Business Details
42 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes in Stillwater, OK
Showstoppers Dance Studio Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Stillwater, Oklahoma for over four decades. Founded in 1984, we specialize in providing comprehensive dance instruction for students aged 3 through adulthood, with a focus on ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary styles. Our studio maintains small class sizes with certified instructors and assistants to ensure personalized attention and technical precision. With award-winning competition teams and a commitment to community engagement, we blend discipline with creativity to foster confidence, coordination, and artistic growth in every student. 
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Contemporary
Pointe
Acro
Pom
Technique
Dance Companies
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 42-year track record of dance excellence in Stillwater
- Expert instructors with assistants in every class
- Small class sizes for personalized technical instruction
- Award-winning competition teams since 2010
- Community-focused studio building confidence through dance
What people say
Wonderful place
Amazing teachers
Positive experience
Dance excellence
Strong community
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through age-appropriate instruction. Students learn proper posture, ballet positions, and graceful movement while building discipline and artistic expression. Classes incorporate stretching, barre work, and center combinations to develop strength and precision. Instructors emphasize proper alignment and musicality while maintaining a joyful learning environment.
Tap Classes
Tap instruction focuses on rhythm, coordination, and musicality through percussive footwork. Students progress from basic steps like shuffles and flaps to complex rhythms and performance patterns. Classes develop timing, listening skills, and stage presence while building confidence through sound creation. Advanced students explore intricate footwork sequences and improvisation techniques.
Jazz/Hip Hop
This energetic program combines jazz technique with hip hop style. Dancers build flexibility, strength, and coordination while learning age-appropriate choreography. Classes emphasize stylistic versatility, from Broadway jazz to urban hip hop, while developing performance quality and individual expression through dynamic movement combinations.
Acro Classes
Acro combines dance with acrobatic elements to develop strength, flexibility, and control. Students learn safe progressions of balances, tumbling, and partner lifts while integrating technical dance elements. Classes focus on proper conditioning for tricks like cartwheels and aerials, with optional performance opportunities in recital routines.
Dance Companies
Our competitive dance companies provide advanced training for dedicated students. Teams participate in regional competitions with choreography in multiple styles. Members receive specialized instruction in technique, performance quality, and teamwork while building leadership skills. Audition-based placement ensures appropriate skill development across three age divisions.
People
Katy Gilliland
Owner & Head Instructor
Katy Gilliland leads Showstoppers Dance Studio Dance Studio with 20+ years teaching experience. A graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Business and Marketing degree, she specializes in ballet, lyrical, and jazz instruction. Katy directs award-winning dance companies and maintains the studio's legacy of excellence while innovating curriculum for modern dance education.
Tracy Frazier
Founder
Tracy Frazier established Showstoppers Dance Studio Dance Studio in 1984 with 50+ years dance experience. She taught 20-30 classes weekly before retiring in 2024. A Stillwater icon, Tracy continues mentoring and teaching adult classes while maintaining community involvement through local arts organizations and youth programs.
Liza Melnychenko
Dance Instructor
Liza Melnychenko teaches ballet, lyrical, and jazz classes. A former Showstoppers Dance Studio Dance Studio student, she holds a Nutritional Science degree from Oklahoma State University. Liza brings contemporary teaching methods to classical techniques while maintaining the studio's tradition of excellence in dance education.
Ali Bellmer
Dance Instructor
Ali Bellmer instructs all dance styles with 20 years studio experience. Currently pursuing a Nutritional Sciences degree at Oklahoma State University, she combines technical expertise with youth mentorship. Ali's teaching emphasizes proper technique while maintaining the joy of dance performance.
Lara Wald
Fitness Instructor
Lara Wald leads barre fitness classes at Showstoppers Dance Studio Dance Studio. A SCW-certified instructor with 5+ years experience, she creates accessible workouts blending dance and fitness. Lara's classes emphasize proper form and progressive challenge while maintaining an encouraging environment for all fitness levels.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, pointe, acro, and pom styles for ages 3 through adult.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes! We offer age-appropriate beginner classes starting at age 3 with no prior experience required. Our instructors specialize in making dance accessible to all skill levels.
What are your class sizes?
Most classes maintain 15 students maximum with both lead instructors and assistants to ensure personalized attention and proper technique development.
Do you offer competitive dance teams?
Yes, we have three competitive dance companies for grades 3-12 with audition-based placement. Teams compete regionally and have earned numerous first-place awards since 2010.
What should I wear to class?
Dress in comfortable movement-friendly clothing. Specific requirements include fitted dancewear for ballet and athletic attire for other styles. Proper dance shoes are required for all classes.
How often should students practice?
We recommend attending weekly classes consistently. For optimal progress, students should practice at home regularly and consider adding supplemental training sessions.
