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Staff
Paula Brekke, Owner/Artistic Director
Paula has extensive training in jazz and ballet with her B.F.A. from the University of California at Irvine, a top ten university in the field of dance. Dance competitions have recognized Paula with numerous top awards for her choreography as well as “Most Entertaining.” Paula is President of Dance Masters of Mid-America; a prestigious, national dance instructors’ organization. Paula serves as a judge at various dance competitions around the country. Paula’s two children, Matthew and Elizabeth share her passion for dance. Having been in business for 24 years, Paula plans to continue passionately supporting the education and art of dance.
Matthew Brekke
Matthew is a 2007 graduate from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors’ of Fine Arts in Dance. He brings the most contemporary expertise in ballet, jazz and modern dance forms. During the summer of 2006, Matthew studied ballet in Italy. Matthew is a Certified Dance Master Instructor and has received awards for his choreography. He has shared the last two years out of school with his mother and studio dancers. Matthew considers the studio dancers “his kids” and takes great pride and pleasure as their dance skills mature.
Ashli Keeling
Ashli has studied dance with Paula Brekke since pre-school and has been on staff for the past four years. Ashli is an all-around dance teacher. She is vitally important to our competitive dancers, teaching technique and cleaning dances. Ashli also teaches our Pom and Tumbling classes. She attended Lincoln High, performing as a cheerleader and Railette, holding the position of captain for both teams. Currently a collegiate senior, Ashli works closely with Paula and Matthew, providing choreography support as well as educational leadership.
Paula Greteman
Paula has taught dance at our studio for 20 years! Prior to joining us and after attending the University of Iowa, she taught dance in both Carroll and Norwalk, Iowa. Paula has taught all levels of dance for our studio, preschool through high school. She is known for making dance SO much fun, especially tap! In addition to what Paula G. brings to our instructional staff, she is vital to the success of our recital performances as she coordinates and directs our backstage volunteers and staff. Paula’s youngest daughter, Courtney is currently home after dancing professionally.
Lizz Brekke
Lizz is new to our teaching staff this year. She grew up in the studio learning all styles of dance and tumbling. She continued her study of dance at Arizona State University in Tempe. Lizz was the Miss Dance of Mid-America in 2008, interned with Celebrity Dance Competition, and continues to teach and choreograph as a guest instructor throughout the Des Moines area.
Julie Canterbury-Rietz
Julie has taught Baton, Pom and Drill classes for us since 2004. Julie performed at the University of Iowa as “Iowa’s Golden Girl.” Julie teaches and adjudicates baton championships around the nation and also works for the Des Moines Public Schools as a literacy leader and reading specialist. Julie began and has coached our studio’s competitive baton team for the past three years.