Our Team
All of our instructors & staff have significant history and/or training in their area of expertise here at iAM Dance Center of the Arts. They understand that no two students are alike and will work with your student excel in his/her class at a level of his/her comfort.
Andrea S. McCoy, Director
began training in tap, ballet and jazz at a local dance studio in Lancaster, SC at the age of 6. She ventured into teaching praise dance at the age of 11. In 2002, she formed her first team, LA Dancers that performed, competed and auditioned for various events, television opportunities, talent shows, etc. all over North and South Carolina.
In 2013, she opened her first studio in Lancaster, SC teaching ballet, liturgical and praise dance.
In 2014, she continued to train and build her brand, then Ebony ExpressionZ, LLC., by opening her dance classes in Wahiawa, Hawaii.
In 2016, she graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration - Entrepreneurship.
In 2018, Andrea moved back to Lancaster to re-open and continue building her brand with a revamped curriculum, name & program: iAM Dance Center of the Arts.
In 2021, we launched the official majorette competition team for iAM Dance Center: Red Rose Mafia! During the 21-22 Season, the team scored 7 Grand Champion winnings.
Her favorite styles of dance are mime, lyrical & contemporary!
iAM … You Are … We Are and can be anything we put our minds to!
Jameel Creech, Step & Stage Hip Hop Instructor
Jameel Creech is from Columbia, South Carolina. He has been dancing since the age of 7. He began his classical and formal training in 2016. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance with a Theatre Minor.
Jameel’s strengths are in Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. His professional experience began in 2020 while dancing and singing for Cedar Fair Entertainment at Carowinds.
In 2021, he became an NBA Dancer for the Charlotte Hornets Hip Hop Hive Crew. During this year, he joined Fuzion Force Adult Industry team where he had the opportunity to meet, connect and dance with Choreographers from all around!
In 2022, he took the position as, Assistant Coach for Winthrop University Golden Claw Dance Team.
He specializes in developing a dancer’s natural performance qualities from within!
“I am a firm believer that: I don’t need to dance better than anyone else, I need to dancer better than myself.”
Catherine Newell, Tap Instructor
Catherine Newell has been dancing since the age of 5 years old. She grew up in the same studio learning multiple disciplines and styles of dance ranging from ballet, tap, jazz, tumbling, lyrical, pointe and hip hop. Around middle school time she started dancing competitively and attended national competitions with groups, solos, and large productions.
Catherine’s specialty is tap dancing. She loves educating others on the history and style of tap dance.
“I love to be able to teach and inspire young adults and children on the art that is dance and become well rounded as a dancer.”
Jordan Alexander, Beginner Hip Hop & Red Rose Mafia Stand Battle Instructor
Jordan Alexander, is from Lancaster SC. She danced with IAM Dance center of the Arts for 3 years prior to high school graduation. She continued to pursue her dance passion at Alabama State University in 2021. During her time in Alabama, she had the opportunity to train under many well-known choreographers, enhancing and expanding her dance portfolio.
Jordan began teaching at IAM Dance Center of the Arts, part time for 3 years. She is now teaching, full time, assisting the Red Rose Mafia Majorette Dance Team & teaching our beginner hip hop class.
“I am continuing my dance career while also giving my time back to the place that started my career.”
-Jordan Alexander
Dessiree Blackmon,
MUA & Support Staff
Ms. Dessiree began studying dance at a local dance studio in Lancaster, SC at the age of 8. She has been dancing for 20 years and has been teaching for 10 years. In 2013, she assisted Andrea in opening the first studio, Ebony ExpressionZ. In 2014, she joined Andrea in Wahiawa, HI to teach a group over 30 girls and boys. In Hawaii, Dessiree began learning the style of Majorette and taught the style to those students for a few productions held in Hawaii. When she is not teaching, you will find Dessiree in her makeup studio with a client as she is also the head makeup artist for I Am Dance Center.
Ms. Dessiree is also the After School Program Coordinator.
Her favorite styles of dance are jazz, lyrical and majorette.
Nichole Smith, After School Program Coordinator