- George Bernard Shaw
To my knowledge there are twelve studios in the Cedar Rapids
area. Extensions Dance Academy, Cherie's Dance Studio, Prestige Dance Studio,
The Dance Academy of Cedar Rapids, Epic Steps Dance Studio, CR Spirits, The
Dancer's Edge, Donna's Dance Place, Studio Dance, Dance Nation, Twisters Dance,
and Marion Dance Company. I have experience with five of the twelve dance
studios, know dancer's from all of the twelve, and have attended competitions
with eight of the twelve local studios.
I started dancing at the age of four at Cherie's Dance
Studio. When I was six I switched, and went across the street to take tap and
ballet class at Studio Dance. After one year with Studio Dance, I returned back
to Cherie's. I danced at Cherie's for the next ten years of my life. This year,
as a sophomore I made one of the most difficult decisions of my life, choosing
again to move studios, following my dance instructor from Cherie's, as she
opened her own studio in a separate part of town. That said, I am now dancing
for the newest Cedar Rapids Studio, Extensions Dance Academy, but there are many
other dance studios in the area that are producing great dancers for the community.
Extensions Dance Academy is on the southeast side of Cedar
Rapids, it contains three studios and is under the direction of Jen Schbetka.
Cherie's Dance Studio is on the northeast side of town, and contains four
studios, under the direction of Cherie Chittenden. Prestige Dance Studio lays
in the northeast side as well, with three studios, and owned by Jess Novotny.
The Dance Academy of Cedar Rapids, previously known as National Dance Academy
is ironically located in Marion, contains five studios and is owned by Sarah
Eighmy. Epic Steps is owned by Kyra Gilbert, the building contains four studios
and is located in northeast Cedar Rapids. CR Spirits is located in Lindale mall
with one studio, under the direction of Tiffany Kuehl. The Dancer’s Edge has
six studios, is co-owned by Steph and Charlie Vogl and located in Hiawatha.
Donna’s Dance Place is directed by Donna Butters, has three studios and is found
on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids. Studio Dance is also located in
northeast Cedar Rapids, they have two studios owned by Michelle Burke.
Unfortunately I do not know much information on Dance Nation, Twisters Dance or
the Marion Dance Company.
There is a great amount competition between all of these
local dance studios. You run into them at studio competitions, go to school with
members from each and even compete alongside them in high school dance teams.
Having so many options for dance in the area gives dance pupils the opportunity
to find their best fit for their dance education. The variety of studios
offered in the Cedar Rapids area range in competitive, cost, knowledge,
commitment levels. It’s all about what you are comfortable with in your dance
career, the amount of effort you’re willing to put forth, cost of tuition and
the best growth for the dance style you wish to prosper in.
~Julia Brewer
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