Our Journey
At Nebraska Center Stage, we believe in the power of dance as a universal language. Founded by passionate dancers, our studio fosters a creative environment where individuals of all ages can explore their artistic potential. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a place to express yourself and grow.
Instructors
Our Dedicated Team
Our instructors are experienced professionals who bring passion and expertise to every class. They are committed to nurturing creativity and guiding students through their dance journeys.
Krystal Miller
Krystal Miller
Krystal began baton twirling and dancing at the age of 6 at Southern Starlets Baton and Dance studio in Cullman, Alabama. Southern Starlets had a top-notch reputation for national and world titles. Her passion for baton started while performing in gyms at competitions, under the Friday night lights for middle and high school football games, and then onto the stage for Miss Alabama's Teen and Miss Alabama preliminaries. That has now transformed into instilling her passion to the next generation. More than 10 years ago, Krystal brought the art of baton twirling to North Platte, Nebraska when she joined The Dance Factory staff under the direction of Becky Smith. With overall more than 20 years of teaching and choreography experience, she has had students win many state and regional titles amongst many other endeavors. Her students have thrived from their local high school football fields to the Miss Nebraska's Teen and Miss America's Teen stage. Some personal honors and past awards consist of Miss Majorette of Alabama and Miss Majorette of the South, Top 10 Miss Majorette of America solo, National Top 10 open x-strut, 2nd place national open 2-baton, member of multiple National award-winning baton twirling teams, and a member of Best-in-Class Cullman High School majorettes. She received her bachelor's degree majoring in business management and marketing. Krystal has been married to her husband Adam for 11 years, and together, they have two amazing children. Currently she also works at FNBO as an agricultural and commercial credit analyst. Community involvement is very important in Krystal's life. She has co-produced Miss Nebraska's Teen and Miss Nebraska for 9 years. She also represented The Dance Factory at Dancing with the Local Stars for two years, alongside current staff member Tallyn Hammond, where they won the coveted mirror ball trophy and the People's Choice award. She is also active in her church and is excited to continue teaching and growing the next generation with the values of commitment, skills, and determination. She wants to welcome everyone to this new journey at NCS!
Larissa Hipp
Larissa started her journey in dance and acrobatics at 3 years old, training at The Dance Factory and Starz Gymnastics. With years of experience in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, commercial dance, and tumbling, she has spent a lifetime immersed in movement and performance. A natural leader, Larissa began teaching dance as an assistant instructor in high school, where her love for mentoring young dancers first took root. During this time, she also participated in intensives with the Omaha Academy of Ballet, Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, and classes with Brian Young and instructors from Sweatshop Dance (Denver), and Colorado Ballet Academy. She has also attended national conventions and competitions such as LA Dance Magic and NRG Dance Project. Her performance background extends into musical theatre, both onstage and off, with involvement in school and community productions from grade school through college. A member of a musically gifted family, she also studied classical and modern music--vocal, piano, guitar, and violin--throughout her academic years. Larissa continued her dance education at the University of Wyoming, where she studied modern, ballet, dance history, and theatre production as part of the Theatre and Dance program, while also earning her BA in English Literature and Creative/Professional Writing. She was an active member of the Associated Students of Performing Arts (ASOPA) and spent four years working at the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts Box Office. Her passion for the arts extended into her internship with the UW Cultural Programs (UW Presents), where she supported performances by companies such as Dance Theatre of Harlem and Cirque Mechanics. Her academic journey also took her abroad--studying literature, theatre, dance, and art history during a semester in London in 2017, and interning at a Dublin, Ireland based media site in 2018, gaining experience in arts journalism. Now back in her hometown of North Platte, Larissa rediscovered her love for teaching at The Dance Factory. She brings to her students a deep respect for the art of dance and its history, a wide-ranging background in both performance and technique, and a heartfelt commitment to helping young dancers grow in skill and confidence. Larissa is excited to start this new adventure at Nebraska Center Stage!
Tallyn Hammond
Tallyn Hammond began on her journey with dance at just 3 years old during her first classes at The Dance Factory, where she later spent four years as an instructor. After receiving her degree in Special Education at Chadron State College, Tallyn's unwavering passion for working with children has been a cornerstone of her career. Tallyn has been teaching for the past three years. With over 20 years of extensive dance experience, she takes great pleasure in sharing her expertise across a variety of dance styles with students of all ages. Tallyn looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers with her passion and artistry.
Tamara Vigil
We’re thrilled to welcome Tamara Vigil back to North Platte! A proud graduate of North Platte High School and former Pacer, Tamara began her dance journey at The Dance Factory in 2002 with Becky Smith. Since then, she’s been sharing her love of dance by teaching ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop, jazz, and acro to dancers of all ages at Starstruck Dance Academy in Lincoln, Nebraska.
When she’s not in the studio, Tamara is the Office Manager (aka Chaos Coordinator!) at A Moment Photography/Nebraska Portraits. She loves spending time with her son, Felix—an enthusiastic dancer himself—along with their dog, Smokey. Whether it’s riding bikes, playing sports, or just being outside, they’re always up for an adventure.
Mission
Our mission at Nebraska Center Stage is to create a welcoming environment that inspires a lifelong love of dance by providing a positive and challenging environment where all dancers can grow in skill and confidence. We are dedicated to fostering discipline, teamwork, and cultivate a love for movement. We aim to inspire our dancers to shine both onstage and in life.
Growth
Build Skills
We empower every dancer to develop their unique style and skills, ensuring that each session is transformative and uplifting.
Passion
Cherish Art
At NCS, we celebrate the passion for dance and ensure that everyone leaves feeling energized and inspired.
