Rise Dance Collective
Versatility. Passion. Dedication. Authenticity.
Rise Dance Collective at The Dance Spot is designed for dancers who are ready to grow—technically, artistically, and personally. This is a high-level training experience for dancers who want to be deeply invested in their development and are excited by challenge, structure, and growth.
At Rise, dancers are supported through personal guidance, mentorship, and intentional instruction which allows them to refine their craft while discovering who they are as artists. Training is focused, immersive, and purposeful—designed for dancers who are ready to commit to meaningful progress.
2026-2027 Audition Information
Are you interested in joining Rise for the 2026-2027 season? Follow us on social media for the latest updates!
Rise Auditions
Ages 6–9 | May 26 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Ages 10–13 | May 27 | 5:00–9:00 PM
Ages 14+ | May 28 | 5:30–9:30 PM
Rise Audition Prep Classes
Ages 10–13 | May 26 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Ages 14+ | May 26 | 8:00–9:30 PM
High-Level Training With Purpose
Rise offers high level, well-rounded training that pushes dancers to expand their versatility, while strengthening technique, performance quality, and artistic expression. Dancers are challenged through a balance of technical precision and creative exploration, helping them grow into adaptable, confident movers.
Training within Rise includes:
- Focused technique development across styles
- Competitive opportunities that build discipline
- Commercial and artistic exploration that broadens experience and adaptability
- Coaching and mentorship, helping dancers find their unique voices and holistic understanding of movement
This level of training requires commitment and discipline, but it is thoughtfully supported, structured, and guided so that dancers can thrive without losing their love for dance.
Personalized Growth & Mentorship
Every dancer on Rise is seen as an individual. Company members receive ongoing mentorship to help them work toward their goals, whether those goals are artistic or technical.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Rise supports dancers by:
- Identifying strengths and areas for growth
- Encouraging ownership of their training
- Teaching accountability, resilience, and self-confidence
- Helping dancers navigate high expectations in healthy ways
This mentorship-driven model allows dancers to grow with intention, clarity, and confidence.
A Supportive, Tight-Knit Company Culture
Rise is built on the belief that commitment and compassion go hand in hand. Dancers train hard, support one another, and grow together in a close-knit, encouraging environment.
Parents often see Rise dancers:
- Develop maturity, focus, and leadership skills
- Learn how to balance responsibilities inside and outside the studio
- Build strong peer relationships rooted in respect and teamwork
- Carry themselves with confidence on and off the stage
We believe that the strongest dancers are grounded, self-aware, and supported.
Performance & Exploration
Rise dancers are given opportunities to perform in a variety of settings that support growth and artistry. These experiences are approached as moments of learning, where dancers practice professionalism, adaptability, and presence.
Through performance, dancers gain confidence not only in what they can do, but in who they are becoming.
Who Rise Is For
Rise Dance Collective is for dancers who:
- Are ready for versatile, explorative, high level training
- Want mentorship and personalized guidance
- Are motivated by challenge and growth
- Value balance, character, and long-term development
This program is a meaningful commitment—and a powerful opportunity—for dancers who are ready to RISE into the next chapter of their journey.
Rise Directors
Avery Hampton
Avery, originally from Savannah, GA, started her dance journey at the age of three. She explored a diverse range of movement styles, including tap, jazz, acrobatics, ballet, modern, and contemporary, through her training with the Gretchen Greene Dance Company. In 2021, she earned her degrees in neuroscience and dance movement studies from Emory University, where she had the privilege of training under esteemed mentors such as Kristin O’Neal, George Staib, Greg Catellier, Nicole Johnson, and Alex Abarca. It was during this time that Avery developed a profound appreciation for dance as a bridge between the mind and body.
After graduation, Avery discovered her passion for dance pedagogy and found joy in helping young dancers express their own creative voices. Her teaching approach is significantly shaped by rhythm, breath, and anatomical awareness.
This is Avery’s fifth year with the Rise family, including three years as Assistant Director, and she is now entering her second year as Co-Director. She is eager to continue guiding dancers as they explore their unique movement identities. Avery looks forward to encouraging dancers to think creatively in all aspects of their lives and is excited to support Rise dancers in their technical, professional, and artistic growth.
Melissa Best
Melissa has devoted over 25 years to sharing her passion for dance. She has trained in child development, yoga, and progressing ballet technique, and has honed unique skills under the guidance of contemporary and improvisational masters worldwide. Although her studies have taken her from Germany to New York, Melissa is a proud native of Austin, Texas, where she has rooted herself in the local dance community alongside her supportive family. From 2013 to 2020, she co-owned Evolution Dance Center, where she fostered a nurturing environment for aspiring professional dancers through the award-winning EVOLVE Dance Company. In 2020, she assumed the role of director at Rise Dance Collective.
Melissa is deeply committed to cultivating a safe and exploratory atmosphere for all dancers, encouraging them to set goals, embrace challenges, and emerge as creative leaders. Under her guidance, her dancers have received national awards, scholarships, and numerous accolades. She is passionate about empowering them with the confidence to pursue their dreams, with her students now thriving across the globe, from San Francisco to New York City, and even in Europe and Canada. As a military wife and mother of four, Melissa is well-prepared to tackle any challenges life may present.
She is dedicated to nurturing a future generation of confident, powerful, fearless, and creative leaders. Her objective is to foster a familial dynamic within Rise, instilling values of support, love, encouragement, and determination. Committed to providing a personalized dance experience tailored to each dancer’s unique needs and goals, Melissa works tirelessly to create a safe space for personal growth, offering one-on-one mentorship as dancers discover their voices and prepare to become confident and compassionate leaders and humans..
Interested in Rise?
Audition information for the upcoming season will be released soon.
Follow Rise Dance Collective on Instagram to stay connected and receive updates.
I love all my friends and all the moms because of how much positivity and support rise shares 🩷. I thank you Ms. Melissa and Ms. Avery for pushing me to become the best dancer I can be :).
We are incredibly thankful to be part of this dance team. From day one, the environment has been supportive, motivating, and welcoming. The directors truly see each dancer as an individual and consistently encourage growth, confidence, and a love for dance. The growth we have witnessed in our daughter has been remarkable—both technically and personally. She feels seen, valued, and motivated, which has made a lasting impact on her confidence and passion. Beyond dance, this team offers a strong sense of community and belonging. It is more than a dance program; it is a place where dancers are supported, inspired, and empowered to thrive.
Rise has really helped me grow as a dancer! I love being on the team and the connections and friends I made are amazing.