The Team
Who We Are
Kimberly Butwell
Owner/Director/Instructor
Kim Butwell, Owner and Director of Star Dance Company, is originally from Karnak, Illinois, and is now proudly rooted in Vienna, Illinois. She holds an Associate of Performing Arts degree and studied at both Shawnee Community College and Southeastern Illinois College. During her studies, she participated in Musical Theatre productions, Madrigals, and College Choir.
Kim holds certifications in Intro to Preschool Dance, Dance Education, Choreography and Composition, and Strength Training and Injury Prevention. In addition to her professional work, she is a devoted wife and mother who is passionate about creating a supportive and encouraging environment where dancers can grow with confidence, joy, and a love for the arts.
Melana Butwell
Instructor
Melana is a multifaceted artist and instructor at Star Dance Company who blends her lifelong love of movement with rich, diverse background. A mother of three, she grew up studying tap, ballet, and jazz, and has spent nearly a decade as a flow artist exploring fire spinning and aerial arts. she also holds a degree in medical laboratory science, reflecting her dedication to precision and learning. While in college she earned choir scholarships, highlighting her passion for the performing arts beyond dance. Today she brings all of these experiences into a teaching style that is creative, patient, and inspiring. In her classes, students discover not only solid technique but also a sense of self-expression, confidence, and joy that extends far beyond the studio.
Mary Harris
Line dancing Instructor
Hi, my name is Mary Harris. I've lived in Vienna since 2000, but I've lived in Southern Illinois all
my life. I have line danced since the early 80's! I love being active whether outside or inside
and dance is one of those activities that you can do all year long. Currently, I go to dances 3 or
4 times a week. During my high school days, I won a Dance-a-Thon for being the person who
danced for the longest period and was the last person on my feet dancing.
Some of the dances that will be taught in line-dance class will be Electric Slide, Cowboy Hustle,
Mustang Sally, Tush Push, Gin and Tonic, Cowboy Charleston and Catfish, just to name a few.
For dance lessons, you will want to wear something comfortable to dance in and shoes are very
important. For shoes, you can wear boots, but really any kind of hard sole shoes will work. Flip
flops and tennis shoes are hard to dance in, because they don’t slide well. Bring a water bottle
and a small towel, if you want. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!
Maia Annalise
Front Desk
Maia is a Theatre BA and Arts Administration Minor - with a focus in children's theatre. She went to Murray State! Her professional credits include Des Moines Metro Opera (Production Management), Barrington Stage Company (Stage Management), and Playhouse in the park (Direction/ Stage Management). She is incredibly excited to be a part of the Star Dance Company team and cannot wait to greet you at the door!
Devon Graves
Dance instructor
Hello yall!!! I’m Devin Graves, I am married to my best friend and a mom of two pretty amazing boys. After high school I pursued a degree in criminal justice where I work full time as a police officer. I absolutely love my job!! With that being said I come from a mixture dance background. I started off dance at a young age at Snow Power. From there, I trained at Susan Barns Dance Studio where I studied, ballet, pointe, jazz, and hip hop. Along at Susan Barns I was part of the Hip Hop Crew and Company which I earned national titles. I also trained at Ms. A Ballet School. With these trainings become several opportunities of dancing with The Great Moscow Russian Ballet in The Nutcracker, performing in Swan lake, and Hansel and Gretel. I was a part of the Marion High School Color Guard and Winter Guard which I earned serval IDTA State Championships. I also was a part of Southern Illinois Dance Company. I have taken master classes from some of the top choreographers from attending The Pulse On Tour, Monsters of Hip Hop, and Jump Rhythm Jazz Project. I am so excited to bring different styles and techniques to a studio in what I now call my home town!!