Our Team

Behind Every Dancer Who Believes in Themselves is a Teacher who Believed in Them First

A bit about me:

I love to dance and create. Second only to the love of dance is the joy I find in sharing it with others. Nothing makes me happier than helping others reach their potential, maybe with a talent they didn't even know they had, in a creative and positive way. 

I have four kiddos, two dogs, a cat I love more than the world, and a wonderful husband. 

A bit about my training: 

I am classically trained in ballet, pointe, tap, and jazz. I am well versed in musical theatre, lyrical contemporary, and partnering. Fosse technique is one of my specialties. I was awarded and attended a 9-month scholarship program at Broadway Dance Center and STEPS on Broadway. I studied at Missouri State as well as Louisiana State University for dance, art, and creative writing. 

A bit about my experience performing: 

I began dancing at age 4 and performing in recitals and local shows. I began competitive dance at age 12. My first professional performance was at age 15 and I have been performing or behind the scenes of dance and productions professionally ever since. My dance company travelled to Seville, Spain to perform at the World's Fair as well as Disney World. I performed with the Bobby Vinton show on a casino tour spanning the USA, filmed three Christmas specials, and have numerous additional performances as a dancer, singer, and actor in over 50 productions and shows. 

Performance awards include, best overall, top honors, best choreography, and two Entertainer of the Year awards. 

As a choreographer and director, I have an additional 60-plus productions or shows. I've been lead dancer, featured dancer, dance captain, and swing. I judged competitive dance for four years. 

A bit about my experience teaching: 

Since the age of 14, I have been teaching in some capacity. My body of work includes teaching studio, master, and competitive dance classes. I have been director of two studios in Louisiana, setting curriculum and classes for ages 18 months through adults. I have led a learning movement program for Down Syndrome and Special Needs dancers as well as limited mobility, with or without aids, and wheel-chaired dancers. 

Classes and programs have included Parent and Me (18 months to 3YO), beginning dance, intermediate, advanced, upper level intensives, summer camps and programs, adult classes for beginners to professionals, competitive dance training and choreography, recitals, concert dance, as well as education and mainstage productions. 

I teach master classes and do all my own choreography but have an eye for cleaning established work and love to work in a collaborative setting. 

Teaching awards include multiple regional and national titles, including best overall, top honors, costume and choreography, best studio, best showmanship, best technique, and four teaching awards for leadership, sportsmanship, and guidance. 

I'm so excited to lead this studio and build a wonderful program where we can all learn and grow together. At the end of the dance, I love to create and dance. I want to facilitate a place others can come and do the same knowing they will not only be accepted for who they are, but they will be celebrated for it and encouraged to be the absolute strongest and best versions of themselves. 

For questions for Mrs. Angi, please email
angi@417dance.com

Angi Black
Director & Competitive Team Teacher

Carly Hamlyn
Dance Instructor &
Social Media Specialist & Competitive Team Teacher

Carly Hamlyn is a student at Missouri State University where she studies Exercise Science and dances on the Diamond Girls dance team. Before coming to Springfield, she danced for twelve years at a studio in her hometown, Washington, Missouri, where her favorite classes were pointe and ballet. In high school, she was on her school’s cheerleading team for four years and was a co-captain her senior year. Her favorite part of being on the cheer team was hosting clinics to help teach and showcase students’ abilities.

Currently, Carly’s favorite dance styles include ballet, pointe and lyrical. Her biggest goal with teaching at 417 Dance is to help students better themselves as a dancer and to create a positive environment to help students love dance as much as she does!

For questions for Miss Carly, please call (417) 317-9495 or email info@417dance.com

Avrey Hurshman
Dance Instructor ~
Specializes in Ballet & Pointe

Bio coming soon:)

For questions for Miss Avrey, please call (417) 317-9495 or email info@417dance.com

Hi there! My name is Scout Watson, and I’m currently a proud Bear at Missouri State University! I’ve been dancing for 14 years, and it has truly shaped who I am. I grew up in McDonald County, Missouri, where I was involved in all kinds of activities, from Student Government and Speech & Debate to the Girls Varsity Golf Team and the Varsity Dance Team. At Missouri State, I’m pursuing my dream of becoming a pediatric radiologist, while continuing to let dance be my creative outlet and source of joy.

My dance story began when four-year-old me announced to my mom, “I want to be a prima ballerina!” From that moment on, my passion grew. Since 2018, I’ve trained and competed with a studio in Rogers, Arkansas, where I’ve explored a wide variety of styles; Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, and Hip-Hop, and proudly brought home several trophies and plaques along the way.

In high school, I danced with the McDonald County High School Dance Team all four years, and that’s where my love for hip-hop and pom really bloomed. With studio dance I was able to become the poise ballerina I had always wanted to be, while on the flip side during the hours of the High School dance team I loved that the sassy performer side of me came alive during team practices and performances.

Most recently, I’ve been training with Arthur Murray’s Dance School, training in all different styles of ballroom. I love experimenting with textures, timing, and musicality—and nothing makes me happier than creating an upbeat, fun, and energizing class environment! 

Scout Watson
Dance Instructor ~
Specializes in
Hip Hop &
Competitive Team Teacher

For questions for Miss Scout, please call (417) 317-9495 or email info@417dance.com

Kealey King
Acro/Tumbling/
Gymnastics Instructor


I started tumbling classes at the age of 8 years old, which led to my love for the sport of gymnastics. I did gymnastics for 7 years and within those years qualified for state, regionals and nationals. Also received awards including state banquet invites, top placements in state/regional/national competitions, and team awards within my gym. At regionals which included competitors from 7 different states, I placed 1st and at Western nationals that year I placed 6th in the nation in the all-around. During high school I was involved in many different clubs such as NHS, Student Council, FUZE- a mentorship for freshmen, football manager, and Yearbook staff. I balanced being a competitive gymnast and the many hours of training that puts on you while still attending my public high school. 

 During the end of my high school senior year and my college freshmen year I worked at a place called Gymnastics City in Oklahoma. There I got to work with great people and coach some awesome kids. I taught gymnastics classes, tumbling classes, and was a team coach. I love getting to teach children new tricks and how to work hard. I taught from very beginner to very advanced tumbling skills and loved all my kids where I worked. 

 This year I have transferred to Evangel University where I will pursue a degree in Nursing. I am also a first-year cheerleader there. I am so excited about my new adventure in Springfield and I cannot wait to be a part of 417 Dance Company!

For questions for Miss Kealey, please email
info@417dance.com

Sky Andreasen
Dance Instructor &
Competitive Team Teacher


Sky began her dance journey at the age of 4, training at a local studio where she remained until she turned 18. During her time there, she competed in tap, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, jazz, heels, and musical theatre, while also receiving formal training in ballet, pointe, and modern dance. Her well-rounded dance experience gives her a deep appreciation for the artistry and technique involved in each style.

Sky has over 7 years of experience working with children and has spent 4 years teaching dance to ages 2-11, focusing on tap, ballet, jazz, and hip hop. She is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging environment that fosters both confidence and skill in young dancers.

In addition to teaching, Sky is currently double majoring in Child Development and Biomedical Science with a minor in Psychology at Missouri State University. She plans to pursue a career as a pediatric occupational therapist, combining her love for movement and child development to help children build strength, confidence, and independence. Her dedication to both dance and child development makes her excited to share her knowledge and passion with the next generation of dancers.

For questions for Miss Sky, please call (417) 317-9495 or email
info@417dance.com

Chloe Huang
Dance Instructor & Gymnastics/
Tumbling Coach & Receptionist

Bio Coming Soon :)

For questions for Chloe, please call (417) 317-9495 or email info@417dance.com

Marissa Hill
Dance Instructor

My name is Marissa, and I am 17 years old. I have been on competition team for 3 year’s and have been dancing for 5. I just recently started teaching at 417 dance and have loved every moment here. I currently teach Adult Dance and Fitness and Strength and Stretch. I look forward to teaching more in the future.

I’m a senior at Kickapoo Highschool and looking forward to go to college for sonography and teach dance on the side as well.  When I’m not at dance I love going on walks and painting and hanging out with my family because family means the world to me . My favorite style of dance is hip hop because it’s very fun and energetic just like how I am. I also love lyrical because it helps me let out my emotions or just how I’m feeling in the moment without being judged.  Dance is important in general because it opens up opportunities and friendships for a lifetime which I have been lucky enough to find here at 417 dance.

For questions for Marissa, please call (417) 317-9495 or email info@417dance.com

Mia Flores
Receptionist

Hey, my name is Mia Flores. I’m 19 years old, I’m the second youngest out of my 4 siblings, I moved to Missouri from Houston, TX a couple months ago. I recently joined 417 Dance about a month ago and I truly enjoy being here for our students, parents, and visitors. I’m here to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere once you enter that door. My role allows me to help dancers and their families with registrations, adding payments, and any questions you may have to make your time here run smoothly. I’m grateful to be part of a loving, dance community.

For questions for Mia, please call (417) 317-9495 or email info@417dance.com

Julie Kalista
Administrative Assistant

My name is Julie Kalista. I have a husband named Derek, a son named Josh who is 21 and a daughter named Emily who is 15.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Mo. Moved to Crystal City, Mo after getting married. We lived there for 18 years. Crystal City is where I first became a dance mom. Emily started dancing at the age of 2.  

We moved to Springfield where Emily continued to dance. I eventually became a competitive team dance mom

 I work as a Kindergarten aide at Springfield Lutheran School. 

I now also work at 417 Dance School of Performing Arts as an Administrative Assistant.

For questions for Julie, please call (417) 317-9495 or email info@417dance.com

Hello! My name is Adrianne. I am mom/stepmom to 5 beautiful children. They range from the ages of 3 to 20. I have never been a dancer, but my two littles, Raelynn (3) and Rylee (6), have taken to the stage at 417 Dance School of Performing Arts. My son Ryker (8) is involved in baseball and football and has a love of all things Pokémon. My stepdaughter, Abby (17), is involved with color guard at one of our local high schools in Springfield.  Lastly, my stepson Joseph (20) is out on his own, working with trains, which has always been his passion. I have been happily married to my husband, Steven, for 10 years. I have a degree in Political Science from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and I am now pursuing a bachelor’s in nursing from WGU. I am so happy to be a part of this dance family.

For questions for Adrianne, please call (417) 317-9495 or email info@417dance.com

Adrianne Wimer
Administrative Coordinator

Brian & Billie Lambert
Owners

Brian and Billie Lambert are excited to begin this next chapter in their lives. We are blessed to have this path laid out in front of us and are eager to see where this journey takes us. Brian brings to the table many years of experience in management at his career, and he successfully runs his own rental business. During his tenure, he has had the opportunity to work within many environments with a diverse team and has gained valuable experience that will carry over to 417 Dance. Brian also has experience flipping houses and has a unique eye for taking something that is run downed and turning it into something beautiful. He will be a big factor in creating a floor plan, remodeling our building, and designing 417 Dance. As a Dance Dad, who never misses a performance and is actively involved in the dance world, he will be a integral part in propelling 417 Dance while keeping the facility in a pristine condition. Billie began teaching right out of college. She retired from the public school setting where she spent the majority of her career teaching elementary aged students, and finished her career teaching students with visual impairments. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and masters’ degrees in special education with an emphasis in blindness and low vision. She is currently working for First Steps where she does vision instruction with infants and toddlers. Billie has wonderful leadership skills where she values everyone’s opinions and is open-minded when working with others. She loves being actively involved in children’s lives and is a positive role model who believes every child has wonderful strengths and can succeed. Billie loves being a dance mom and watching all dancers light up when they take the dance stage. She truly wants what is best for every child, and for every dancer to feel they are important and valuable. She wants to grow a culture where everyone is positive and supportive of one another. As a parent, an educator, and an administrator, she brings a lot to the table taking in consideration everyone’s point of view, and building not only a dance studio, but a dance family that can change lives and everyone wants to be a part of.

For questions for the owners, please email billie@417dance.com