WHO WE ARE
At Arbor Dance Studio, we are committed to cultivating a space where young dancers can grow—not just in skill, but in spirit. We plant seeds of joy, creativity, and curiosity in each dancer, then nurture them through rich, intentional experiences that build strong roots in technique, artistry, and purpose.
We believe that true growth happens when dancers are seen, known, and valued—not just for their ability, but for who they are. Our studio culture is built around encouragement, discovery, and authenticity. We aim to help every student flourish—not only as artists, but as confident individuals with the courage to be themselves, on and off the stage.
Greatness isn’t our end goal—growth is. Because strong roots make room for limitless branches.
WHY WE EXIST
At Arbor Dance Studio, we believe dance is for everyone.
Regardless of age, shape, size, or ability, every child deserves the opportunity to move, create, and grow. From toddlers to teens, we welcome every dancer into a family-friendly, wholesome environment where they can thrive.
Our commitment is to provide exceptional dance education paired with a positive and uplifting experience for both students and their families. We focus on strong technical training, inspiring choreography, appropriate music and costuming, and a values-based culture that celebrates kindness, effort, and joy.
At Arbor, we don’t just grow dancers—we grow humans. And we’re honored to be a part of your dancer’s journey.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Arbor Dance Studio is proud to be a place where dancers not only grow deep roots in classical technique, but also branch out into unique and enriching experiences. We are one of the few studios in the Tulsa area offering clogging at a competitive and exceptional level—a tradition we are proud to keep alive and evolving.
We believe in producing well-rounded dancers and confident young people by giving them opportunities to explore, stretch, and discover new forms of expression. Whether it’s trying a new genre, performing in new spaces, or working collaboratively with others, our dancers are encouraged to reach beyond their comfort zones.
But more than what we teach—it’s how we teach that sets us apart.
The word “arbor” refers to a group of trees growing together to form a protective shelter. That is exactly the kind of environment we strive to create: a place of safety, connection, and belonging where every dancer feels supported as they grow.
At Arbor, we are more than a dance studio. We are a growing, thriving, deeply-rooted community—and there's a place for you here.
OUR TEACHERS
LILY MCGEE - OWNER
Lily McGee is the owner and director of Arbor Dance Studio. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Belhaven University. Her formal education began at Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of Dance and Entertainment and was furthered and completed at Belhaven University, where she was honored with awards for both artistic achievement and service through dance ministry. Across her years of training, she has studied a diverse range of dance styles—including jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, modern, clogging, musical theatre, and hip hop—under the instruction of esteemed educators and choreographers.
Her experience includes performing in musicals, concert works, and dance films, and choreographing for children's theater, university showcases, and regional productions. She brings to Arbor not only a deep technical foundation, but also years of experience teaching, directing, and producing. Most recently, Lily performed in Afterglow, a dance concert with Kin Dance Company, where she is currently a company dancer.
As a follower of Jesus, her faith inspires her leadership—though Arbor is open to all, she seeks to lead with the love of Christ and to nurture a space where dancers are safe, seen, and celebrated. Lily believes excellence in dance begins with a desire to grow, and she hopes every student leaves class with more courage, creativity, and joy than when they came in!
COURTNEY SKALNIK
Courtney Skalnik was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and first began her training at Attitudes Dance Studio and the Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education. She then went on to complete her dance training under scholarship at Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto. She developed her skills further with summer courses that included Ballet Magnificat!, the Harid Conservatory, Het National Ballet School and San Francisco Ballet School. Before she became a Soloist with Ballett am Rhein from 2020-2024, Courtney Skalnik had already performed with the National Ballet of Canada and the Tulsa Ballet in various productions. Her performance Reportiore includes a mix of both Classical and Modern works, as well as new and established creations. Some important productions she has been a part of include “Le Sacre du Printemps” by Marcos Morau, “From Time to Time” by John Neumeier, “Rubies” by George Balanchine, “Four Temperaments” by George Balanchine, “Salt Womb” by Sharon Eyal, “Artifact II” by William Forsythe, “The Cage” by Jerome Robbins, “Carmen” by Roland Petit, and multiple versions of “The Nutrcracker” among others. After retiring from performing in 2025 she is continuing to share her love of dance and movement with others through teaching.
BLAIR NOBLIN
Blair is a recent graduate from The University of Oklahoma applying to dental school. She has been dancing, cheering, and tumbling since she was 3 years old. Her talent for pageants in the Miss America Organization is Tap for which she has received scholarships and talent awards, along with dance competition awards. Her dance journey led her to receive a scholarship from Oklahoma City University’s Competitive Pom team. During her junior and senior year at The University of Oklahoma, she started teaching dance at a local studio and choreographing audition routines. Blair is now excited to bring her precision, rhythm, and joyful energy to the students at Arbor Dance Studio!
NORA WALLSTEIN
Nora Wallstein is a 17-year-old dancer entering her 15th year of training. She has studied tap, jazz, contemporary, clogging, ballet, and hip-hop at Attitudes Dance Studio for the past 14 years and is excited to begin her senior season with Arbor Dance Studio. For the last five years, Nora has served as a student assistant in various classes, discovering a deep passion for teaching. She also travels as a Soulelite with the Soul de Soul dance convention. After graduation, she plans to continue growing in her dance journey and sharing her love of movement with others!
OFFICE STAFF
MAE SHUMAKER
Mae is Lily's older sister and danced with her on Main Street in Collinsville at Attitudes Dance Studio for 15 years. Tap is her favorite dance style!
She graduated in 2021 from Friends University with a Bachelor's degree in
Media Communications and then married her husband, Nathan, the next spring in May of 2022. Mae and Nathan welcomed their daughter, Eleanor, in July of 2024 and Mae loves getting to stay home with her. Mae also runs a custom cake business from her home in Collinsville and just loves to create fun and beautiful things whether it be cakes or through creative media like photo, video, or graphic design. She looks forward to working part time in the office and helping her sister make Arbor Dance Studio grow in grace and excellence!
CHRISTINA CHAVEZ
Christina has always had a strong love for dance. Growing up, she spent 15 years training in ballet, tap, and jazz while performing recreationally with her local dance studio. After high school, she enjoyed performing with her college Show Choir where she served as lead choreographer for 4 years. After graduation, she would continue to provide choreography services to the college and local area schools for musical theatre and show choir performances. Christina married her college sweetheart (and dance partner) in 2006 and they welcomed their first child, Landyn, in 2008. When their second child, Laylah was born in 2010, Christina decided to transition to being a stay at home mom. She eagerly took on the role of “dance mom” when Laylah started dancing in 2013. Christina and Walter would go on to welcome two more children, Lauryn in 2014 and Lawsyn in 2016. The family moved to Collinsville in 2019 and quickly started searching for their dance home. After trying a couple of different studios in the area, they joined Attitudes Dance Studio in 2022 where she and all three of her daughters felt like they found their dance family and were exactly where they belonged. Christina equally enjoys quiet days at home with her family and the chaos filled days that never seem to end. She loves reading, shopping, and rhinestoning anything she can get her hands on. Her favorite style of dance is jazz/hip hop, but she genuinely loves it all! Her favorite part of dance is watching the performers love what they do and seeing them come alive on stage. She is excited to join the Arbor Dance Studio staff and looks forward to supporting and cheering on all the kids in their dance and life goals.
SHAWNA MCWILLIAMS
Shawna is Lily’s cousin and next-door neighbor, and a supporter of her family’s many creative adventures. Always ready to jump in with a smile, Shawna will be lending a hand in the Arbor Dance Studio office part-time—helping with everything from front desk duties to behind-the-scenes organization.
Some families may already recognize her friendly face—Shawna played a helpful role in Attitudes Dance Studio’s most recent recital, and she’s excited to continue serving the studio community in this next chapter. Shawna is honored to support Arbor as it continues to flourish and grow gracefully in unity.