Beyond Words Dance Academy
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Jasmine Edney- Owner & Artistic Director
Jasmine Edney- Owner & Artistic Director
Jasmine Edney, a Columbia SC native, is the Owner and Artistic Director of Beyond Words Dance Academy and Beyond Words In-House Dance Convention. She's been dancing since the age of 3. There is debate among her family members as to whether she learned to dance before she learned to walk! That life long dancing spirit is evident in her teaching style, which is becoming a popular hit among studios in the southeast. Jasmine has the dance experience that makes her an asset, offering her teaching talents in jazz, tap, contemporary/lyrical, modern, musical theater, and hip hop.
Jasmine graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2011 with a Bachelor of the Arts in Biology. She has been a competitive dancer for the past 23 years which include 11 years of teaching experience.
Jasmine has studied under some of the most well respected names in the dance profession such as: Jason Parsons, Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, “Nappy Tabbs,” Chris Judd, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Shiela Barker, Justin Giles, William Starret, Debbie Roberts, Kimberly Langley, Angie Baker, Anne Richardson, and Charlie Connolly. In addition, Jasmine has traveled and assisted teaching and helped with choreography with dancers including: Shiela Barker, Kimberly Langley, Charlie Connolly, and Christopher Robbins. Jasmine has been involved in several dance companies, dancing for the following: Carolina Dance Center, South Carolina Performing Arts Center- Company One, and Palmetto Center for the Arts. Through that time, Jasmine received countless special awards and scholarships from dance conventions such as: New York City Dance Alliance, SHOCK the Intensive, Pacific Coast Dance Fest, Apollo LIVE, Ailey II, Savion Glover IMPROV, Jazz Dance World Congress, and Broadway Kids to name a few.
Jasmine continues to judge for national dance competitions and choreograph for studios in the southeast. She looks forward to continuing to share her passion of dance with future students in the upcoming years.
Madison Murphy- Company Teams
Madison Murphy- Company Teams
Madison is a senior majoring in public health at the University of South Carolina. She is a current member of the Carolina Girls Dance. As a Carolina Girl, she performs in front of an audience of thousands in Williams-Brice Stadium and Colonial Life Arena. She also competes on a collegiate level at
National Dance Alliance College Nationals as a representative of University of South Carolina Athletics. Madison has taught master class and choreographed for dance teams and studios all over SC. Before her
college career began, Madison was trained in all styles of dance at the Southern Strutt. Madison has traveled around the US for the opportunity to study under respected choreographers such as Kirsten Russell, Martha Nichols, Blake McGrath, Randi Kemper, and Hefa Tuita. Madison is thrilled to be a new addition to the Beyond Words Dance Academy staff.
Amanda Compton- Ballet and Company Lyrical
Amanda Compton- Ballet and Company Lyrical
Amanda Compton is a graduate of Clemson University where she received her degree in Communication with a minor in Athletic Leadership. During her time at Clemson, she was a member of Clemson’s Rally Cats Dance Team and was named a Collegiate All-American Dancer. She traveled with the team to support Clemson athletics across the country, including performances at Madison Square Garden and in the 2019 National Championship Game where she watched her Tigers win the title! As a Rally Cat, Amanda choreographed half-time dances, taught high school clinics, and served as the coordinator for the new team members.
Amanda began dancing at the age of two. She was trained in all styles of dance at Upstate Carolina Dance Center and Shock Dance Center. Amanda has competed nationally and spent three summers training with the Joffrey Ballet and various studios in Los Angeles, California. She had the opportunity to study under some of the most well respected names in the industry including Travis Wall, Bobby Newberry, Joey Dowling, Chad McCall, Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, and countless others. Amanda has several choreography awards and numerous overall dance titles including Miss Nexstar, Miss Teen Starpower, Miss Teen Kids Artistic Review, Miss Teen Headliners, and Senior Magic Performer. She has been teaching for 9 years and has choreographed routines for dance studios and high schools throughout the state.
Erica Vola- Acro/Tumbling Coach
Erica Vola- Acro/Tumbling Coach
Erica Vola was born and raised in Columbia, SC. Currently she attends the University of South Carolina as a Biological science major. She has been apart of the competitive cheer and dance world since the age of 5. During this time she was able to gain tumbling skills such as backhand springs, tucks, and fulls. Her hard work enabled her to move up in her athletic gym and in she past 5 years she began coaching tumbling. She was mentored by a long time coach and UofSC cheerleader and has undergone coaching skills training by the United States All Star Federation (USASF). This is her first year at Beyond Words as an Acro coach and she is looking forward to advancing our athletes’ acrobatics and tumbling skills!
Daionna Thompson- Student Instructor
Daionna Thompson- Student Instructor
Information Coming Soon!
Rian- Student Instructor
Rian- Student Instructor
Information Coming Soon!
Shonna Thompson- Administrative Support
Shonna Thompson- Administrative Support
Shonna “Sunshine” Thompson is one of our administrative support staff who is available during studio hours to register new students, answer questions about costumes, tuition, fundraisers and to assist students, parents and visitors. Miss Sunshine is here to help you throughout each dance season!
Angela Wright - Recreational Tap Instructor and Administrative Support
Angela Wright - Recreational Tap Instructor and Administrative Support
Angela Wright is another member of our administrative support staff and one of our dance moms. She is able to assist with registering new students, answering questions and assisting students, parents and visitors. Angela comes from an extensive dance background and, on occasion, you may see her filling in for our teaching staff.