NCSU Dance -- Alumni Spotlight

Former dance team member, Hillary White, has always had a passion for dance, and now, she is pursuing her dreams of being the studio owner of Nan’s School of Dance in Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC. Hillary grew up at Nan’s in Greensboro, NC, where she received the basis for her dance training. She attended NC State University from 2000-2005. And while there, she was proud to be on the NC State Dance Team. Being on the team was a time for growth, both as a dancer and as a person.

In 2004, Hillary graduated with a Bachelors of Environmental Design in Architecture. In 2005, she completed the 5-year architecture program, and graduated from NCSU with a Bachelor of Architecture. After working for a large architecture firm for several years, Hillary went out on her own & became a licensed architect. After getting licensed, she started her own company, Studio H Architecture, PLLC, where she designs single-family residential homes. In the same time that she became an architect, she also started teaching for a local dance studio. Hillary White While there, she taught ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, pre-dance and cheer. During that time, Hillary realized how important it was to her that she carry on the Nan’s tradition, and open up the Raleigh & Wake Forest locations of Nan’s School of Dance.

Hillary is married to her husband, Matt White, of 6 years, and they have an adorable 2-year-old son, Myles.

Nan’s School of Dance was founded in 1975 by Hillary’s parents, Chuck and Nan Smith. The studio started in Yadkinville, NC; and in 1982, they opened the Greensboro studio, which quickly became their main headquarters. In 2002, Jennifer Grinwis, Nan’s oldest daughter, became director of the Greensboro and Yadkinville studios, which are still operating after 38 years! Hillary is Nan’s youngest daughter, and she is excited to share her love of dance with students and parents in Raleigh & Wake Forest! Nan’s School of Dance offers dance classes for boys & girls ages 3 & up in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Pre-Dance. They also offer Mommy & Me classes for ages 1 ½ -3 years old. The Raleigh and Wake Forest locations open this August, and are currently accepting registrations!