About the Faculty

Dance Upstairs Academy Instructional Faculty

2008-2009 Season

Professional Faculty                                                      

Mr. Will Shover- Will is a nationally certified member of America's Dance Council, Dance Master's of America, and is the Director of the academy. He studied at Dance Upstairs for 12 years while at the academy he was Junior Mister Dance of NC 1993,Teen Mister Dance of NC 1995, Mister Dance of North Carolina 1997, and Mister Dance USA 1997.  He then went on to study at Broadway Dance Center, Spindle City Ballet, and Rhode Island State Ballet.  He was The Director of The Children's Division, as well as a professional division Ballet, Jazz, & Modern Instructor at Spindle City Ballet in Fall River, MA.  Will has worked with Broadway Dance Center, Groundwerx Dance Theatre, Festival Ballet, Showtime, and Six Flags Theme Parks. Will received his college education from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI and completed Dance Masters of America Teacher's Training School at The University at Buffalo in New York. Will has been teaching at Dance Upstairs for fifteen years and became the owner/director in 2005. He is currently teaching master classes and judging competitions across the United States. He has former students dancing at several colleges and universities, working for the Walt Disney Company, Spindle City Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, currently playing on and off Broadway roles in touring companies, and in various dance companies across the country.  In 2006 Will was named USDP Teacher of The Year and his students have won numerous national championship and choreography awards. His students have been featured in national dance publications including: "Dance Spirit", "Dance Teacher" , "American Dancer" and most recently he and some of his students were in "Dance Studio Life" Magazine.  When not at dance Will enjoys camping, riding roller coasters, and spending time with his Miniature Pincher.

Mrs. Rachel Reeves Cain-Rachel is a nationally certified member of America's Dance Council and Dance Masters of America.  She studied at Dance Upstairs, at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the University at Buffalo in New York Dance Masters of America Teacher's Training School, and is a graduate of  Lees McCrae College with a degree in Elementary Education.  rachel has been teaching at Dance Upstairs for eleven years. Rachel has won numerous awards and scholarships in dance, was the two time 1st Place National Ballet Solo winner, was Miss Ultimate Dance U.S.A. in 2002, was a finalist for the North Carolina Dance Educator of the Year Award, and is a well-known Ballet Convention Instructor.  Her students have won numerous awards and honors including Top Awards nationally and countless choreography awards. Rachel is a 5th Grade Teacher at Westfield Elementary School and is very active in her church, community events, and local community theater. She lives in King, NC with her husband James. Rachel loves the outdoors and enjoys camping at the beach when she can get away!

Mrs. Michelle Newman Upchurch- Michelle is nationally certified member of America's Dance Council.  Michelle is a graduate of Appalachian State University.  Michelle had formal dance training for 8 years and went on to dance in college.   Michelle has been teaching at Dance Upstairs for five years. Michelle was  recognized in 2006 as America's Children's Dance Educator of The Year by America's Dance Council. After winning this award she was asked to teach Pre-School Dance Workshops around the country.  Michelle is our lead Primary Dance Instructor and she also teaches some of our company classes. She is very active in her church, teaches at the Yadkin YMCA, and is an Interior Designer. Michelle lives in Yadkinville, NC with her husband and three sons.

Miss Amanda Allen studied at Dance Upstairs for 13 years and is now in college majoring in Dance & Education.   Amanda was an assistant for five years in the Discovery, Tiny, & Mini Classes. Her Senior year of high school she served as an Associate Faculty member. She was the recipient of The Hal Falls National Dance Scholarship in 2004.   She was the Talent Winner and 1st Runner-up to Senior Miss USDP Dance 2006-2007 and was a national Semi-Finalist and the Congeniality winner at America's Miss Dance in the summer of 200.  Amanda is very active in her church where she works with the youth group, youth choir, and has participated in several mission trips in different parts of the country.  Amanda is working on her ADC & DMA national teaching certification. 

Associate Faculty Teachers

Miss Casey Billings has studied at Dance Upstairs for twelve years.  Casey has been an assistant for two years and this is her second year as an Associate Faculty Member.  Casey has been a member of The Senior Diamond Company and will serve as Captain of the Senior II Team this year.  Casey has won numerous awards in dance over the years.  Casey is wonderful with all of her students and they love her.  Casey is best known for her amazing Tumbling Skills.  We are excited to have Casey back on our faculty again this year.

Mr. Worth Shover has been involved in dance from the day he could walk.  Worth was America's Junior Mister Dance 2002 and is a member of the Senior Diamond Company.  He is known among the students as "The Cool Teacher."  Worth has been assisting in Tumbling Classes for three years and is in his second year as an Associate Faculty Member.  Worth is currently preparing for his ADC and DMA National Tumbling Certification.  When not dancing you will probably see Worth flying down Main Street on his Skateboard or rallying support for one of his political endeavors.

Miss Kayla Trivette studied at Dance Upstairs for Fourteen Years and is currently a Freshman at Wake Forest University.  Kayla studied Hip-Hop with the best in the business...Kim Fore, Shane Sparks, Brian Freedman, Wade Robeson, Dave Scott, just to name a few.  her studies at Dance Upstairs and Broadway Dance Center in NYC have helped her become an amazing choreographer and popular teach in the convention circuit.  Kayla was 3rd Runner-up to America's Junior Miss Dance 2003 and danced on the Dance Upstairs Diamond Company for over ten years.  Kayla was also in "Mother Goose Madness" that performed on Broadway and appeared on NBC's The Today Show.  We are thrilled to have Kayla coming to work with our Jazz & Hip-Hop Students this season.

Mr. Brian Porter Bio coming soon!