Dodie’s journey began at Ka-Larks, where she honed her skills as an accomplished gymnast. An inspiring coach introduced her to dance, sparking a passion that would redefine her career.

Under the guidance of Joyce Buckingham at Rehearsal School of Dance, Dodie danced her way through all four years on the Natrona County High School dance team and furthered her training at conventions across the nation.

In 1983, Dodie’s mother, Dorothey Hunter, founded Rising Star, and Dodie stepped in alongside her, teaching dance and tumbling. She established the Rising Star competitive dance company in 1987. After her mother’s retirement in 2015, Dodie purchased the business and relocated it to a state-of-the-art 10,000 square foot facility at Eastridge Mall in 2017, featuring five dance and tumbling rooms.

Under Dodie’s leadership, Rising Star has received numerous accolades for outstanding entertainment and choreography, with the staff winning multiple team and studio awards over the past four decades. Dodie is a proud member of the Dance Studio Owners Association and has been recognized with prestigious awards such as CEO of the Year in 2022 and Studio of Excellence in 2024.

Beyond dance, Dodie actively supports mental health initiatives through J.R.’s Hunt for Life, a foundation dedicated to educating the public and promoting suicide prevention. Her greatest joy comes from working with children, and she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to share the gift of dance, transforming the lives of her students of all ages through the power of movement.