We R 320 - Owners&Staff
Studio 320 was launched in 2004 by Tara & Nathan Meinert. Their mission was to create an arena where kids would not only learn the basics of dance, but also develop the characteristics and attributes that would mold them into being successful adults. Studio 320 is a platform to build self-esteem and encourage expressionism while teaching a breadth of styles of dance. We have collected some incredibly specialized individuals to instruct your child in a positive environment and consider Studio 320 to be our family. We are 320...
Tara Meinert
Owner & Executive Director
Tara launched Studio 320 Dance in 2004 after dancing as a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader in 2002 & 2003. As a born and raised Kearney, Missouri native, she was captain and choreographer for the KHS Golden Girls. Following high school, she graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Psychology. Since Studio 320's inception, she has been involved with the Kearney Chamber of Commerce, Relay for Life Cancer Foundation, and other local charities & committees. Her 320 dancers have become well-known on the national competition circuit. Tara continues to choreograph for both studio and high school dance teams while receiving recognition for her choreography, costume & other specialty awards. She is married to Nathan and enjoys spending time with her niece and nephews, as well as her two Dachshunds, Captain & Hatty.
Nathan Meinert
Owner & Business Manager
Nathan married Tara in 2003 and unknowingly signed his life away to her dream of Studio 320. Ironically, the fantastic journey of dance has become his greatest enlightenment and escape from the prison of his desk job in the banking world. "Nate Dogg" now obsesses with audio/video production and lighting design. He handles the business side of the studio focusing on all financial, marketing and operational aspects. Nathan graduated from the University of Missouri majoring in Finance & Banking. He is also a wannabe epicure and chef.
Andrea Lyngar
Director of Choreography
Andrea has been dancing since the age of 2 after following in the footsteps of her big sis, Tara. She excelled in the areas of tap and tumbling, and went on to dance competitively throughout high-school. She was a choreographer and Captain of the KHS Golden Girls as well as a UDA All-Star. Andrea then attended the University of Missouri where she was an MU Golden Girl for three years. After graduation she was a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader and joined the staff at Studio 320. She is now Director of Choreography for Company 320. Andrea has won numerous choreography awards and is known for her attention to technical detail. She is married to Adam and the proud mom to Larson & Ardyn. Andrea teaches 5th grade at Southview Elementary School.
Kelsi Hoyt
Director of Technique
Kelsi is originally from Marceline, MO and grew up dancing competitively across the Midwest. She graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, MO with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and minor in Psychology. She studied ballet, jazz, tap, modern (Humphrey/Weidman/Limon, Graham, & Paul Taylor techniques), musical theatre, world dance forms (flamenco, African, Chinese martial arts, Japanese dance), improvisation, pedagogy, and various choreography concepts. She has worked and performed with a variety of well-known choreographers and dance companies from around the country. She is also a certified Pure Barre instructor. Kelsi is married to Matt (320 Prop Dad intern) and is the proud momma to baby Maddyn (future 320 dancer)
Zen Nguyen
Hip Hop
Erin Stipanovich
Assistant Director Company 320
Erin grew up dancing in Kansas City and attended St. Pius X in the Northland. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a Masters in Elementary Education and was a MU Golden Girl for 4 years. She was then an NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs and taught 2nd grade in the Liberty School District. Erin is now married to Ted and the proud mom of FIVE beautiful kids, including Sam, Sophie and Maggie who are Company 320 dancers. She excels in contemporary & lyrical styles of dance, choreographing and teaching for Company 320. In her "spare" time, she is the school librarian at St. James Catholic School.
Laurie Turner
Office Manager
Laurie is one of our beloved 320 Front Office Managers. She can assist you with everything from enrolling in classes to managing your account payments to sizing your tiny ballerinas for shoes. When Laurie is not working she likes to... actually Laurie is ALWAYS working or watching her two beautiful daughters dance.
Amy Zimmerman
Office Manager
Amy is one of our beloved 320 Front Office Managers. She can assist you with everything from enrolling in classes to managing your account payments to sizing your tiny ballerinas for shoes. Amy is a mastermind of organization and keeps us ALL in line... without her behind the scenes no 320 event would be able to be pulled off in such efficient ways.