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Faculty
Director

La-Tisha “Tish” Hemingway-Sexton
Tish is the owner/director of Rising Star Performing Arts Studio. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a double Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Management and Business Marketing and a Minor in Dance. She also graduated from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Education and a Master’s of Education in Reading Education. Tish received her early dance training in New York City. She studied various dance forms including Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, West African, Improvisation, Capoeira, Irish, and Hip Hop. She took on her first professional dance role as a Junior Dance Educator with Urban Strategies.
Tish continued to develop her dance skills as a member of the University of South Carolina’s dance team, The Carolina Coquettes. She danced professionally for the National Basketball Association (NBA) Philadelphia 76ers as a member of the Sixers’ Dancers. Coached for the American Basketball Association’s Harlem Strong Doggs Dancers and many Middle School and High School Cheer and Dance Teams. Tish continued to teach dance as a Dance Educator for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.
Instructors

Anna Lamczyk
Ballet/Contemporary Instructor
Anna Lamczyk is a teacher, performer, and choreographer from Mt. Vernon, IL. She recently obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Performance from Illinois State University. Her primary training is in ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, and tap.

Deayza Peebles
Tap/Hip Hop Instructor
Deayza Peebles, originally from upstate New York, is a world champion baton twirler, national competitive dancer, and state-level gymnast. With 15 years of training in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap, she’s developed a versatile and well-rounded approach to the world of dance. Beginning as a dance instructor at 13, she has since grown as a choreographer and has had the opportunity to choreograph for national teams such as the University of Maryland Dance Team and the Howard University Feature Twirlers. As a recent graduate from the University of South Carolina, Deayza is preparing for law school this upcoming year. She’s excited to share her passion with the dancers and to help them achieve their full potential!

Olivia Timmerman
Tumbling Instructor
Olivia began her training under Dedra Daniels Mount at Broadway Bound Musical Theatre Company. She recently graduated from Coker University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Choreography with Honors. Olivia has trained in residencies with Giordano Dance Chicago, Rosie Herrera, Ephrat Asherie, and many more. Last summer, she served as an Apprentice with Columbia Repertory Dance Company and she is pleased to return this summer as a full company member. She studied dance in the summer 2024 for two weeks in Italy with Staibdance, led by George Staib. Olivia is excited to work with Rising Star Performing Arts Studio and share her love for dance with the students.

Neenah Adams
Hip Hop Instructor
Neenah has danced since an early age and began instructing dance at the age of 13. She has taught Jazz, Hip Hop, and Zumba. And has also coached Dance Teams for Chicago Public Schools. She is excited to be able to be able to create a fun and safe environment for children and adults of all ages to be able to come out and get moving!!! “I can’t wait to meet you all and create memories that will last forever.”
What dance lessons do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, modern, tumbling, and hip hop dance lessons for children.
How many dance lessons do you offer?
We offer a wide range of dance lessons to cater to different interests and skill levels.
What age group do you teach?
Our dance lessons are available for children aged 3 to 18.
How can I contact you?
You can contact us through the provided contact form or by emailing our studio.
What is your studio’s location?
Our dance studio is located in Columbia, SC.
Do you offer any special programs?
Yes, we offer special programs such as our dance company, performance company, and production company.

We’re here to help!
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us!