Seven Lakes Dance began as a summer program in 1997 and consisted of 24 students.  At that time Marcie Overcash was the only instructor, and there were no competition teams.  Over the past 12 years, Seven Lakes Dance has grown to more than 100 students and four seperate competition teams.  Teams are established based on age and ability.  Dancers have competed all over North and South Carolina and have been very successful year after year, winning many regional and national competition titles. 

 

Seven Lakes Dance has four instructors and various assistant teachers who work together to instruct the different groups of students.  The studio prides itself on the personal relationships instructors maintain with students, as well as students' families.  Instructors treat each student as an individual, with the understanding that each member is an intricate part of the team.

 

Marcie Overcash Milbredt is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in Elementary Education, a concentration in Psychology, and a minor in Dance.  Before college, Marcie studied tap, jazz, and ballet for 10 years, as well as dancing competitively in many regional and national competitions before pursuing a minor in dance from App State.  She has been teaching dance for 13 years and continues to instruct and choreograph students at Seven Lakes Dance.

 

Lauren Kicklighter is also a graduate of Appalachian State with a degree in Psychology, a concentration in Business, and a minor in dance.  Lauren studied tap, jazz, ballet, and hip hop for 13 years before as well as dancing competitively before college and as a member of the Appalalchain Dance Team.  Lauren has been teaching and choreographing with Seven Lakes Dance for the past four years.

 

LeAnn Garrison studied tap, jazz, and ballet for 12 years before attending college.  LeAnn also competed for many years in regional and national competitions.  She has been instructing and choreographing for Seven Lakes Dance for the past six years.  LeAnn's main focus is on competition teams.

 

Katie Ritter is a graduate of our dance program, also winning many regional and national titles competing with Seven Lakes Dance.  Katie helps instruct and choreograph for all age groups, as well as helping with competition groups when needed.  This is Katie's second year as an instructor/choreographer with Seven Lakes Dance.