About Us
At Tilley’s Dance Academy, we’ve celebrated dance excellence since 1987. Our team has built generations of creativity and confidence at our facility, and we continually strive to help our students grow and blossom through the art of dance every day.
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 Denise Levan
I have traveled many states showcasing our dance competition companies and choreograph, award-winning performances. I have received numerous national titles and American dance achievement awards.
I love to dance and I am very passionate about teaching children and instilling a love of dance in them. I have danced all my life and I have taught thousands of children and adults to dance .
I am married to Terry LeVan and I have three sons, Chase, Chance and Chandler.I have three grandchildren, Ace, Axel and Arrow.
When I’m not working, I enjoy riding motorcycles with my husband and traveling this beautiful world we live in.. I also love spending time with my friends and family and watching my grandchildren and my great nieces play sports.
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 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!
Meet Stephanie Wix
Meet Terri Crider
Hi My name is Terri Crider and I am so excited to be the new STARS Dance program teacher! I graduated from Western Carolina University in 2013 with my bachelors degree in special education; I am currently in my 11th year of teaching in a classroom for individuals with special needs in a public school. This is my 18th year of dance at Tilley’s Dance Academy and the new STARS dance program combines my love of dance with my love of individuals with special needs! I believe all individuals should have opportunities to chase their dreams and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to chase dreams with my dance STARS!
Meet Pressley Anne Beatty
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 Jessica Hedrick
My husband & I are the 2015 & 2019 America’s Clogging Hall of Fame OVERALL GRAND CHAMPION DUO/DUET winners. I have traveled throughout the United States winning many solo, duo/duet, and team titles.
We are heavily involved with our church, and I am so grateful that God blessed me with a talent that I can share with the kids. I love competing with my husband, Darren, and my daughter, Teagan. Competing In the Clogging World is what we do as a family in our spare time..
Meet Kristan Beckham
My name is Kristan Beckham and this is my second year teaching at TDA. I am currently a junior at Appalachian State University studying Elementary Education, and I plan to earn my master’s degree in Special Education after I graduate.
I grew up at TDA and have been dancing for 17 years, including 13 years as a competitive dancer.
During my junior year of high school, I received the Robinette Tilley “Dance for Me” Scholarship. That opportunity gave me the chance to start helping with classes, and I quickly found my love for teaching.
I am so excited for another great season! I currently teach “Shining Stars” and Hip Hop II, and I love helping my students grow, build confidence, and have fun in class.
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