About Us

Serving Hillsborough, NC since 1976

Faulkner's Dance and Gymnastics began as Faulkner's Fancy Footsters in 1976 in the basement of their home. After three moves, they are now at 205 Millstone Drive in 14,000 square foot facility. A strong commitment to dancers and gymnasts and their families has earned them an outstanding reputation in Hillsborough. Faulkner's is directed by Sue, Mike and Mich Faulkner. Faulkner's is Family owned and operated since 1976.

The goal of Faulkner's and their staff is to share their love of dance and gymnastics with their students. In so doing, the students grow into mature adults, Faulkner's helps children find an outlet for their energy and creativity. Many past students continue to use their dance and gymnastics. Presently five former students have their own thriving studios. Also, some of our past gymnasts have become United States of America Gymnastics Association judges, college cheerleaders and dancers. Others have performed on television and in movies. Since 1980, students have competed in dance and gymnastic competitions and have won numerous regional and national awards.

Faulkner's has the resources, staff and connections to help your child reach their maxim ability. If this means, gymnastics, acting, dancing, cheerleading etc. Several of our staff are former and current gymnasts at UNC Chapel Hill, dancers at Meredith College/Methodist College/ Florida State University/ NC State/Greensboro Ballet/ UNC Greensboro and Charlotte/ Shaw University/ to name few.

Management

Faulkner's is owned and directed by Sue and Mike Faulkner. Their son Mich Faulkner currently is Co-Owner and Assistant Director of the studio. Sue and Mike Faulkner were elected as Orange County Key Volunteers for 2006.

Sue Faulkner: has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and over 40 years of dance training which began with Fred Kelly (Gene Kelly's brother) in N.J. She was a college cheer leader and dancer at Curry College and Ohio University. Sue continues to further her training in dance from Master Teachers - Jason Samuels Smith Guest Performer for Fox Televisions "So You Think You Can Dance"(Tap), Phil Black (Tap, Jazz), Frank Hatchett (Jazz), Shea Sullivan (Tap), Crystal Chapman (Tap), Gene Medler (Tap), Germaine Salsberg (Tap), Mike Minery (Tap), Germaine Goodson (Tap), Cindy Vallone (Ballet), Sue Samuels (Jazz), Lynda Gache (Tap-Jazz-Line), Sheila Barker (Jazz), Chio (Hip-Hop), Lane Napper (Jazz-Tap), Ken Prescott (Tap-Jazz) and Debbie Dee (Tap) to name a few. Sue also runs the Hillsborough United Methodist Church Ecumenical dance group which involes children and adults from area churches. Sue also organizes the World Day of Prayer in Hiillsborough involving over 24 churches in the area. Sue's mother Anne Solomon founded World Day of Prayer over 29 years ago and Sue has been involved with World Day of Prayer for over 16 years. Sue continues her training by attending classes and private lessons at the Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway and Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in New York City at least four times a year. Sue has been a member and certified by Dance Educators of America for over 25 years.

Mike Faulkner: is a retired Orange County school teacher for over 24 years. He holds a Bachelors Degree in History from Curry College and a Masters Degree in Asian and European Studies from Ohio University. Mike was the Class Orator at Curry College and received a teaching fellowship to Ohio University.

Mich Faulkner: has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications which has a focus in Public Relations, Special Events, Journalism, Broadcasting and Marketing from Barton College. He is a Dancer and Choreographer at Faulkner 's with a specialty in Hip-Hop, Baton, Jazz, Tap, Salsa, Gymnastics and Clogging. Mich was trained by Audrey and Ellis Perry who are members of the Clogging Hall of Fame. Mich is a former member of the Carolina Heartland Cloggers as well as being a member of the National Clogging Organization, North Carolina Clogging Association and America's Clogging Hall of Fame Organization. Mich had been trained for several years by former UNC Chapel Hill Baton star Cheryl Jenkins. Cheryl was the head majorette at UNC for four years. Mich was and continues to be trained by former UNC Gymnast Dr. Debra Bell. Mich is a member of the United States Gymnastics Association and is safety certified. Mich has also been trained by Bev B (Hip-Hop), Ant Boogie (Hip-Hop), Frank Hatchett (Jazz), Sheila Barker (Jazz), Valerie Ho (Ms.Vee), Jay T (Hip-Hop), Lane Napper (Jazz) and Cindy Vallone (Ballet). Competed for over 20 years. Appeared in the movie Henry's Decision on Showtime. 2005 celebrity talent booker for the Duke Children's Classic. 2006 Celebrity Talent Booker for the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic. Former Production Manager at CBS Television in New York City for the nationally syndicated television programs Guiding Light, Inside Edition and Black Entertainment Television. Former publicist for 2 time Olympic Gold Medalist and America's Most Decorative Gymnast Shannon Miller, former Public Relations consultant for recording artists Kevin Lyttle and So You Think You Can Dance contestant "Snow" and former personal manager for model-actress-recording artist Samantha Cole. Former Public Relations/Agent for Nene Musik Talent Agency. Currently judges several national dance competitions around the country each year. CEO/President for 123 Talent Inc (Celebrity Talent Agency).

Holly Pennell: General Manager and Director of Gymnastics. Bachelor Degree in International Studies from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Former Level 10 gymnast. Competed in National competitions with former 1996 Olympic Team members Shannon Miller and Dominique Dawes. Member of the Charlotte All-Stars national Championship Cheerleading Squad - 1993; UNC Club Gymnastics President (2001) and UNC Club Gymnastics member and competitor for 4 years. Holly is a member of the United States Gymnastics Association and is safety certified. Began teaching at Faulkner's in 2001. Currently is Director of Gymnastics and General Manager at Faulkner's.

Dru Davis: BA Degree in Sports Management with a concentration in Business from North Carolina State University (NCSU). Former NCSU Gymnastics Team Member from 2005-2009 with a full Gymnastics scholarship. Former Elite and Level 10 Gymnast as well as a Level 10 National Qualifier in 1999, 2004 and 2005. 3 Time All American at NC State University. Former North Carolina State University Gymnastic Camp Intern, Coach and Camp Instructor from 2006 - 2008. Volunteer for the Wheel Chair basketball. Extremely experienced with people with disabilities. Has coached numerous kids from 4 years old to Adult in recreational and competitive Gymnastics. Currently is Assistant Director of Gymnastics at Faulkner's.

Other Information

Inclement Weather
Faulkner's follows the Orange County Public School System's schedule for inclement weather. Missed classes will be made up at a later date.

Hours of Operation
Faulkner's is opened Monday through Thursday from 2:30pm until 8:30pm.

Parent Observation
A closed circuit monitoring system, will allow you to watch your child's class on a monitor in the lobby. In-class parent observations will be done on selected days during the year. Please check the studio bulletin board and newsletters for viewing dates.

The Information Board
The board is for announcements for you to view and read. Please take the time to scan the Parent Board regularly to stay informed of studio happenings and/or announcements. Please keep your email address updated to continue receiving information.

Studio Rules

1. Students must wait inside the building to be picked up.
2. Students are not allowed to leave the building without an adult.
3. All students should use the restroom before entering class.
4. Please try to keep the lobby as quiet and clean as possible.
5. Please do not interrupt the teachers while classes are in session. All problems should be directed to owners. (Please leave a message at the front)
6. Students should dress out for all classes.
7. Please arrive on time for class.
8. Students will be asked to leave class if they are being disrespectful.

Mission Statement
Our stated mission at Faulkner's Dance and Gymnastics is to provide a positive and healthy physical activity to children through gymnastics. Faulkner's Dance and Gymnastics provides a positive experience in the sport of gymnastics and dance to any child from the young beginner to the seasoned world class athlete.

Payments
You may pay monthly by the 1st of the month or you may pay for the year for 9 months and get 1 month free (You would only pay for 8 months). You are not in a one year contract at Faulkner's. As students and family members take more classes the price decreases. Unlimited classes available in Dance and Gymnastics.

Absenteeism
If your child misses a class due to illness, school activity or vacation Faulkner's will give you a make up time.

Philosophy
In conjunction with our mission statement, our philosophy is that all children regardless of experience, fitness level, talent, and age can benefit from physical activity through gymnastics. Providing positive physical activity through gymnastics helps foster not only physical growth in children, but social and emotional growth as well.

Dismissal
Faulkner's Dance & Gymnastics reserves the right to refuse service to anyone. The studio reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of a child at anytime due to non payments or excessively late, not observing the rules of the studio, verbal abuse of staff or children and by a parent or child.