SLAY the Dance Centre
- Thomas Smugala
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
The first time we watched Skyler Gollaher dance was at a Michael Jackson production at the West Port Playhouse in St. Louis. She is a super talented dancer and actor—one of the supporting leads in the Motion Dog Films new film, soon to be released, and produced mainly in Film Friendly Perryville. In the movie titled The Spring, Skyler plays a right-minded young woman in 1870 Missouri caught up in a twisted life under the employ of an evil family—a supernatural thriller. Or maybe you saw her in The Ballad of Mary Jane. You know what they say? If you want to get something done, ask a busy person. I am always totally amazed by the talent hiding up in these hills.
Meet actor-dancer Skyler Gollaher and her new dance studio—Slay.
I normally say this at the end of the story, but I'm in the mood today to say it up front: Get Out There! Ditch that phone for one hour! Create something. Learn something new. Start a business. Do something. Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you.
I absolutely love my new studio...
My name is Skyler Gollaher, and I am the proud owner of Slay Dance Centre. I have been dancing since I was three years old. I danced both recreationally and competitively until I was 18. During that time, I also did many performances for events, including the Faith Church Women’s Conference, a Rams Football game, and many more. I have also trained in cheer and STUNT The Sport at the collegiate level. From instructing, to choreographing to music, to costuming, AND the business side of my studio, I do it all! I absolutely love my new studio and all of the hard work I have put into it. I can’t wait to watch it grow!
Slay Dance Centre (SDC) is truly one of a kind. This dance studio is something I, along with those who have supported me, have built to be different from the rest. We are SO excited to be in our brand new location in Bonne Terre, and for all of those who are joining our team this year! SDC offers classes for dancers of all ages, starting at 1.5 to 95! The recreational program offers super fun classes for everyone! The competition program is audition-only. We travel as a team to several competitions throughout the season and compete against studios from all over the country!
We travel as a team to several competitions throughout the season and compete against studios from all over the country!
...our Together We Dance Program, which provides dance classes for special needs children.
We are incredibly proud of our Together We Dance Program, which provides dance classes for special needs children. This is something I have dreamed of doing since I opened my studio, and I am very proud to have the best instructors to run these classes as well.
...dancers of all ages and abilities can grow and shine.
Slay Dance Centre is not only a dance studio, but we also create a warm, inclusive space where dancers of all ages and abilities can grow and shine. Through our classes, we nurture confidence, kindness, respect, and discipline. Our mission is to spark a love for dance, foster community, and empower every dancer!
A good dancer is a blend of heart, soul, and skill, pouring their all into every step with a warmth that captivates. As unique artists, they tell stories through movement, speaking without words to make the audience feel what they are portraying. Their kindness makes each gesture unforgettable, their adaptability fuels growth, and their teamwork creates a shared magic. They don’t just dance, they bare their soul, leaving the world brighter.
This year, we have an INCREDIBLE team...
At SDC, we have a competitive team that travels and competes against studios from all over the country. Our competition team is audition-only; we look for dancers who not only are talented but also excited to be there and share their love of dance! Our competition team trains throughout the season in their foundational classes and learns several routines to take to competitions. This year, we have an INCREDIBLE team, along with our new instructor, Jayden Smith, who will be working alongside me to create beautiful and unique pieces! I am so excited for everyone to see what we are going to do this year!
A dancer’s personal growth is the greatest award they can win, and it makes me proudest!
...even though we are a competitive team, we still love to support and cheer on our other studio friends from all over the country!
Slay has been very successful at our competitions, winning several first places, judges' awards, high adjudications, and several other awards. However, we truly focus on individual and team growth when we go to compete! A dancer’s personal growth is the greatest award they can win, and it makes me proudest!
One of my personal favorite qualities of Slay is that, even though we are a competitive team, we still love to support and cheer on our other studio friends from all over the country! We believe in treating others with kindness, and we all love to dance!
Learn more at SlayDanceMo.com.
Get Out There! Create something. Learn something new. Dance. Start a business. Do something. Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you.
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