Staff and facility

Shelby opened Performance Dance Centre in 2003 with a vision of creating a positive and inspiring environment where dancers of all ages could grow both in and out of the studio. A dedicated member of Dance Masters of America, she is certified in tap, ballet, jazz, Giordano Jazz, and acrobatics. Throughout her career, Shelby has guest taug

Shelby opened Performance Dance Centre in 2003 with a vision of creating a positive and inspiring environment where dancers of all ages could grow both in and out of the studio. A dedicated member of Dance Masters of America, she is certified in tap, ballet, jazz, Giordano Jazz, and acrobatics. Throughout her career, Shelby has guest taught at numerous studios, judged competitions, worked with local schools, and contributed to a variety of community and theatrical productions.

One of her favorite dance memories is preparing young dancers to perform alongside the Moscow Ballet during their touring production of The Nutcracker. Over the years, her students have earned countless regional and national awards, a testament to her commitment to excellence in dance education.

Shelby resides in Boone with her husband, Joey. Together they have five children (Spencer, Roman, Dominic, Kinley, and Maggie) and are proud grandparents to their granddaughter, Morgan. In 2011, Shelby and Joey founded the Sleeping Angels Foundation in honor of Maggie, whose memory continues to inspire their dedication to supporting others in the community. 

As both a studio owner and educator, Shelby believes that learning never stops. She is passionate about continuing her own training and professional development so she can provide the highest quality instruction, mentorship, and opportunities for the dancers and families of Performance Dance Centre. Her goal is to help every student build confidence, develop strong technique, and create memories that last a lifetime. 

Spencer Droste is a 2020 graduate of Boone High School and has been a part of the Performance Dance Centre family her entire life. Having trained at PDC for 16 years, she has extensive experience in all genres of dance and has performed in group, solo, duet, and trio routines throughout her competitive dance career.

Spencer's accomplishmen

Spencer Droste is a 2020 graduate of Boone High School and has been a part of the Performance Dance Centre family her entire life. Having trained at PDC for 16 years, she has extensive experience in all genres of dance and has performed in group, solo, duet, and trio routines throughout her competitive dance career.

Spencer's accomplishments include being crowned Petite Miss Dance and Junior Miss Dance through Dance Masters of America, as well as earning the titles of Miss Dance BravO! and Miss Symposium. In 2020, she was selected to be a member of Breakthrough Movement, further expanding her training and performance opportunities. She also works with Symposium Talent Competition, allowing her to stay actively involved in the dance industry beyond the studio.

At Performance Dance Centre, Spencer has grown through every stage of teaching, serving as a student teacher, assistant teacher, and now lead instructor and co-owner. Her choreography has received numerous awards and recognition at regional and national competitions. She is certified in Giordano Jazz Technique and remains committed to continuing her dance education through additional certifications, training programs, and professional development opportunities.

Outside of the studio, Spencer lives in Boone with her fiancé, Dallas, and is excited to be planning their wedding for June 2027!

Spencer is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging environment where dancers can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance. Her goal is to help every student reach their full potential while making lasting memories both in and out of the studio. 

Becky Halupnick has been a valued instructor at Performance Dance Centre since 2009, sharing her passion for dance with students of all ages and skill levels. Throughout her time at PDC, she has taught a wide variety of dance styles in both our recreational and competitive programs. Her creativity and dedication to her students have earne

Becky Halupnick has been a valued instructor at Performance Dance Centre since 2009, sharing her passion for dance with students of all ages and skill levels. Throughout her time at PDC, she has taught a wide variety of dance styles in both our recreational and competitive programs. Her creativity and dedication to her students have earned her choreography awards over the years.

Outside of the studio, Becky works as a Social Worker and Case Manager for a nonprofit social services organization, where she is equally passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. She lives in Jewell with her husband, Nate, and their daughters, Harper and Isla.

Known for her supportive teaching style, positive energy, and commitment to helping every dancer grow, Becky is a beloved member of the PDC family. 

Nick M. Rice is a versatile performing artist, dancer and choreographer from Des Moines, IA. He has trained under the guidance of mentors like Cesar G. Salinas and Nan Giordano of Giordano Dance Chicago, as well as at institutions like Los Angeles’ EDGE PAC and Millennium Dance Complex. He also trained at the Joffrey Ballet School Jazz an

Nick M. Rice is a versatile performing artist, dancer and choreographer from Des Moines, IA. He has trained under the guidance of mentors like Cesar G. Salinas and Nan Giordano of Giordano Dance Chicago, as well as at institutions like Los Angeles’ EDGE PAC and Millennium Dance Complex. He also trained at the Joffrey Ballet School Jazz and Contemporary Program in New York City on full scholarship.

His artistic pursuits span a diverse range, including dance and creative direction for drill teams, show choirs, and theatrical productions, showcasing his boundless creativity and commitment to the arts.

Nick’s choreography has earned him acclaim at events such as the Des Moines Arts Festival and on television features like WHO 13’s “Hello Iowa!”From coaching for Jessalyn (Jojo) Siwa in Omaha, NE, to creating routines for the Iowa Energy Dancers, his collaborations are as varied as they are impressive. As a professional dancer, Nick graces stages as a guest artist with companies such as Iowa Dance Theatre and Ballet Des Moines, lending his talent to productions like “The Nutcracker,” “Dracula,” and “Snow White.” Nick premiered his most recent professional artistic collaboration “Gernika” at the 2024 Iowa Choreography Festival. Nick loves to share his passion for dance & continuing education with his students across the Midwest! 

Meredith began dancing at a young age and grew up training, competing, and performing around the Des Moines area. She won many top awards dancing competitively as a student. Meredith’s passion is teaching and spreading her joy in the art of movement. She has been teaching and choreographing for 20 years. She is passionate about early chil

Meredith began dancing at a young age and grew up training, competing, and performing around the Des Moines area. She won many top awards dancing competitively as a student. Meredith’s passion is teaching and spreading her joy in the art of movement. She has been teaching and choreographing for 20 years. She is passionate about early childhood education and believes in using dance, movement, and music as a means to develop young dancers’ physical, social-emotional, and cognitive abilities. In addition to teaching dance, Meredith is also an instructional coach working alongside preschool through first grade teachers and students at Ledges Elementary in Boone. 

Karli has been part of the Performance Dance Centre family since 2003 and is a graduate of Boone High School and alumni of Performance Dance Centre. Having grown up dancing at PDC, she brings years of experience and a deep love for the studio to her teaching. Karli has been assisting with and teaching acrobatics classes for over 13 years 

Karli has been part of the Performance Dance Centre family since 2003 and is a graduate of Boone High School and alumni of Performance Dance Centre. Having grown up dancing at PDC, she brings years of experience and a deep love for the studio to her teaching. Karli has been assisting with and teaching acrobatics classes for over 13 years and enjoys helping dancers build strength, flexibility, confidence, and new skills.

Outside of the studio, Karli is an elementary school teacher at Farnhamville Elementary School, where she is passionate about working with children both in and out of the classroom. She is the proud mom of twin daughters, Cora and Blayklee, and enjoys spending time with her family and pets.

Karli loves being a part of the PDC family and enjoys watching her students grow as dancers and individuals each season.