Impact School of Dance Performance is dedicated to developing confident dancers through intentional, performance-focused training.
With a strong emphasis on technique, dancers build the discipline, stage presence, and character needed to grow both in and out of the studio.
DANCE. PERFORM. make an impact.
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meet The director
Summer began her dance training at the age of three. She attended the North Carolina Academy of Dance Arts, where she built a strong classical ballet foundation and studied with internationally recognized ballerina Galina Panova.
She went on to attend pre-professional summer intensives with companies including Carolina Ballet and Joffrey Ballet. During high school, she was selected by Dean Ethan Stiefel to attend the North Carolina School of the Arts, a year-round performing arts boarding school, where she trained intensively in ballet and contemporary dance. She later earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from East Carolina University in 2015.
Summer performed for nearly three decades in lead and featured roles in works including Stars and Stripes, Swan Lake, Paquita, La Bayadère, and The Nutcracker, an annual production benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. Throughout her training and performance career, she gained extensive experience in classical partnering, working alongside professional dancers and performing with a live orchestra.
After graduating, Summer continued her work in ballet as an Assistant Rehearsal Director within the ballet department at East Carolina University, where she supported mainstage productions and helped prepare dancers for performance. She went on to discover her passion for teaching students of all ages and levels, from young dancers discovering the joy of movement to advanced students refining their technique in ballet, pointe, jazz, and contemporary. She has staged performances, including Coppélia, mentored developing dancers, and built programs that emphasize strength, discipline, and personal growth.
In 2023, Summer became a certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach. She has also worked in fitness studio settings, bringing a deeper understanding of strength training, conditioning, and overall wellness into the dance studio. Her approach emphasizes injury prevention, endurance, and sustainable training practices for developing dancers.
Dance has made a lifelong impact on Summer, and she hopes to inspire the same joy, discipline, and confidence in the next generation of dancers.
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“Since I can remember, Summer has been such an inspiration to me and my dancing. From watching her in her own performances to coaching me for mine; she encouraged me and my classmates every moment she could. Summer's ballet classes were my favorite of all. They worked on basic technique, while also being challenging and fun. I did dance for over 15 years and, to this day, am grateful for the years of mentorship and guidance she provided me in and out of the studio. While I no longer am a "full time ballerina," I would consider myself lucky if I got the chance to take one more class with her today.“
- Isabella Voos, student
“Coming from someone who has known Summer as a role model to an instructor, Summer is truly an outstanding dance instructor and a rare mentor who leaves a lasting impact on every student she teaches. She has an incredible ability to support you for exactly who you are, while also pushing you beyond what you thought you were capable of, always in a way that feels achievable and empowering. Her dedication to excellence is unmatched; she works tirelessly to perfect every piece until it reaches its fullest potential, instilling both discipline and pride in her dancers. What sets Summer apart is not just her attention to detail, but her genuine care for her students. She is always there to guide, encourage, and support you, not only in dance, but in life. She creates an environment that is structured and focused, yet still uplifting and enjoyable. Her balance of high expectations and positive encouragement makes her, without a doubt, one of the best dance instructors anyone could hope to learn from.”
- Riley Byrne, student
“Summer is an exceptional teacher and a truly positive influence on young dancers. Emily constantly raves about her classes—they’re the highlight of her week. You can see the difference when she leaves the studio; she walks out with a new confidence and energy. Summer is not only building strong dancers, but strong, confident young women.”
- Jamie powell, PARENT
DANCE. PERFORM. MAKE AN IMPACT.
DANCE. PERFORM. MAKE AN IMPACT.