dancing at Tilley’s since I was 3 years old. That makes it even more special to be apart of this amazing faculty. I look forward to continuing to help teach and mold these amazing young dancers!
Tilley’s Dance Academy
401 N Center St
Statesville, NC 28677
Phone: 704-872-6438
Email: tilleysdance@bellsouth.net
Hours
Monday: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Closed Friday, Saturday, & Sunday