our history

In 1982, Nancy Giles, owner and director of Southern Strutt, brought her vision of professional and fitness dance to the Midlands in South Carolina. Her dream was to help young people and adults to realize their potential by celebrating the joy of life through dance.

Southern Strutt began in a portable, a one-room facility, at a high school in Irmo, with one teacher-Nancy. Today Southern Strutt owns its facilities-two buildings with 10,000 square feet of studio space, and a staff of 14.

Known especially for her jazz choreography, Nancy has taught many master classes throughout the country. She received the national award for teaching excellence from the dance magazine, Dance Teacher Now, and was honored in 1999 by Brigham Young University's dance department as a "Distinguished Alumni."

One of the original dancers of the Donnie & Marie television show, Nancy has also performed in Las Vegas, Europe and Asia. She danced on several television specials for major Hollywood stars.

Nancy has brought the high standards of her professional dance experience as an artist to the studios of Southern Strutt. Nancy often invites professional guest choreographers who are currently working in the industry to work with Southern Strutt students. In 2007 Southern Strutt hosted Mandy Moore from "So You Think You Can Dance," Justin Giles from NUVO, a professional company called Soul Escape, and Ray Leeper, one of the most sought after jazz choreographers/teachers in the United States.

Southern Strutt alumni have gone on to win numerous awards and professional careers in dance.

For registration and tuition information, and other questions, please contact us at any time.

The Southern Strutt Studio
90 Ashbourne Road
Irmo, South Carolina 29063
(803) 781-3980