I’m a dance studio kid. I’ve been a student of the stage, and particularly dance, since the age of 3. Born and raised in Little Rock as the daughter of a dance studio owner mom and “once-actor-himself-but-now-mayor” dad, I have never had a doubt that dance was what I wanted to do. After studying my craft at Butler University and earning a dance performance degree, I set out for New York and Chicago and ended up doing shows all over the world. Sometimes well-laid plans aren’t realized, but mine were: after performing professionally, I wanted to return home and help my mom with Shuffles and Ballet II, which opened when I was 5 and is now entering its 30th year. What I never anticipated was how much I truly love interacting with students and passing on to the next generation the very best training and my passion for dance. As a teacher, I believe it is my job not only to train my students in dance technique but also to instill confidence and grace that will carry throughout their entire life.
Allison Stodola Wilson

PRESSING QUESTIONS
Best moment of your career so far?
My favorite moment in my career was when I performed in my first professional show. It was the Broadway show “42nd Street” in Moscow. It was at that moment that I realized that I had made my dream a reality.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
If you are going to mess up, mess up big!
I wish I knew how to __________.
Whistle!
What is a typical workday like for you?
No two days are the same, and that’s one of my favorite things about teaching. From the first class of the day to the last class of the day, it is constant moving and grooving.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love when I see a student overcome a fear or master a step they have been working on for a long time. You can see the joy and the confidence in their eyes, and it is extremely rewarding.
How do you define success?
For me, success is feeling as if you are making a difference.
Who is your role model?
My role models are my mom and dad. They have taught me the importance of work ethic and they have worked so hard to allow me to have the opportunities I have been given. I am one lucky girl.
Favorite part of living in Little Rock?
I love that I can have a professional and a home life here in Little Rock. I am a homebody at heart. My favorite thing to do is stay in, cook dinner and hang with my boys!

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