MEET THE TEAM
Brandi Hopson
Co-Owner
Brandi Hopson is a dynamic leader, performer, and mentor whose journey through dance, cheer, and empowerment continues to inspire those around her. 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.
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Born in 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. It was there that her passion for mentorship and community began to take root.
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Today, Brandi is a devoted wife, proud mother of two, and ambitious entrepreneur who continues to make her mark as a coach, creator, and advocate for young women in dance and cheer. 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.
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Brandi also 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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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“Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.” – Martha Graham
Dejah Entzminger
Social Media and Marketing Manager
Dejah Entzminger is a skilled graphic designer & marketing manager with a unique background rooted in creative discipline and design. A native of Columbia, SC, she developed a passion for dance at a young age, a pursuit that cultivated a strong sense of rhythm, discipline, and creative expression.
She attended Virginia State University in 2017 and joined Sankofa Dance Theatre where she furthered her skills and passion for dance. She went on to pursue another degree at Queens University of Charlotte in graphic design, with a minor in marketing, in 2023.
These experiences have given her a unique ability to find creative solutions and solve problems, which she bring to her role every day at The Hive Performance Academy. She thrives on blending her artistic passion with strategic marketing to drive results.