Empowering Dancers, Inspiring Growth
Aspire Dance Studio was founded in 2025 by Stephanie Kessler, building on the legacy of its original name, Shining Fame Performance, established by Robyn Murphy. Our mission is to inspire dancers to reach their full potential through movement and the development of their dance technique. We are deeply committed to fostering a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment that empowers dancers to grow both technically and personally.
At Aspire, we believe that cultivating a positive culture is essential for nurturing not only dance skills but also self-confidence, resilience, and a love for the art form. Stephanie’s passion for teaching is fueled by the joy of watching dancers grow, develop their skills, and embrace the life lessons that dance provides. Through our encouraging and uplifting atmosphere, we aim to help dancers thrive, building qualities that will serve them well both in and out of the studio.
About the Owner
Stephanie Kessler
Stephanie Kessler began her dance journey at the age of three, developing a rich and diverse skill set across various styles including ballet, jazz, tap, pom, hip hop, lyrical, pointe, kick, musical theatre, and acro/tumbling. Her passion to perform led her to competition dance at age twelve, where she quickly discovered her love for teaching, starting to instruct at age fourteen. After five years of teaching at Allison’s Dance Academy, Stephanie transitioned to teaching virtual ballet classes for a studio in Kentucky. In 2022, she took on the role of assistant coach for the Harrisburg High School dance team, further expanding her coaching experiences. Throughout her career, Stephanie has choreographed numerous competitive dance routines, musicals, auditions, and recreational dance classes. She joined Shining Fame Performance in 2023 as a teacher and coach, and later took over ownership in 2025, rebranding the studio as Aspire Dance Studio.
An accomplished dancer, Stephanie earned numerous awards for her solos, duets, and group routines. She was a member of the Brandon Valley High School dance team from 2016-2018, helping the team achieve state runner-up overall champions each year and clinching the title of state kick champions for three consecutive years. 2022-2024 Stephanie performed as a Lighting Girl dancer for the Sioux Falls Storm indoor football team. She has showcased her talent as a professional dancer for the Dancing with the Sioux Falls Stars event in 2024. She is also a member of the LiRa Dance Theatre company since 2023.
Stephanie is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring young dancers, with a passion for helping children develop both their dance abilities and personal confidence. She has volunteered with Girl Scouts for six years and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. Stephanie also taught kindergarten in the Sioux Falls School District from 2022-2024, further strengthening her dedication to education and youth development.
With her extensive experience, dedication to her students, and a deep love for both dance and teaching, Stephanie is committed to helping every dancer at Aspire Dance Studio achieve their fullest potential.