The faculty at On Your Toes is one of the best one can find in the St.Louis area. All staff members have several years of teaching and professional experience, have traveled all over the world to teach and perform and are dedicated to providing your family with the care and attention they deserve.
Kelly Kirkpatrick (Owner/Artistic Director)
Having discovered her passion for teaching at a very young age, Kelly entered into the business of studio ownership at the age of thirteen out of her home. Knowing the path her passion for dance instruction was going to take, she graduated from Webster University’s prestigious dance program in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance while already owning and operating On Your Toes Dance Studio, established in 1998.
With a focus on a versatile dance education for both the recreational and competitive/pre professional dancer, Kelly has established one of the most recognizable names in dance education in Saint Louis, Missouri. Her students consistently take away the training necessary to continue dancing at the university level and on the professional stage. Previous students have been accepted to both major/minor in dance with some of the most reputable university programs in the United States, such as Oklahoma City University, Webster University, University of Oklahoma, Lindenwood University and Missouri State University. In addition to this, many of her students have gone on to work professionally both regionally and nationally. From LA to New York, students that have trained with On Your Toes Dance Studio encompass the technique and discipline needed to work in the current professional industry. Credits include, but are not limited to, The Radio City Rockettes, The Muny, Stages of St.Louis, Royal Caribbean Cruise lines, several Branson shows, St.Louis Rams Cheerleaders, several area college dance teams, music videos and both regional /national commercial work.
An innovative and creative choreographer, Kelly challenges students to push themselves both stylistically and technically in her classes and competition numbers. She is known for her ability to give her dancers both the polish and finesse necessary to help them excel in their performances. Her choreography has won countless regional high point and choreography awards. Through her instruction and constant attention to technical detail, current students are consistently recognized by way of title awards and scholarships in the competition and convention circuit.
Bringing family and dance together is important for Kelly and not only does she teach dance but continues to play a mentor role for many young dancers. Teaching dancers not only about dance but about life lessons is a goal of hers within the classroom.
Stephanie Benware
Lois Enders
Lois Enders has been teaching and dancing professionally for over 15 years. After receiving her B.A. in Dance from Webster University, she danced aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. Lois performed 5 seasons as a Radio City Rockette in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. She was a Swing and Assistant Dance Captain for the first national tour of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Lois has also been in productions for several regional theatres including Stages St. Louis, The Muny (also Assistant Choreographer for 2010’s Beauty And The Beast) and Riverside Theatre. She is proficient in many styles of dance, and when not performing enjoys teaching. Lois is a proud member of Actors’ Equity and American Guild of Variety Artists. Lois is still a performer in the St.Louis area and On Your Toes is honored to have her as part of their staff for the upcoming season.
Ellen Isom
Ellen Isom has been teaching dance for over thirty years and she has had the unique opportunity of teaching students of all ages and levels from toddlers through professionals. Her goal is to inspire passion for dance in all her students. Ellen began her dance training as a child, and began crafting her skills as a teacher when she began assisting ballet classes while in high school. Ellen began teaching in earnest while attending college, and after receiving her B.A. in Dance from Webster University, she began her career as a dancer/choreographer/teacher. Exceptionally versatile training allowed her to dance professionally with such companies as MADCO, Webster Dance Theatre, and Chicago Dance Medium as well as perform in Musical Theatre productions across the United States. Ellen has danced around the world aboard Royal Viking and Royal Cruise Lines where she also served as assistant choreographer. She has choreographed for many theatres in the St. Louis area including STAGES ST. LOUIS, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, The New Jewish Theatre, and Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre. Ellen is a member of Actors’ Equity, the professional actors union as well as several dance organizations including NDEO (National Dance Educators’ Organization ) and IADMS (International Association for Dance Medicine and Science). In addition to teaching children’s classes, ballet technique and musical theatre dance at On Your Toes, she is an adjunct professor at Webster University where she teaches Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theatre Dance. Ellen created the dance program at Visitation Academy where she serves as instructor and choreographer for school musicals and concerts, and is a guest artist and program coordination for the Education department of the MUNY. She especially enjoys bringing her experience and expertise to her children’s classes which are fun, yet disciplined, classical, yet creative. She believes that the youngest of students can be the most passionate about dance and the foundation we set for them can lead them to success not only as dancers, but as confident individuals who have developed respect for both their bodies and their creative spirits.
Megan Melville
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Megan is a Point Park University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Megan has been fortunate to perform all over the world as a Dancer, Model and Magician’s Assistant. Favorite credits include: The Donny & Marie Show, The Bodyguard (1st National Tour), Vegas! The Show, America’s Got Talent, Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented, Holland America Cruise Line, The Magic of Rob Lake and the film Love and Other Drugs. Since returning to Saint Louis, Megan has enjoyed teaching master classes for Community Arts STL and various studios around the city. Currently, Megan is passionate about helping the next generation of dancers find the joy of dance through a positive and balanced approach!
Brenna Mickley
Brenna Mickley began dancing at the age of two, competed at a young age and trained until she graduated high school in 2020. She is fluid in jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, tap, acro, musical theater, and pom.
Brenna was a Junior Trainee for the Ashleyliane Dance Company for two summers when she was 14 and 15 years old. She has had the opportunity to perform at events such as the Veiled Prophet Parade, Muny Pre-Show, Dancing in the Streets, Ciao STL Second Annual Carnevale Grand Masquerade Ball, and more.
Brenna cheered at St. Pius X High School in Festus, MO her freshman and sophomore years, and was on the dance team her sophomore through senior years. She was captain of the dance team her junior and senior years and led them to a 5th place finish at state her senior year.
Brenna will soon be graduating from Lindenwood University with degrees in Dance and Elementary Education. She was on the Lion Line Dance Team for two years and holds two national championship titles with them. She enjoys choreographing for dance teams and studios, and teaching classes in various styles. She recently choreographed a piece that was performed at the American College Dance Association. Brenna is looking forward to becoming a school teacher and continuing to teach dance and choreograph.
Sarah Ochs
Bringing over 19 years of dance training to the staff of On Your Toes, Sarah’s energetic teaching style and stylized choreography is a dynamic addition to the staff of OYT. With over 10 years of teaching experience in both the studio and the national dance team circuit, Sarah is sought after to teach and choreograph throughout the Midwest. Along with teaching tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary/lyrical, hip hop, and poms at On Your Toes. In addition, she teaches master classes and does freelance choreography for several dance teams in Missouri and Arkansas.
Prior to graduating from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Studies, Sarah was Co-Captain of the Diamond Girls Dance Team, a member of the Inertia Dance Company in Springfield, Missouri, a staff member/instructor with the Universal Dance Association and Dance Craze Studios, and performed with the dance company at Missouri State University. Her extensive and diverse background in the dance industry has carried over into her teaching style and has been recognized countless times in the dance competition circuit with her time as staff member at On Your Toes. Sarah is thrilled to be entering into another year of teaching at the studio and is looking forward to continued competitive success.
Payton Richardson
Miss Payton graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lindenwood University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation with minors in Dance and Adapted Sport and Recreation. She began dancing at the age of three at On Your Toes Dance Studio and started competing at a young age. While attending Mehlville High School, she was a member of the Varsity Mehlville Pantherettes Dance Team for all four years. At Lindenwood University, Miss Payton was a member of the Lion Line Dance Team for four years and holds three national championship titles. During her sophomore, junior, and senior years, she served as the team’s captain. Miss Payton currently is an assistant coach of the Oakville High School Golden Girls Dance Team. Throughout her career, Miss Payton has been driven by a deep passion for dance and for inspiring and educating young dancers. She is excited to bring her heart and energy back to On Your Toes Dance Studio as she returns as an instructor.
Lara Turek
Lara holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Arts Management and Leadership from Webster University (St. Louis, MO). Lara has been a member of the On Your Toes community since OYT was created. Miss Kelly K. played a pivotal role in shaping her journey and achievements in dance and life. With nearly two decades of experience teaching dance and movement, Lara has honed her teaching philosophy. Deeply rooted in the Studio Habits of Mind, Lara emphasizes not only the development of dance technique in her classroom but also nurtures dancers’ abilities to reflect, explore, observe, envision, express, cultivate their craft, engage and persist.
She is a certified Level 1 Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor and a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200). Alongside her teaching commitments, Lara has showcased her talent as a professional dancer, performing with local and regional production companies like STAGES St. Louis. Most notably, she has had the privilege of performing as a Radio City Rockette in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Lara’s choreography has been featured at the American College Dance Festival Gala (Central Region). Furthermore, she proudly maintains memberships with AEA (Actor’s Equity Association) and AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists), further underscoring her dedication and involvement within the performing arts community.
Dodie Yount
A graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, Dodie has been educating dancers and gymnasts for over 11 years. Prior to her professional teaching career, she was a competitive dancer and a certified USGFA gymnast. She has studied with choreographers such as Eddie O’Campo of Guss Giordano Dance Company and Michael Utoff of Dance Saint Louis. Dodie is also a member of Dance Masters of America Chapter 21 and teaches tumbling and dance at various studios in Saint Louis and Illinois.