We met in the early 1990’s.  John was working as a free-lance photographer.  Kathy was finishing her bachelor’s degree, training at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and teaching dance.  Kathy loved working with children and introducing them to the excitement and joy of dance.   She dreamed of one day owning her own studio, but the thought of self employment was frightening.

Upon graduating from college, Kathy continued to teach at several Pittsburgh dance studios.  Finally, after a few years of teaching and pursuing a corporate career, John persuaded Kathy to make the leap.  We began planning Starlight Dance Academy in January of 1997.  In August, just a few weeks after our wedding, we opened our doors.

The school began with only two rooms (now Studios C & D).  Kathy was the only teacher and John handled the front desk.  Over time, we expanded to our current 4 classrooms.  We are proud to regularly employ 8-10 teachers and 2-3 administrative assistants.

As Starlight Dance Academy has grown, so has our own family.  We have four young children  (ages 14, 9, 7 and 6) and a Chihuahua named “Hat Trick.”  Our three daughters dance, so even if we aren’t at the studio working, we are probably there as Mom or Dad.  Our son plays ice hockey for a traveling amateur team, as well as his school team.  He also plays soccer and runs track for his school.  While he continues to do photography work, John is also very involved in the hockey world.  He has been a coach and board member for two local youth ice hockey organizations.  As any parent knows, there is little time for your own interests.  However, John hopes to someday get back on the golf course.  If Kathy can squeeze out any free time, she loves to take a hot yoga class.

We continue to enjoy meeting new students as well as their parents and siblings.  We appreciate the opportunity to become a part of the lives of each student’s family, even if just for a short while.  We love that many former students continue to share their life events with us, and we cherish these lifelong friendships.  Thank you for your interest in us, we hope to welcome you into our Starlight family!  

                                                                                                                                              Kathy & John Beiber

                                                                                                                                              Starlight Dance Academy