Make Your Dreams Come True

From Broadway stages to NFL sidelines to your dream college dance, cheer, or poms team. We build professionals, starting from the very first class. And for those who simply love to dance, our recreational classes welcome every age and every level.

STDA dancer arching back in the ocean surf
Ages 3+
Through Adult · Every Level
Aug 31
Fall Classes Begin · Littleton, CO
Why STDA

Learn Structure

Learn structure. Learn from the top teachers in the industry. Our faculty brings real industry experience into every studio, teaching the discipline and technique that professional stages demand.

  • Three studios with professional floating floors
  • Marley flooring and wall-to-wall mirrors
  • Industry-active faculty at every level
STDA dancers performing on the competition stage
The Professional Pathway

We Turn Dancers Into Professionals

Our company program starts developing serious talent as young as age 5, building the technique, performance skills, and audition readiness that carry dancers to the top of the industry.

  • Stage: training built for Broadway caliber performance
  • Sidelines: NFL cheerleader and pro dancer tryout training
  • College: dance, cheer, and poms prep for your dream school
  • Start early: company members begin as young as 5
STDA dancer performing on the beach
Every Dancer Welcome

Or Just Dance For The Joy Of It

Recreational dance classes designed for joy, friendship, confidence, and exercise—without the pressure. Taught by adult caring teachers who truly love to dance!

  • All ages: classes from age 3 through adult, at every level
  • No experience needed: beginners are always welcome, any time of year
  • Fun first: recreational dancers get the same great teachers and studios
Young recreational dancers with their teacher after class
Mini dancer in costume waiting to perform
Two friends backstage at the studio
Young dancer reaching overhead in class
Young dancers stretching together in class
Recreational class dancing across the studio floor

2026 to 2027 Schedule

Classes run Monday through Thursday. L1 through L4/5 are technique levels; placement is set by your teacher. Weekend classes at request will open according to demand.

Monday

4:00 – 5:00Junior Rehearsal
4:00 – 5:00Mini Rehearsal
5:00 – 6:00L3 & L4/5 Ballet
5:00 – 6:00Preteen Rehearsal
5:00 – 6:00Mini & L1 Tech & Tricks
6:00 – 7:00L1 & L2 Ballet
6:00 – 9:00Teen / Senior Rehearsal
7:00 – 8:00Preteen Rehearsal

Tuesday

3:00 – 4:003–4 Yr Ballet / Tap Combo
4:00 – 5:00L1 Stretch & Strength
4:00 – 5:00Beginning Ballet
5:00 – 6:00L1 Ballet
5:00 – 6:00L3 & L4/5 Stretch & Strength
6:00 – 7:00L3 & L4/5 Ballet
6:00 – 7:00L2 Modern Jazz
7:00 – 8:00L3 & L4/5 Modern Jazz
7:00 – 8:00L2 Ballet

Wednesday

3:00 – 4:003–4 Yr Ballet / Tap Combo
4:00 – 5:00L1 Jazz / Hip Hop
4:00 – 5:00Mini Ballet
4:00 – 5:005–7 Yr Jazz / Ballet Combo
5:00 – 6:00L1 & L2 Tech & Turns
5:00 – 6:00Preteen Hip Hop / Jazz Funk
5:00 – 6:00Mini Rehearsal
6:00 – 7:00L3 & L4/5 Tech & Turns
6:00 – 7:00L2 Jazz / Hip Hop
6:00 – 7:00Junior Rehearsal
7:00 – 8:00L2 Stretch & Strength
7:00 – 8:15L3 & L4/5 Jazz / Hip Hop

Thursday

4:00 – 5:00L1 Contemp
4:00 – 5:005–7 Yr Jazz / Ballet Combo
5:00 – 6:00Preteen / Teen Rehearsal
5:00 – 6:00L1 Ballet
5:00 – 6:00Mini / Youth Jazz Funk
6:00 – 7:00Preteen Jazz Funk
6:00 – 7:15L2 Contemp
6:00 – 7:15L3 & L4/5 Ballet
7:15 – 8:15L2 Ballet
7:15 – 8:30L3 & L4/5 Contemp

Not sure where your dancer fits? Ask us and we will place them, or register now.

Shelly True Dance Academy · 2026 / 2027 Season

Class Schedule

Shelly True Dance Academy weekly class schedule, Monday through Thursday, 2026 to 2027 season
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
3:00 3:00–4:003–4 Yr Ballet/Tap Combo 3:00–4:003–4 Yr Ballet/Tap Combo
4:00 4:00–5:00Junior Rehearsal 4:00–5:00Mini Rehearsal 4:00–5:00L1 Stretch & Strength 4:00–5:00Beginning Ballet 4:00–5:00L1 Jazz / Hip Hop 4:00–5:00Mini Ballet 4:00–5:005–7 Yr Jazz/Ballet Combo 4:00–5:00L1 Contemp 4:00–5:005–7 Yr Jazz/Ballet Combo
5:00 5:00–6:00L3 & L4/5 Ballet 5:00–6:00Preteen Rehearsal 5:00–6:00Mini & L1 Tech & Tricks 5:00–6:00L1 Ballet 5:00–6:00L3 & L4/5 Stretch & Strength 5:00–6:00L1 & L2 Tech & Turns 5:00–6:00Preteen Hip Hop / Jazz Funk 5:00–6:00Mini Rehearsal 5:00–6:00Preteen / Teen Rehearsal 5:00–6:00L1 Ballet 5:00–6:00Mini / Youth Jazz Funk
6:00 6:00–9:00Teen/Senior Rehearsal 6:00–7:00L1 & L2 Ballet 6:00–7:00L3 & L4/5 Ballet 6:00–7:00L2 Modern Jazz 6:00–7:00L3 & L4/5 Tech & Turns 6:00–7:00L2 Jazz / Hip Hop 6:00–7:00Junior Rehearsal 6:00–7:15L2 Contemp 6:00–7:15L3 & L4/5 Ballet 6:00–7:00Preteen Jazz Funk
7:00 7:00–8:00Preteen Rehearsal 7:00–8:00L3 & L4/5 Modern Jazz 7:00–8:00L2 Ballet 7:00–8:15L3 & L4/5 Jazz / Hip Hop 7:00–8:00L2 Stretch & Strength 7:15–8:30L3 & L4/5 Contemp 7:15–8:15L2 Ballet
8:00
Competitive Program

Competitive Company Information

Contact Shelly at 303-507-2057 for more information.

STDA company dancers celebrating an Intermediate National Grand Champion title

Auditions

Auditions are held for new company dancers on an individual basis with Shelly Trujillo, June through summer camp. After auditions and summer camp, the dancer will be placed in one of our 5 competitive companies. Placement is based on the individual dancer's technique and ability level.

August Choreography

Company choreography will take place the month of August. Dancers must attend all choreography classes, otherwise they will not be placed in any of these pieces for spring competitions.

Company Warmup Jackets

Company jackets are required for all company dancers. Dancers are to wear these to and from competitions, and more importantly, on stage for awards. There is an option to have the dancer's name embroidered on the jacket. We recommend this to avoid jacket mixups. Jackets will be ordered around the end of September.

Weekly Classes

There is a required schedule of classes that dancers must attend. It's imperative that each dancer is committed to the team. We understand school, family, and other important events may interfere at times, but please be respectful of the other dancers' time and dedication to the team.

Weekly class schedule consists of ballet, tech & turns, hip hop, contemporary, and musical theater. Dancers on the same teams may be placed in different level ballet classes, but will be in the same competition pieces. Ballet placement is at the discretion of the instructor.

Competitions

Our competition season lasts January to July. The competitive companies compete 4 to 5 times locally and one time nationally during July (intermediate and advanced teams only). The competition schedule will be finalized by Fall.

It is expected that all company dancers compete in all competitions.

Competition costs vary from competition to competition and depend on how many numbers each dancer is in.

Payments

  • Tuition is always due by the 1st of the month.
  • Payments made after the 1st full week of the month will have a $25 late fee added.
  • Returned checks will have a $25 fee assessed to them.

Questions about the company program? Call Shelly at 303-507-2057 or send us a message.

Meet The Team

The People In The Room

Broncos choreographers, company directors, working professionals. Every class at STDA is taught by someone still living the career our dancers are training for.

Shelly Trujillo, Owner and Director, on the field at Empower Field

Shelly Trujillo

Owner and Director

Read BioHide Bio

Shelly is currently the Choreographer and Assistant Director for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. Shelly has 3 Super Bowl wins under her belt with many American Bowls in Barcelona, Tokyo, Mexico City and London. Shelly has traveled the world with the Bronco Cheerleaders entertaining our troops in countries such as Afghanistan, Egypt, Jordon, Cuba, Australia, Guam, Japan and many more. As the Broncos Cheerleaders choreographer, Shelly has staged shows with The Frey, One Republic, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Jessie James. Recently Shelly staged a promo-tag for the Bruno Mars' halftime Super Bowl show.

Credentials of her own include work with Deborah Allen, Sherri Belifonte, Danny Ganz, Broncos Cheerleaders, Nugget Dancers, Denver Gold USFL, as well as performing in shows in Chicago, and commercials. With over 25 years of teaching experience Shelly has created world renowned dancers including: Stephanie Landwher who performed in the Cher show in Las Vegas, Megan Hiratzka who danced with Katy Perry at the Grammy's and who is also the Asian face of Nike, and La La Land Choreographer and Emmy-nominated "So You Think You Can Dance" choreographer, Mandy Moore.

Currently all three of her children are living the dream in Hollywood dancing, acting, modeling and singing. You can find them on National commercials, music videos, and many social media influencer sites.

Meghan Lawitz, Company Director

Meghan Lawitz

Company Director · Contemporary

Read BioHide Bio

Meghan Lawitz is the Artistic Director and Founder of the Denver-based contemporary dance company, Rogue Co. Dance. Originally from Arizona, Meghan has established a strong foundation in the Colorado community as a dancer, choreographer and teacher over the past 15 years.

Meghan has been a guest artist for Soul De Soul Dance Convention, United We Dance, You See These Moves, Releve Dance Competition, PUSH, The Block Party, Murmuration, St. Michael's College, Denver School of the Arts, and most recently toured with DMC China International. She has been an Official Judge for UDA Mile High Dance Championships, The Groove Experience, and the ICU World Cheerleading Championships.

A few performance credits include The Janes Dance Crew, Imprint Group, Vail International Dance Festival, 8150 Urban Dance Challenge and the Denver Dance Festival. Meghan also currently dances with Boulder Jazz Dance Collective and is on faculty with the Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop.

Tia Bloom, Mini Company Director

Tia Bloom

Mini Company Director · Company · Combo · S&S

Read BioHide Bio

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Tia began her dance journey under Karen Colabianchi and Dee Hillier, falling in love with the stage during her early dance and theater performances. Her training spans musical theater, tap, jazz, ballet, strength training, contemporary, and hip hop.

Tia holds a B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies with a Dance minor from The University of Akron, where she performed with the U of A Dance Team at NCAA Men's Basketball Championships and collegiate NDA Nationals.

Performance credits include Anastasia, Oklahoma, and Crazy for You (Candlelight), Queen50 (Dairy Arts Center), Love Is (Soiled Dove), Home for the Holidays with Denver Honey Taps (Lone Tree Arts Center) and Top 50 finalist for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, where she met Shelly. Her choreography work includes Bright Star (Candlelight), Mary Poppins – asst. choreographer (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center), Shelly True Dance Academy and Uptempo Dance.

Now based in Colorado with her husband Geoff, Tia teaches Musical Theater at Shelly True Dance Academy. She finds true joy in helping students discover their own passion for performing and is deeply grateful for her family, mentors, and everyone who supports the arts.

Jackie McMenaman, Ballet

Jackie McMenaman

Ballet

Read BioHide Bio

Jackie McMenaman did not take the road less traveled to becoming a dancer or a teacher. Beginning her athletic career as a pint-sized swimmer taking to the water as physical therapy for a broken collarbone, she soon realized that kick-boards and swimming lanes did not inspire her creativity. Opting to get artistic in the water led to synchronized swimming which was supplemented by ballet classes. Not long thereafter, Jackie realized her love (and the greater long term career potential) of being in the dance studio. Henceforth, Olympic dreams were swapped for pointe shoes and a new passion blossomed.

Jackie's dance education began on scholarship with her local studio, and was later supplemented with scholarship opportunities from Montana Dance Arts Association, Ballet West, Summer Dance Laboratory, and others. In college, she owned and operated her own ballet studio where she honed her teaching skills and had the privilege of instilling a love of dance in her students. Upon moving to the Denver area, she joined the ranks of David Taylor Dance Theatre, later Dawson Wallace Dance Project, where she performed as a mainstay and a principal dancer for over twelve years. During that time she was personally mentored by the renown ballet master Nikoloz Makhateli, whom she credits with her technical and artistic development.

Jackie has also performed with Gravity Works Dance, Zikr Sacred Dance Ensemble, Summit Dance Collective, Chadash Contemporary Dance Movement, Fox Theatre Productions, Montana Ballet Company, Colorado Renaissance Festival and Delusions of Grandeur Productions. Favorite roles include the Dewdrop Fairy and the tipsy maid in DTDT's Nutcracker, the nymph in Makhateli's Morning in a Field, and the beatnik girl in Jeoff Horgan's Cheek to Cheek.

Cadey Turner, Ballet

Cadey Turner

Ballet

Read BioHide Bio

Cadey Turner (she/her) grew up in Littleton, Colorado where she began her dance journey at Dual Star Academy of Dance. At 14 she went on to further her ballet training at National Ballet Academy Denver under the direction of Cornell Callender as well as Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy with Kim Chmielewski, Alexei Tyukov, and Maria Tyukova. Cadey graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA at Dominican University of California in May 2025.

During her time there, she performed works by Maurya Kerr, Brett Conway, Katie Scherman, Gregory Dawson, Laura O'Malley, Liv Schaffer, and Carmen Rozesraten. She has attended summer programs at Orsolina28 with Medhi Walerski, B12 Research or Die, Flockworks, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Bolshoi Ballet Academy.

Influenced by her experiences dancing around the world, Cadey strives to nurture a learning environment that prioritizes sensation based exploration, individuality, and imagination. She is excited to be joining the faculty this fall at Shelly True Dance Academy.

Annie Evans, Ballet

Annie Evans

Ballet

Read BioHide Bio

Annie has been teaching in the Denver area since 2018 and has performed with numerous companies including Rogue Co., Boulder Jazz Dance Collective, IDA, and Schiff Dance Collective. Her background includes training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and musical theater.

Annie grew up as a competitive dancer and loved the opportunities that conventions provided to a small town dancer. After finishing her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dance career. While she loved training with world renowned instructors, and felt extremely lucky to sign with a talent agency, LA was ultimately not the right fit. Annie moved to Denver where her love of dance was reignited, and she felt embraced by the dance community.

Annie is passionate about dance because of its unique and powerful way to connect us to each other. Her style is explorative and playful, while being grounded in technique. When Annie is not dancing, she is outside falling in love with nature.

Logan Hathaway, Jazz

Logan Hathaway

Jazz

Read BioHide Bio

Logan Hathaway is a professional choreographer, teacher, and dancer based throughout Colorado. He has received training in all styles and continues to explore the widths of contemporary and jazz repertoire. During his high school education, Logan fell in love with the discipline of choreography and teaching. He began teaching classes in a variety of styles and choreographing dances even during his high school career.

Logan had the opportunity to perform in the 2022 Beaux Arts Ball for National Jewish Health alongside performers from around the country under Imprint Group. He is a member of the Boulder Jazz Dance Collective directed by Helen Estrella and Rachael Harding, where he performs in the company and choreographs for their summer workshop. His group and solo choreography have won multiple high scoring awards and recognition for outstanding choreography at competitions across the state of Colorado and beyond.

Logan has been lucky enough to teach for many different studios across the country for a variety of workshops and guest classes. Using his knowledge of many unique styles, he enjoys creating new and innovative movement that pushes boundaries and inspires students to be creative themselves.

Naomi Luna, Hip Hop

Naomi Luna

Hip Hop

Read BioHide Bio

Naomi has been a technically trained dancer since the age of seven, dedicating her life to movement and performance. Her talent led her to perform on America's Got Talent, which launched a journey of traveling the world and performing on some of the most prestigious stages. These experiences helped her grow as both an artist and performer. She is currently a Denver Broncos Cheerleader, proudly entering her fourth season with the team.

Naomi has taught at top dance studios across Colorado and trained with some of the most respected instructors in the industry. She's passionate about creating a positive, fun, and safe space where dancers feel supported and inspired. To Naomi, dance is more than movement—it's her purpose and the heartbeat of everything she does. Whether performing or teaching, she aims to share the joy, confidence, and connection dance has brought to her life.

Shayna Escobar, Combo Classes and Hip Hop

Shayna Escobar

Combo Classes · Hip Hop / Jazz Funk

Read BioHide Bio

Shayna was a competitive gymnast for a few years, until she fell in love with dance ten years ago at Shelly True Dance Academy. After seven years of dancing at STDA, Shayna ended up dancing for the Colorado School of Mines Dance Team. She danced in college for two years, and is excited to be back in the studio as a teacher!

In the past, Shayna conducted private acro classes and has substituted technique and company classes for all levels. She is very excited to be back with her STDA Family! Currently, Shayna is a Junior in college majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering.

Katie Rhodus, Tech and Turns

Katie Rhodus

Tech & Turns

Read BioHide Bio

Katie is in her second season with the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. She attended college at the University of Alabama. During her time there she spent 2 years on the dance team and 2 years as instructor for UDA. Her high school pom choreography has taken first place at the Missouri State Dance Team competition, and some of her other strengths include teaching turns technique, jazz, and contemporary.

Jamie Babish, Studio Manager

Jamie Babish

Studio Manager

Read BioHide Bio

Jamie has been part of the Shelly True family since 2017, beginning as a dance parent when her oldest daughter first stepped into the studio, followed shortly by her younger two.

Now, with all three girls thriving as company dancers, the studio has truly become a second home.

Jamie stepped into the role of Studio Manager in the 2023-24 season and loves being part of the supportive, inspiring community that makes Shelly True so special.

Our Studio Dancers Became The Real Thing

These dancers started right here: same studios, same barres, same teachers. Here is where the training took them.

Shariah True cheering on the NFL sidelines
NFL Cheerleader · Pro Dancer

Shariah True

2.5M
TikTok Followers
156K
Instagram

From STDA to the NFL Sidelines

Shariah grew up in the studio, where she learned the discipline, confidence, and work ethic that would shape her career.

Those lessons took her from the dance floor to the NFL sidelines, commercial work, tours, and an audience of millions.

But beyond the opportunities, dance gave her something even greater: resilience, leadership, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

Because the studio is about more than dance. It’s where you learn to work hard, persevere, and believe in yourself.

And for Shariah, it all started with dance.

Sheldon True outside the West Side Story marquee on Broadway
Broadway · West Side Story

Sheldon True

Broadway
West Side Story
Toro
On-Stage Starter · The Sharks

Sheldon booked Broadway. As Toro, a member of the Sharks in West Side Story, he took the technique and stage presence built in these studios all the way to the biggest stage in American theatre.

Sharlize True being crowned Miss California
Miss California 2026 · UCLA Dance Team

Sharlize True

2.9M
TikTok Followers
Miss CA
2026 · Pro Dancer and Creator

Miss California 2026, UCLA Dance Team member, pro dancer, and social media creator. Sharlize is living proof that the college dance team dream, and everything beyond it, starts with years of structured training as a studio dancer.

And The List Keeps Growing

More STDA alumni dancing, modeling, and performing for college and professional teams across the country.

STDA alum cheering for her college team
College Cheer
Game day on the college sidelines
STDA alum performing with a professional dance team
Pro Dance Team
Performing in a professional arena
STDA alum dancing and modeling
Dancer & Model
Booking shoots and campaigns
STDA alum on her college dance team
College Dance Team
Living the college team dream

Your dancer's story could be next.

Studio Life

That STDA Energy

Recitals, rehearsals, competition weekends, and everything in between.

Plan Ahead

Dates and Tuition

2026 to 2027 Season

Fall Begins Monday, August 31

Registration is open now. Spots are limited by studio capacity.

Studio Closures

  • Labor Day · Halloween · Thanksgiving
  • Winter Break: Dec 22 to Jan 3
  • Spring Break: Mar 22 to 28
  • Memorial Day

Tuition

  • Billed monthly by weekly class hours
  • $35 annual registration fee
  • Drop in: $20 per 1 hour class

See the full rate sheet

2026 / 2027 Monthly Tuition

Rates are per dancer, per month, based on total hours per week.

1 hour$75
1.5 hours$100
2 hours$125
2.5 hours$145
3 hours$165
3.5 hours$185
4 hours$205
4.5 hours$225
5 hours$245
5.5 hours$265
6 hours$280
6.5 hours$300
7 hours$315
7.5 hours$335
8 hours$350
8.5 hours$365
9 hours unlimited$380
Annual registration fee$35
Drop in, 1 hour class$20
Register Now
Get Started

Come Dance With Us

Email or call today. We will help you pick classes, answer tuition questions, and get your dancer registered.

Studio
8950 W. Quincy Ave.
Littleton, Colorado 80123
Hours
Studio walk-in hours: Monday to Thursday, 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Call anytime.
Phone
303-507-2057
Parking
Please park on the west (window) side of the building. If the studio lot is full, park in the neighborhood east of the studio.
Follow
Instagram · Facebook