Boys I & II

Aaron Lee is a Junior at Le Mars Community High School, a nine-year member of Central Dance Academy, and a first-year teacher.  He will be co-teaching the Boys I and Boys II classes this season.

 Aaron runs cross country and track and also participates with the Sioux City swim team.  He sings and is in the leadership team for band at LCHS.

 Outside of school, Aaron plays piano, has earned his Eagle Scout honors and is on the officer team for both FFA and his 4-H club.

We’re All

About Dance!

Our Teachers

Amy Davis

Co-Owner, Tippy Toes, & Youth Combination I

Amy danced at Central Dance Academy under the direction of Tina Hansen since she was three years old.  Amy has been teaching for 10 years at CDA. She attended Wayne State College and graduated with a major in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Music.  While in college Amy also continued dancing at a studio in Wayne and was a cheerleader for the college all 4 years.

Amy is very excited to be teaching at CDA teaching and is currently working in the office at Le Mars Community High School.  She will be teaching Tippy Toe and Youth Combination I this season. Amy also coached the LCHS Dance Team for 9 years.  She is married to Gabe Davis and they have 2 wonderful children, Kyndal and Kemper.

 

Beth Ruden

Co-Owner & Company Director, Youth Combination III, Ballet I, Jazz I, Tap I, Tumbling III & IV, Competition Teams

Beth started dancing at the age of two under the direction of Tina Hansen. During her time dancing at Central Dance Academy, she was a member of the CDA Company and participated in numerous conventions, competitions, and scholarship auditions. She has been teaching for 21 years at Central Dance Academy. Beth is also the Director of the CDA Company. Her choreography has won many awards: Best in Show, Best Choreography, Most Entertaining, and many other awards. Beth has also choreographed many winning routines for area dance teams, and her dancers have placed in the top 10 at State Individual Dance Team. She has also worked with local college dance teams and judged competitions.

Beth is a certified Dance Masters of America member and a certified NAIA Judge. Whenever the Company travels to conventions, Beth continues to take classes and learn from some of the best teachers in the country. Beth is a certified Dance Masters of America member and a certified NAIA Judge. Beth’s love of dance continues to grow each year she teaches, and is excited for another fantastic year for CDA!

Beth and her fiancé, Scott, are the proud parents of three beautiful girls, Lilly, Lainy, and Maisyn.

Dance Masters of America

Katie Driggs

Ballet IV, Jazz IV & Tap IV

Katie has been dancing for 30 years and teaching for 17 years.  She took dance classes under the direction of Tina Hansen at Central Dance Academy for 15 years where she was a member of the Performance Company and taught classes. Katie has coached and choreographed for various high school and college dance teams in the surrounding area for the past ten years.  

Her choreography has received awards such as Best in Show, Best Choreography, Most Entertaining, and 1st place at State Dance Team. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2013 with her B.A. in dance, and from WITCC in 2018 with her A.A.S. as a Physical Therapist Assistant. 

Katie is now the proud mother of two beautiful children, Tate and Kya. Katie and Cameron are enjoying their time as parents!

 

Dory Parkin

Youth Pom, Modern I-IV, Adult Jazz Class

Dory Parkin has been a life long resident of Le Mars.  She grew up doing dance and gymnastics at a local studio from a young age and competed in both for several years.  Eventually she began teaching both and was the manager of a studio for 8 years. 

Her background covers a wide range of Modern, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Tumbling and Artistic Gymnastics. Following that time Dory taught at the CDA, then The Dance Studio and Contemporary Dance Studio in Sioux City.  Dory will be offering Modern, Pom, and an Adult Jazz Class at CDA. Dory began work at Wells Enterprise in Le Mars.  She is currently an Environmental Health & Safety Specialist at the South Plant.

After some time away Dory is excited to return to dance and share the love with more children. At home she and her and husband Josh love playing with their son, Elliot.  And Dory is an avid bicycle rider, and does RAGBRAI every year. 

 

Kayla Foelske

Butterfly Ballet, Youth Combination II, Youth Jazz/HipHop

Kayla has been dancing for 26 years and teaching for 10.  She has danced at Central Dance Academy from the age of  4, participating in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz.  She was also involved in the Dance Team at Woodbury Central, where she was captain.

 Currently, Kayla works part time as the Quality Coordinator at the Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars. In 2013, Kayla married her husband, Kyle Foelske. In September of 2016, they welcomed their  daughter, Adalee and in January 2020 their son Abel. She is excited to continue sharing her love of dance with the children she teaches!

 

Madison Campbell

Competition Teams, Ballet, Jazz and Tap II/III

Madi has been dancing for the last 18 years and is entering her 10th year teaching. She is a graduate from Buena Vista University where she majored in Business-Human Resource Management and was also a member of their dance team.

Madi was part of the Central Dance Academy Company for 8 years and is happy to be back teaching where her love of dance started. This year she will be teaching Ballet , Tap and Jazz II/III and our Emerald/Sapphire Ballet Technique class.

Madi and her husband, Zach, are the proud parents of their son, Kruze and welcoming another very soon!

 

Maile Narkon

Competition Teams, Uniquely You

Maile is beginning her 13th year of dance, 11th at the CDA, 9th in the CDA Company.  She is looking forward to continuing teaching company technique and rehearsal classes as well as the Uniquely You class.

As a competition dancer, Maile has won numerous soloist awards including first place overall for teen solos at Fluid Nationals in 2023 and other top honors at multiple regional competitions, multiple improv challenges, and scholarships.  Maile has traveled to Wisconsin, NYC, Missouri, Colorado, Arizona and California to participate in Nationals and dance intensives.

Maile is thrilled to have been selected as a Fluid Force member for the 2023-24 season!  She will travel to multiple cities this season to assist professionals in their master classes, receive mentorship from the professionals, and learn the business of a dance competition/convention.

She’s looking forward to continuing her dance training at the Central Dance Academy and wherever her dance education takes her, as long as it takes her to the stage!

Cassidy Pravecek

Tumble Tots, Tumbling I & II, Twinkle Toes, Tippy Toes, Youth Combination I & II, Youth Jazz/Hip Hop, Youth Lyrical, Hip Hop I/II & III/IV, Adult Grooves, Competition Teams

Cassidy has been taking dance and gymnastics most of her life at local studios and gyms. She started gymnastics at the age of two and dance at the age of seven. She competed in both for several years, earning many awards for both. 

Cassidy started teaching both dance and gymnastics as an assistant and eventually started teaching her own classes. In all four years of high school she was a member of the LCHS Dance Team.  

Cassidy is excited to start teaching her fifth year at CDA. She continues her dance education by taking classes at CDA, traveling with the CDA Company to conventions and competitions. This year she is teaching Tumble Tots, Tumbling I, Tumbling II, Twinkle Toes, Tippy Toe/Tumbling, Youth Combo I, Youth Jazz/Hip Hop, Youth Combo II, Youth Lyrical, Hip Hop I/II, Hip Hop III/IV, Adult Grooves, Pearl Jazz Rehearsal, Pearl Lyrical Rehearsal, Pearl Jazz Tech, Emerald/Ruby Hip Hop Rehearsal, and Emerald Tap Rehearsal. 

 

Kristin Iverson

Youth Musical Theater, Musical Theater I/II, Musical Theater III/IV

Kristin has been active in music and dance her entire life. She studied dance at Mary Helen’s School of Dance in Webster City, IA starting at age 4.

She grew up being very involved in dance, as well as countless musical activities. She holds a bachelors and masters degree in music education from the University of South Dakota. Previously, Kristin was a Choral Director in Sioux City, IA and Vermillion, SD where she directed many choirs, show choirs and different musicals. During that time, she was an active choreographer for her musical groups and spent her free time judging Show Choir Competitions in the area. 

Currently, Kristin is the elementary general music teacher at Clark and Franklin Elementary in Le Mars. When she is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her very busy family. She is married to Mark and they have three great kids, Tyler, Tanner, and Tessa. Kristin is thrilled to be teaching musical theater classes at the CDA.     

Rachael Minar

Lyrical I/II, Lyrical III/IV, and Youth Jazz/Hip Hop II.

Rachael graduated from LCHS in 2020 and during that, spent two years on the school’s dance team. Rachael has been dancing at CDA since she was 3 years old and was a member of the CDA Company. For nine years she participated in various conventions and competitions. She also participated in several classes such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and tumbling throughout her years. While competing she has won many awards such as placing in solo performances, tap and jazz improv, 1st runner up for a titleholder, and several scholarships. Rachael loved participating in her group performances and celebrating their numerous winnings as a team. This year, she will teach Lyrical I/II, Lyrical III/IV, and Youth Jazz/Hip Hop II.

Rachael works full time and does photography in her free time. In July of 2023 she married her husband, Jared, and they are the proud parents of  their sons, Hudson and Milo. Rachael’s family loves to travel, spend time outside, and read. Rachael is excited to continue her passion for dance with her career as a CDA Faculty Member!

 

Lexie Landis

Butterfly Ballet, Twinkle Toes, Tippy Toe, Youth Combination I, Tumbling I, Competition Teams

Lexie has been dancing for 21 years and teaching for 6. She took dance classes under the direction of Tina Hansen at Central Dance Academy for 15 years. Of those 15 years she spent 10 on company, assisted classes, and taught for one year.

Lexie is currently the coach of LeMars color guard, LeMars Winter guard, and Gehlen Dance Team. While coaching she has choreographed shows for the marching band, group routines, and solos for both winter guard and dance team.

She has received awards for top 10 placements for both winter guard and dance at State Dance Team, top 10 placements at marching band competitions, and won the title of Miss Dance Chapter #47 in 2014.

Her choreography has r received awards such as Best in Show, Most Entertaining, and has received Best Choreography.

She is married to her husband of 5 years Jon Landis and has 3 beautiful children Braxten, Avery, and Paisley.

 

 

Nolan Boehmer

Boys I & II

Nolan Boehmer is a Junior at LCHS. He has attended CDA for 8 years and has been on the CDA competition team for three years. Nolan has a special passion for the Ballet and Contemporary styles of dance.

 In his free time he enjoys spending time with friends, working at Bob’s Drive-Inn, and watching movies. Nolan has been a member of the LCHS dance team for two years, is involved in football cheer, and is a member of the All-Iowa Honor National Dance Team. Besides dance, Nolan is involved in choir and student council. He has danced in the Browns Celtic Show for the past three years.

 Nolan plans to continue his dance career throughout college and would love to coach in the future.

 

Aaron Lee

Boys I & II

Aaron Lee is a Junior at Le Mars Community High School, a nine-year member of Central Dance Academy, and a first-year teacher.  He will be co-teaching the Boys I and Boys II classes this season.

 Aaron runs cross country and track and also participates with the Sioux City swim team.  He sings and is in the leadership team for band at LCHS.

 Outside of school, Aaron plays piano, has earned his Eagle Scout honors and is on the officer team for both FFA and his 4-H club.

Karen Nuebel, Alisha Jelken & Tara Narkon

2023-24 CDA Office Ladies

Karen, Alisha and Tara are happy to help students, parents and faculty as a CDA office lady!  

Students of the Month

September

Loenn Thomas

Loenn was chosen as our September Student of the Month because of her focus. She comes to class ready to learn and has already shown growth this season. She is also very respectful in class. She has also stepped out of her comfort zone to give the CDA Company a try!

Keep up the great work Loenn!

October

Taylor Crank

Taylor was chosen by her teachers as our October Student of the Month because of her contagious positive energy! She works really hard in class and is always having fun. In her Uniquely You class she is a great leader and a positive example for the other dancers.

Keep up the great work, Taylor!

November

Rhodan Hernandez

Rhodan was chosen as our November Student of The Month because he works hard and makes corrections almost right away! He comes in with a smile on his face and ready to work. Also, Rhodan is a really good leader and behaves well in class. Keep up the great work!

December

Sadie Larson

Sadie was chosen as the December Student of the Month because she has been showing so much confidence for being a new student to CDA this year! Sadie has jumped right in and picked up her steps with a smile! Keep up the great work, Sadie!

January

Katelyn Koster

Katelyn was chosen as the February Student of the Month because she is energetic and confident in class. She also comes consistently and always has a great attitude. Katelyn has steadily improved her technique every year and her love for dance really shows!

Keep up the great work!

February

Claire Christoffel

Claire was chosen as the February Student Of The Month because of her growth. Claire has really improved in her dancing and her attentiveness in class. Her teachers are so thankful to have a student who shows up each week to improve! Keep up the great work!

March

Who Will It Be?

April

Will It Be You?

May

It Could Be You!

Get to know us in person!

Our Policies

CDA’s friendly office staff is happy to help! We expect questions and are eager to introduce you to our facility, faculty, and classes.
See our policies below or reach out with any questions.

Payment Policies

All fees are due by the 5th of each month. CDA accepts Debit cards, Credit Cards, Checks, Cash, and Automatic Withdrawals as forms of payment for tuition and other fees.

Late Fees

Accounts are considered past due when not current by the 6th of each month and are charged a $10 late fee.

Registration Fees

CDA’s Registration fee is $20.00 for the first student and $10.00 for each additional student. This fee must be paid in full prior to the commencement of classes and is non-refundable.

Performance Fees

CDA is extremely proud of our annual production! In order to continue to provide a quality performance, we require a performance fee and sell tickets to each performance. The Performance Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE and is due by October 1st. Our Performance Fee is based on stage time, determined by how many total dances your student(s) are in for the show.

1 dance – $32 plus tax
2-3 dances – $52 plus tax
4 dances – $67 plus tax
5 dances or more – $77 plus tax

Videographer Fees

There will be a $20 fee charged in October for the video fee. Everyone will receive a link to the recorded show that they can save or download. DVDs are also available to purchase.

Trial Classes

CDA offers Free Trial Classes in order to help students find the right class for them. Ask our office staff or your current dance teacher how you can try a class you are interested in!

Withdrawals

If and when a student wants to withdraw from all of their classes at CDA, we require the parent to fill out a withdrawal form by the 7th of the month, and the student will finish the month. CDA does not accept any withdrawals after January.

Costumes

Costumes are charged to accounts on October 12th and are ordered by November 1st to ensure timely delivery. We measure students in class and provide the measurements to ensure the proper fit of costumes.

Annual Performance

Our performances are held at the Le Mars Middle School Auditorium. We have 3 shows on both Saturday and Sunday. One Tiny show, one youth show and one Teen Show. Performances for 2023-24 are June 8th and 9th.

Dress Rehearsal

Students have class on stage the week before the performance. One Dress Rehearsal is on Friday, June 7th, with the students practicing in their costumes.

Get to Know
Central Dance Academy

Central Dance Academy has talented, enthusiastic dance instructors devoted to bringing quality dance and performing arts instruction to all ages and abilities. We are proud of our role in our students’ lives, instilling a strong sense of self-confidence, self-respect, discipline, and appreciation of dance and the arts in our students.

We hope to inspire each student to release the creativity inside of themselves. Whether students are learning beginner steps or interested in competition dance, we have dance classes for everyone at every level! Visit our Le Mars, IA studio today!

Curious About Classes?

For more information about our policies or facilities, please contact us at 712-546-9217 today!

Hours:

Monday - Thursday
3:30 P.M. – 9:45 P.M.

Saturday
9:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Chamber Members - Le Mars Chamber of Commerce
Central Dance Academy are proud Athletic & Music Boosters for our local schools!