The Dance Arts Center strives to teach the art of dance while instilling core values to shape well-rounded and respectful individuals. Through continuing education, our teachers and staff work hard to create an inclusive environment while maintaining age-appropriate content and integrity. Our goal is to inspire our students to Dream, Achieve and Create to help build a better community.
Haley Grier began her dance training at The Dance Arts Center in St. Joseph, MO, and quickly developed a love for travel and training through national workshops and intensives. She became a tap scholar with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project and attended world-renowned festivals in Chicago, St. Louis, and Santa Barbara. After graduating hig
Haley Grier began her dance training at The Dance Arts Center in St. Joseph, MO, and quickly developed a love for travel and training through national workshops and intensives. She became a tap scholar with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project and attended world-renowned festivals in Chicago, St. Louis, and Santa Barbara. After graduating high school, she joined Varsity Spirit’s National Dance Alliance, teaching high-school and college dance teams across the country.
In 2017, Haley moved to Los Angeles to pursue her BFA in Dance Theater at AMDA College of the Performing Arts, also spending a semester at the New York campus. During her studies, she trained with industry professionals like Kyle McHargh, Donyelle Jones, Stephanie Landwehr, Lisa Eaton, Monika Smith, and LaQuet Sharnell-Pringle, and performed original works by choreographers including Gustavo Vargas and Maryann Chavez.
Professionally, Haley signed with Bloc Talent Agency and has performed in the Super Bowl LVI Pepsi Halftime Show, Step One Dance Company with Holland America Line, On the Fringe Hollywood residency and various commercial and theatrical projects including work with Norwegian Cruise Lines, Voss Events, and the Eagles for The Sphere Las Vegas. She also appears in the iHerb Wellness 30th Anniversary commercial and TV background roles.
Currently, Haley is on faculty for the Jumpstart LA program and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of dancers. She’s thrilled to return to her roots and share her journey with the DAC family!
Elizabeth began dancing at age 3 in Olathe, Kansas. Most of her training was achieved at Dance Expressions in Kansas where she competed until graduating from high school. She moved to New York where she trained at Pace University receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Commercial Dance with concentrations in Pedagogy and Performance. Whil
Elizabeth began dancing at age 3 in Olathe, Kansas. Most of her training was achieved at Dance Expressions in Kansas where she competed until graduating from high school. She moved to New York where she trained at Pace University receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Commercial Dance with concentrations in Pedagogy and Performance. While being in New York City, she also completed a semester in Los Angeles studying with Mandy Moore and Jen Hamilton learning "behind the camera and on camera skills". Pace Universities extensive staff includes Scott Jovoich, Rhonda Miller, Lauren Gaul, Dee Caspary, Jacki Ford, Jess Hendricks, and many more.
After graduating from Pace University, Elizabeth joined the Radio City Rockettes as a Radio City Rockette. She has performed in the Macys Day Parade as well as at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Elizabeth just completed her second season with the Rockettes and in between being on stage in New York, she teaches dance to prospective students and is a judge with various dance competitions and conventions.
Ashlynn Woelbling (she/her) is a dedicated dancer and educator based in Saint Louis, Missouri. She began her training in 2010 under the guidance of John Rokita, Tammy Rokita, and Nicole Kropatsch. After graduating from high school, Ashlynn moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to attend Point Park University, where she earned a Bachelor of A
Ashlynn Woelbling (she/her) is a dedicated dancer and educator based in Saint Louis, Missouri. She began her training in 2010 under the guidance of John Rokita, Tammy Rokita, and Nicole Kropatsch. After graduating from high school, Ashlynn moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to attend Point Park University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and a minor in Business Management in the spring of 2020. During her time at Point Park, she had the opportunity to work with esteemed faculty members such as Jason McDole, Garfield Lemonius, Judith Leifer-Bentz, Matthew Powell, and Colleen Hooper, among others.
Following graduation, Ashlynn returned to Saint Louis to pursue her dance career. She worked as a trainee for The Big Muddy Dance Company and freelanced in the local dance community. Ashlynn is currently in her third season as a company dancer with Resilience Dance Company, where she has had the privilege of working with renowned choreographers, including Mike Esperanza, Annie Rigney, Rosanna Taverez, Kia Smith, Victoria Lynn Awkward, Jason Ciancuilli, and Shannon Gillen of Vim Vigor.
In addition to her performing career, Ashlynn is passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers. She currently teaches at three dance studios in the Saint Louis/Illinois area, sharing her knowledge and love for the art form with young dancers.
Jamie is a Kentucky native and began his dance training at a private studio at the age of 10. He was later accepted into the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA) as a Contemporary Dance major. Throughout middle school and high school, he was fortunate to compete for and win
several regional titles, Jr, Teen, and Mr. Dance of Ohi
Jamie is a Kentucky native and began his dance training at a private studio at the age of 10. He was later accepted into the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA) as a Contemporary Dance major. Throughout middle school and high school, he was fortunate to compete for and win
several regional titles, Jr, Teen, and Mr. Dance of Ohio, and was awarded Dance Masters of America’s “Grand National Champion” in 2012. In 2010, he was accepted into the Governor’s School of the Arts program in the
discipline of dance. Jamie continued his dance education throughout
college by attending Western Kentucky University as a Dance Major. During his time there, he was accepted into several summer intensives with companies such as Joffrey Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem, Inaside Chicago Dance, Visceral Dance Chicago, and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. After graduating, he began choreographing and
teaching in Orlando, FL where he gained membership into Dance Masters of America. He has since moved back to his Old Kentucky Home where he continues to grow as a choreographer and teacher with Dance Masters of the Bluegrass, Chapter 40. Jamie is the proud teacher of Taro Yamashita, Jr Mr. Dance of America 2020 and Teen Mr. Dance of America 2022, and
Matthew Fletcher, Master Dance of America 2023.
Returning student registration begins on June 1st.
New student registration begins July 1st.
COMBO – BALLET / TAP • Acro Add-On
A great introduction to dance. Ballet and Tap are explored in one 45-minute or 60-minute class. Students learn basic movements and positions. Coordination and locomotor skills are the main focus. Students must be age 3 by the first week of class.
Apparel: leotard, tights, pink ballet shoes and black tap shoes. Hair is securely off face and neck.
ACRO ADD-ON
There will be an 'acro add on' before or after most of the beginning combo and combo 1 classes. The acro add on is an introduction to the fundamentals of tumbling; focusing on strength, flexibility, gross motor skills, and social emotional learning. The acro add on is $10.00 per month.
Studios A, B, and C are located at 1902 Jules. Studio X is located at 23rd and Frederick.
BALLET
Pre-Ballet and Intermediate Ballet
Graduation from Combo to a more formalized ballet class. Ballet basics are expanded with more concentration on proper posture and challenging combinations.
Ballet – 8 years old and up
A formalized style of movement started in the courts of Europe. It has established terminology and sets of exercises that are incorporated into barre and then center work. Body placement, posture, balance, flexibility, and coordination are stressed. Training in Ballet is essential to the skilled development of all dance forms.
Apparel: Female students will wear black leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes. Hair will be in a bun.
Male students will wear a white t-shirt, navy or black shorts or pants, and black ballet shoes.
Long hair is securely off face and neck.
POINTE
Students utilize previously learned ballet techniques while working in pointe shoes. Each class includes barre exercises, center floor work, and across the floor combinations.
Apparel: black leotard, pink tights, and pink pointe shoes. Hair will be in a bun.
TAP
Pre-Tap and Intermediate Tap
Older children get to expand upon the basic rhythms learned in Combo classes. More challenging tap combinations are taught and they begin to learn the origination of tap terminology.
Apparel: any colored leotard and tights and black tap shoes. Hair is securely off face and neck.
Tap – 8 years old and up
Rhythmic footwork with specially designed shoes. Emphasis is placed on rhythm, style and clarity of sounds. Tap is an excellent way to develop a sense of rhythm, timing and stage presence.
Apparel: solid color leotard and tights or jazz pants and black tap shoes. Hair is securely off face and neck.
Studios A, B, and C are located at 1902 Jules. Studio X is located at 23rd and Frederick.
ADULT CLASSES
JAZZ
One year of Ballet training is required. Jazz borrows from Ballet and Modern techniques and develops stylistically. Classes consist of a warm-up, floor stretch, center barre, progressions and center combinations.
Apparel: solid colored leotard, tights, with black or tan Jazz shoes. Jazz pants are permitted but must fit tightly throughout the hip, thigh, and knee area. Hair is securely off face and neck.
Studios A, B, and C are located at 1902 Jules.
Studio X is located at 23rd and Frederick.
CONTEMPORARY
One of the most popular dance forms...a fusion of jazz, ballet, and modern dance. Often seen on television shows like So You Think You Can Dance.
Apparel: any color of leotard and tights, dance shoes such as paws or pirouettes. Hair is securely off face and neck.
Students must be enrolled in a ballet class Level 3 and up to take Contemporary.
HIP HOP
Age 7 and up
Often considered street dances that mix with more structured styles such as Jazz. Hip Hop encourages students to use many different stylistic techniques and allows them to interpret moves in varied ways. Fast-paced and challenging, creative, rhythmic talents are emphasized using age-appropriate music.
Apparel: comfortable clothing and jazz shoes. Please wear a leotard under your clothes.
Studios A, B, and C are located at 1902 Jules. Studio X is located at 23rd and Frederick.
MUSICAL THEATER
Age 7 and up.
Spelled ‘theatre’ in England and ‘theater’ in the USA. A form of theater combining music, songs, dance, and spoken dialogue distinguished using popular music. Typically ‘when emotion becomes too strong for speech, you sing; when emotion becomes too strong for song, you dance.’ Dance in the context of story-telling in theater will be explored with an emphasis on performance persona.
Apparel: leotard and tights or jazz pants. Jazz shoes are worn in class. Hair is securely off face and neck.
Studios A, B, and C are located at 1902 Jules.
Studio X is located at 23rd and Frederick
TUMBLING
Ages 5 and up
Students gain upper body strength, agility, and flexibility thru cartwheels, rolls, somersaults and hand springs along with other athletic exercises. Note: this class does not perform in our annual recital.
Apparel: leotard, footless tights and no shoes (students participate barefoot). Hair is securely off face and neck.
BEYOND DANCE
Children with physical challenges can enjoy and experience the benefits of movement, self-expression, and music in this specially designed class. Our goal is for children, regardless of physical abilities, to participate in the art, discipline, and joy of dance.
There is no charge for Beyond Dance.
Our community’s health and safety is the number one priority for us here at The Dance Arts Center. As an affiliated dance studio, we follow the More Than Just Great Dancing Safer Studio™ guidelines and standards.
Health is not just about avoiding sickness. It’s also about building strong bodies, minds, and hearts – something that happens in each and every class at The Dance Arts Center!
The response to our planning and communication has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you to our DAC Family, for working together to minimize risk, keep our staff and students safe, and keep our studio operational. We continue to follow the highest standards of care and ask you to do the same.
We prioritize safety and wellness measures including:
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