About Us!
At San Marcos Dance Studio, we believe in more than perfecting steps — we believe in building confidence, inspiring young dancers, and creating a true dance family. Every dancer deserves to dream big, dance bravely, and shine from the inside out.
We create a space where dancers of all ages feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Through every class, we help students believe in themselves, grow in confidence, and shine bright — on and off the stage.
Our mission is to guide every dancer to discover their strength, express their spirit, and believe in their power to shine.
MEET THE SMDS TEAM
KAREN
ELLIOTT
Owner & Teacher
HAYLEY
CHEATHAM
Staff
Meet Karen Elliott, Owner & Director of San Marcos Dance Studio!
For me, dance has always been about so much more than steps. It’s about building confidence, creating connections, and giving dancers a place where they feel encouraged, challenged, and at home.
I opened San Marcos Dance Studio in 2012 with a vision of creating a studio where every dancer is known, valued, and given the opportunity to grow at their own pace. Fourteen years later, I’m incredibly proud of the dance family we’ve built and so grateful for every dancer and family who has been part of it.
I’m looking forward to another wonderful year of dancing, growing, and making memories together at SMDS.
Hayley Cheatham has been dancing since the age of 3, training in classical ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary. She was a member and captain of the Goodnight Middle School Dancing Stars, served as an officer for two years on the San Marcos High School Diamond Line, and recently completed four years as a Texas State Strutter, where she served as a Social Officer for three years.
Hayley also works with HTE Dance, choreographing for dance and drill teams across Texas. She is currently majoring in Dance Education at Texas State University and will be graduating this fall.
This is Hayley’s 5th year teaching at the studio, and she is so excited for another incredible season! She can’t wait to inspire, encourage, and share her love of dance with all of her students.
HANNAH
STUART
Staff
Hannah Stuart is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer from Alvin, Texas, with a diverse background in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, contemporary, pom, and kick. She began her drill team journey as a member of the Alvin High School Jacketeers, where she proudly served as Colonel during her senior year.
After high school, Hannah attended Sam Houston State University, where she spent one year as a member of the Orange Pride Dance Team before transferring to Texas State University. There, she performed as a Texas State Strutter for three years and has continued to serve the organization in numerous leadership roles, including Strutters Manager, Student Intern, and Strutters Intern.
Hannah is honored and grateful to begin her first year as the Assistant Director of the Texas State Strutters. In addition to her role with the Strutters, she is entering her fourth year as a staff member with ShowMakers of America, where she enjoys teaching and motivating the next generation of dancers.
ABIGAIL
COX
Staff
Abigail Cox is a dancer, educator, and choreographer from Wylie, Texas. She began dancing at age two and trained competitively for fifteen years, developing a strong technical foundation in a variety of styles while earning numerous scholarships and awards. She was also a member of the Wylie High School Pirate Pacesetters, serving in several leadership roles, including Captain her senior year.
Abigail is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education at Texas State University, where she proudly serves as a Captain of the world-famous Texas State Strutters and is a member of Jazz Elite, the Strutters’ specialty jazz group. She is also on staff with American Dance, choreographing for dance teams across Texas and teaching at summer camps.
Contact Us
Address
1405 N Bishop St
San Marcos, TX 78666
Contact
Opening Hours
Mon - Thurs
By Class Schedule
Fri-Sun
Closed/By Appointment
