Professional dance instructor Melanie Haynes has been tabbed to lead the High Point University dance team this season, Assistant Athletic Director April Wines announced on Friday. Haynes is co-owner of The Dance Shop, which has locations in Archdale and Asheboro.

"We are very fortunate and excited to have somebody of Melanie's caliber lead our dance team," said Wines. "She has a proven record of helping dancers of all levels improve and succeed, and we're looking for her to help lead our dance team to the next level."

Haynes has taught dance for more than 16 years and has accumulated numerous national awards as a performer, teacher and choreographer. Haynes grew the competition program at The Dance Shop (TDS) from three teams to over 75 competitive solos, duets, trios and teams within four years. She coached the "Steppin' Out Sensations" competition pom team at TDS to eight consecutive national championships. She has also coached national award winning hip-hop, acrobatic and jazz teams.

Haynes has been involved in dance for more than 30 years, training in ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, pom-pom and hip-hip at an early age. A native of the Piedmont-Triad area, Haynes regularly organizes exhibition performances and shares dance with the community. An advocate of arts education in schools, Haynes routinely participates in programs supporting the arts within local elementary and middle schools.

The HPU dance team will be holding an interest meeting at the Steele Center on Sept. 9 and will be holding auditions Sept. 25-26. Those interested in joining the team should check the HPU dance team page for more information.