Our Team

Jon Hamilton comes from a large, musical family as the last of eleven children. His father, Ray Hamilton (1927-2004), has always been and will continue to be his hero, inspiration, and eternal life long mentor and friend. Jon’s parents taught him many of the life skills that Jon uses today on a regular basis, in particular to stand up for your God given dreams in order to turn them into a reality and to help others do the same. His mother, Joyce Hamilton, instilled in him a passion she had for dance. Jon and his mother were very close while in his youth. She had a desire to grow up to become a Broadway dancer, but rather chose a greater calling to serve as the mother of, and raise eleven children. While back in high school in Denver, Colorado, Jon knew what he had a passion for and was willing to fight against the odds to become a professional dancer. Jon loves taking advantage of opportunities to perform. However, early in his career he discovered another great passion he held from within. He discovered that teaching others about dance was indeed very rewarding and was what he had a true calling to do. Jon met his future mother-in-law, Nedra Smith, and wife, Cassie through teaching Ballroom dance and since has opened Allstar Ballroom Dance Company and has a family of his own now. He believes in being honest and fair, having fun, and striving to make a difference. He also feels a great sense of importance in helping people achieve their goals no matter how great or small they may be and lives under the impression that if you help others succeed, you in turn will be a success!

Cassie Hamilton began dancing and participating in fundraising activities at a very young age, but it was much later in life that she gained a deeper passion and appreciation for the art of partnership dance. A native Tulsan who earned both bachelors and masters degrees in Math Education from Northeastern State University, Cassie Hamilton found a new love of numbers when she connected mathematics to dance. She admits, however, that if it weren’t for her husband, Jon, she may have left dancing long ago.

Now, Cassie feels blessed to be able to express the many passions in her life through dance.   Her love of family, people, music, expression, numbers, and art are all at the heart of her passion for dancing. “The geometric design left on the floor by dancers is a beautiful work of art,” she says.

Cassie has gained a testimony of the importance of Fine Arts in education and expresses a passion for relating mathematics throughout all disciplines. After school elementary school programs, high school courses, community classes and improv classroom lessons have all been a part of her dance instruction. Cassie maintains her certification from the State of Oklahoma for both math and dance instruction for grades Pre-K – 12. She currently teaches 6^th grade math for Bixby Public Schools and dance for all ages at Allstar Ballroom Dance.  Cassie and Jon have been married for 19 years and have 4 children.

 

Annette Baird  –  Dance Instructor

Annette first discovered her love of ballroom dancing eight years ago, and quickly knew that she wanted to focus on competitions and performances. She has competed in numerous local and national competitions in the American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, and International Latin divisions. She has also studied ballet and modern dance. After dancing for several years, Annette decided that she wanted to share the joy of ballroom dance with others, and began teaching. She enjoys teaching both beginning and experienced students for social dancing, competitions, or local performances, and loves to teach technical precision and artistic styling. In addition to dance, Annette enjoys horseback riding, and participating in automotive enthusiast events. She also is currently pursuing a degree in Finance.

If your wedding is just days away or a year from now, simply quaint to very extravagant, elegance is Nedra’s middle name. She can help you showcase your dance exquisitely on your special day. No event is too big or too small. Your wedding dance will be a dance worth remembering for a lifetime. If you’re interested in performance or taking part in opportunities to help those less fortunate, Nedra will include you in utilizing your talents and abilities to assist in the ongoing need! Nedra’s creative way of integrating each member of her cast allows for everyone to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Nedra’s visionary ability takes it to the next level and helps bring you along in the process.

 

 

 

Linda McCutchen-Keller –  Dance Instructor

Linda has been dancing both socially and competitively for 13 years. Introducing beginning students to the sport of ballroom dancing is one of her favorite roles as a dance instructor. For the past 32 years Linda has worked in the public schools as an elementary and Jr. high teacher. She also used her Master’s Degree in Counseling to help students negotiate the challenges of growing up. Currently, she works part-time in the public schools allowing her plenty of time to pursue her passion of Ballroom Dancing. Linda is married to Dr. Khris Keller, a veterinarian and owner of Tulsa Veterinary Endoscopy located at Tulsa General Veterinary Hospital. He is a ballroom dancer, as well. Linda expects to see the art of “partner dancing” become popular with today’s children and grandchildren. She believes this skill will be something that they can enjoy through their entire lives.