Testimonials
Our Staff, Students & Alumni
In their own words
how the ODPAS experience contributed and/or continues to contribute to their lives.
“When I think about my time at Old Dominion my heart soars. This was where I not only learned and developed as a dancer, but as a person as well. The compassion, drive, and love are overflowing from the heart of the studio. Through my time dancing there I became a grounded woman by having so many wonderful influences of what it means to be proud of myself and how to express myself in a positive way.
The quality of dance education is only the cherry on-top! By having a studio that focuses on the fundamentals, I have a base technique that has set me up for a bright future in the performance arts world. When you pair the emphases on technique with a plethora of performance opportunities we were presented, you ensure the development of well rounded dancers. I will sing the praises of Dulcey, the studio, and what I learned in my time there for the rest of my life. Therefore, I could not recommend a more educational or caring studio to enroll an aspiring dancer in!”
Chelsie Burks, ODPAS Alumni
Chelsie Burks
ODPAS Alumni, ODPAS Guest Instructor & Choreographer, Professional Performer
Katlyn Lawhorne
ODPAS Alumni, ODPAS Guest Instructor & Choreographer, Current Student in the New England Center for Circus Arts.
My name is Katlyn Lawhorne, and I grew up training at ODPAS from the time I was 5 years old until I left for college. I have my BFA in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University, and I am a professional dancer, aerialist, and teacher. I’ve performed with nationally recognized choreographers, at dance festivals such as Jacob’s Pillow, and studied across the ocean in Paris, France.
I can say with absolute confidence that my time at ODPAS set me up for all my success in my career. The teachers and staff care about every student that walks in the door and do everything they can to set each person up for success. In addition, the sense of overall community is so welcoming and friendly, through students, staff, alumni, and family. ODPAS has provided and continues to provide not only top-notch training but a loving community as well.
Katlyn Lawhorne, ODPAS Alumni
My daughter Jenna, has really found her passion with dance because of ODPAS. She has developed great friendships, gained confidence and she looks forward to every day that she gets to dance. Dulcey has been an amazing teacher and leader. The ideas, creativity, and dedication she brings to the program are priceless!
- Jessica Smith
(parent)
ODPAS has been a great environment for my daughter who began dancing here just shy of her 3rd birthday in 2013. She is an only child so the welcoming atmosphere has helped her develop confidence and poise when among others and a love for the stage. She is typically a quiet reserved student but she has a passion for dance that originated at ODPAS. I am very happy with our time at ODPAS and watching her grow from a quiet little girl to attending dance conventions among hundreds of peers in the dance industry. ODPAS has been a part of our lives for may years and we hope for many more to come. It is a wonderful program that offer quality instruction with a family-like environment.
- Ashley Jenkins
(parent)
I have 2 daughters who are passionate about dancing!! After bouncing around to several other studios in our area trying to find the right fit for my girls I am pleased to call ODPAS our home studio!! Dulcey is absolutely amazing!! She truly cares about her dancers and wants to see them thrive and reach their goals! I love the family atmosphere and the way she has students working together at all different levels. I have seen both of my dancers blossom under Dulcey’s leadership even through the pandemic she was reaching out to them, keeping them motivated and engaged. I can’t say enough good things about this program!
- Holly Layman
(parent)
