ABOUT STARR

  • Train a child in the way he should go and we will not depart from it.

    - Proverbs 22:6

Smiling woman with dark brown hair, wearing a white t-shirt and light blue striped overalls, sitting on a green chair against a plain wall.

HI I’M STARR

Starr Gaither-Kendrick is a seasoned instructor, choreographer, and studio owner with over 30 years of experience in dance, gymnastics, and performing arts education. She is certified through Dance Educators of America in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, musical theatre, and clogging, having trained under some of the world’s most renowned dance educators in Paris, France, and Las Vegas, Nevada. She is also a proud member of the Alabama Dance Council.

Starr spent her early years balancing competitive gymnastics and dance. She received full performing arts scholarships to both Southern Union State and Troy University, where she focused her studies on business, dance, and theatre. During her college years, she remained active in the arts as both a competitive dancer and a member of the university cheerleading team.

She successfully owned and operated STARRZ Performing Arts Centre for 15 years, leading her students to national recognition—most notably earning the World Grand Championship title at the Grand Prix World Cup in Barcelona, Spain, where her team claimed first place among dancers from 22 countries. Her students have received major university scholarships and gone on to do extraordinary things—whether working professionally in the dance industry or building careers in education, science, and healthcare. No matter the path, her alumni continue to carry with them the discipline, confidence, and creativity first nurtured in her studio. Starr herself auditioned for Season 6 of So You Think You Can Dance and is widely recognized for her dynamic choreography, innovative teaching style, and faith-driven leadership.

Group of people standing outside a building, participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Starzz Performing Arts Center in Pell City, Alabama.
A woman practicing yoga or dance poses indoors, silhouetted against large windows.

Now serving as founder and Artistic Director of Starr’s Dance & Acro Central in Pell City, Alabama, Starr brings structure, passion, and purpose into every class. She has developed a creative teaching method rooted in her Dance Educators of America certification and influenced by the DECK framework (Dance, Early Childhood, and Knowledge), the Gilbert curriculum through Stepping Tones and MusicWorks, and tools from the Dance Studio Owners Association to elevate both classroom instruction and the parent experience. Her curriculum blends classical technique with age-appropriate lesson planning and is centered on helping students discover and develop their God-given potential through discipline, creativity, and character-building instruction.

Outside the studio, Starr is a proud baseball mom to her son, Nolan Edge—a gifted athlete who also dances, flips, and shares his mother’s heart for children. On Friday nights, you’ll often find the two of them dancing in the kitchen or chasing sunsets with their loyal poodle, Bob Fosse, in tow. Starr is also an active member of First Baptist Church of Pell City, and in her spare time, she enjoys caring for her many houseplants and creating digital content. Through it all, her faith, family, and calling to invest in the next generation remain at the heart of everything she does.

30+yrs

TEACHING/COACHING EXPERIENCE
IN PERFORMING ARTS,
GYMNASTICS, AND CHEER

36

ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIPS IN PERFORMING ARTS, GYMNASTICS, AND CHEER

16yrs

STUDIO OWNERSHIP
& BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

awards

GRAND PRIX WORLD CUP WINNER - GLOBAL RECOGNITION ACROSS 22 COUNTRIES

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Ballet dancer performing a jump in front of a brick wall with graffiti. The dancer is in a white tutu and leotard, with arms extended and legs bent.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

  • Give me a fresh salad, a side of roasted veggies, or anything Italian and I’m happy—but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be sun-dried tomato pasta.

  • I enjoy creating—whether I’m editing video content, holiday decorating, wrapping gifts in unique and thoughtful ways, or dreaming up the next big show, I love turning an idea into something meaningful.

  • I couldn’t live without God, my son Nolan, and a good cup of green tea. And of course, our poodle Bob Fosse—who might as well be on staff.

WHY CHOOSE US?

TESTIMONIALS

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TESTIMONIALS /

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One thing I can say about Starr is that she is truly dedicated to your child. She is always present, and I think that is so important to have as a mentor. I am so glad she is back in Pell City doing what she loves: spreading her joy and love and passion for dance through the next generation.

-Whitleigh

A smiling young woman with blonde hair styled in loose curls, wearing a black top, standing next to a man with a smile.

Ms. Starr had such an impact on my life that led me to excel in my career and go where I wanted to. It never would have been made possible without her. She gave me the positivity, confidence, and inspiration to dream big. Starr instilled in me that whether you’re on the stage, at school, or out in the world, dream big and know that whatever you do or put your mind to, you can accomplish it!

-Jordan

A smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing hoop earrings and makeup, sitting inside a vehicle.

As parents, we try to equip our children with positive qualities to get them ready for the world and life: Kindness, friendship, teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, discipline, work ethic. These are things Starr instills in these children and the studio constantly. She provides such a positive environment for them, and they thrive.

-Karen

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CURRICULUM

Our Dance Program blends classical technique with early childhood movement theory, introducing correct terminology and foundational skills from the start. Guided by the DECK model and led by certified instructor Starr Gaither-Kendrick, our curriculum supports physical, emotional, and cognitive development through age-appropriate instruction. We emphasize core dance elements alongside key developmental skills, nurturing both strong dancers and confident, creative learners.

Private Lessons

A woman kneeling on the floor holding a girl's waist and supporting her as she lunges forward in a gym or dance studio. The girl is stretching with arms extended and wearing a pink sports top, black shorts, and white socks.
Young girl in ballet attire practicing at a ballet barre in a dance studio with beige walls and ceiling lights
A middle-aged woman is practicing gymnastics moves on a blue mat with a young girl. The woman is kneeling on one knee, raising one arm, and looking upward. The girl is standing on the mat, mimicking the woman's pose with her arms raised. The setting appears to be a gymnasium with gym mats, chairs, and equipment in the background.
A smiling young girl with blonde hair wearing a pink and white striped dress and a pink bow in her hair, standing next to a colorful promotional poster for Starri's Starstruck Summer dance and acro camp beginning June 17, 2025, with a QR code for information and enrollment.
A group of young dancers in colorful costumes performing on stage at a dance event.
Announcement for Starr's Dance & Acro Center's fall enrollment for 2025/26, opening registration in July, capped at 100 students, with a background of spotlights.
Pink megaphone with 'Star's Dance & Acrobatics Central' logo, text announcing hiring for acro instructors, and contact information for submitting a resume.
A colorful job recruitment flyer for a studio manager position at Starr's Dance & Acro Central, featuring large green text stating 'We're Hiring!', with decorative elements such as a smiley face, a cassette tape, and yellow wavy lines.