By Tina Neff
For the past 26 years, Showtime Dance Academy has offered more than just dance to this small town; it has brought heart, community, and countless memories. At the center of it all stands founder and owner Kelly Kirkaldy, whose quiet dedication has left a lasting imprint on generations.
Kelly’s journey into dance started when she enrolled in a dance class at around age 4 or 5. Since she moved frequently during her childhood, mostly in California, she found stability in dance. Eventually, she earned her degree in dance from Ball State University, with a minor in music theory.
After settling in the Montpelier area, Kelly taught dance at a studio in Decatur and gave private piano lessons in Montpelier. With the encouragement of Angela Smith, Kelly took a leap of faith and opened her own studio with 30 students in a small space in the back of Smith Insurance.
“It wasn’t about trophies—it was always about the love of dance,” said Kirkaldy. “We started small, and honestly, I wasn’t sure it would work. But the community support has been overwhelming.”
From that small beginning, the studio has grown into a two-classroom facility with 110 students enrolled this past season. Since many students return year after year, and some become instructors themselves, the studio is able to offer over 25 weekly classes, including ballet, jazz, tap, clogging, hip-hop, tumbling, and even an adult class.
What makes Showtime Dance Academy so special is not just the quality of dance instruction, but also the life lessons taught along the way.
“It’s more than just doing steps,” Kirkaldy explained. “It’s about learning how to adapt, to perform under pressure, and to work as a team. It builds confidence to get up on stage and do something that might be scary. That’s a huge accomplishment for a young person.”
One of her most memorable moments happened during a Christmas recital when the music suddenly stopped during a clogging routine. The dancers, without hesitation, continued the performance flawlessly. “They didn’t miss a beat. They finished the number and got a standing ovation,” she remembered, her voice filled with pride. “It’s one of those moments they’ll never forget, and neither will I.”
Over the years, many of her former students have returned. “Some haven’t danced in years, but they stop in just to say hello. I think that says a lot,” Kirkaldy shared. “That’s when you know you’ve built something more than a studio; you’ve built a family. Even if they don’t go on to dance professionally, the experience stays with them.
Showtime’s impact extends well beyond its studio walls. Kelly and her dancers regularly perform at local events such as the Montpelier Jamboree, Hometown Christmas, and Main Street Friday Night, as well as at nearby retirement homes and Hartford City’s Heritage Days.
Kelly has no plans of slowing down. She hopes to keep Showtime Dance Academy going strong for years to come—and dreams that one day, one of her former students might carry the torch.
“I just want it to be here for this community,” she said. “So kids can have the chance to try something new, to grow in self-confidence, and feel like they belong.”
From humble beginnings to standing ovations, Showtime Dance Academy tells a story of love, perseverance, and the incredible impact one person can have on a community. Montpelier is fortunate to have Kelly Kirkaldy and the opportunities she provides to our small community, and the feeling is mutual.
“I’m so thankful,” she said. “It’s not always easy, but the hugs after a show, the joy on their faces, the support from families, that’s what keeps me going.”
And for Montpelier, what Kelly has built is more than a dance studio. It’s a legacy.
Showtime Dance Academy is now enrolling students for its 27th season of classes, starting in September: tap, ballet, jazz, clogging, lyrical, hip-hop, and tumbling for ages 3 through adult. Call or text 765-728-0007 or contact Kelly on Facebook.
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