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. 

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. 

T’Ana Selah was born and raised in Ames, Iowa, and began her dance journey at just three years old. Since then, her passion for movement and storytelling through dance has continued to grow.

In 2022, T’Ana received her Certificate of Training from the Department of Performing Arts at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. In

T’Ana Selah was born and raised in Ames, Iowa, and began her dance journey at just three years old. Since then, her passion for movement and storytelling through dance has continued to grow.

In 2022, T’Ana received her Certificate of Training from the Department of Performing Arts at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. In 2023, she earned her BFA in Dance from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, where she trained and performed alongside some of the industry’s most competitive talent and had the opportunity to learn from renowned choreographers and dance educators.

With more than 10 years of experience, T’Ana has taught, directed, choreographed, and produced dance experiences for youth throughout Ames and Des Moines, Iowa. She is currently carving her own path as a freelance choreographer and movement artist, bringing her creativity and passion into every space she enters.

T’Ana’s teaching style is direct, hands-on, high-energy, and authentic. She is passionate about helping dancers build confidence, develop their artistry, and discover the joy and freedom in movement.

Sylvie McConnell is a 2025 graduate of Ames High School and a proud longtime member of the Performance Dance Centre family. Sylvie trained at PDC for over 10 years in a variety of dance genres and participating in solos, small groups, large groups, lines, productions, and select routines throughout her time as a dancer.

During high school,

Sylvie McConnell is a 2025 graduate of Ames High School and a proud longtime member of the Performance Dance Centre family. Sylvie trained at PDC for over 10 years in a variety of dance genres and participating in solos, small groups, large groups, lines, productions, and select routines throughout her time as a dancer.

During high school, Sylvie was also highly involved in cheerleading and earned numerous accomplishments, including the ICCA All-State Scholarship, ICCA Academic Scholarship, State Cheer Champion, three Academic Letters, and three Lamp of Knowledge awards. She also became just the second person in Ames High School history to letter eight times!

Sylvie continued her cheerleading career as a member of the Iowa State University Cheer Squad in 2025. She currently attends Iowa State University, where she is majoring in fashion design and merchandising.

After spending time assisting in classes as a PDC helper, Sylvie is stepping into her first full season as a member of our teaching staff! Having grown up at PDC herself, she brings a special connection to our studio and dancers, and we are so excited to have her take on this new role. We can’t wait to see all that Miss Sylvie brings to the classroom this season!

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. 

Audrina Westberg is a senior at Boone High School and has been a proud member of the Performance Dance Centre family for an incredible 15 years! Throughout her time at PDC, Audrina has trained in a variety of dance styles and has participated in solos, duets, trios, small groups, large groups, lines, productions, and select guest routines

Audrina Westberg is a senior at Boone High School and has been a proud member of the Performance Dance Centre family for an incredible 15 years! Throughout her time at PDC, Audrina has trained in a variety of dance styles and has participated in solos, duets, trios, small groups, large groups, lines, productions, and select guest routines.

Audrina’s passion for dance extends beyond PDC as well. She has served as an Ambassador for Symposium Talent Competition and as an Ambassador/Model for Mark’s Dancewear in Johnston. 

She is also a member of the Boone High School Dance Team and was selected as one of the Top 6 dancers to perform her solo at the State Solo Competition in October.

After growing up at PDC and spending so many years as a dedicated dancer, we are incredibly excited to have Audrina take on a new role as part of our staff. We are so proud of everything she has accomplished throughout her dance journey and can’t wait to watch her continue to grow, inspire our younger dancers, and flourish as a member of the PDC team this season!

Mary Kay has been a part of Performance Dance Centre since the very beginning! As our Studio Office Manager, she keeps PDC running smoothly behind the scenes by handling administration, payments, scheduling, and so much more.

Mary Kay lives in Boone with her husband, Brian. She is the proud mom of Shelby Droste and Josh Anderson, and an ev

Mary Kay has been a part of Performance Dance Centre since the very beginning! As our Studio Office Manager, she keeps PDC running smoothly behind the scenes by handling administration, payments, scheduling, and so much more.

Mary Kay lives in Boone with her husband, Brian. She is the proud mom of Shelby Droste and Josh Anderson, and an even prouder grandma and great-grandma. When she isn’t keeping everything organized at PDC, she loves spending time with her family.

We are so grateful to have Mary Kay as such an important part of PDC from day one!