THE EMPOWER STORY

​

Empower Dance Studio is a safe and inclusive space focusing on cultivating student’s self-confidence and sense of community through movement and the art of dance. 

Empower was founded in 2015 by Nicole Oxendine, a lifelong dancer whose belief in the power of movement to transform lives led her to teach in Durham’s public schools. Observing the wealth of incredible talent among students who could not afford to delve deeper into their arts education, Oxendine recognized a clear need for affordable dance education beyond what the schools could provide. 

This, along with witnessing the erosion of her students’ self-confidence from their elementary years to their transition to high school fueled Oxendine’s desire to create a safe space for dancers to discover and celebrate their natural beauty, a space where seemingly small decisions about costuming and hairstyles took on new meaning. While Oxendine danced with these questions, her colleague and former student Jessica Burroughs was realizing that her heart was in the logistics of providing access to dance education. 

A chance conversation between the two set the stage for Oxendine and Burroughs to blend their complementary expertise and interests, collaborating to create the educational experience so needed in their community: an accessible, safe space for dancers of all abilities and backgrounds. With Oxendine pulling from her background in dance therapy to create the curriculum she so wished to see in the world and Burroughs drawing on her extensive administrative experience to lean into her dream of managing a dance studio, Empower Dance Studio was born. 

Now in its fifth year, Empower Dance Studio has become a cornerstone of Durham’s arts community and beyond. Empower classes blend professional technical dance instruction with a commitment to fostering the personal growth and confidence of each dancer, welcoming all to explore their potential. By creating a safe and inclusive space that appreciates all dancers as they are, Empower Dance Studio has created a thriving community of students and instructors passionate about the power of movement to connect with the self and navigate the world with a confident and joyful spirit.

ABOUT

Nicole Oxendine

As we witnessed an increased desire for dance in our community we decided to step out on faith and create a studio where FAITH EMPOWERS MOVEMENT.  We are excited to share our love and passion for dance with dancers of all backgrounds!

Location

Empower Dance Studio is located 109 West Parrish next to Loaf and across from Bull City Dental. You can enter through the side door in the Black Wall Street Plaza park area at the corner of Parrish & Magnum St.  Our office hours are 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Parking

OPTION 1: Street Parking is $1.50/hour • 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. •

Monday through Friday

Multi-Space Pay Stations accept the following tender: CASH | COINS | CREDIT CARD | PAY-BY-PHONE APP | PAY-BY-PLATE

​

OPTION 2

The Chapel Hill Street Garage OR the 4 stories Corcoran Street parking deck. Just steps away, from the studio. Parking is $1.25/hour during business hours (Mon-Fri 7 am-7 pm), and free after-hours and on the weekends.  See map below. 

If you have any other parking questions please reference the City Parking Guide website