Instructor/Choreographer

Manhattan Studio

Katie Speer has been dancing for the past eighteen years. The majority of her training is in ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap and pointe.

In elementary school, Katie performed in the Oklahoma City Ballet Company's production of The Nutcracker under Artistic Director Brian Pitts. She performed as the Ballerina Doll and was the understudy for the ballet's lead role of Clara.

Katie received a ballet scholarship in 1998 lasting through 2001 from Kansas State University where she was able to intensely study ballet with Associate Professor and Director of Dance, Joyce Yagerline.

She joined the Bates Pride Dancers in 1999 and was an active member until she graduated in 2008. Katie attended several dance conventions and competitions as a Pride Dancer as well as performed for various events around the community; including K-State football and basketball games and Purple Power Play on Poyntz.

She has competed in several regional and national dance competitions achieving numerous prestigious awards including cash prizes and intensive dance camp and competition scholarships.

As a student at Kansas State University, Katie trained in advance ballet with Joyce Yagerline once again. She also performed in the university's Spring Dance and Winter Dance.

Katie currently teaches at Bates Dance Studios in Manhattan and Junction City and instructs the Bate Sparklers dancers.