The Flip Flop Shop is owned by Jack and JoAnne Thaw. JoAnne Thaw is a retired (2006) teacher of Physical Education (32 years) for USD 373, Newton High Gymnastics Coach and a former Newton High Cheer Coach (2003-2006). The Flip Flop Shop celebrated 16 years of service to Newton and the surrounding community with the GRAND OPENING OF A NEW FACILITY ON APRIL 24th, 2004. RIBBON CUTTING for the new facility was Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. Jack is a retired (2004) teacher of 30 years for USD 373, a former Newton High School Wrestling Coach (20 years) and Middle School Track. He is currently head wrestling coach at Halstead High School, Assistant NHS Gymnastics coach and a counselor, Physical Education teacher, and Middle School track coach at Holy Savior Academy in Wichita.

The new air conditioned facility is bigger with a full size spring floor, 20' Tumble Trak, safety foam pit, and large dance studio. FFS offers programs for students 18 months to 18 years. Teen and Adult classes in dance. 

CLASSES IN BALLET, POINTE, TAP, MODERN, AND JAZZ.

 

PARENT - TOT CLASS - (18months -36 months)

A class for the parent and young child to explore the "world of gymnastics". Learn how to "play" gymnastics and have a great bonding time with your child. Children learn the importance of movement and physical activity at a young age and the results are long lasting.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES - Celebrate your child's special day at the Flip Flop Shop! 1 hour of gymnastics/gym time with certified instructors. 30 minute party after gym time. Child receives a gift from FFS. We provide the table and chairs set up as well as clean up. $115.50 for 10 children; $5 each additional child added past 10. We ask that you book 2 weeks in advance with a deposit of half the payment due. 10% discount for FFS students. FFS can make exceptions on the 2 week advance if gym is open and staff available.

Hannah Martinez, Dance Instructor

Ms. Hannah joins us on August 23, 2010 .  She will teach all the dance classes at the Flip Flop Shop.  She is currently the Railiner Dance Team Coach at Newton High School and is the Marketing Director for Knockout Girls Promotional Team Founder and Coordinator.  Hannah has been training in dance since she was 4 years old in and around Newton.  She has taken dance at the Newton Dance Center, Bethel Dance Academy Summer program, MGM Studio of the Dance in Wichita and Skywalkers Trampoline and Tumbling in Cheer Stunting and Cirque Training.  She brings a lot of experience in dance, instructing, and choreography with her to the Flip Flop Shop.  She is currently teaching Creative Movement, Beginning Ballet, Beginning Jazz, Jazz II, beginning tap, a competitive dance duo,  and a high school Combination class of ballet, tap, and jazz.  She is well qualified to teach advance ballet and pointe and is hoping to increase the size of our dance program this year.

GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTORS & COACHES

Rhiannon Royston- Mrs. Royston is not new to the FFS.  She started as a student, quickly moved up to team competing levels 4-8, competed for Hesston High School and taught classes throughout high school, and coached team during her college years.  She is a pediatric nurse in Wichita and now, newly married, she is residing in Newton with husband, Matt. She is also a graduate student at Wichita State majoring in business.  She is excited to be able to come back and help with some of our classes and team and we are fortunate to have her bring her love of kids, love of gymnastics, and expertise to the Flip Flop Shop.

Trisha Fast- Mrs. Fast brings valuable experience and expertise to the FFS.  She is a 4th grade teacher for USD 373 and a former competitive gymnast.  Mrs Fast has taught and coached  gymnastics for Folgers Gymnastics of Wichita, Pittsburgh Y, and Hutchinson Y.  Her experience in teaching and coaching is a great plus for the FFS.

Kylie Jantz- Ms. Jantz, like Mrs. Royston, has been in gymnastics for many years.  She started classes at age 4 and eventually competed on the FFS team and was a varsity member of the Newton High School team all 4 years.  An honor student,  she recently graduated from NHS and was one of the valedictorians in her class.  She has coached team and pre-team for 2 years and is excited to be involved in teaching and coaching gymnastics.  She is now  a junior at Bethel College and a great addition to the FFS staff.

Christina Garlow- Ms. Christina like Ms. Kylie is a junior at Bethel College and comes to us from Colorado.  She was in gymnastics for many years in Colorado and was a competitive gymnast. She is beginning her 2nd year as pre-team coach and absolutely loves working with the children.  She is a great addition to the FFS staff.

Penny Hiebert- Teaches tiny tots, tumblers and substitutes for beginners. Mrs. Hiebert loves working with kids. She has two children of her own, one of which has been involved with the Flip Flop Shop for over nine years now. That's how she got to love the sport. Mikayla is in level 7 and also helps teach tumblers at the FFS. Mrs. Hiebert  has taught Sunday School for 11 years from kindergarten through 8th grade. She has also helped with Bible school and is active in the Praise Team in her church. She has been employed at Excel Industries, Inc. in Hesston for 24 years. She enjoys camping and working in her yard. Her family keeps her busy with all their activities, but she wouldn't have it any other way. She is a great asset to the Flip Flop Shop staff.

Maria Jantz-Brittany is a senior at Newton High School and a member of the Newton High School Gymnastics Team - co state champions 2009 and medalist on vault. She began gymnastics at the Flip Flop Shop in elementary school and was part of the Flip Flop Shop team.  She helps teach the Tots, Tumblers and Beginners and substitutes for other classes when needed. She is active in high school activities, but loves gymnastics and is ready to give back to the sport some of what she has gained from it.  Maria has a brother in high school and also has a younger sister just beginning gymnastics competition.

Riley Roberts - a junior at Newton and a member of the Newton High School Gymnastics Team, state co-champions 2009 and floor exercise champion as well as a medalist on bars, beam, and all around. Riley  has a long history at the Flip Flop Shop as a student and competitor.  She is active in high school and maintains a 4.0 gpa.  She has been a varsity cheerleader 3 years and a two time All American. She will begin teaching the Cheer Bears and substitute for some of the gymnastics classes as needed. She enjoys little children immensely.  We are fortunate to have her on staff.

Click On class descriptions and schedule for complete listing of classes offered, times and tuition.

We appreciate you visiting our site and hope to serve you soon!