Located in the quiet suburb of Muskego, Wisconsin, Starz Dance Academy has become a reference point for all-star dance athletes across the United States. Since opening its doors in 2010, the studio has expanded from a handful of rehearsal rooms to a 10,000-square-foot complex designed around the specific needs of competitive dancers. Today the academy fields eight all-star teams, presents 33 routines each season, and consistently fields contenders at national and world-level events.
Origins, vision and growth
The founders imagined more than a seasonal hobby; they wanted a place where a love of movement could endure a lifetime. The inaugural year saw two coaches launch a modest program that quickly attracted local talent. Within a few years, the studio’s footprint grew, allowing for dedicated spaces for pom, jazz, lyrical, kick and hip-hop rehearsals. This physical expansion mirrored the academy’s philosophical expansion: building champion athletes on and off the floor became the guiding mantra, and every new square foot was purpose-built to nurture that ideal.
Coaching pedigree and teaching philosophy
Two veteran performers steer the academy’s artistic direction. Kate brings more than 25 years of coaching and choreography, a background that includes competitive dancing in college, a stint with the Milwaukee Brewers’ professional dance troupe, and a cabinet of coaching awards. Rachel blends early-childhood development expertise with a history in both dance and gymnastics, having spent two decades guiding a local high-school team while also handling gym management. Their combined experience enables a teaching style that treats each dancer as a whole person, emphasizing technical excellence, personal growth, and an early-stage love of dance that lasts beyond any single season.
Competitive record and titles
Starz’s trophy cabinet tells a story of steady ascent. The academy’s first appearance at a World Championship arrived in 2014 with a junior squad, and just three years later the program captured its inaugural world title in 2017. Recent triumphs include the 2026 Senior Kick World Championship and a streak of silver medals in 2024-2025 after bronze finishes in the three preceding years. Notably, many of the choreographers who crafted the 2017 winning routine are now staff members, a testament to the studio’s habit of nurturing talent from inside the ranks. Each season, Starz competes in every major dance major event, reinforcing its reputation as a relentless contender.
Community roots and lasting impact
Beyond the medals, Starz prides itself on a tightly knit community. Several current instructors began their dance journeys as students within the same walls, later returning to mentor the next generation—a full-circle narrative that underscores the studio’s lasting influence. The academy also gives back locally by adopting a nearby park, turning it into a gathering spot for families and a venue for informal rehearsals. As coach Alysha Grancorvitz explains, the magic lies in “the love for the whole dancer, the community aspect, and coaches who have walked the same path.” Looking ahead, the studio’s goal remains clear: expand opportunities, push artistic boundaries, and keep the doors open for every dancer who steps onto its floor.
