Dance Express (Studios A, B, & C)
2105 N Broad Ct
Mankato, MN 56001
Dance Express (Studio D & Music Express)
110 W Dukes St
Mankato, MN 56001
PHONE: 507.625.3865
BUSINESS HOURS:
Mon.-Thu. 3:30-7:00 pm
Fri. Sat. & Sun.: By appointment
Olivia is a dance instructor here at Dance Express who specializes in, but not limited to, Hip Hop. Dance has always been her passion, starting when she was only 3 years old. She started teaching dance her senior year of High School, while also being a dancer herself, as well as the captain of her dance team at Mankato West High School. Moving into college, she currently attends the University of Minnesota Duluth studying for a Secondary Education major, but loves dance so much, she commutes back to be apart of our DXP family as much as possible. She helps with camps, dances, competitions, events, and thoroughly enjoys being apart of such a strong family. Dancing has helped shape her as a human being as well as an artist, and she is motivated by teaching students the artistic beauty of dance, and the lifelong lessons that come with it.
Email: [email protected]
Megan grew up dancing in Mankato and graduated from MSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in French and English. Her plan was to teach high school until she realized teaching dance was her true passion. She taught dance for 5 years before taking a break to be home with her kids, but now she couldn’t be happier to be back in the studio. She has experience teaching all ages from toddler to adult in all styles at the recreational and competitive level. Her favorite thing in the world is sharing her passion for dance with her students and watching their own passion develop and grow.
Dance Express is so excited to welcome “Miss Madison” to our teaching staff! Madison comes with a variety of experiences, including being current captain of the Minnesota State Mankato Dance Team. She trained at Bridget’s Dance Conservatory (Austin, MN) for many years where she currently choreographs and teaches. She is a welcomed home town favorite instructor. Madison is versed in all styles dance, with Contemporary and Jazz being her strongest. She is anxious to work with the talented DXP dancers.
Nick Wayne is a 2002 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, where he majored in Music. In May 2004 he earned his Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Minnesota State Mankato, and has taught as an adjunct faculty at Minnesota State Mankato, Gustavus Adolphus College and Bethany Lutheran College. In addition, he served as Musical Director for MSU’s Mainstage productions of Man of La Mancha, Urinetown and Beauty and the Beast plus Highland Summer Theatre
Kallie specializes in many styles including: jazz, ballet, pointe, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, high kick, and pom. Her training includes River Valley Dance Academy in Chaska, MN and The Dance Warehouse in Chanhassen, MN. She is a former captain of the Chanhassen High School Dance Team and presently a 3rd year of coaching the JV team. Kallie is a 4th year member of the National Champs, Maverick Dance Team, has served as a captain for 3 years. Kallie is very energetic and has a true passion for dance.
Megan Fuerstenberg has been an instructor at Dance Express since 2018. She grew up dancing in Savage, Minnesota and has been dancing for 7 years. She was on the competition team of her studio for five years and was an assistant teacher for three years. She has studied many styles of dance including contemporary, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theater and ballet. She currently attends MSU and plans on majoring in K-12 dance education and minoring in marketing. Dance has been a huge part of her life and she loves to share her passion of dance with others
Dancin Teens Tap (Grade 7-12) : Tap. Basic skills include the DXP curriculum, learning correct vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. All Dancing Kids classes perform 1 tap dance in the spring recital as well as the group finale dance. (30 min./week)
Typically, Dancers add Dancin Teens Jazz, Hip Hop & Lyrical to their class schedule. These classes are conveniently scheduled back to back. Greater discount for additional classes!
Dancin Teens Jazz (Grade 7-12) : Jazz. Basic skills include the DXP curriculum, learning correct vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. All Dancing Kids Jazz classes perform 1 jazz dance in the spring recital as well as the group finale dance. (30 min./week)
Typically, Dancers add Dancin Teens Tap, Hip Hop & Lyrical to their class schedule. These classes are conveniently scheduled back to back.Greater discount for additional classes!
Dancin Teens Lyrical (Grade 7-12) : This class is designed for dancers looking to expand their dance knowledge. Dancers learn the tools of connecting their movement and emotions to music. Each lyrical class performs 1 routine in the spring recital. (30 min./week)
Typically, Dancers add Dancin Teens Tap, Jazz & Hip Hop to their class schedule. These classes are conveniently scheduled back to back.Greater discount for additional classes!
Dancin Teens Hip Hop (Grade 7-12) : For the dancer who can’t get enough hip hop! This class explores the world of hip hop using street inspired steps and music. Each class performs 1 hip hop routine in the spring recital. (30 min./week)
Typically, Dancers add Dancin Teens Tap, Jazz & Lyrical to their class schedule. These classes are conveniently scheduled back to back.Greater discount for additional classes!
Dancin Kids Ballet (Grade K-2) : This is an introductory class containing fun and basic movements of ballet. Ballet basic skills from our DXP curriculum are introduced including vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. This class introduces young dancers to the beginning steps of ballet skills. (30 min./week)
Typically, Dancers add Dancin Kids Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop & Lyrical to their class schedule. These classes are conveniently scheduled back to back.Greater discount for additional classes!
Tippy Toes (Ages 4-5): Ballet. Basic skills from our DXP curriculum are introduced including ballet vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. Tippy Toes classes perform one ballet dance and the group finale in our spring recital. (30 min./week)
Typically, Dancers add Tiny Tappers, Hippity Hop & Broadway Babies classes to their class schedule. These classes are conveniently scheduled back to back.Greater discount for additional classes!
Tiny Tappers (Ages 4-5) : Tap. Basic skills from our DXP curriculum are introduced including dance vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. All Tiny Tappers classes perform one tap dance and the group finale in our spring recital. (30 min./week)
Typically, Dancers add Tippy Toes, Hippity Hop & Broadway Babies classes to their class schedule. These classes are conveniently scheduled back to back. Greater discount for additional classes!
Wiggle Wednesday (18 months & up) FREE class for 18 months and up! Listen to a Story and WIGGLE OUT! First Wednesday of Each Month (September to May): 10:30-11:00 am. Click here to register for a FREE class.
Nicole Mueller has been a dance instructor at Dance Express since 2011. Besides teaching, she is our graphic designer and helps coordinate the different camps at Dance Express. Nicole has participated in Dancing with the Mankato Stars every year and won the entire competition with a perfect score in 2017. Nicole graduated with honors from MSU Mankato with a bachelors degree in Art. She is currently a graphic designer for a local company in Janesville, MN and loves being able to share both her love for dance and graphic design with Dance Express.
E-mail: [email protected]
Jessica Alstad Ballet Director Jessica Alstad has been teaching graded ballet and pointe classes more than a decade. She began her training at Southwest School of Dance, Marshall, MN. During her high school career, she competed at the regional and national level for Dance Olympus and Statewide Dance Competitions in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theater, lyrical, and modern dance. She received several elite titles in solos, duets and small groups at Dance Olympus Nationals. Highlight performances included coveted roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara in the school’s annual Nutcracker production, which she performed alongside professional company members of Minnesota Dance Theatre, Duluth. While on a Dance Management scholarship to Oklahoma City University, she completed a two-year tenure and performed with the OCU Spirit Dance Company and Liturgical Dance Company, under the artistic direction of Jo Rowan. Coursework for her dance minor was completed at Minnesota State University, Mankato where she performed with MSU’s Theatre and Dance Department in their bi-annual student showcase. Currently, Jessica continues her dance education at Zenon Dance Company, as well as performs, choreographs, and teaches at Fine Arts School of Ballet, Mankato. Her choreography has been performed at the historic Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul and displayed in productions of the Nutcracker, Miracle on 34th Street The Ballet and multiple community-based stage shows. Jessica believes ballet is the root of all dance genres and strives to instill in her students the importance of controlled technique, strong dance vocabulary, and appreciation for classical artistry.
E-mail: [email protected]
Meet the new ARTISTIC DIRECTOR! Brennon Madrid is a native Coloradoan where he trained under the direction of Lyndzi Barnes at the critically acclaimed “Summit Danceworks” in Colorado Springs. He is a graduate of “KU” (University of Kansas) earning a degree in dance. Brennon has had the privilege of working with Thodos Dance Chicago, Lindsay Hawkins from MADCO in St. Louis, LaneCoArts, Justin Giles from Soulescape and most recently a full-time dancer/performer with Regina Klenjoski Company.
Danielle has been dancing for as long as she can remember, enjoying all styles. She grew up dancing in Saint Cloud, MN with Company North Crest where she trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop. Danielle was also on a dance team for three years for a semi-pro football team, the Granite City Renegades. She attended college at Mankato State University, Mankato where she received a talent grant for her dancing, and was able to continue her training in modern, improv, ballet, tap, jazz, partnering, and Afro-Cuban. Danielle graduated with honors and a BS in Dance, along with Health and Physical Education. For the last four years she was an instructor and choreographer at Sharri’s School of Dance in Waseca, MN where her main concentrations were with hip hop and competitive dance. Danielle has a daughter named Adeline, and teaches Health and Physical Education for the WEM school district in Morristown, MN for grades 5-8.
Students will learn team building skills along with Fun Pom style dancing and cheers. Develop self-confidence, meet new friends, and have fun! This class performs 1 dance in the spring recital as well as the group finale dance. (1 hr./week)
Dancin Kids Ballet (Grade 3-6) : This is an introductory class containing fun and basic movements of ballet. Ballet basic skills from our DXP curriculum are introduced including vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. This class introduces young dancers to the beginning steps of ballet skills. (30 min./week)
Typically, Dancers add Dancin Kids Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop & Lyrical to their class schedule. These classes are conveniently scheduled back to back. 30 min class: $36/month, 1 hour: $47/month (35% discount). Greater discount for additional classes!
Music Fun Time for Preschool (18 months – 5 years old) : Come explore the world of music fun time. All students are introduced to Piano, Guitar, Percussion, Violin, Bells, Kazoos, Flutophone and Recorders. Your child works on music theory with fun materials, artistic music crafts, performances, and homework and learns fundamentals of music theory for the magical math and science connection. We teach children to read music in the same manners they are taught letters, numbers, colors, shapes, etc. (30 min./week, Classes are held at Music Express at 110 W Dukes St)
Private Lessons (Grade K-12 & Adult) : A private lesson allows us to work one-on-with you to achieve your goals at your own pace and with the privacy that some prefer. Private lessons can be scheduled through our private lesson scheduling link. (30 min./lesson)
Open Studio (Grade 1-12) : Open studio is self-led dance practice time to practice you have learned and you have wanted to try. Explore all the process of self-led dance movement. Come to the open studio and enjoy dancing fun time with your friends and other dancers. This class does not include any instruction or supervision, so dancers need to be old and skillful enough to practice dances and not allowed to do something in an unsafe manner. (2 hr/week)
Man-in-Motion (Ages 4-8) : Beginning level “combination class” of Tap and Jazz for boys only. No experience required. (30 min./week)
Man-in-Motion (Ages 4-8) : Beginning level “combination class” of Tap and Jazz for boys only. No experience required. (30 min./week)
Boys Hip Hop (Grade K-3) : Dance isn’t just for girls! The class includes hip-hop, break dancing, and more. Learn new moves and some cool tricks to impress all of your friends. Recital performances are optional and there is no required registration fee. Each Hip Hop/Break Dancing class performs 1 dance in the spring recital with the addition of the group finale dance. (30 min./week)
Available Times:
* The Studio will be available 25 minutes prior to your scheduled time for additional set up and to get organized.
Ballet. Basic skills from our DXP curriculum are introduced including proper ballet vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. Tutus & Bowties classes perform one ballet dance and the group finale in our spring recital. (30 min./week)
Dance with Me! (18 months & up) : Come explore the world of song and dance with this interactive parent (care giver) /toddler class. Dancers learn basic stretching, gross motor skills (i.e.: skipping, jumping, hopping) as well as exploring your child’s own creative expression through music and props. Older siblings are welcome to join the fun at no additional charge. (30 min./week)
Paige Tomasko has been a dance instructor at Dance Express since Spring 2018. She trained for 15 years at NRG Dance Center/Kincade Dance Industries, and was a dance mentor for three years while at the studio. Paige has trained in jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, and hip hop. She grew up in Maple Grove, Minnesota and was on the Maple Grove Dance Team (MGDT) for 5 years. She was captain her senior year, and won two state championships in jazz while with the team. She is a senior at Minnesota State University Mankato and is on the Maverick dance team for the 2018-2019 season. Paige loves to dance and loves helping others discover and express their own passion for dance.
Kristin Elsbernd has graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has received her Exercise Science Major and Dance Minor and soon will be heading off to get her master’s degree. She previously studied dance at Woodbury Dance Center and competed with them for 9 years. Kristin was also Captain of Senior Company for her team. She loves to take workshops to expand her dance knowledge.
Dana Enfield has been a dance instructor at Dance Express since 2015. She trained at Dance Express for 15 years prior to her teaching career. From assisting over four years, helping Donna in the office, and working multiple camps throughout the summer she has gained expertise and a passion for teaching. During high school, she was a captain for her Dance Team at Mankato West High School. In addition, she was on the National Honor Society for two years and has been listed on the Deans List at Minnesota State University Mankato. Dana is very enthusiastic about her teaching and loves making everyone feel welcomed.
Jennifer is the Artistic Director for Dance Express and was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD where she trained and taught at Main Stage Ballet and Dance Academy. In high school, she was a part of her schools Dance Team and outside of school and studio dance, she competed in dance and cheer on an All Star Competitive team. Along with dance, she was involved in sports such as basketball and track & field. Jennifer received her B.S. in Dance and Sports Medicine from Minnesota State University-Mankato in 2011 and while there she danced for 4 years on the MSU Dance Team, as well as performed and choreographed for several of the Dance Departments concerts. Jennifer has been a company member of Breaking Boundaries Dance, Threads Dance Project, has worked with The Ordway on their production of “Cinderella,” and currently dances with Borealis Dance. Jennifer has won First overalls and Choreography awards at Masquerade Dance Competition, Triple S Dance Competition, Majestic Dance Competition, Legacy Dance Championship, and Midwest Starz National Competition. She feels so fortunate to have the opportunity to teach, inspire, and continue to develop such amazing dancers.
E-mail: [email protected]
Mitzi Roberts is Owner/Director of Dance Express and is a native to Mankato, Minnesota. She has been a dance educator for over 30 years. She is a member of the Professional Dance Teachers Association and is certified through Dance Educators of America (Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green) She is proud and honored to a member of the “More Than Just Great Dancing” affiliation. Her field of expertise is Tap and also specializes in preschool dance but enjoys teaching all styles and ages. Her students have won numerous awards at both the regional and national level. She has enjoyed choreographing for the local high school musicals including Mankato West, Mankato East, and Mankato Loyola. In 2012 she founded “Dancing with the Mankato Stars” which is a celebrity fundraiser, raising over $650,000 for the American Red Cross and continues to be an active producer and board member. In 2015 she founded the “Angels of Breast Cancer” which is a non-profit group committed to providing emotional and financial support to women and men going through treatments of breast cancer. Mitzi is a cancer survivor and is determined to use this minor set back as a way to educate and give back to the community. She is also a busy Mother of 2. She feels blessed to have so many wonderful people in her life that help to make Dance Express such a leader in the dance community.
Mitzi is available for consult for questions or concerns about your child’s dance education.
E-mail: [email protected]
Emily Navara has been a dance instructor at Dance Express since 2016. Emily could not be more in love with her job and who she get to share it with! She has been dancing for 17 years, was an assistant teacher for 6 years. She was trained in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, hip-hop, pom, and kick. She grew up in Forest Lake, MN where she danced at a competitive studio called The Dance Factory and was apart of the Forest Lake Dance Team for 4 years. She danced for the dance team here at MSU for 2 years where she received a national championship title in 2016.
Kaylee Diefenderfer has been a dance instructor at Dance Express since 2017. Kaylee danced at Dance Express for 15 years, became an alumni, and then became a teacher. From a young age Kaylee had a passion for dance. Through being an assistant teacher in high school, and working numerous camps she fell in love with teaching. She maintains a positive classroom atmosphere and encourages students to do there best. In high school she was in National Honor Society, National Honor Society of the Dance Arts, and graduated high school as Salutatorian of her class. Most recently, she has been on the Deans List at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Kaylee has trained in numerous styles, although she has a special spot in her heart for tap!
Alanna has been an instructor at Dance Express since 2017. She grew up dancing in Bloomington, Minnesota and has been dancing for 15 years. She was on the competition team at her studio for 3 years and was an assistant teacher for 3 years! She has studied many styles of dance including tap, ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, kick, and contemporary. She is currently getting a degree in dance and in marketing at MSU. She has a passion for learning, dancing, and teaching and loves sharing it with her students!
Dancin Kids Hip Hop Kindergarten: For the dancer who can’t get enough hip hop! This is a 30-minute class that explores the world of hip hop using street inspired steps and music. Each class perform 1 hip hop routine in the spring recital.
Guitar (Age 7 & up): This class focuses on learning simple chords and songs in a short time. Students must have a guitar for the class and for practicing. We recommend purchasing a guitar, since buying a beginner-level guitar is nearly the same cost as renting. (30 min./week, Classes are held at Music Express at 110 W Dukes St)
Voice (Age 7 & up): Basic vocal techniques are taught in a fun and comfortable environment. (30 min./week, Classes are held at Music Express at 110 W Dukes St)
Piano (Age 7 & up): Basic piano skills are taught in a fun and comfortable environment. Piano (Keyboards) will be provided for the class. (30 min./week, Classes are held at Music Express at 110 W Dukes St)
Music Fun Time Level 2 (Ages 4-7): Come explore the world of music fun time. All students are introduced to Piano, Guitar, Percussion, Violin, Bells, Kazoos, Flutophone and Recorders. Your child works on music theory with fun materials, artistic music crafts, performances, and homework and learns fundamentals of music theory for the magical math and science connection. We’ll teach children to read music in the same manners they are taught letters, numbers, colors, shapes, etc. (30 min./week, Classes are held at Music Express at 110 W Dukes St)
Couples Classes (Adult & Teens) : Adult & Teens! This class is a perfect excuse to get out of the house and have some fun! Grab a friend, spouse, or neighbor to learn classic Ballroom dance. You’ll be the star attraction at your next wedding dance or event.
Open Studio (Grade 1-12) : Open studio is self-led dance practice time to practice you have learned and you have wanted to try. Explore all the process of self-led dance movement. Come to the open studio and enjoy dancing fun time with your friends and other dancers. This class does not include any instruction or supervision, so dancers need to be old and skillful enough to practice dances and not allowed to do something in an unsafe manner. (2 hr/week, $5/each)
Improv Class (Grade 1-12) : Explore all the process of spontaneously creating movement. This class helps dancers boost confidence, encourage self-discovery, improve musicality, aid performance recovery and inspire choreography from incorporating improvisation into practice. (30 min./week)
Open Studio (Grade 1-12) : Open studio is self-led dance practice time to practice you have learned and you have wanted to try. Explore all the process of self-led dance movement. Come to the open studio and enjoy dancing fun time with your friends and other dancers. This class does not include any instruction or supervision, so dancers need to be old and skillful enough to practice dances and not allowed to do something in an unsafe manner. (2 hr/week, $5/each)
Improv Class (Grade 1-12) : Explore all the process of spontaneously creating movement. This class helps dancers boost confidence, encourage self-discovery, improve musicality, aid performance recovery and inspire choreography from incorporating improvisation into practice. (30 min./week)
Gymnastic for Dance (Grade K-6) : This class is for dancers to learn the proper techniques and skills used for tumbling. The class works on, but is not limited to, cartwheels, walkovers, handsprings, and aerials. Since this is not a performance based class, the instructor can use the entire class to help perfect tumbling skills. (60 min./week)
Musical Theater (Grade K-6) : Come and explore the world of theater from a dancer’s perspective. Sing, Dance to your favorite musicals. Each Musical Theater class performs 1 dance in the spring recital with the addition of the group finale dance. (30 min./week)
Boys Hip Hop (Grade K-3) : Dance isn’t just for girls! The class includes hip-hop, break dancing, and more. Learn new moves and some cool tricks to impress all of your friends. Recital performances are optional and there is no required registration fee. Each Hip Hop/Break Dancing class performs 1 dance in the spring recital with the addition of the group finale dance. (30 min./week)
Dancin Kids Lyrical 5th-6th Gr. (Grade 5-6) : This class is designed for dancers looking to expand their dance knowledge. Dancers learn the tools of connecting their movement and emotions to music. Each lyrical class performs 1 routine in the spring recital. (30 min./week)
Dancin Kids Hip Hop 5th-6th Gr. (Grade 5-6) : For the dancer who can’t get enough hip hop! This class that explores the world of hip hop using street inspired steps and music. each class performs 1 hip hop routine in the spring recital. (30 min./week)
Dancin Kids Jazz 5th-6th Gr. (Grade 5-6) : Jazz. Basic skills include the DXP curriculum, learning correct vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. All Dancing Kids Jazz classes perform 1 jazz dance in the spring recital as well as the group finale dance. (30 min./week)
Dancin Kids Tap 5th-6th Gr. (Grade 5-6) : Tap. Basic skills include the DXP curriculum, learning correct vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. All Dancing Kids classes perform 1 tap dance in the spring recital as well as the group finale dance. (30 min./week)
Dancin Kids Hip Hop 3rd-4th Gr. (Grade 3-4) : For the dancer who can’t get enough hip hop! This class explores the world of hip hop using street inspired steps and music. each class perform 1 hip hop routine in the spring recital. (30 min./week)
Dancin Kids Tap 3rd-4th Gr. (Grade 3-4) : Tap. Basic skills include the DXP curriculum, learning correct vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. All Dancing Kids classes perform 1 tap dance in the spring recital as well as the group finale dance. (30 min./week)
Improv Class (Grade 1-12) : Explore all the process of spontaneously creating movement. This class helps dancers boost confidence, encourage self-discovery, improve musicality, aid performance recovery and inspire choreography from incorporating improvisation into practice. (30 min./week)
Gymnastic for Dance (Grade K-6) : This class is for dancers to learn the proper techniques and skills used for tumbling. The class works on, but is not limited to, cartwheels, walkovers, handsprings, and aerials. Since this is not a performance based class, the instructor can use the entire class to help perfect tumbling skills. (60 min./week)
Musical Theater (Grade K-6) : Come and explore the world of theater from a dancer’s perspective. Sing, Dance to your favorite musicals. Each Musical Theater class perform 1 dance in the spring recital with the addition of the group finale dance. (30 min./week)
Dancin Kids Kindergarten (Grade K) : Jazz. Basic skills from our DXP curriculum are introduced including dance vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. The class performs one jazz dance and the group finale in our spring recital. (30 min./week)
Dancin Kids Kindergarten (Grade K) : Tap. Basic skills from our DXP curriculum are introduced including dance vocabulary, stretches, and fundamentals. The class performs one tap dance and the group finale in our spring recital. (30 min./week)
You are signing up for a private lesson! A private lesson allows us to work one-on-one with you on your goals at your own pace, with the privacy that some prefer.
Please only sign up for 1- 30min private per week (total) unless discussed with instructor. Click here to register.
For over 25 years Donna has managed the DXP office. She is the “glue” that holds Dance Express together. She is always calm, cool and collected and seems to always have the answer to every question. Parents love her and the students adore her. Donna has one daughter, Sara. She has danced with DXP starting at the age of 4 and continued through her graduation performance & senior solo. Donna is a founding board member of Dancing with the Mankato Stars. She is passionate about giving back to the community and making Mankato an all around better place to live!
E-mail: [email protected]