Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Studio in Stillwater, OK
Founded in 1984, Showstoppers Dance Studio Dance Studio has dedicated over four decades to cultivating dance excellence in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Our mission centers on fostering confidence, discipline, and creativity through structured, technique-focused instruction across diverse dance styles. With small class sizes and a team of experienced instructors, we prioritize personalized attention to ensure students master foundational skills while enjoying a supportive learning environment. Our competitive dance companies have earned regional accolades for over a decade, reflecting our commitment to artistic growth and performance quality. As a community cornerstone, we blend tradition with innovation, offering programs for ages 3 to adult that emphasize both technical precision and joyful self-expression.Our leadership team, including owner Katy Gilliland and veteran instructors, brings decades of combined teaching experience, ensuring continuity of excellence. We maintain rigorous safety standards and progressive training methodologies to nurture physical coordination, mental focus, and artistic development. With flexible scheduling across two annual sessions, we accommodate diverse student needs while maintaining our core values of excellence and inclusivity. Our facility provides a welcoming space where dancers develop lifelong skills and form lasting connections within our vibrant dance community.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz/Hip Hop
Contemporary Dance
Pointe Training
Acro Dance
Pom Squad
Technique Classes
Adult Dance
Competition Teams
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 42 years of proven dance education excellence in Stillwater
- Expert instructors with assistants in every class
- Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention
- Award-winning competition teams with decade-long success
- Technique-focused training in a supportive atmosphere
What people say
Wonderful staff
Best dance experience
Excellent teachers
Positive atmosphere
Award-winning teams
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured instruction in positions, turns, and graceful movement. Students progress from basic steps to complex choreography while building posture, flexibility, and artistic expression. Classes emphasize proper alignment and musicality for dancers aged 3 through adult.
Jazz/Hip Hop
This energetic class combines jazz technique with hip hop's expressive style. Dancers learn choreography to contemporary music while developing strength, coordination, and performance confidence. Age-appropriate routines focus on isolations, rhythm, and dynamic stage presence for students in grades 3-12.
Competition Teams
Our award-winning competition teams offer advanced training in multiple styles. Dancers participate in regional competitions with choreography emphasizing technical precision and artistic storytelling. Programs available for Mini, Junior, and Senior levels with audition-based enrollment.
Technique Classes
Focused sessions improve core dance abilities through targeted drills in leaps, turns, and strength training. Classes enhance performance quality across all styles while preventing injuries through proper conditioning. Designed for students seeking technical advancement in a non-performance setting.
Acro Dance
This class blends dance with acrobatic elements like balances, tumbling, and partner lifts. Progressively taught skills emphasize safety and proper technique while building flexibility and control. Students may perform acro routines in recitals, combining dance with athletic artistry.
People
Katy Gilliland
Owner & Head Instructor
Oklahoma State University graduate with 20+ years teaching experience. Specializes in all dance styles and directs award-winning competition teams. Committed to maintaining Showstoppers Dance Studio Dance Studio' legacy of excellence while nurturing student growth.
Liza Melnychenko
Dance Instructor
Teaches ballet, lyrical, and jazz. OSU graduate with bachelor's in Nutritional Science. Brings energetic approach to classes while pursuing advanced education in dietetics. Former student with deep studio connection.
Ali Bellmer
Dance Instructor
20-year studio veteran teaching all styles including Pom. Current OSU student pursuing dietetics degree. State-winning pom squad background with experience as high school assistant coach.
Ella Sallaska
Dance Instructor
12-year studio member teaching all styles and technique classes. OSU freshman studying Human Development. Combines passion for dance with love of mentoring younger students in a faith-centered approach.
Jocelynn Swann
Dance Instructor
13-year studio dancer teaching diverse styles with emphasis on tap. OSU civil engineering student. Brings technical precision to classes while balancing dance with outdoor activities and community involvement.
Questions
What are class size limits?
Most classes have 15 students maximum with both instructor and assistant present for personalized attention and proper technique development.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we provide adult classes for all experience levels focusing on technique refinement and recreational enjoyment in a supportive environment.
Are there performance opportunities?
We offer recitals, competition teams, and special performances. Acro students may perform routines showcasing their technical and artistic development.
What about payment plans?
We provide flexible payment options including package deals for multiple classes. Specific pricing details appear in our curriculum section for different training levels.
How are instructors qualified?
Our team includes OSU graduates with teaching certifications, competition experience, and specialized training in multiple dance disciplines across all age groups.
