Summer Renner Disher, Founder of Renner Dance Company

Our Story

How Renner Dance Began

At Renner Dance, movement is more than technique; it is a legacy. Our founder, Summer Renner Disher, grew up immersed in a family where athleticism and performance were a way of life.

Her father, Bill Renner, was a punter in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and later became a respected high school football coach, known for his discipline and strategic mindset. Her brother, Bryn Renner, followed suit as a standout quarterback at the University of North Carolina, setting records for passing accuracy and touchdowns before playing in the NFL and transitioning into coaching.

Summer carved her own path in the world of movement. After performing as a Radio City Rockette and coaching the UNC Dance Team, she founded Renner Dance in Chapel Hill, NC. Her vision was to create a studio that blends the athletic discipline of sports with the expressive artistry of dance.

At Renner Dance, we believe in nurturing versatile dancers who are as resilient as they are graceful. Our training emphasizes strong technique, adaptability, and a positive mindset — values deeply rooted in Summer’s family legacy.

"We welcome families who seek a dance education that fosters growth, confidence, and a lifelong love for movement."

Radio City Rockette UNC Dance Team Coach Founder & Artistic Director Chapel Hill, NC

What Drives Us

Mission & Culture

Our Mission

Beyond
the Steps

Dance is our medium, but our mission goes far beyond the steps.

At Renner Dance Company, we are committed to helping young people grow into strong, resilient, disciplined, and compassionate individuals.

Through the rigor of dance training, our students learn to embrace failure, build patience, and grow confidence in the face of challenge. They learn how to collaborate and coexist with peers, how to lead and how to follow, how to push through discomfort, and how to take pride in showing up every day, even when it is hard. We do not just teach technique; we help shape character. Our goal is to help every dancer leave the studio not only more skilled, but also more mature, grounded, and ready to thrive in life beyond the stage.

Our Culture

Excellence,
Versatility,
Respect

A culture of excellence, versatility, and respect — on and off the stage.

Our training philosophy is rooted in high standards and individualized growth. We teach to the level of our most advanced dancers, creating an environment where ambitious students are constantly challenged and those still developing are inspired to rise. This dynamic fuels rapid progress, technical mastery, and a shared sense of purpose in every class.

Versatility is a cornerstone of our curriculum. We train dancers across a wide range of styles and techniques, preparing them to be adaptable, confident performers in any setting.

Competitions are an important part of our dancers’ development. They offer opportunities to apply their training, perform under pressure, and grow as both artists and teammates. Our company dancers participate in a core set of competitions that support their technical and artistic journey. We also encourage and celebrate those who choose to explore additional competitive opportunities across the country, as long as they carry our values with them. At Renner Dance, success is not measured by trophies. It is measured by how dancers grow, how they lead, and how they show up for themselves and others.

By the Numbers

Excellence That Speaks for Itself

From local competitions to world stages, Renner Dance students have consistently risen to the highest levels.

Competitive Success

Multiple First Overall awards at top competitions including Showstopper, NUVO, and Jump
Recognized for Outstanding Technique, Performance Quality, and Choreographic Excellence
Frequent invitations to elite finals, nationals, and dance-offs
Recipients of the Star Talent Galaxy Award
Title winners and runners-up at regional outstanding dancer events

Alumni Progression

Accepted into prestigious college dance teams, pre-professional programs, and conservatories
Performing with professional companies across the country and internationally
Working as teachers, choreographers, and creative leaders in dance

World-Stage Moments

Alumni performed at the FIFA World Cup
Choreographed for the Backstreet Boys
Performed for Mariah Carey
Featured in the film Étoile

College Placements

Pace University (New York City)
University of Arizona — dance scholarship
Florida State University — FSU Girls Dance Team
UNC-Chapel Hill — Carolina Girls Dance Team
Top conservatories and pre-professional programs nationwide

The People Behind the Magic

Our Team

Our team brings extraordinary professional experience, genuine care for students, and a shared belief in what dance can do for a child's life.

Teaching Faculty
Mady Jackson, Director of Excel, Extreme, and Edge Company
Mady Jackson
Company Director · Excel, Extreme & Edge
Lyrical Jazz Tap

Mady has been teaching dance across the country for over 10 years and has been with Renner Dance since the very beginning. Her students have earned choreography awards, entertainment honors, and National Champion titles — including a Critics' Choice Award for tap at NYCDA. This season, she steps into her directorial role leading Excel, Extreme, and Edge Company.

Rossana Nesta, Ballet Mistress
Rossana Nesta
Ballet Mistress · Academy Director
Classical Ballet Cecchetti Vaganova

Trained at Balletto di Roma and certified at the Accademia Nazionale di Danza in Rome, Ms. Rossana has taught internationally for over 30 years. Her students perform with NYC Ballet, ABT, Royal Ballet London, and many more of the world's elite companies.

Rachel Carr, Ballet Faculty
Rachel Carr
Ballet · Pointe · Conditioning
Ballet Pointe Conditioning

Graduate of Point Park University (B.A. Dance Performance). Ms. Rachel plays a key role in teaching, choreography, and coordinating Ballet Academy development alongside Ms. Rossana.

Chaveli Peña, Ballet and Contemporary Instructor
Chaveli Peña
Ballet · Contemporary · Lyrical
Classical Ballet Contemporary Lyrical

Trained at the International Ballet Academy and the School of Carolina Ballet's pre-professional division, where she was promoted to apprentice. Has led roles in Giselle, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, and works by Zalman Raffael. Passionate about nurturing creativity and technical precision in young dancers.

Brooke Rogers, Jazz and Contemporary Instructor
Brooke Rogers
Jazz · Contemporary · Choreographer
Precision Jazz Contemporary Adjudicator

BFA in Dance from University of Georgia. Former member of SIDEWAYS Contemporary Dance Company (Atlanta) and UGA Red Hotz. Trained with The Radio City Rockettes at their New York summer intensive and interned with Joffrey Ballet School. Specializes in precision jazz and competitive choreography.

Ally Organo, Dance Instructor
Ally Organo
Ballet · Jazz · Contemporary · Hip Hop
Ballet Jazz Hip Hop Acro

Began dancing at age two and competed in elite programs throughout her training. Member of the Carolina Girls Dance Team at UNC-Chapel Hill, performing at major events and competing at UDA Collegiate Nationals. Deeply passionate about sharing her love of dance with every student.

Karen Perez, Acro and Dance Instructor
Karen Perez
Acro · Dance · Cheer
Acro Specialist Choreographer 20+ Years Teaching

B.A. in Dance and Choreography, University of Maryland. Former UMD Cheerleading Squad member (Gator Bowl, Women's Final Four). Has directed multiple dance programs, coached all-star cheer and dance teams, and developed acro curricula for studios across the region. Her choreography has earned numerous competition awards.

Studio Operations
Gabby Cataldo
Studio Operations Manager

Gabby keeps the daily operations of Renner Dance running seamlessly. From class logistics and scheduling to family communications and studio coordination, she ensures every dancer and family has a smooth, positive experience every time they walk through our doors.

Deb Schleicher
Revenue & Accounts Manager

Deb oversees all financial operations at Renner Dance, including tuition, billing, and accounts management. Her attention to detail and commitment to transparency give families confidence that their accounts are always handled with accuracy and care.

Leigh Anne Brann
Front Desk Coordinator

Leigh Anne is often the first friendly face families see when they arrive at the studio. She manages front desk operations, greets students and parents, and makes sure every visit to Renner Dance feels warm, organized, and welcoming.

Where Renner Dancers Go

Notable Alumni

We train our dancers not just for the next competition, but for the next chapter. Our alumni go on to perform on the world's biggest stages, earn college scholarships, and build careers in dance and entertainment.

Trey Barrett
Professional Dancer & Choreographer

CLI Studios artist. Has performed for Mariah Carey, choreographed for the Backstreet Boys, and performed at the FIFA World Cup. One of Renner Dance's most accomplished and decorated alumni.

Hayley Wilson
Pace University · Film: Étoile

Attended Pace University in New York City and appeared in the film Étoile. Carries the technical and artistic foundation built at Renner into a professional creative career.

Amari Walker
Pace University, New York City

Trained with Renner Dance and went on to study at Pace University in New York City — one of the country's premier programs for aspiring professional performers.

Emma Vaughan
Dance Scholarship · University of Arizona

Earned a merit-based dance scholarship to the University of Arizona — a testament to the technical excellence she developed during her years at Renner Dance.

Charlei Warren
FSU Girls Dance Team · Florida State University

Attended Florida State University and competed on the FSU Girls Dance Team — one of the most competitive collegiate dance programs in the Southeast.

And Many More
College Programs · Professional Careers

Renner Dance alumni continue their journeys with confidence and strong foundations. They work as teachers, choreographers, and creative professionals across the dance industry and beyond.

We're Hiring

Join Our Faculty

We are always looking for experienced, passionate instructors who are committed to teaching with excellence, professionalism, and genuine care for students.

Whether your background is in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, or early childhood movement education, we would love to hear from you.

Minimum 2 years of teaching or professional performance experience
Strong communication and classroom management skills
A professional, team-first mindset that reflects our values
Passion for helping young dancers grow in skill and character

Questions? Email us at admin@rennerdance.com

Faculty Application

Tell Us About Yourself

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Ready to Join Renner Dance?

Try your first class completely free — no obligation, no pressure. Just great dancing in a studio your family will love.