Ms. Katy - Katherine Overby Howland studied ballet with Halcyone Perlman and Michael Simms in Columbia, Mo. Early training included study at the Banff School of Fine Arts. She received her B.F.A in Dance from Stephens College. She studied ballet, modern, jazz, character and tap in London, England and New York City. In London she completed professional level Cecchetti ballet exams. In New York she studied ballet with David Howard, Finis Jhung, and Gabrielle Darvash, and modern at the Hawkins school. Katy taught, performed and choreographed while at Stephens, for the Perlman school and Mid-Missouri Dance Theatre, and was ballet mistress at DanceArts of Columbia. Ms. Katy has choreographed for numerus local musicals, operas, show choirs, and has directed ten full length productions of The Nutcracker. Nineteen years at Dancers’ Alley have been the very best!
Ms. Clara - Clara Howland Bigelow is a 2008 graduate of Stephens College with a degree in Human Development/Child Studies and dance. She studied ballet with Halcyone Perlman, ballet and modern with Katy Howland, and tap with LuAnn Madsen. At Stephens she studied Modern, Ballet, Tap, Spanish Flamenco, Irish Step Dancing, and Russian Character and took many master classes. Clara has performed with the Mid-Missouri Dance Theatre, DanceArts, Dance Concepts, and Dancers Alley. She loves teaching all of her students and managing the front desk.
Ms. Kristina - Kristina Schaefer-Mills began dancing at Ibsen Dance Theatre in Kansas City, training in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, and was an assistant teacher. She participated in community musicals and was a member of her high school’s nationally ranked dance team. Kristina received her BA in Textile and Apparel Design from UMC and served as dance director for her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. She studied at DanceArts in Columbia and was on staff starting in 2002. Kristina was head coach of the Hickman High School Dance Team from 2007 to 2018. She joined the Dancers' Alley Staff in 2005 and is Jazz Director and Competition Team Co-Director. She has choreographed several award winning competition pieces. Kristina is lead instructor at FIT CENTRAL in Columbia certified in Les Mills Body Pump, Body Step and CXWORX. Kristina is honored to be an instructor at Dancers’ Alley and has enjoyed teaching so many wonderful and talented students throughout the years
Ms. Liz - Liz Hansen Vanderfeltz is a Jefferson City native. She studied tap, jazz, ballet, modern and hip hop at Dancers' Alley. She performed with the Helias Dance Team, in numerous recitals and productions of "The Nutcracker", and attended competitions and conventions. She choreographs for Helias spring musicals and has coached their dance team, is involved with TLTJC and Capital City Players, and enjoys attending the St. Louis Tap Festival. She is a 2009 Louisiana State University History and Political Science graduate and in 2013 completed her M.A. in Teaching from Columbia College. Liz is a middle school Social Studies teacher at St. Peter Interparish School.
Ms. Sarah – Sarah Sponsel is a Jefferson City native. She studied tap, jazz, ballet, and modern at Dancers' Alley, and was a student teacher/assistant throughout high school. She performed in numerous recitals, community dance performances, and productions of "The Nutcracker". She has participated in productions with TLTJC and Capital City Players. Sarah is a French teacher at Capital City and Jefferson City High Schools.
Ms. Kalley - Kalley Schollmeyer is a Jefferson City native who grew up studying ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop at Dancers’ Alley, and was a long time competition team member. She was an assistant teacher during High School and helped with many classes. She is a sophomore at Columbia College pursuing an education degree. Kalley participated in numerous dance recitals, community performances, and The Nutcracker.
Ms. Taylor- Taylor Winkelman is a Jefferson City/Linn native who grew up studying ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop at Dancers’ Alley. She was an award winning competition team member, and an assistant teacher throughout high school. She attended Kansas City Ballet and Louisville Ballet summer intensives. Taylor was a member of the Helias Dance Team Explosion. She has participated in many high school and community musicals, numerous dance recitals, community performances, and performed lead rolls in The Nutcracker. Taylor is a second year business student at Linn Tech, planning to attend the physical therapy assistant program.