"Our mission is to empower the community through the art of dance and cheer by developing skills, refining technique, and fostering character development. We are dedicated to building a vibrant community that cultivates discipline, confidence, creativity, and lasting connections.”
Welcome to the hive
At the helm of The Hive Performance Academy are directors & co-founders Brandi Hopson and Zaria Franklin—two dynamic leaders with a shared vision and unwavering passion for youth development through cheer and dance. With years of professional experience both on and off the stage, Brandi and Zaria bring a powerful blend of technique, mentorship, and heart to everything they do.
Brandi Hopson
Co-Owner
Brandi Hopson is a New York and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Brandi discovered her love for movement and teamwork at a young age through track and cheer. Her drive and dedication carried her to Winston-Salem State University, where she cheered throughout her college years and served as a leader both on and off the sidelines.
A former Carolina Panthers Cheerleader for four standout seasons, Brandi was recently named the 2025 Pro Bowl Cheerleader—one of the highest honors in professional cheerleading—recognizing her talent, leadership, and unwavering passion for performance. She now serves as a Committee Chair for the Carolina Panthers Cheerleaders Alumni Association, leading initiatives that strengthen alumni connections and give back to the community that helped shape her journey.
She currently serves as the Head Coach of the semi-pro dance team, Pro Force, where she develops dancers into confident, performance-ready professionals. In addition, she is a middle school cheerleading coach, instilling discipline, teamwork, and self-belief in the next generation of athletes.
As the co-founder of HPA, Brandi empowers aspiring dancers and cheerleaders through mentorship, technical training, and mindset development. Her mission is rooted in helping others unlock their potential—to rise with confidence, lead with passion, and chase the dreams that once felt just out of reach.
Through every role she takes on, Brandi leads with authenticity, purpose, and heart—believing that true success is found not only in what you achieve, but in how you uplift others along the way.
“Cheerleaders don’t just cheer—they lead, inspire, and shine.”
Zaria Franklin
Co-Owner
Zaria Franklin is a Kannapolis, NC native and proud alumna of UNC Charlotte, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education along with a K–12 teaching licensure. With a lifelong passion for movement and expression, Zaria’s journey in the arts has been dynamic and inspiring.
She served as a cheerleader and captain for the Carolina Panthers TopCats, where she developed her skills as a performer, leader, and ambassador for the team. This experience deepened her love for dance and cemented her commitment to using the arts as a tool for empowerment, education and a driver of success.
Today, Zaria channels that passion into her role as a dance educator at A.L. Brown High School, where she nurtures young artists through creativity, discipline, and self-expression. She also works as a choreographer, collaborating with other professionals, while also sharing her artistic vision and expertise with students and performers throughout the region.
Beyond the classroom and studio, Zaria is a dedicated advocate for arts education and community engagement. She proudly serves on the Cabarrus Arts Council Advisory Committee, helping to shape arts initiatives and expand access to cultural resources in her community. Through every role she takes on, Zaria remains committed to uplifting others through the transformative and healing power of the arts.
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.” – Martha Graham
