Faculty

Ajophonie is a native of Columbia, SC. She began her dance training at the age of 3, dancing under artistic directors Mariclare Miranda and William Starrett of Columbia Conservatory of Dance, later known as South Carolina Ballet. During her tenure at Columbia Conservatory of Dance; she received the bulk of her training in ballet and pointe work, while also learning other dance styles. She trained in dance styles such as lyrical/ contemporary, jazz, and creative movement. She also joined the Columbia City Ballet Company as an apprentice member, and performed alongside company dancers in stage productions that premiered at the Koger Center for the Arts, and traveled to perform in these productions with the company in Savannah, GA. These productions were Snow White, Dracula, Nutcracker, The Little Mermaid, and Sleeping Beauty. In 2021, she received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Dance and Biology at the College of Charleston, located in Charleston, SC. In her free time she loves to dance, journal, cook, and create memories with those she loves.

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

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!

Melina Matthews is a junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in theatre and minoring in dance. She is originally from Clinton, NC and has been dancing since she was three. She has trained all over the country in styles such as musical theatre, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, lyrical, and hip-hop. Melina also danced competitively from the time she was seven till she was eighteen. Melina spent four summers training with the Joffrey Ballet School. Two summers in contemporary and jazz (Dallas,TX), and two summers training with their musical theatre program (New York City). Melina is also a singer and loves to perform in musicals. She has been in musicals such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and his Winter Wish, and Footloose.
Melina is so grateful for the opportunity to work at Rising Star Performing Arts Studio.

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 will also study dance this summer 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 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.”