Celebrating Every Ability Through Dance
Amanda’s Academy of Dance, La Crosse Dance Centre, and The ARC of La Crosse are excited to partner on a new inclusive dance program for dancers ages 16 and up! Tuition for Connected in Motion is FREE!
FREE TUITION! (Ages 16+)
Experience the joy of movement in a class designed for dancers of all abilities. In this supportive environment, participants will improve body awareness, strength, flexibility, rhythm, and balance while enjoying the many benefits of dance for the body, mind, and spirit. Classes include creative movement, ballet barre exercises, and lively choreography—always with a focus on fun, self-expression, and community.
Session 1
Amanda’s Academy of Dance
Tuesdays, October 28 – November 18
4:15 – 5:15 PM
Session 2
La Crosse Dance Centre
Saturdays, January 10 – January 31
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Session 3: Performance Session
Amanda’s Academy of Dance
Tuesdays, February 17 – March 10
4:15 – 5:15 PM
Session 4: Performance Session
La Crosse Dance Centre
Saturdays, April 11 – May 2
10:00 – 11:00 AM
*spaces are limited! Please register by clicking the button and filling out the google form.
Amanda’s Academy of Dance, La Crosse Dance Centre, and The ARC of La Crosse have teamed up to create a fun, inclusive program for dancers ages 16 and up. This collaboration combines the strengths of both studios and the ARC’s dedication to supporting people of all abilities, creating a space where dancers can grow, learn, and express themselves in a fun and supportive environment.
The program is designed for dancers of all skill levels and abilities. Students will explore creative movement, ballet barre exercises, stretching, and a variety of dance styles, building essential skills while having fun. Classes are structured to encourage personal growth, teamwork, and confidence, and every dancer is welcome to participate at their own pace.
While performance opportunities are available for those who want them, the heart of the program is about connection, movement, and community. By bringing together resources, instructors, and students from multiple organizations, this partnership ensures that everyone has a chance to enjoy dance, try new things, and be part of an inclusive artistic community.
Designs by Amanda’s Academy of Dance
La Crosse Dance Centre
2716 Commerce Street
La Crosse, WI 54603
nikki@lacrossedancecentre.org
608-783-5155
Photo credits: Ashley Williams, Theresa Smerud and Krissa Valentine-Harnis
Jen TeBeest-Severson has served as a dance educator in the La Crosse and Winona area for over 20 years. Jen grew up dancing at La Crosse Dance Centre and has taught at LDC since 2002. Jen has previously worked with Viterbo University , Winona State University, St. Mary’s University and Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Jen has taught jazz, tap, musical theater, funk, and currently teaches in the styles of modern, dance composition and ballet at LDC. Jen has continued to choreograph for area high school students in musical theater and has choreographed over 30 musical productions.
Megan danced as a student at LDC for 8 years, took a few years off, and has now been teaching at LDC for 8 years. She is also a nurse and mom of three! Megan teaches at LDC because she enjoys creating and connecting with the dancers and sharing her love of dance with others, including her own children. She is continuously surprised by the creativity, talent, and kindness of the LDC dancers, and she feels very fortunate to work with such wonderful staff members, dancers, and families.
Tammy Schmidt has been a professional dance artist and educator for more than 25 years, serving as the Director of Dance and Summer Dance Intensive Coordinator at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts since 1999. She holds a B.F.A. in Ballet from Texas Christian University and an M.F.A. in Dance from the University of Oklahoma with emphases in Ballet and General/Crisis Intervention Counseling. Schmidt has re-staged and choreographed more than fifty classical, contemporary, and full-length ballets for MCA’s Dance Repertory Company, including: Bronislava Nijinska’s Le Train Bleu, The Balcony Scene from Romeo and Juliet, The Dying Swan, Le Corsaire, Cinderella, Paquita, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, the Kingdom of the Shades from La Bayadère, A Tender Age, Hotdish and Memories, An Evening with Benny Goodman, The Southern Ties that Bind, and Midwinter. 
Natalie Stehly is a dancer, maker, and educator. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, earning her BFA in Dance. During her time in Urbana, she had the pleasure of performing in works by Kendra Portier, Mauriah Kraker, Leah Wilks, Charli Brissey, Renée Wadleigh, Nico Brown, Linda Lehovec, Paige Cunningham-Caldarella and Rachel Rizzuto, and additionally working with faculty members Jennifer Monson, Abby Zbikowski, Kirstie Simons, Rebecca Nettl-Fiol, Sara Hook, Cynthia Oliver, Jan Erkert, Tere O’Connor among others.