Southstar INSTRUCTORS

from SSDA Presents Dance Around the World 2023

LIKE A G6

KRISTIE IHLER at the age of three, she began training in tap and tumbling in southern California. After moving to Lawton, her training expanded to include ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, modern, and hip hop. She graduated from MacArthur High School in December 2005. She received a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Cameron University in December of 2010. She was employed with the City of Lawton and worked as a CCMA and Surgical Coordinator at the Allergy, Ear, Nose and Throat Institute.

Having worked at Southstar since their opening in 2009, Kristie has a wealth of experience. Her dance experience ranges from local Arts For All festivals, annual recital shows and competitions (LA Dance Force, Hall Of Fame Dance Challenge and KAR). She was a member of the Oklahoma Cavs Dance Team from 2007 to 2009. She auditioned for the Oklahoma City Thunder Girls in their inaugural season making the top 40 finalists out of 250 dancers. She is currently Southstar’s studio manager and an instructor rotating between levels 2 through 5. You can find her coaching and working with the competitive teams, trios, duets and soloists. Over the years, her choreography and coaching have led dancers to receive high point awards, top overall finishes, and invitations to compete at the national level.

SHAELYN SMITH has danced for more than 19 years and has been with Southstar Dance Academy since 2010. She started assisting in classes at age 16, and began teaching full time for SSDA five years ago. Shaelyn has coached many competition dance teams which have won numerous awards including first places and overalls, entertainment awards, Judges’ Choice awards, and more.

Shaelyn graduated in 2015 from Lawton High School, where she was a Highstepper and involved in many other school activities. She graduated from Cameron University with a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education in May 2020. Shaelyn was a member of the Cameron University Dance Team from 2016-2018.

Brianna,

After several long years that passed in the a blink of an eye, we are at your final curtain call. I hope that you take what you have learned and continue to dance your way through life. Never give up on your passions. I will miss getting to watch you practice, rehearse, compete, and perform. You have made me so proud!