Get to know me

Tell us a little bit about your background in dance as a child?

I grew up dancing at Hollingsworth School of Dance and Gymnastics at the age of 3 and started dancing competitively at the age of 5 and continued all the way through high school. I went to Iowa Central Community College in 2007–2008 and received my AA degree in one year while dancing on their dance team. I then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa where I majored in Family Services and danced on their collegiate dance team for two years.

What made you decide to pursue a career in dance and what has your training been?

I knew I always wanted to have dance a part of my life after college to some degree. Whether that was performing, doing choreography for other teams, teaching at a studio, or coaching my very own team.

Shortly after I graduated college, the Head Dance Team Coach position became open at Iowa Central and I was so very lucky and grateful to be given the opportunity to continue to help build that dance program. Some of my training includes the experiences I was given during college, many workshops and conventions, coaching conferences, and guidance from many mentors.

What did/do you most enjoy about performing?

The thing I enjoy most about performing is the ability to lose myself in the music and the choreography. Dancing brings such joy and passion to my life especially during those 2 short minutes while actually performing. Performing is also an outlet for me to express my emotions and feelings. I love knowing that people are able to get to know me better and understand me as a person by simply just watching the passion that exudes from my body while dancing.

Who are some of your role models and why?

When it comes to dance I have a few role models that stand out for me. Growing up, I always idolized the “big girls” and wanted to be just like them. Katie Lunn was someone I definitely looked up to and valued her dance ability, her generosity and kindness and her overall outlook on life. I grew up dancing in the same studio as Katie but unfortunately her life was tragically ended way too soon in a train accident in Chicago. I think of her often especially when it comes to my coaching philosophy and how I want to be remembered as a person and a coach. Another person that I look up to and consider a major mentor for me in my dance career is Lesa Dencklau. Lesa and I grew up dancing in the same dance studio and then she became my dance team coach at Iowa Central for the one year I attended. During that time, Lesa taught me so many things about dancing and many more things about life. She allowed for a positive team culture and environment for us dancers to not be afraid to be our true self. She brought out so much more love and passion out of me for the art and sport of dance than I thought was possible. Her ability to think outside the box and use her creativity, knowledge, and skill to create beautiful dance performances is something I’ve always admired and have tried to emulate myself in my coaching career.

What has been the biggest challenge leading the ICCC Dance Program?

I would say one of the biggest challenges about leading the ICCC Dance program is the fact that the majority of students only attend Iowa Central as a student for a total of 2 years. As coaches, it seems we have to start over with a brand new team every year as the majority of members of our team come from our incoming freshman class. We see so much growth and progress in those 2 short years and then they graduate and move on. Selfishly, it is also very challenging because we create such strong and meaningful relationships with our dancers during their time with our program that it is so emotionally tough to say goodbye when we wish we could have more time with them.

What is the biggest reward leading the ICCC Dance Program?

It is funny because I would say the same things that are challenging are also the most rewarding. I am amazed at how much growth, improvement, and progress dancers can make within their short amount of time on our team. I feel so grateful and proud to say that I was able to be a small part in their growth and experiences not only as a dancer but also as a person. The other biggest reward I get from leading the dance team are the loving, meaningful, and deep relationships that are created. Having a positive culture on our team is of utmost importance and we work really hard to keep that in the forefront. We become a very close, tight-knit family and the relationships created leave a lasting imprint on my heart.

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would love to visit Norway. I come from a family that is 100% Norwegian and have a lot of traditions that we partake in. Norway also has beautiful scenery and views that I would really like to see.

What groups are you, either currently or in the past, involved with in the community?

I am a part of the Triton Culture Committee at Iowa Central where we try to organize events at the college to bring our staff and faculty together in a fun way or to acknowledge the positive things that are happening within our workplace.

What would you tell a parent who is thinking about signing their child up for dance lessons?

I would tell a parent that your child will be learning so much more about life from being involved in dance and not just gaining the knowledge and training of the art and sport of dance.

Dance has certainly chosen me in my life and I always coach with the philosophy that the arena in which these athletes perform is really just a training ground for the larger arena of life.

What is one or two things that you and your students find rewarding about the dance platform that people may not realize?

The ability to foster a strong sense of teamwork and personal growth. Dance challenges individuals to push their physical and mental boundaries while emphasizing trust, synchronization, and collaboration within a group. This unique combination allows participants to experience both individual accomplishments and the joy of contributing to something larger than themselves, often forming deep bonds with their team in the process.

What’s one word you use to describe yourself?

Passionate. I try to do everything leading with my heart. I am deeply committed to the art and sport of dance and find great fulfillment in helping dancers grow technically, artistically, and personally. I always go above and beyond to ensure the happiness and success of my dancers.