Business Details
40 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in West Des Moines, Iowa
Brekke Dance Center has been dedicated to providing high-quality dance education since 1986. Founded by Paula Brekke as a sole proprietorship, our studio has evolved into a family-run business under the leadership of Matthew Brekke, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Arizona. Our mission emphasizes safety, respect, and comprehensive dance training, offering progressive curricula across ballet, tap, jazz, tumbling, and contemporary styles. With over 25 years of experience, we prioritize individualized attention, ensuring students develop technical proficiency while fostering self-confidence and healthy lifestyles.Our instructors, including nationally certified professionals and competition directors, bring decades of expertise from prestigious institutions and professional productions. We maintain rigorous standards in choreography, performance, and injury prevention, preparing dancers for both competitive success and lifelong appreciation of the art form. Our family-friendly environment welcomes students of all ages, from preschoolers to advanced competitors, with flexible class options to accommodate diverse schedules.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance
Tumbling & Acrobatics
Contemporary Dance
Hip-Hop Workshops
Competition Teams
Summer Intensives
Adult Dance Fitness
Holiday Performances
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- Our instructors include nationally certified dance educators with 20+ years of competition experience
- We offer 10+ dance genres including specialized acrobatics and musical theater programs
- Family-friendly environment with age-appropriate classes from preschool to adult levels
- Proven track record of producing nationally recognized choreography and award-winning dancers
- Emphasis on injury prevention and proper technical development for safe progression
Associations and certifications
- Dance Masters of America
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Certified instructors focus on proper alignment, turnout, and classical technique while incorporating creative movement. Students participate in annual performances and receive individualized feedback to ensure proper development in a supportive environment.
Tumbling & Acrobatics
Specialized acrobatic instruction emphasizes safe progression through skill-based levels with certified coaches. Classes combine dance technique with tumbling elements, focusing on strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness. Our program prepares students for competitive routines while maintaining strict safety protocols for injury prevention during complex maneuvers.
Competition Teams
Award-winning competition program offers training in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theater styles. Dancers receive choreography from nationally recognized instructors and participate in regional and national competitions. Teams are divided by age and skill level with customized rehearsal schedules to accommodate school commitments.
Summer Intensives
Annual summer programs provide immersive dance training with master instructors from across the country. Participants receive technique classes, choreography workshops, and performance preparation in multiple genres. The program includes guest artist collaborations and culminates in a showcase performance for family and friends.
Adult Dance Fitness
Recreational dance fitness classes combine cardiovascular exercise with dance technique for adults of all skill levels. Sessions focus on improving coordination, flexibility, and strength through fun, music-driven routines. Classes are designed to accommodate busy schedules while promoting community engagement through group choreography.
People
Matthew Brekke
Co-Owner / Co-Competition Director
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from University of Arizona. Certified Dance Masters of America instructor with 20+ years competition judging experience. Former president of Dance Masters of Mid-America, Chapter 34. Choreographs award-winning routines featured in professional productions nationwide.
Shelly Brekke
Co-Owner / Co-Competition Director
Tap specialist trained by Al Gilbert and Tony Coppola. Former owner of Fabulous Feet The Company in Arkansas. Recognized for innovative choreography and national championship teams. Former director of tap programs at multiple studios across the Midwest.
Courtney Greteman-Taylor
Instructor / Social Media Coordinator
University of the Arts graduate with 15 years professional experience. Former performer at Caesars Palace and Holland America Cruise Lines. Certified Dance Masters of America member. Current president of Dance Masters of Mid-America, Chapter 34.
Lizz Rohrer
Acrobatics Instructor
Miss Dance of Mid-America 2008. Arizona State University dance program graduate. Specializes in acrobatics instruction while teaching multiple genres including hip-hop and jazz. Leads holiday performance productions and choreography.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theater, lyrical, and acrobatics with specialized programs for competition teams.
Do you have classes for beginners?
Yes! Our combination classes for preschoolers through middle school introduce multiple styles, while adult fitness classes welcome all experience levels.
What are your dress code requirements?
Girls wear solid-colored leotards with tights, boys wear black pants and shirts. Specific shoes required for each dance style. Full dress code details available online.
Can students try a class before registering?
Yes, we offer one free introductory class for new students to experience our programs before committing to registration.
Do you participate in dance competitions?
Our competition teams regularly participate in regional and national events, with choreography recognized for multiple top awards across all dance genres.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available online through our website. Contact our office at (515) 243-4174 for assistance with class selection and scheduling.
