Pinnell Dance Centre

Senior spotlight Eliza Mercer!
“ I have been dancing at Pinnell since I was 3 years old. Dancing at Pinnell has shaped me into the person I am today because of the people I am surrounded by, who I am beyond grateful for. I will miss the late night practices that were filled with laughs and the long competition days where we made unforgettable memories, all with my friends and teachers who have become a part of my family. I am so thankful that I was able to dance alongside my best friends, and learn from incredible teachers that never stopped giving me their love and support.
In the fall I will be attending Youngstown State University, where I will be in the Sokolov Honors College and I will be on the golf team. I am planning to major in biology with a minor in education.
Even though I will not be competitively dancing after this year, I am excited for the new beginnings and to come back and support the Pinnell family, just as I was supported throughout my dance journey.”

Eliza, it feels like just yesterday you walked into the studio and wowed us as a young performer. You have always been incredibly impressive—not just because of your talent, but because of your determination & drive to be your best. You always set big goals for yourself and had the dedication to make them happen. Your grit, resilience, and commitment to growth have been evident throughout your entire dance career.
You have such a special gift with younger dancers, always making them feel important, loved, and seen. You are patient, considerate, and so kind to your teammates.

On stage, your style and strength are unforgettable. Your iconic penché, beautiful leg lines, and stunning extensions always leave the audience in awe. There is such grace and flow in the way you move, and from White Stag to White Flower, your solos always left a mark. You have always been authentic, unique, and fearless in your artistry. That confidence and originality are what made you so captivating to watch!
The fact that you balanced all of this while also being such a talented golfer is nothing short of amazing. We are so proud of you, Eliza, and know you are going to soar! 🦅♥️

These sweet little ANGELS are your 2026 Showstopper National Champions!

What an incredible season! We are so proud of each and every one of you. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment all year long have paid off, and you have so much to be proud of!!!

Congratulations to Caitlin Brosnahan Gregory and a very special congratulations to Jeanel West Gliebe on her final season with the Babes. What a beautiful way to end such a cherished chapter. Thank you for pouring so much love into these dancers and helping them create memories that will last a lifetime! 🪽♥️

POV: Recital season was everything 💜✨
Swipe for some more of our favorite moments from an unforgettable weekend. 🩰📸 Thanks wis.ephotography ❤️❤️❤️

Senior Spotlight Kassidy Mishler!

“For the past 13 years, Pinnell has been so much more than just a dance studio to me; it has been my second home. It has truly shaped me into the dancer and person I am today, and I am thankful for every teacher, teammate, opportunity, and memory along the way. I will always cherish the lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and experiences that dance has given me. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for it all. I am definitely going to miss the late nights at the studio, long competition days, and being on stage with my best friends.
As hard as it is to say goodbye, I’m excited to begin this next chapter. I will be moving to Massachusetts to attend the CLI Conservatory and continue pursuing my passion for dance while furthering my training and career. Thank you, PDC, for the best 13 years.”

Kassidy, having you at PDC has been such a gift. From the moment you step on stage, there is something so captivating about the way you move. You dance with a beautiful quality that draws people in, and your artistry always leaves us in awe. You truly have a way of making every performance feel special.
Your musicality is something so rare and incredible to witness. The way you hear every beat, every count, every tiny detail in the music is unbelievable. You have a unique ability to bring music to life and create movement that is thoughtful, intentional, and beautiful. Honestly, you’ve even stumped the teachers a time or two with your ability to catch things no one else hears! And of course, your turns leave us speechless every single time.

Most of all, Kassidy, you give 110% in everything you do. You are dependable, hardworking, and someone we can always count on. You lead by example, and so many of the younger dancers look up to you and admire the dancer and person you are. We are so excited to watch you take this next step and continue your dance career. We know incredible things are ahead for you! 🦅♥️

Still flying high after our 50th Recital! ✨
What an unforgettable celebration of talent, dedication, and passion. From the youngest performers to the seasoned dancers, every moment on stage was filled with energy, heart, and artistry.
Bravo to all of our incredible dancers for your hard work and spectacular performances. A huge thank you to our teachers, staff, volunteers, and families for helping make this milestone recital such a success.
Here’s to 50 amazing years of dance memories—and many more to come! Thank you wis.ephotography Ella Wise for capturing these beautiful moments!!!

Senior Spotlight Gabrielle Donaldson!

“My time at Pinnell has truly been one of the best journeys of my life, and I am so grateful for everything this studio has given me. Some of my favorite memories are all the little moments with my friends and all the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared together. One of the moments I’ll miss the most is right before going on stage when we all do our “OSU mark circle.” Standing there with my team is a feeling like no other and I wouldn’t trade that for the world! 🥹

As I start my next chapter, I’m excited to attend the University of Kentucky, where I’ll be majoring in Psychology and dancing as a member on the dance team! While I can’t wait for what’s ahead, a part of my heart will always be at Pinnell. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, and all the opportunities you’ve given me. Thank you Pinnell!!” 🫶🏾🤍

Gabby, it’s hard to believe your time at PDC is coming to an end after dancing here for so many years. Watching you grow into the incredible dancer and performer you are today has been such a joy!
When you step on stage, it feels like a party has started. Your energy is contagious, your personality shines so brightly, and you have a way of making everyone smile the second the music begins. You are simply so much fun to watch, and there is never a performance where you don’t light up the room.

Truly, there is nothing you can’t do. From your sky-high jumps to your amazing turns, you bring so much power and confidence to every performance. What makes you even more impressive is your attention to detail — every movement is intentional, polished, and full of heart. You have such a special way of combining strength, entertainment, and artistry all at once.

We are going to miss your upbeat energy so much, but we know you are going to do amazing things on the Kentucky Dance Team. We cannot wait to cheer you on as you take on this exciting next stage. Your future is so bright, and we are so proud of you! 🦅♥️

Senior Spotlight, Claire Wise!

“15 years ago I walked into my first dance class at 3 years old, never realizing how much dance would shape my life. As I graduate from Gahanna Lincoln High School, it’s hard to put into words how bittersweet this moment truly feels. Leaving home, my studio, and the people who have been part of my everyday life for so many years is heartbreaking. Dance has been more than just a sport to me it has been my safe place, my second home, and such a huge part of who I am.
Words truly can’t describe the impact that Pinnell and dance have had on me over the years. Thank you to every teacher who believed in me, pushed me, and helped shape me into the person and dancer I am today.
Thank you, Pinnell, for giving me a place that will always feel like home. 🤍
I’m so excited to continue my journey at Ohio University studying Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences with a minor in Psychology while dancing on the Ohio University Dance Team.
Go Bobcats 💚”

Claire, it’s hard to imagine PDC without you. You have been part of our studio for so long, and watching you grow into the dancer and person you are today has been such a joy. Every time you step on stage, you dance with so much passion and heart — it pours through every movement, and it always feels like there is nowhere else you’d rather be.

You have always been an absolute powerhouse. From your unforgettable turning sections, iconic leg holds, and the ultimate jazz facials, you were born to perform! You dance with such confidence, strength, and control and have a way of making difficult things look effortless.
What we admire most, though, is who you are beyond the dancer. You are dependable, dedicated, respectful, and always so wonderful with our younger dancers. You are an incredible mentor and the way you lead by example never goes unnoticed. Claire, we know you are going to do amazing things, and we cannot wait to cheer you with the Ohio University Dance Team. We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see all that is ahead for you! 🦅♥️