Nicole is a Mechanicsville native whose love of dance extends as far back as even her parents can remember. Once a vivacious toddler who loved to move and groove, Nicole’s parents enrolled her in dance classes at the young age of two. From then on, the art of dance was woven into her very being. Starting with a classic combination of ballet and tap for little ones, Nicole continued on to enroll in just about every class possible. From ballet and tap to jazz and musical theater, she soaked up as much of the performing arts world as she could. 

 

As Nicole aged, she discovered her passion for teaching and shaping young minds. She began to assist teachers at dance studios, attend countless competitions, and eventually decided to become a classroom teacher in addition to a dance instructor. Nicole attended Virginia Tech, where she got a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, and went on to obtain her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction. She has been with Chesterfield County Public Schools as a classroom teacher, math specialist, and instructional coach for more than five years. 

 

Though Nicole has a passion for public education and specifically in educational reform and equity initiatives, she has decided to exchange her teacher’s badge for tap shoes and follow her lifelong dream of opening a dance studio. In addition to being Reign Dance Project’s leading lady, Nicole is a diehard Swiftie, loves anything cat-themed, and visits Disney World any chance she gets. She lives in Chesterfield with her fiance, Ryan, her two cats, Walter and Phoebe, and one sweet beagle, Morty. She is also affectionately called “Aunt Cole” by her two favorite little people, Lucy and Hazel (pictured above). 

Lindsay Brandt is from Northern Virginia and first came to Richmond when she attended Virginia Commonwealth University. She fell in love with the city and started to make a life here as she worked towards her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design with minors in dance and choreography and business. Lindsay graduated in 2022 and decided Richmond was the place for her. She currently lives downtown with her roommate.

 

Like Nicole, Lindsay began dancing at a young age and it quickly became a part of her life story. Her parents enrolled her when she was 11 years old, and she fell in love.  Lindsay began teaching while she was in college and discovered her passion and talent for instructing and choreographing. Lindsay was a choreographer at The Fan Dance Company during her time at VCU. From there, she hopped around studios until she met Nicole. The two became fast friends. 

 

When she’s not busy as Reign Dance Project’s most masterful teacher, Lindsay loves to knit, draw, go to the gym, and explore new music. If you happen to take a class with Lindsay, you know that she’s positive, talented, and bubbly beyond belief. We love Lindsay and we’re so lucky to have her!

Alison Hicks is, first and foremost, Nicole’s lifelong best friend. The two met when they were only three years old when Alison moved into the house next-door to Nicole in 1998. Two little girls shared their love of Barbies and Polly Pocket, and the rest was history. Nicole and Alison attended the same schools growing up, right down to attending college together at Virginia Tech. They took their very first dance class together and performed in their first recital to the song “Mini Mini Dancer” in the most adorable puffy blue tutus. 

 

From there, Alison continued to dance until her senior year of high school, falling particularly in love with tap dancing. Her favorite piece ever performed was an intricate tap routine to a Michael Jackson mashup, complete with one sparkly glove. Alison hasn’t danced in several years, but is excited to reenter the dance world as Reign Dance Project’s Office Manager. Alison is beyond thrilled to watch Nicole fulfill this lifelong dream and become the powerful business owner she was always meant to be. 

 

Outside of her work at Reign Dance Project, Alison is a birth doula and helps families all over RVA welcome their new babies. She is a childbirth educator, feeding consultant, and provides labor and birth support to families of all shapes and sizes. She is also a writer and produces content for clients all over the United States. Alison lives in Eastern Henrico with her husband, Kennith, her one-year-old daughter, Hazel, and her ancient toothless cat, Kevin.