Office Assistant/Instructor

Manhattan Studio

Katie started dancing at Kathi Nallia's studio; Nallias school of Dance in Bonner Springs, Kansas in 1993 practicing ballet as one of the first students in the studio. Then continued to follow the studio in Basehor, Kansas studying tap, ballet, jazz, and acrobatics.

Katie began assistant teaching in the 6th grade, years following she began teaching her own classes including kindergarten through 3rd graders and the acrobatic classes.

Following the dance studio to the Shawnee Mission location, Katie graduated with Nallia's School of Dance in 2008.

After high school, Katie met up with Damian Hilton (Heidi's husband) to continue her tumbling career, which then introduced her to the Bates Dance Studio family.

Going into her second year at Kansas State University, she auditioned for K-State ballet, under the instruction of Joyce Yagerline.

Working at the front desk for a semester at Bates Dance Studio, Katie was offered a teaching job for the Pre-Dance class. She is currently still teaching and working the front desk for Bates while also continuing to dance through K-State.