Business Details
8 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Iowa City, IA
At Life's Your Stage Dance, we believe dance is more than movementit's a transformative journey that shapes character, discipline, and confidence. Founded in 2018 by Liz Kinney Berger, a graduate of Oklahoma City University's prestigious American Dance Pedagogy program, our studio combines technical excellence with life lessons that extend beyond the studio walls. Our mission is to provide Iowa City families with high-quality dance education through personalized instruction tailored to each student's unique potential. With a team of experienced instructors, including competition-winning choreographers and nationally recognized performers, we foster a supportive environment where students of all ages develop coordination, rhythm, and essential life skills like teamwork and perseverance.Our state-of-the-art facility features a 900 sq ft floating dance floor designed to protect students' physical health while offering multiple performance opportunities to showcase their growth. From ballet and jazz to hip-hop and tumbling, our diverse class offerings cater to recreational and competitive dancers alike. We prioritize mental well-being alongside technical training, ensuring every student feels empowered to express themselves creatively. Located in the Iowa City Marketplace, our studio serves as a community hub where dancers build lifelong friendships while mastering the art of dance.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Instruction
Hip-Hop Workshops
Tumbling Lessons
Lyrical Dance
Musical Theater
Pom Classes
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized dance instruction tailored to each student's needs
- Our instructors include competition-winning choreographers and nationally recognized performers
- We feature specialized floating dance floors for student safety
- We provide multiple performance opportunities throughout the year
- Our team includes graduates of prestigious dance pedagogy programs
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn proper body alignment, barre exercises, and center combinations while building strength and flexibility. Classes cater to all levels from beginner to advanced dancers.
Tumbling Lessons
Specialized tumbling instruction focuses on safe progression of floor skills including cartwheels, handsprings, and aerials. Certified instructors emphasize proper technique and body awareness to prevent injuries while building confidence in movement.
Hip-Hop Workshops
Contemporary hip-hop classes teach rhythm, isolation techniques, and freestyle expression. Students learn current choreography trends while developing musicality and performance energy in a dynamic group setting.
Musical Theater
This program combines dance, acting, and singing to prepare students for theatrical productions. Classes focus on Broadway-style choreography, character development, and performance techniques for stage productions.
Lyrical Dance
Lyrical classes blend ballet and jazz techniques to create emotionally expressive performances. Students learn fluid movements that interpret music through storytelling while developing flexibility and artistic interpretation.
People
Liz Kinney Berger
Owner/Director
Liz Kinney Berger founded Life's Your Stage Dance in 2018 after graduating from Oklahoma City University's American Dance Pedagogy program. With 15 years of teaching experience and competition-winning choreography expertise, she brings professional industry standards to Iowa City's dance community.
Emme Keith
Tumbling Instructor
Emme Keith specializes in advanced tumbling instruction with competitive gymnastics experience. A former collegiate cheerleader and All-American cross country runner, she brings technical precision and injury prevention knowledge to her tumbling classes.
Elizabeth Maine
Musical Theater Instructor
Elizabeth Maine teaches musical theater and pom classes with extensive competition experience. A two-time All-Iowa Honor Dance Team member, she combines technical training with performance artistry to prepare students for stage productions and competitions.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, tumbling, musical theater, and pom classes for students of all skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We offer multiple performance opportunities including our annual Christmas Show, recitals, and competition team appearances.
What should students wear to class?
Specific dress codes vary by class type. General guidelines and uniform requirements are provided during registration and available on our website.
Do you offer summer classes?
Yes, we offer summer technique programs and specialized workshops starting in June through August each year.
How are instructors qualified?
All our instructors have professional dance training and teaching experience. Many hold competition awards and have performed professionally in various dance genres.
Reviews (2)
E. G.
Jun 30, 2020
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It's so nice to finally find a dance teacher that really cares about the children. Liz makes it fun for them and teaches high quality dance!
Kristen Witt
May 03, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
I have 2 daughters in Liz dance studio. This has been our first experience with dance, and it has been a great experience. Liz is a great teacher, and has also shown how flexible she is when dealing with covid. Highly recommended!
I have 2 daughters in Liz dance studio. This has been our first experience with dance, and it has been a great experience. Liz is a great teacher, and has also shown how flexible she is when dealing with covid. Highly recommended!
