Our Team

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

Sarah Brown
Director

My name is Sarah, and I am a Springfield native with a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance. I began my training at age five with the Springfield Ballet and continued my studies at Leigh’s School of Dance after my family moved to Kansas. My favorite dance styles include Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, and Jazz.  I have a profound respect for the discipline and dedication that I learned through my years as a dancer and am grateful for all the skills that have helped shaped me into person I am today.

In my 20s, I attended the University of Kansas, where I obtained a degree in Women’s Studies, and I spent time traveling through Europe, focusing primarily on Italy. In 2007, I returned to Springfield to pursue an education and career in healthcare. I earned my BSN from Southwest Baptist University in 2010 and currently serve as a Registered Nurse and Clinical Nursing Coordinator.

I met my husband, Keith, in 2007, and in 2015 we were blessed with the most amazing set of twins, Connor and Kinsley.  Kinsley began her formal dance instruction in 2021, and it has been a joy to watch her grow as a dancer here at 417 Dance. I am truly grateful that she shares my childhood passion for the art.

When I am not working (at the hospital or at the studio) I enjoy spending my free time with my family and our 2 dogs.  I also love gardening, baking... and everything STAR WARS.

“Dancing is like dreaming with your feet” — Constanze Mozart

"Your focus determines your reality." – Qui-Gon Jinn (The Phantom Menace)

Robin Hoover
Dance Instructor ~
Specializes in Ballet & Tap
Competitive Team Teacher

Robin Hoover is a Springfield native. She began dancing at a very young. She has training in classical ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, ballroom, and folk dance. 

She began teaching dance at the of age 16 and has taught ages from 3 years old through adults.

Robin studied at local dance studios, MSU, Drury, TSU, and with professionals in various fields at workshops throughout the US. 

Robin has 3 national ballet instructor certifications from the Cechetti Council of America. 

She was the head dance team coach for an area high school for 15 years and received the UDA most valuable coach award 6 years in a row. She was also the recipient of the 2000 MoAPHERD Missouri Dance Educator of the Year. 

Robin holds a BS degree in health and physical education and a MS degree in education. 

Robin also has a music background and plays the flute. She and her husband play music together throughout the state. 

Carly Hamlyn
Dance Instructor & 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

Hi, I’m Kalli Fowler! I’ve been dancing for 10 years and teaching for 5. I started taking dance classes when I was 12 years old, after being a gymnast for 10 years. I instantly fell in love with it and have been dancing ever since. Teaching has become such a passion of mine, and I love being able to help students grow and find their confidence through dance.

I’m currently a student at the University of Missouri, majoring in journalism with plans to become a lawyer. I stay super busy in Columbia with everything I’m involved in, including Greek life and the Mizzou Student Foundation. I also dance with my sorority during Homecoming and Greek Week, which is always such a fun way to stay connected to my love for performing. Dance has been a huge part of my life, and I’m so excited to keep sharing it with others!

Kalli Fowler
Dance Instructor &
Acro Instructor

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

Charlee Nadler
Dance Instructor

Charlee Nadler is thrilled to be part of the faculty at 417 Dance School of Performing Arts. She is currently a freshman at Missouri State University, where she is majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Dance. Charlee’s academic studies allow her to combine her knowledge of the body with her love for movement, helping her train dancers in a way that is both strong and safe.

Charlee has been dancing for over 10 years and brings both passion and dedication to every class she teaches. She previously taught at her home studio in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she instructed a variety of styles including tap, ballet, and more. While she is trained in multiple genres, her favorite styles are contemporary and lyrical, where she loves helping dancers connect technique with emotion and storytelling.

Throughout her dance career, Charlee has earned notable achievements, including being named a 2025 Grand National Champion. In December, she had the incredible opportunity to perform in a ballet production in collaboration with the Missouri State Symphony and the Missouri State Choir — an experience that deepened her appreciation for artistry and performance.

Charlee’s goal at 417 is to pour into her dancers not only technical training, but confidence, encouragement, and unwavering support. She strives to be her students’ biggest cheerleader, helping them grow both as dancers and as individuals. She is passionate about creating a positive, uplifting environment where every dancer feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

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

Chloe Huang
Dance Instructor & Gymnastics/
Tumbling Coach & Receptionist

Marissa Hill
Social Media Specialist

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


Hi, I’m Diana Sanchez. I’m a mom of 3 adult children and I have 3 grandchildren. I have adopted one of my grandchildren, Marissa, she is very special to me and she dances recreationally at the studio. I retired from 20+ years as a healthcare claims associate and I am now blessed to work as an administrative assistant here at 417 Dance School of Performing Arts. 


Diana
Administrative Assistant/
Receptionist

Julie Kalista
Receptionist

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

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