Washington Dance Studio’s Dedicated & Experienced Staff
The WDS Staff considers teaching the youth of our community an honor. We value the opportunity to motivate, captivate, and inspire as we challenge and encourage our students. We all continue to further our own dance education through regional and national dance conventions and master classes. Our staff also enjoys learning from and inspiring one another!
Sharron Washington
Owner/ Instructor of Washington Dance Studio since 1970
Instructs Pre-Dance, Ballet, and Jazz
Director / Instructor of Summer Dance Camps
Choreographer for MHS musicals (1964–1978), Civic Theatre, Children’s Theatre, Arts In the Park, MCC Celebration Singers, Clay Center Tiger Chorale, Chapman Class Night, Pop’s Choir, Sugar & Spice Singers, 40 years with K-State Singers
Show Choir Clinician for Kansas State, Emporia State, KMEA conferences
1997 recipient of the KSU Roni Mahler Award for teaching excellence in the community
Mom of Jennie and wife to Bill
Jennifer "Jennie" Stout (Washington)
Owner / Director / Instructor of Washington Dance Studio
1997 graduate of Kansas State University in Dance and Business
Director / Instructor of WDS Senior Company
Instructs Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Modern/Contemporary & Hip Hop
25+ years of teaching experience at all levels (beginning to advanced) and with all ages (preschool to adult) in studio, public school, university and master class settings
Performance experience with Kansas State University Dance Department Winter and Spring Dance Concerts (student choreographer, soloist and group participant) and K-State Singers
Wide range of choreography experience from competitive-level Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Lyrical pieces, to K-State Singers, high school show choirs, a variety of musicals, as well as community events
2008 recipient of the KSU Roni Mahler Award for teaching excellence in the community
Kansas State University Ballet Instructor, Spring 2012
Kansas State University Spring Dance 2012, Contemporary Piece, "Hope," Choreographer
Mom of Ellie and Sophie and wife to Ben
Jenna Gourlay
2013 Graduate of Kansas State University in Business Administration Management
Director / Instructor of WDS Junior Company
Instructs Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Lyrical
15+ years of teaching experience
Senior and Junior Company Production Piece Choreographer
Former WDS student and co-captain of the WDS Senior Company
Studied Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Modern
Mom of Payne and wife to Matthew
Kelly Law
2001 graduate of Kansas State University in Business Administration - Marketing and International Business
Instructs Tap and Jazz
20+ years of teaching experience in Tap and Jazz
Regional director for business development for Collegiate Insurance Resources
K-State Classy Cat from 1996-1998
Instructed and choreographed for American Dance and Drill Team from 1996–2004
Mom of Kherington and wife to Justin
Courtney Cahoj
Kansas State University graduate with B.S. degree in Art Education and Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction in Art Education
Teaches art at Marlatt Elementary (2018 USD 383 Elementary Teacher of the Year)
Elementary Art Coordinator for USD 383
Director / Instructor WDS Teen Company
20+ years of dancing experience in Kansas City
15+ years of teaching dance
4+ years of cheerleading experience
Instructs Hip Hop, Tap and Jazz
Creative Assistant for WDS
Grace Walker
Student at Kansas State University pursuing a major in Social Work with a minor in Dance
K-State Tap Ensemble Member
Instructs Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop
Former WDS student and member of Junior and Senior Company
Studied Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, and Hip Hop
Hannah Higgins
Student at Kansas State University pursuing a major in Finance and Accounting
Instructs Ballet and Jazz
Former WDS student and member of Core, Junior, and Senior Company
Studied Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, and Hip Hop
Ellie Stout
Student at Kansas State University pursuing a degree in Human Health and Family Services
Director / Instructor of WDS Core Company
Instructs Hip Hop, Tap, and Jazz
Former WDS student and member of Core, Junior, and Senior Company
Studied Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, and Hip Hop
Choreographed for MHS Pops Choir
Allyson Van Meter
Instructs Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Lyrical
Former WDS student and member of Junior, Senior, and Core Company
Studied Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, and Hip Hop
Alyx Glessner
Student at Kansas State University pursuing a major in Criminal Psychology with a minor in Dance
K-State Dance Performance member
Instructs Lyrical/Modern, Jazz, and Ballet
Former WDS student and member of Core, Junior, and Senior Company
Studied Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hop, and Modern
Maddy Meis
Student at Kansas State University pursuing a major in Elementary Education with a minor in English
Instructs Ballet and Tap
Former WDS student and member of Core, Junior, and Senior Company
Studied Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, and Hip Hop