Business Details
Your Premier Dance Studio in Bemidji, MN
First City Dance Studio has been dedicated to nurturing dancers of all ages and skill levels since our founding. Our mission focuses on creating a fun and safe environment where students develop technical proficiency while building confidence and community. With two professional dance floors, mirrored walls, and ballet barres, our facility supports comprehensive instruction in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and Contemporary styles.Our experienced faculty, including owner Cathy Marcotte, delivers structured recreational and competitive programs designed to foster growth through performance opportunities and summer camps. We maintain high standards of professionalism through clear policies on etiquette, dress codes, and attendance, ensuring students maximize their learning potential. The studio also provides a convenient dancewear store for all necessary attire and equipment.
Services
Tap
Jazz
Ballet
Hip Hop
Musical Theatre
Lyrical
Contemporary
Highlights and features
- We offer 7+ dance styles including competitive programs for dedicated students
- Our 2 professional dance floors and mirrored walls optimize learning environments
- Owner Cathy Marcotte directs recreational programs with 20+ years of experience
- We provide summer camps and performance opportunities for skill development
- Dance store available for all required attire and equipment needs
What people say
Professional but fun
Grown so much
Firm but fun
Amazing teaching
Only place to dance
Services
Recreational Dance Program
Our recreational program welcomes ages 18 months and older with no prior experience required. Students explore multiple dance styles while developing foundational skills in a supportive environment. Classes run monthly September-June with summer camp options available for continued training.
Competitive Dance Program
Designed for dedicated dancers seeking advanced training, this program includes intensive weekly sessions and competition preparation. Participants receive specialized coaching in technique refinement and performance quality, with tryouts held annually during our summer intensive program.
Summer Dance Camps
Offered July-August, our summer camps provide focused dance training while maintaining a fun atmosphere. Programs include skill-building workshops, choreography sessions, and performance preparation for students of all experience levels in various dance styles.
Dance Store
Conveniently located in our lobby, the studio store offers all required dancewear and equipment. We stock leotards, tights, shoes, and accessories meeting our strict dress code requirements for both recreational and competitive programs.
Studio Performances
Regular performance opportunities allow students to demonstrate their progress in front of live audiences. Events include seasonal showcases like the Spring Show and Nutcracker productions, with both recreational and competitive groups participating in our annual performances.
People
Cathy Marcotte
Owner/Recreational Dance Director
Cathy directs our recreational programs with over two decades of dance instruction experience. She created the studio's foundational curriculum and maintains oversight of all beginner-level classes and summer programs.
Stephanie McSharry
Dance Instructor
Stephanie teaches ballet and pointe classes with a focus on proper technique and body alignment. She brings professional performance experience to her instruction, emphasizing classical foundations while nurturing student growth.
Kaylan Ellis
Dance Instructor
Kaylan specializes in tap instruction for junior and adult students. Her teaching approach combines technical precision with creative expression, helping students develop rhythm and musicality across multiple experience levels.
Makenna Schmidt
Hip Hop Instructor
Makenna leads hip hop classes with energetic instruction that blends street style with traditional jazz techniques. She emphasizes performance quality and individual expression while maintaining technical standards in movement execution.
Maya Schmidt
Dance Instructor
Maya teaches advanced hip hop and contemporary classes, focusing on dynamic movement and performance energy. Her instruction emphasizes technical control while encouraging artistic interpretation in choreography and execution.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, and Contemporary styles for ages 18 months and older.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes, our competitive program includes tryouts in August during our summer intensive program for dedicated dancers seeking advanced training.
What are your class durations and pricing?
Monthly classes range from 30 minutes ($35) to 90 minutes ($55) with adult/boys classes at $35 monthly.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we provide summer dance camps July-August with specialized training and performance preparation opportunities for all skill levels.
What are your dress code requirements?
Specific attire varies by class but includes solid-color leotards, tights, and appropriate shoes. No costumes or loose jewelry allowed during regular instruction.
How do I register for classes?
Registration occurs online through our website with a $25 fee. Class schedules and availability are updated annually for the September-June term.
Reviews (4)
Holly Rairdon
Jun 24, 2020
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First City Dance is top notch. They are professional but fun. My daughter has grown so much since attending. Not only in her dancing but also in her confidence. This place is the only place to dance!!!
Katy Liapis
Jun 02, 2019
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A great studio. Thanks for the great year Cathy and all your amazing staff. looking forward to next years season!
Web Designer
Dec 18, 2017
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The parents of this studio (along with a teacher) were calling our children names and were so obnoxious during the competition, several studios complained about the behavior from the adults and children.
Sharayah Sconce
Jun 08, 2017
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My 2 year old daughter was the baby of her group this year and it just amazes me how Cathy can get kids of this age to follow exactly what she wants them to! She's firm but fun and loving! Thank you so much! I hope my daughter Braelynn will always love her dance class!