Central Studio

Central Studio Academy runs two welcoming locations in Webster Groves and the Central West End, serving young dancers across St. Louis from ages 3 to 17+. The studio believes that dance is about building confidence, creativity, and community—values reflected in everything they teach.

The curriculum is organised into three age-based levels. Kinder Movement (ages 3–5) introduces coordination and basic dance through Kinders in Motion, Kinder Hip Hop, KinderDance 1, and KinderDance 2, with each class opening with circle-time social activities and gentle stretching. The Foundation Program (ages 6–10) builds on previous experience through Aerial Silks, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Tumbling, and Jazz, requiring no prior dance experience. The Progression Program (ages 11–17) offers a comprehensive range including Aerial Silks, Ballet, Tap, Pre-pointe, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Performance Techniques in intimate group settings.

Teachers at Central Studio bring extensive professional credentials. Marcela Gómez Lugo, who holds a BFA in Dance from Mercyhurst University with minors in Dance Pedagogy and Psychology, is a 4th season company member with Ballet 314 and serves as guest choreographer and Executive Assistant there. Tim O'Toole graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography and a minor in Psychology, danced with MADCO, and is pursuing certification in Tamalpa Expressive Arts Therapy. Rachel Klaus teaches aerial silks, lyra, and trapeze. Morgan Rabe teaches aerial silks. Tayler Kinner, who holds a BFA in Dance from Webster University, has performed with Turn of Change Dance Collective, Smashworks Dance Collective, and Karlovsky & Company Dance. Paige Walden studied ballet, jazz, modern, tap, classical Thai Dance, and improvisation, choreographed the film To Cause a Dream, and is founder and executive director of CommUNITY Arts Festival. Abbie Hinrichs holds a BFA from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance and dances professionally with Karlovsky & Company Dance and Ballet 314; she has taught dance for over 10 years and completed Pilates certification through the Core Dynamics Teacher Training program. Monica Sauer is a musician with a background in performing arts education who specialises in integrating performing arts with health and wellness; she is a founding member of Notes and nightcaps and serves on the Board of Community Arts St. Louis. Macy Overton teaches youth hip hop and tap.

The studio offers year-round classes with flexible scheduling. Summer 2026 classes run as 6-week sessions with pay-per-class or full-session registration options. Annual tuition starts at $80 per month with a $50 registration fee. Special Needs Music & Movement classes are available for youth (ages 10–17) and adults (18+), held Thursdays at the Webster Groves location: Youth & Teen Class 5:00–5:45pm, Adult Class 4:00–4:55pm, at $80 per month (four classes per month). Summer camps and week-long summer dance classes include elements of dance, visual arts, crafts, and confidence-building. Central Studio Academy Productions offer students a fully immersive dance and theater experience where dancers work with artistic mentors to bring a fully realised stage production to life. The studio also runs an Adult Program offering Dance & Fitness, Pilates, and Thai Bodywork classes at both locations.

Classes are led by experienced, passionate dance instructors in a safe, inclusive space. A typical class includes technique instruction matched to your child's age and experience level; younger students (ages 3–5) start with circle-time social activities and gentle stretching. No prior experience is required. Summer classes are organised by age and style, with flexible drop-in or full-session registration.

The teaching team includes Marcela Gómez Lugo (BFA, Ballet 314 company member and guest choreographer), Tim O'Toole (BFA Dance Performance and Choreography, USM; MADCO dancer), Rachel Klaus (aerial silks, lyra, trapeze), Tayler Kinner (BFA Dance, Webster University; Turn of Change, Smashworks, Karlovsky & Company), Paige Walden (Webster University-trained; filmmaker, CommUNITY Arts Festival founder), Abbie Hinrichs (BFA UMKC Conservatory; Karlovsky & Company and Ballet 314 performer; Pilates-certified), Monica Sauer (musician, performing arts educator; founding member Notes and nightcaps), Macy Overton (hip hop and tap), Morgan Rabe (aerial silks), and others. Many perform professionally with local companies including Ballet 314 and St. Louis Dance Theatre.

No prior dance experience is required; students are matched to the appropriate level based on age and experience, and the studio emphasises building confidence and individual growth.