Shooting Stars School of Performing Arts

Shooting Stars School of Performing Arts is a competition based studio. While the main focus is the competition team, there are also non-competitive classes. Shooting Stars is ranked in the Top 10 Studios in the Nation and is owned by Melissa Stokes. Melissa Stokes has taught dance for over 25 years and has produced some of the most successful dancers. Melissa has helped launch the professional dance careers of dozens of students who have found success with “So You Think You Can Dance,” Cirque du Soleil, Radio City Music Hall, Disney, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and in notable professional dance companies. In 1991, Melissa opened the doors to Shooting Stars with about 40 students. Today, the studio is thriving with over 200 students. Her studio offers dance training for ages 3 to 19 in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater and hip-hop. Her commitment to excellence, and to the physical, emotional and spiritual development of each individual dancer, has kept area parents coming back for more –– with students commuting from all over the Central Florida area to attend classes.
“I love to see the kids grow and develop and go from one level of proficiency to the next,” she says. “It’s like watching a butterfly come out of a cocoon. Through commitment and hard work, our kids achieve a level of excellence and artistry that will serve them well no matter where life takes them.”