Shelley Van Shaar

Studio & Dance Academy Director

Shelley has been teaching in the dance and theatre industry for over 30 years. She has numerous awards in dance, choreography, and directing–helping thousands of students learn the gift and the art of dance and theatre. From 2002-2010, Shelley founded and ran a highly-acclaimed performing arts studio in Kansas and in 2007 was honored as a “Woman of Distinction” by the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce for using her time and talents to make a difference in her community. She is happily married and is the proud mother of four children.

Shelley performed and choreographed professionally for six years in Branson, Missouri, and Biloxi, Mississippi doing 3 shows a day, 6 days a week. Shelley attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and has done some film work. She also served as the dance technique specialist for Pittsburg State University’s Dance Team.

Many of her former musical theatre and dance students have gone on to perform professionally. Her students’ credits include Teen Beach Movie, Planes Movie, American Idol, The Andy Williams Tribute Show, Sea World, various cruise lines, the Lincoln Center in New York City, winner of So You Think You Can Dance, JoJo Siwa dancer, Back to the Future Broadway Tour, and Hamilton Broadway Tour.

In 2015, she founded INSPIRE Entertainment’s first Dance Company and was instrumental in building up the main campus for those first 10 years. She became the Director of South Gilbert INSPIRE Campus upon its opening in 2023. Shelley continues to judge dance competitions, write curriculum, and do guest choreography throughout the United States.