About Shooting Star

Creating a generation of dancers, in and around Springfield

Welcome to Shooting Star Dance Center, a place where dance runs deep through the threads of our community’s history. Our story began over four decades ago, and today, as we continue to nurture the dreams of the young and the young at heart, we want our studio to feel like a warm homecoming.

With every plié, every leap, we nurture not just the joy of dance, but also the bonds that make us a family.

Dancing students of the Shooting Star Dance Center, Springfield MA

In these past 45 years, our dance floor has witnessed not just the graceful steps of countless individuals, but also the footsteps of generations. Just as your parents, aunts, uncles, and friends once waltzed and twirled within these walls, we’re here now, ready for the next wave of dancers with open arms. As your child takes their initial plié or you reignite your love for the art, our experienced instructors stand beside you, guiding every step of the way. It's a journey where every movement has a purpose, every beat tells a story, and every dancer is celebrated.

We're not just teaching dance. We're crafting memories, forging friendships, and creating stories that will resonate for years to come.

So, let's dance, learn, and grow together, for here, within our dance family, is where we all truly belong.

Our Instructors

Dance instructors in black and red

Meet our talented team, each bringing a unique flair and energy to their classes. Our dance instructors are passionate artists and mentors, each specializing in various dance forms. From ballet to hip hop, jazz to acrobatics, their expertise covers a spectrum of styles.

Whether you're a budding ballerina, an aspiring hip hop dancer, or seeking the grace of ballet, our instructors are here to inspire and nurture your love for dance. Join us and embark on a dance journey led by professionals who are not just instructors but enthusiasts eager to share the joy of movement with you.

Carol Ann Boardway

Carol Boardway - owner of Shooting Star Dance Center

Meet Miss Carol, the REAL star behind the curtain at Shooting Star Dance Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. With her Master's degree in Ballet and Theatrical Arts earned back in 1982 from the prestigious Dance Educators of America Teacher Training School, Miss Carol has been leading the dance scene for an awe-inspiring forty-five years.

Throughout her dance journey, Miss Carol has participated in countless workshops, master classes, conventions, and seminars that fuel her ever-evolving passion. And here's the magic – many of Miss Carol's students have stepped into their dancing shoes to pursue careers in the arts, while others have soared in fields like law, medicine, teaching, nutrition, and more.

Miss Carol created Shooting Star Dance Center to not only focus on the moves of dance but also to nurture and instill life lessons into her young students. Our star students have graced nursing homes, senior centers, community events, and even electrifying stages like the Eastfield Mall and the Big E. We've rocked the Ronald McDonald Show and twirled in Lenny Gomulka's Christmas extravaganza.

Why dance? Because Miss Carol knows it's more than rhythm and grace… Dance is a catalyst for lifelong learning. With every pirouette, leap, and shuffle, her students wake up and break through academic barriers.

If you're looking for a dance center where passion meets purpose, Shooting Star Dance Center is your stage with Miss Carol leading the way.

David Bovat

Master of dance David Bovat

Get ready to groove with the master of dance himself – David Bovat, a West Springfield native who's transforming the dance floor into a playground of passion and creativity! David's dance journey started at just seven years old, guided by the talented Anita Oski Barrett. From that moment on, dance wasn't just a hobby for him, it was a calling.

Through his dance adventure, David has soaked up wisdom from dance legends like Frank Hatchett and Anthony DeVecchi of the Northeast American Ballet. But David doesn't keep all that expertise to himself – he's on a mission to share his love and knowledge of dance with every student and colleague he meets. As an ace dance instructor, David's resume reads like a dance enthusiast's dream. He's a choreography genius, cooking up moves that make stages sizzle. With a hat (or should we say tap shoe?) as the Head Judge and instructor of Master classes for the Step Up to Dance tour, David is a true dance maestro. But the fun doesn't stop there! David is the creative mind behind stunning choreography for events like Tap Dancing Santa's Symphony Hall and the dazzling Dancing with the Local Stars for Kiwanis Club of West Springfield and Agawam. His talent has graced beauty pageants, talent showdowns, and even sensational musical productions, including names like Rocky Horror Picture Show, Gypsy, and more.

Above all, David wears the hat of a choreographer and dance instructor with immense pride. He's a true artist who continues to infuse dance floors with energy, enlightenment, and pure entertainment. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just finding your rhythm, get ready to be swept away by David's boundless enthusiasm for the art of dance. With every step, he paints a masterpiece that's vibrant, engaging, and uniquely yours. Let's dance into a world of wonder with David Bovat!

Tracey Thomas

Jazz and Afro Fusion dance teacher Tracey Thomas

Meet the extraordinary Tracey Monique Thomas, a dance dynamo whose journey began at the age of four. Under the mentorship of the late legend Frank Hatchett, Tracey’s love for dance didn't blossom immediately. It took sheer determination and commitment to transform her initial tears into a spark that would fuel her remarkable professional dance career for over fifty years.

Tracey’s dance odyssey kicked off in Las Vegas, where, at seventeen, she dazzled audiences at Ceasar’s Palace with The King’s Queens, opening not only for boxing legends like Larry Holmes but also sharing the stage with entertainment icons like Red Foxx. Her dance ventures led her to the bright lights of Broadway and beyond, performing in Off-Broadway productions and gracing the stage at the Grammy Awards.

Following a whirlwind tour through England, Germany, and Amsterdam, Tracey found her way back to her roots in Springfield, Massachusetts. There, she opened the Kick-Step-Step School and Tyie Thomas Center of Performing Arts Studio, infusing the community with her passion for more than two decades. Beyond the dance floor, Tracey dedicates herself to charitable endeavors, bringing the joy of dance to seniors in Springfield, keeping them active and healthy. Join Tracey for our jazz, afro-fusion, and funky fitness classes, where her passion for the art is not just a career but a lifelong celebration.

Emma Chevalier

Preschool dance teacher Emma Chevalier

Meet the delightful Emma Chevalier, our special dance instructor for little feet! Emma is not just a teacher, she's a dance enthusiast who's been twirling since the tender age of two.

Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Arts with a concentration in studio management from Dean College in May 2023, Emma brings a perfect blend of passion and expertise to her classes. At Shooting Star Dance Center, she's not just a teacher, it's her second home. Emma's journey in dance includes enchanting performances in The Nutcracker since she was twelve. But where her heart truly lies is in teaching our littlest dancers.

With boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Emma loves getting those preschool toes tapping and bodies moving! Watching these little ones transform into amazing dancers is Emma's greatest joy.

Join Emma in a world of fun and learning — she's not just teaching dance; she's nurturing a lifelong love for it. Your little dancer is in for a treat with Emma, and who knows, maybe she'll inspire the next generation of dancers in her own studio!

Anaia Cayode

Jazz teacher Anaia Cayode

Meet the queen of dance, Anaia Cayode, lighting up the dance scene in Western Massachusetts! With a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a minor in Psychology from Dean College, Anaia is not just a dancer, she’s a powerhouse of creativity and enthusiasm. As the former president of the contemporary dance company on campus, a peer advisor, and an honors scholar, Anaia brings a wealth of experience and leadership to every dance step. Her senior year wasn't just an ordinary one – she clinched the Trustee’s Prize for the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance, a testament to her exceptional talent.

In the post-grad world, Anaia collaborates closely with the fantastic Carol Boardway as a dance teacher, spreading the joy of dance far and wide. But that's not all – she also joins forces with Ann Biddle as a teacher assistant at the prestigious Dance Education Laboratory at Jacob’s Pillow. As Anaia leaps into her post-undergraduate career, she continues to dance, choreograph, and teach, with aspirations of attending Graduate School in the near future. Get ready to groove and grow under Anaia's guidance – it’s not just dance, it’s a celebration of movement and passion!

Robert Blakley

Robert Blakley is the unstoppable force that's turning the dance floor into a hip hop wonderland! Robert's dance journey ignited when he was just ten, under the mentorship of the incredible Tracey Thomas. Fast forward, and he's all about bringing the magic of dance to life through those vibrant hip hop beats.

Robert's dance playground spans the bustling streets of NYC, where he soaked in wisdom from a league of choreographic legends. But here's the exciting twist – his heart beats loudest for teaching. When it comes to hip hop, Robert isn't just an instructor, he's your ultimate dance partner, guiding you through moves that'll make you the star of the floor. Hold on, there's more! Beyond hip hop, Robert's dance palette is an explosion of styles. From the grace of Jazz to the rhythms of Tap, the elegance of Ballet to the contemporary vibes that stretch artistic boundaries – he's your go-to guy. His energy is infectious, his enthusiasm is like a shot of dance adrenaline, and the dance floor lights up as he steps in. When Robert's in the house, the music gets louder, the moves get groovier, and the atmosphere buzzes with electrifying vibes.

Get ready to dance, sweat, and shine, because with Robert by your side, the dance floor transforms into a canvas where every step tells a story.

Bryanna Brown

Meet Bryanna Brown, the vibrant spirit of dance at Shooting Star Dance Center! Bryanna’s dance journey began right here at the age of 3, and she’s been lighting up our studio ever since. Not just a dancer, Bryanna is a multi-talented artist who also plays the oboe in the Springfield Youth Orchestra and Youth Wind Ensemble of Springfield. From the tiniest tots to the more advanced dancers, Bryanna brings her infectious joy of dance to every class.

A true dance enthusiast, Bryanna is celebrating her 10th year as a member of our SSDC Competition team, showcasing her dedication and love for the art. Currently a junior at Minnechaug Regional High School, Bryanna is not just an assistant teacher, she’s a dance dynamo ready to inspire and have fun with every student. Get ready to dance with Bryanna, where every step is not just a move but a celebration of the pure joy that dance brings!

 Questions you might have

  • Tuition is based on approximately a 34-week season (Mid-September to mid-June). We break down the dance season into 9 equal payments and it does not change if some months have more or fewer classes. Tuition is based on one class per year. If you would like to add to another class, you will need to pay for additional tuition.

  • Yes, we offer trial classes for new students. It's a great way for your child to experience our dance environment and see if it's the right fit. We have over 40 classes scheduled per week. Please register for the class you want to trial so that we know when to expect you. We request that you email us if you would like to cancel.

  • We have over 40 classes, typically held daily for 45 minutes each. Please check our dance schedule on our website for the latest update. Our schedule is designed to accommodate various commitments while ensuring consistent progress.

  • While we believe in fostering an independent learning environment, parents are usually invited to observe classes during designated observation days.

  • Comfort is key! Typically, dancers wear leotards, tights, leggings, and appropriate dance shoes. Don't worry, we'll provide you with a detailed dress code. Your child will be expected to wear special outfits during performances.

  • We offer classes for a wide range of age groups, starting from Pre-K students as young as 2 years old, all the way up to teenagers and even adults.

  • Absolutely! We have classes designed specifically for beginners where our experienced instructors provide a nurturing environment to help your child build a strong foundation.

  • There might be costume fees for performances and possibly some minor expenses, but we always provide clear information about any additional costs.

  • We offer a diverse range of dance styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and more. We believe in providing a well-rounded dance experience.

  • Yes, we love celebrating our students' progress! Throughout the year, we organize performances like recitals, showcases, and community events where students can showcase their skills. Please note you will need to buy shoes and costumes separately outside of your normal tuition fees.

  • If a student wishes to cancel tuition, we understand that circumstances may change. We're here to work with you. Depending on the circumstances, we may explore options such as pausing tuition for a specified period, transferring to a different class, or other solutions that suit your needs. Reach out to our team as soon as you are considering canceling tuition. Direct communication allows us to understand your specific situation and guide you through the process. Depending on the timing of the cancellation and our policy, adjustments to any future payments may be made. Any fees associated with the cancellation will also be communicated clearly.

  • Not at all! Dance is for everyone. We welcome boys and girls to our classes, and many boys find dance to be an exciting and fulfilling activity.

  • We understand that every child is unique. Our instructors are experienced in working with all personalities and will create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere to help your child feel comfortable.

  • We strive to create a schedule that balances dance with other commitments. Dance can actually enhance time management skills and discipline, contributing positively to schoolwork.

  • We're here to support your child's dreams! If they're interested in pursuing dance at a more advanced level, we can discuss options for additional training and opportunities.

  • Safety is our top priority. We maintain a secure and supervised environment, and our instructors are trained to ensure the well-being of all students during classes and performances.

  • Absolutely! Our dance center is more than a studio - it's a family. Parents, students, and instructors often build strong connections that extend beyond the dance floor.