Precision Dance Center
Our Mission
It is the mission of Precision Dance Center to ensure quality professional dance training to children ages 3 and up and to assist in the positive transformation of youth, by instilling the values of Dedication, Determination and Discipline. The Precision Dance Center staff is here to serve the children of Charlotte and surrounding areas, and inspire them to express their artistic abilities to their fullest potential.
Our Staff
Tenitra Oates
Owner
A native of Charlotte, NC, Tenitra has been dancing for over 35 years. She has studied various styles of dance including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip-Hop, and has trained with great talents such as Debbie Allen, Jason Samuels Smith, Frank Hatchett, Shelia Barker, Jackie Patterson, Mike Minery, Tommy Retter, and many more. As a young competitive performer, Tenitra received hundreds of first place and championship awards. In 1995, she was the recipient of a “Success America ” dance scholarship to New York City.
Tenitra attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a BA degree in Communications in 1997. During college, she was very competitive in pageantry and won several titles including Miss UNC-Charlotte 49er 1995, Miss Charlotte-Mecklenburg 1996, and she was a semi-finalist in Miss North Carolina USA in 1996. While in college, Tenitra also choreographed routines for several pageants and competitive high school dance teams. She has also done commercial work for Basset Furniture, Harris Teeter, Wachovia and many more.
Tenitra has been choreographing and teaching competitive dance for over 25 years. Some of her students have gone on to become professional dancers in various places such as; Guatemala, Spain, New York City and the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee. Her dances have earned her several ‘Choreography’ and ‘Championship’ awards in the Mini, Junior, Teen and Senior age categories at local and national competitions.
Tenitra currently resides in Concord, NC with her husband Carlos and 2 sons, Daylen and Camden. Her motto is to "live by the 3D’s: Dedication, Determination and Discipline." She encourages all of her students to live by this motto and strive to become their very best.
Kristen Werner
Recreational & Competition Instructor
Kristen Werner was born in Fayetteville, NC where she began dancing at age 5. She is trained in ballet, lyrical, tap, and jazz. When her family relocated to Charlotte, NC she continued her instruction with the acclaimed Paula Mann at Fancy Feet Dance Studios. Years later, her family opened Visions Dance Academy, where she furthered her education. It was here that Kristen had the privilege of working with some of the best names in dance including Nick Bass, Stephanie Campbell, Jason Parsons, Nick Watkins, and Mrs. T herself. She was also a member of their competition team, earning overall honors at the regional and national level.
After suffering a knee injury at 16, Kristen was forced to retire from competition. Refusing to give up her passion, she shifted her focus from performance to teaching. It was here that Kristen found her true gift and an appreciation for educating children that couldn’t be ignored. She instills in her students the values of technique, hard work, and a conviction for doing what you love.
Kristen currently resides in Concord, NC with her husband, Jeremy, and their two sons, Garrett and Dalton. She feels so incredibly blessed to be a part of the PDC Family, and looks forward to training generations of talented dancers!
Daylen Oates
Hip Hop Instructor
Daylen A. Oates was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. While PDC made it's official debut in 2004, he began his dance journey in it's second year, 2005 at the age of 5 where he started off with tap. Daylen was also a member of PDC's first ever mini competition team (07-08) only competing in tap. During his second competition season his team completed an undefeated season and won their first of many National Championships. In 2012 he began his hip hop career, as a member of the first "ONYX" boys team. Daylen was one of the oldest members when he started, but shortly turned into a leader.
Daylen began teaching hip hop at the age of 17. He prides himself on using his many years of dance education to instill the same passion and drive to the next generation of dancers. He has an articulate musical ear and teaches his dancer to use their musicality to not only perform, but to become great dancers. He has 2 Industry Dance Award nominations.
Shortly after graduating high school, Daylen obtained his certification in Audio Engineering to better further his musical talents. Since his mom is the director, he wasn't eligible for any awards. However, he is the only dancer at PDC to complete not one, but 2 super senior years. He is also the only recipient of the PDC "LEGACY" award signifying merit, 3D's, and scholarship all in one.
Malcolm Miller
Hip-Hop Instructor
Malcolm "Nice" Miller is originally from Oceanside, California, and has been dancing since the age of 16. He attended Norfolk State University for Music Education while continuing to improve upon and build his dance skills.
Soon after college he started choreographing and performing for local artist and dance groups such as Blackstreet's J-styles, Jada Marie, and Johnson C. Smith's 1st Klass Ent. He left performing to start teaching hip hop dance in 2013. While teaching youth competition hip hop, he has won numerous 1st place, most entertaining, and choreography awards.
His main goal is to uplift kids through the art of dance as well as to teach them the skills and mentality of what it takes to be a performer through dance.
Alexis Hall
Ballet Instructor
Alexis is a Ballet teacher by night, Outpatient Therapist and Wellness Provider by day. She is from Charlotte, NC, and has been dancing for more than 20 years. Alexis has been teaching dance technique and choreographing for youth and adult groups for over 10 years.
She began dancing in Fayetteville, NC, where she trained, traveled and competed in multiple dance competitions. She then moved to Charlotte, NC to receive formal ballet, jazz and modern dance training at Charlotte Ballet Academy. She has also attended summer intensives at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and performed Panorama with Martha Graham Dance Company.
Alexis enjoys spending her free time in any dance studio, but most importantly, she enjoys sharing her passion of dance with others.
Stephanie Haynes
Competition Instructor
Stephanie Haynes, originally from Miami, Florida, is a distinguished dancer and choreographer with a global footprint. Her dance foundation was shaped by Mark Linnick at the Mary Linnick Dance Studio. Stephanie has formal training in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, and contemporary dance, and has showcased her talent across print, theater, commercial, and film mediums.With decades of experience on the dance floor and behind the stage lights, Stephanie’s passion for dance has driven her to excel as a competition choreographer. Her exceptional work has garnered numerous awards at both regional and national levels.
Under her guidance, her students have achieved remarkable success, winning national and international dance competitions, gaining admission to prestigious dance schools, and pursuing professional dance careers worldwide.Stephanie is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student, inspiring them to strive for excellence in every class. Her commitment to sharing her knowledge and passion ensures that each student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential as dancers.