About US
The Challenge of Excellence
Dance Troupe, Inc. is a professional, uplifting, family friendly dance competition where our focus is always on your dancer's best performance. At Dance Troupe, you are not just a competition number; you are an individual and we want you to feel recognized! We look forward to seeing you at the Challenge of Excellence this competition season!
DTI Beginnings
DTI was born out of the dreams of three close dance friends and their families. It began in the early 70s as Take Five Dance Workshops as friends and fellow dancers Charles Grass, Dobbie Hempleman and Ray Hollingsworth banded together to produce a more educational event for dancers across the country. In the late 70s H and H Dance Troupe developed as an off shoot of Take Five as Dobbie and Ray decided to continue producing Dance Seminars and add Dance Competitions. With the passing of Mr. Hempleman in 1981, Mr. Hollingsworth became the sole owner of the company, and renamed it simply Dance Troupe, which is known today as DTI- The Challenge of Excellence. Mr. Hollingsworth, along with his wife Cindy and a group of wonderfully talented dance friends, continued the tradition of excellence in Dance Education and Dance Competitions that were presented in a classic and family friendly atmosphere. The company produced hundreds of events in its 40+ year history, made life long friends and watched dance teachers’ students become parents and even grandparents. The Hollingsworths always tried to present events that were geared to present the best of the performing dancers on the stage at any given time. Mrs. Hollingsworth continued to run the company for four years after Mr. Hollingsworth’s passing in 2008.
Alex Dean Randall
In November of 2013, Ms. Hollingsworth sold the company to Alex Dean Randall. Mr. Randall was born in Henry County, VA, where he has resided his entire life. He acquired a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Radford University, a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech. He taught mathematics for 17 years and was an administrator for 13 1/2 years, ending his educational career as Principal of Bassett High School where he retired at the end of 2010. In January 2011, he started Casting Logos, a business that does screen printing, embroidery, engraving, signs, banners, long-arm quilting, etc. He became acquainted with Dance Troupe when he did sales for the 2013 season, attending every event that season, and thoroughly enjoying the events. He approached Mrs. Hollingsworth about buying the business and in November 2013, he purchased Dance Troupe and his first chapter with the company began. His only experience as a dancer was in a clogging group for about ten years, performing at Bluegrass conventions up and down the east coast and as far west as Oklahoma.
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Mr. Randall brought in Alexis Kelley McDonald as director for DTI. She was very drawn to DTI as she competed there herself as a child and saw it as an opportunity to pour love and Christian values into the competition industry. While directing, she taught at KFA Dance and Gymnastics and felt more and more of a pull to be full time with the studio. She now runs KFA (Kelley’s Fine Arts) with her mother celebrating their 33rd year and living in Florence, SC with her husband and her daughter Kelley Ann.
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Mr. Randall retired from DTI in September of 2021 to spend more time with his family. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Pam, for over 30 years, and he has two daughters, Cara and Olivia, who bring joy to his life daily.
Stephanie Genard
Stephanie Genard has been a studio owner and dance educator for over 30 years. She purchased her first dance studio, complete with a competitive team at the ripe old age of 21! Stephanie understands all aspects of competition as she has danced in the shoes of Students, Teachers, Choreographers, Parents, and Studio owners. With experience in this industry and after careful thought and consideration, "Miss Stephanie" happily took over as owner of Dance Troupe Inc.
Stephanie brings her years of experience in dance and her knowledge of the business of dance to DTI. She brings with her the same core beliefs maintained at her studio: Integrity, Leadership, Responsibility, Professionalism, and Character. She believes strongly that dance is about the student and works tirelessly to make it so, always keeping their best interest in mind.
Stephanie is looking forward to continuing all the great relationships DTI has formed throughout the years and forging new relationships that will honor the tradition of DTI. She will maintain the family-friendly atmosphere that DTI is known for and keep up the timeless traditions put forth with Dance Troupe Inc. while creating something new and exciting, always pursuing the future of dance.
Stephanie is happily married to her handsome husband Mike Genard, together they have 5 talented children and 3 beautiful grandchildren.
