About Stacey & the Studio
Thirty-Three Years of Stars
Stacey Emch started teaching baton out of her parents' living room at nineteen. She never stopped.
Photo of Stacey
Where It Started
From a Living Room in Niles to the World Stage
In 1992, a nineteen-year-old Stacey Emch started teaching neighborhood kids how to twirl baton in her parents' house. There was no studio, no business plan, no marketing. Just a genuine love for the sport and a natural ability to teach it.
Thirty-three years later, Shining Stars Dance & Baton operates out of a full studio at 213 Sharkey Dr in Niles, has produced champions at every level from recreational to international, and has sent graduates on to twirl at Penn State, Pitt, YSU, Akron, and Marching Mizzou.
The building changed. The teaching never did.
Earned on the World Stage
She Doesn't Just Coach It. She's Lived It.
Stacey competed at the highest levels before she ever had a studio. She earned Silver and Bronze medals at the NBTA World Championship in Ghent, Belgium in 2009, along with multiple Miss Majorette of America placements and Grand National Twirling Championship finishes.
That history matters because she doesn't teach from a textbook. She knows what it takes to stand on a competition floor at the world level, and she brings that same standard to every student.
- NBTA World Championship — Silver & Bronze, Ghent Belgium 2009
- Miss Majorette of America — Multiple Placements
- Grand National Twirling Championship
- Head Coach, Niles McKinley Majorettes
- Coach, McDonald HS Featured Twirlers
Competition photo
Teaching Philosophy
"Ages 3 to 103" Is Not a Slogan
Stacey teaches absolute beginners the same way she coaches elite competitors: with full attention and real expectations. She genuinely believes every student has something to gain from this sport — coordination, discipline, confidence, and yes, plain fun.
Recreational students are never treated as second-tier. Competition students are never pushed past what they're ready for. The goal for every kid who walks in is simple: leave better than they came in.
Shining Stars Alumni Have Gone On to Perform At
1992
Year Founded
33
Years Teaching
3-103
Ages Welcome
Worlds
NBTA Medalist
Ready to Get Started?
Call or text Stacey directly, or send a message and she'll get back to you quickly.