Since opening our doors in 2014, STOMPIN’ BEATZ has become one of the area’s leading dance studios, known for delivering the highest quality training available. We welcome dancers of all levels—whether you’re pursuing a professional path or dancing simply for the joy of it—providing a supportive, inspiring home where every student can grow.
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Our facility features four spacious dance rooms designed for comfort, safety, and performance. Two of our rooms have marley sprung floors equipped with ballet barres, with one matching the exact size of a dance competition stage for a true-to-life practice experience. The other two rooms feature sprung tile floors. Conveniently located right on the border of Illinois and Missouri, we’re just minutes away from surrounding communities, making it easy for families on either side of the river to access top-quality dance training without a long commute.
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At Stompin' Beatz we welcome all students, and feel that each dancer can find the proper fit for them within our studio. Our various programs allow each student to find the commitment level that is right for them, while still learning and growing as a dancer. Stompin' Beatz prides itself on having a qualified faculty that provides excellent training, while creating a family atmosphere.
OUR ALUMNI
Alumni dancers from Stompin’ Beatz have gone on to excel in both collegiate and professional programs. The majority of students who have graduated from our company program have continued dancing beyond high school, pursuing their passion at the next level. Our alumni have earned spots on some of the nation’s top collegiate dance teams and have performed in professional entertainment, including stage productions and theme parks.​
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In the past seasons, our dancers have been accepted to the following university dance programs:​
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Some professional entertainment shows our dancers have been a part of located in Branson, Missouri are: Silver Dollar City Theme Park, The Showboat Branson Belle, and King's Castle Theatre. We also have alumni who are a part of the St. Louis Blue Crew!
OUR DANCE ROOMS
BLUE ROOM Equipped with sprung marley flooring and ballet barres
WHITE ROOM Equipped with sprung marley flooring and ballet barres
GREEN ROOM Equipped with sprung tile flooring and ballet barres
PURPLE ROOM Equipped with sprung tile flooring
OUR FACULTY
Carrie Hirschman Parker
Owner/Director of Dance
Teaches: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Ballet
​Establishing Stompin’ Beatz Professional Dance Studio is a dream come true for this award-winning teacher/choreographer! After teaching more than 26 years on the competitive level, Carrie opened the doors to her multiroom complex and created her own dance family. Her experience as Miss Dance St. Louis and as a St. Louis Ambush Cheerleader give her solid experience to share with her ambitious students. She is a demanding yet caring coach; always making time for her students whether to help them with a difficult dance technique or a personal situation. Carrie is certified/licensed to teach elementary education. This training along with the life experience of raising 3 children leaves her well equipped to work with students of all age levels.
Ashley Ehlmann
Assistant Director of Competition Team
Teaches: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Ballet
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Webster University, graduating with Cum Laude honors and The Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts Honors. Throughout her time at Webster, she performed in WUDE Concerts, BFA Concerts, Webster University Creation Concerts, and St. Louis’s Dancin’ in the Streets.
​Following graduation, Ashley continued to refine her craft by performing with St. Louis’s Karlovsky & Company Dance and training/performing as an aerialist under the guidance of Monica Newsam.
Currently, Ashley works for Weissman as a video producer and choreographer, where she combines her passion for dance with her creative expertise. She also teaches at Stompin’ Beatz, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with her students. Surrounded by dance in all aspects of her life, Ashley is dedicated to her art and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Melissa Froidl
Director of Recreational Program
Teaches: Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Poms
Melissa joined the Stompin’ Beatz family in the Fall of 2017, having taught in the St. Louis area since 1983. She specializes in beginner and intermediate Tap, Ballet, and Jazz. Her Art Degree and years of experience, both in the classroom and as a parent of three, serve her very well with her students, offering them a wealth of movement experience. Melissa completed her exams for membership to Dance Masters of America in 1985 and has continued her dance education through Master classes and Clinics. Her unique mixture of strict structure and silly moments keeps her dancers engaged and happy.
Mikayla Taake
Competition Team Teacher
Teaches: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre
Mikayla is a dynamic and versatile dancer, performer, and model with extensive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. Over the years, she has attended numerous classes and conventions, gaining invaluable experience working with some of the industry’s top professional choreographers.
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Her professional credits include performing at the King’s Castle Theatre in Branson, Missouri, in productions such as Christmas Wonderland, Anthems of Rock, and Broadway, as well as dancing aboard The Showboat Branson Belle.
After her time on stage, Mikayla returned to her hometown of St. Louis to pursue a career in healthcare. She now serves as a dedicated labor and delivery nurse while continuing to share her passion for the arts with the next generation of dancers.
Octavio Neito-Jacobo
Competion Team Ballet Teacher
Teaches: Ballet
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Studied a variety of dance including Mexican folklore, Spanish/Flamenco, Tap, Jazz, Ballroom, and Modern
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Trained at the Royal Academy of Dancing in London
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Joffery Ballet School, David Howard Studio, New York Conservatory of Dance
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Performed with Mexico's National Dance Company and was able to receive training from many different countries around the world.
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Instructor in the Missouri Folk Arts Program and was also part of the jury in the Certamen Internacional Para Latinoamerica y El Caribe, an international dance competition.
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In St. Louis, he has served as principal dancer in the St. Louis Ballet as well as the Assitant Ballet Master.
Sarah Scott
Recreational Program Teacher
Teaches: Tap, Ballet
Sarah began her dance career at Stompin’ Beatz as a student in 2016. Her dedication, knowledge of technique, and dance skills made her an integral part of our competitive dance team. These attributes make her an ideal teacher for our younger students! Working mainly with the recreational team since 2024, her creativity and enthusiasm have been an asset to our Stompin’ Beatz family. Sarah has training in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Hip-hop.