About Us
Located in Lebanon, Missouri, we are a Christian based dance studio with over 40 years of experience in educating dancers. Our studio offers both recreational and competitive dance programs. Our instructors are trained in a variety of dance styles including Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, and Musical Theater. In addition to dance, we also provide gymnastics and tumbling classes for individuals age 2 through adults. Our priority is to create a fun, safe, and positive environment where individuals can develop their skills and passion for dance and gymnastics.
Our Mission
*To promote teamwork, self discipline, & confidence in a positive atmosphere
*To provide our dancers with the highest quality of dance training
Our Vision
*To fulfill each dancer's needs in an honest & realistic way
*To give equal attention, & respect to all students regardless of talent, age, potential, level or reason here
*To convey the idea that students should compete with & challenge only themselves in a continuous state of improvement
*To help all students become the best version of themselves
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Meet Our Staff
Diane Cummins-Lefler
Diane Cummins-Lefler is the passionate Owner and Director of the School of Performing Arts Dance and Gymnastics. Before assuming ownership in 2012, she dedicated 22 years to serving in the US Army. When faced with the potential closure of S.P.A. due to the previous owners' decision to sell, Diane was determined to preserve the studio. Witnessing the transformative impact of dance on her own daughters’, she committed to upholding S.P.A. as a space for others to discover their love for dance. Embracing her new role, Diane actively engages in the dance community by participating in dance teacher conferences, gaining certifications in diverse techniques like Zumba and gymnastics, and continuously expanding her knowledge and training to maintain the high teaching standards that define S.P.A.
Katie Staats
Katie Staats is the Lead Instructor and a former dancer at S.P.A. She pursued her higher education at Missouri State University, majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Dance. Upon completing her studies, Katie returned to S.P.A., to teach and give back to the studio and community that gave so much to her. Katie specializes in Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, and Pointe dance techniques.
Victoria Lefler
Victoria (Tori) Lefler is a choreographer and teacher for S.P.A. She grew up dancing at S.P.A. where her love for dance originated. Tori took her love and passion for teaching dance to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) where she graduated with a degree in Theater and Dance with a specialization in Dance. While at SIUE, Tori was a Captain on the SIUE Competitive Dance Team, and helped her team win a NDA National Title in DI Pom. She continues to work with dance teams across the country as an instructor with National Dance Alliance (NDA). After Graduating from SIUE Tori went on to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from the University of Iowa. While pursuing her degrees Tori has performed at St. Louis National Dance Week, in Panorama (a historic dance choreographed by the Martha Graham, who was a pioneer of modern dance), as well as in California, Florida, Chicago, etc. She continues to stay on the cutting edge of dance by taking classes at Broadway Dance Center (NYC), Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (NYC), Gibney (NYC), Backhaus Dance (CA) and from World Renowned Choreographers such as Omar Olivas, Kristin Best-Kinscherff, Mike Esperanza, Cat Cogliandro, Jennifer Backhaus, Jamila Glass, etc. With specializes in Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theater, and Ballet. Tori is dedicated to providing the dancers of S.P.A with a dance education comparable to those found in New York and California.
Instagram: @torii.dances
Emily Soileu
Emily Soileu began dancing at age 3 here at S.P.A. She is trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, and Lyrical, but her favorite styles to perform and teach are Hip Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary. Emily now attends Benedictine College where she is pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Dance. She is also a member of the Benedictine College Competitive Dance Team, where she continues to teach and choreograph team performances for her team. Emily is excited to spread her love for dance to the students of S.P.A.
Alexandria Lefler
Alexandria (Allie) Lefler danced at S.P.A. for 16 years before moving on to pursue her education at the University of Kansas. At the university, she is currently working towards a degree in Architectural Engineering alongside a minor in Dance. Allie's dance journey has taken her to various parts of the country, including New York City, NY and Los Angeles, CA. She specializes in a wide range of dance styles such as Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, and Musical Theater. Allie is enthusiastic about passing on her extensive expertise to the dancers at S.P.A.
