Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Academy in La Crosse for All Ages
Applause Dance Academy has been dedicated to providing high-quality dance education since 2014. Our mission is to empower dancers of all ages through expert instruction and a supportive community. We offer small class sizes to ensure individualized attention, with programs designed for students from 18 months to 18 years old. Our experienced instructors hold certifications from recognized organizations, including the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters and Progressing Ballet Technique. We emphasize technical excellence while fostering confidence, creativity, and life skills through dance.With three competitive team levels, private lessons, and community-focused programs, we cater to both recreational and advanced dancers. Our facility features three studios with sprung floors and mirrors, creating an optimal learning environment. We prioritize accessibility through flexible payment plans, sibling discounts, and inclusive policies for all income levels. Regular performances and competitions allow students to showcase their progress. Our team maintains active involvement in professional dance organizations and continuously pursues advanced training to enhance instructional quality.
Services
Dance Classes
Private Lessons
Competitive Teams
Adult Classes
Wedding Choreography
Birthday Parties
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Our instructors hold 53+ professional dance certifications
- We offer 10 dance styles for ages 18 months to 18 years
- Three competitive team levels with performance opportunities
- Flexible payment plans and 5% sibling tuition discounts
- Certified staff with 11 years of combined teaching experience
Associations and certifications
- Chicago National Association of Dance Masters
- Progressing Ballet Technique
Services
Dance Classes
Structured dance instruction for ages 18 months to 18 years with leveled curricula in 10 dance styles. Classes focus on technical development, artistic expression, and performance preparation. Small group settings ensure personalized attention while building foundational skills and advanced techniques.
Competitive Teams
Three-tiered competitive program (Silver, Pink, Teal Companies) with technical training and competition preparation. Develops leadership, teamwork, and performance excellence through choreography, conventions, and multiple annual competitions for committed dancers.
Private Lessons
Individualized instruction available for all ages and skill levels, including solo competition preparation. Sessions focus on technical refinement, choreography development, and personalized skill enhancement with flexible scheduling options for non-registered students.
Wedding Choreography
Professional wedding dance instruction with customized choreography packages for first dances and bridal parties. Includes music editing, practice videos, and multiple rehearsal sessions to create memorable performances for couples and special events.
Adult Classes
Drop-in and course-based dance fitness programs for adults with options in strength training, flexibility, and recreational dance styles. Classes accommodate all experience levels with structured progressions in a supportive environment.
People
Kate Peak
Studio Director, Instructor
Certified Master Dance Educator with CNADM and specialist certifications in PBT, Giordano Jazz, and Acrobatic Arts. Teaches all dance styles and oversees studio operations with 14 years of regional teaching experience.
Liz Johnson
Company Coordinator, Instructor
Biology graduate with CNADM certification and awards for choreography excellence. Manages competitive teams while teaching advanced technique classes and directing performance groups.
Kelsie Thompson
Instructor
Former dance team captain with expertise in musical theatre and hip hop. Combines social work background with dance instruction to create engaging, therapeutic movement experiences for students.
Josie Miller
Company Assistant, Instructor
Pre-physical therapy student assisting with classes while pursuing dance minor studies. Brings competition experience and teaching assistant background to youth instruction programs.
Evelyn Carter
Desk Assistant, Instructor
Exercise science major teaching tap classes and managing front desk operations. Applies sports science knowledge to dance technique instruction and studio management.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach 10 dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and modern.
Are there classes for very young children?
Yes! We offer Creative Dance classes for children as young as 18 months with parent participation.
How do competitive team placements work?
Dancers audition for our three company levels based on experience and technical ability assessments.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we have drop-in adult classes in fitness dance, strength training, and recreational styles.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in regular recitals, competitions, and special events like wedding and birthday performances.
Are private dance lessons available?
Private instruction is available for all ages with customized lesson plans and flexible scheduling options.
Reviews (6)
Kelli Rae Sullivan
Oct 19, 2020
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I cannot reccomend Applause enough. My son was extremely hesitant at first to pursue dance because it was for girls now loves dance and counts down to class each week thanks to the wonderful teachers encouraging him!
Savanna Tonne
Mar 21, 2020
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Applause has been nothing short of amazing, whether it’s at our childcare center or for dance classes with my daughter in their studio!
Nese Nsf
Mar 01, 2020
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Talented instructors, and a fantastic owner who is dedicated to giving back to the local community. I'm glad I switched my daughters to this studio.
Brenna Davis
May 23, 2018
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What a friendly and supportive atmosphere! The teachers and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Its clear that everyone here loves what they do! Clean well-lit studios with great sound; the gorgeous sprung hardwood floors are perfect for beginning feet or calloused toes.
Rachel Arenz
Jul 28, 2017
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The staff at Applause has made us feel very welcome!! They have made the transition to applause for my girls very easy and they are loving it! The teachers really show passion for what they are doing and it's not just teaching it's being a role model to!
Lu Hanson Pertzsch
Jun 29, 2014
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I so agree with Dani, Sadie and Mary. The instructors are excellent and their passion for dance shines through in them and their students. We are so proud of each instructor and especially of the performance company as well. Great job all!