Our Philosophy
At Aspire Dance Centre, we believe in nurturing creativity and self-expression through dance. Our approach combines rigorous training with a supportive environment, catering to students of all ages and skill levels. We strive to inspire a love for dance while instilling discipline and confidence, ensuring that every dancer discovers their unique voice and potential.
Founder & Director
Josephine Hale
Josephine earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance from Missouri State University with a minor in Marketing and holds certifications in Progressive Ballet, Progressive Contemporary, Acrobatic Arts, and Yoga Instruction. She continues to invest in her own growth as an educator, choreographer, and artist so she can provide meaningful opportunities for the dancers she serves. Outside the studio, Josephine is married to her high school sweetheart, JT, and together they are raising ing the vision and values behind Aspire. Her vision for Aspire is simple: To create a studio where exceptional training, strong character, kindness, genuine belonging, and personal growth go hand in hand. A place where dancers feel seen, supported, challenged, and inspired every step of the way.
Instructors
Sarah Wilcoxon
Sarah Wilcoxon is a dance teacher, choreographer, and dance conditioning expert. She holds an MFA in Dance from Florida State University, an MS in Communication from Illinois State University, a comprehensive STOTT Pilates certification, a 200 hour yoga certification, and she works as a teacher-trainer for Progressing Ballet Technique throughout the United States. Wilcoxon’s award-winning dance films have been selected for screening at film festivals all over the world and her live choreography has been featured in musical theatre productions all over the United States. Her research on safe dance practice and wellness for dancers has been published in The Journal of Dance Medicine and Science and presented at numerous conferences including Dance Science and Somatics Educators, National Communication Association, Pilates Method Alliance, and International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) conferences. She developed a wellness program, integrating data driven practices into curriculum and culture for Missouri State University that was featured in Dance Teacher Magazine. She was also a 2020 IADMS nominee for dance educator of the year. Outside of dance Sarah likes to garden, embroider, hang out with her book club besties, and relax with her husband and chihuahuas.
Hannah Christian
Hannah Christian has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She has trained in various styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hiphop. She competed and trained for 17 years. She was apart of her high school dance team for 4 years as well as her high school cheer team for two years. Hannah is currently starting her third year at Missouri State University and is double majoring in Strategic Communication and a B.S in Dance. She is also starting her third season on the Missouri State Sugar Bears Dance Team. Hannah has had the opportunity to choreograph for various high school dance teams as well as teach all different ages and styles at studios. Hannah has always had a passion for teaching and inspiring dancers to do what she loves so much!!
Lillie Dodge
Lillie Dodge has over 17 years of dance training in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and contemporary as well as attended summer intensives at KC Ballet and Joffrey Ballet, performed in story ballet productions, and danced competitively for 10 years.She attended Cowley County Community College on a dance team scholarship where she served as a leader on the team and was apart of their national runner up competition team at DTU nationals.Lillie recently graduated from MO State with a B.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics, Minor in Dance, Certificate in Sports Nutrition, and Acrobatic Arts.
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Hailey Huffling
Hailey Huffling has been involved in the dance world since the age of five. She grew up training in both competitive dance and gymnastics, developing a strong passion for performance, artistry, and movement. Her dedication to dance led her to perform at the Division I collegiate level as a member of the Cheerleading and Pom Programs at Abilene Christian University. She is thrilled to be back in the studio, sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of dance with the next generation of dancers.
Job Application
Please complete the form to apply for a position with us.