Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Yankton, SD
Academy of Dance has been dedicated to providing excellence in dance training for over 25 years, serving students from ages two through adulthood in the greater Yankton area. Under the direction of former touring professional Dorota Dannenbring, the studio combines rigorous technical instruction with creative expression. Our curriculum includes classical ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and modern dance, alongside specialized programs like SHiNE Dance Fitness for adults. Dorota Dannenbring brings extensive international performance experience and pedagogical expertise, having trained at the Warsaw School of Ballet and performed at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center. Our faculty comprises accomplished professionals with backgrounds in performance, choreography, and education, including alumni from institutions like the University of Iowa and Texas Tech University.We emphasize personalized mentorship, evidenced by our assistant teaching program that nurtures young instructors. The studio has earned recognition through competition awards such as Spotlight Dance's Outstanding Performance and Cathy Roe CRU's Entertainment award. Our community engagement extends to local theater productions and partnerships with educational institutions like the University of South Dakota. We maintain rigorous standards through required weekly ballet classes for advanced students and specialized technique courses. Our facility supports diverse programming with dedicated spaces for acrobatics, dance conditioning, and performance preparation.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip Hop
Lyrical
Modern
Tap
Acro
Dance Conditioning
Cheer
SHiNE Fitness
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of proven excellence in dance education
- Internationally experienced instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- Diverse curriculum covering 10+ dance styles and techniques
- Award-winning competition choreography program
- Community-focused approach with local theater partnerships
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision through Russian and RAD methods. Students receive training in classical movements, character dance, and pointe work. Two weekly classes are required for advanced students to build proper technique and performance readiness.
Jazz
This energetic style combines theatrical elements with technical skill. Classes focus on syncopated rhythms, isolations, and performance quality. Students learn choreography from musical theater and contemporary jazz repertoires while developing versatility.
Hip Hop
Athletic street-style instruction emphasizes rhythm, musicality, and improvisation. Classes teach foundational moves like popping, locking, and breaking while encouraging personal expression. No prior dance experience required for this accessible, high-energy class.
Lyrical
This style blends ballet and jazz techniques with emotional storytelling. Classes focus on fluid movements, dynamic control, and interpretive performance. Students develop artistry through contemporary music and choreography that emphasizes narrative expression.
SHiNE Fitness
This fitness program combines jazz, ballet, and hip hop techniques for all skill levels. Classes improve cardiovascular endurance while toning muscles through dance-based workouts. No dance experience necessary - just bring athletic shoes and comfortable clothing.
People
Dorota Dannenbring
Director/Owner
Former professional dancer with international performance experience. Trained at Warsaw School of Ballet. Award-winning choreographer with 25+ years teaching expertise. Specializes in classical technique and competition preparation.
Kathryn Rose Reimler
Dance Instructor
B.A. in Dance from University of Iowa. Experienced choreographer for Yankton High School and Dakota Theatre. Executive Director of Dakota Theatre with expertise in musical theater production and education.
Ashely Ibarolle
Dance Instructor
B.A. in Dance from Texas Tech University. Former Walt Disney World performer. Certified in Yoga, American Barre Technique, and SHiNE Fitness. Specializes in technique development and community dance education.
Olivia Liebig
Dance Instructor
Academy of Dance alumnus with 18 years training experience. Human development graduate from SDSU. Teaches Jazz I and assists multiple classes. Combines studio instruction with community engagement and mentorship programs.
Valerie Merkwan
Acrobatics Specialist
Gymnastics instructor with biology/chemistry background from USD. Certified in adult dance education. Brings 15+ years acrobatics expertise to dance team training. Focuses on safe technique development and performance integration.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer 10+ styles including ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, tap, acro, and SHiNE Fitness. Our curriculum also includes cheer, dance conditioning, and musical theater.
Do you have classes for adults?
Yes! We offer SHiNE™ Dance Fitness classes for adults of all skill levels. No prior dance experience is required for this fun, accessible fitness program.
What are your instructor qualifications?
Our instructors include former professionals with international performance experience, university-trained educators, and certified fitness specialists. Many have awards for choreography and teaching excellence.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We present annual productions like the Nutcracker Ballet and Spring Performance. Students also participate in competitions with award-winning choreography and community theater productions.
What age groups do you teach?
We teach ages 2 through adults. Specialized programs include 'Special Person & Me' for 2-3 year olds, youth classes, teen competition teams, and adult fitness sessions.
Do you offer dance team training?
Yes! Our Dance Team program prepares students for athletic jazz performances at sporting events. We also offer specialized cheer classes focusing on jumps, stunts, and performance technique.