Business Details
44 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Hudson Since 1982
Since 1982, Helmer Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Hudson, Wisconsin. Founded by Carol Helmer and now led by her daughter Laura Decheine, our studio combines decades of experience with a passion for nurturing well-rounded dancers. We offer comprehensive training in tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, acro, and more, catering to students from toddlers to adults. Our experienced faculty brings expertise from national competitions, professional performances, and specialized certifications in Acrobatic Arts and Progressing Ballet Technique.We emphasize creativity, discipline, and teamwork while maintaining state-of-the-art facilities that foster both technical skill development and personal growth. With performance opportunities, competitive lines, and community-focused programs, we create a supportive environment where dancers build confidence and lifelong skills.
Services
Tap Dance Classes
Ballet Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Acro Training
Jazz Dance
Lyrical Choreography
Musical Theater
Adult Dance Fitness
Competition Teams
Summer Dance Camps
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of proven dance education expertise
- Our faculty includes nationally recognized choreographers and certified instructors
- We provide specialized AcroDance and competitive training programs
- Our studio features four professional dance spaces with live-streaming capabilities
- We maintain a 98% student retention rate through personalized attention
What people say
Amazing instructors
Nurturing environment
Confidence building
Professional organization
Lifelong skills
Services
Tap Dance Classes
Our tap program develops musicality and precision through structured technique classes. Students learn various styles from Broadway to rhythm tap while building coordination and listening skills. Classes are available for ages 3+ with progressive levels from beginner to advanced.
Ballet Instruction
We offer traditional ballet training with focus on proper alignment and technique. Our program includes pointe work preparation and classical repertoire for students ages 5+. Classes follow a structured syllabus with annual performance opportunities.
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary hip hop classes teach current styles and choreography in a high-energy environment. Students develop strength, flexibility, and musical interpretation through weekly sessions for ages 6+ with options for recreational and competitive tracks.
Acro Training
Our Acrobatic Arts certified instructors provide safe progressions for tumbling skills. Classes combine dance and acro elements to enhance performance quality while building core strength and body awareness for ages 5+.
Competition Teams
Audition-based competition lines offer advanced training in multiple genres. Dancers participate in regional and national competitions while developing stage presence, teamwork, and technical excellence through intensive rehearsals and workshops.
People
Laura Decheine
Co-Owner & Artistic Director
Laura teaches preschool acro, tap, and ballet while choreographing award-winning competition routines. Certified in Acrobatic Arts, she also serves as a Masquerade Dance Competition adjudicator and former university lecturer.
Kourtney Getschel
Studio Manager
With 24 years of experience, Kourtney manages financial operations and competition logistics. She coordinates costuming and serves as primary contact for company dancers while balancing family life with four children.
Carol Helmer
Founder
Carol established the studio in 1982 and received the 'Leaving a Legacy' award from Masquerade Dance Competitions. Her choreography influences continue through her daughter Laura and former students now teaching nationwide.
Kallie Terrazas
Instructor & Choreographer
A former UWMadison dance team member, Kallie teaches recreational and competitive lines while managing marketing. She brings championship experience from her high school and college dance career to her instruction.
Carolyn Decheine
Instructor & Choreographer
Carolyn teaches jazz, tap, and lyrical while choreographing for competition lines. A former Masquerade Parade of Stars performer, she combines her university dance team experience with formal training in multiple genres.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, acro, musical theater, and contemporary for ages 18 months through adults.
Are parent observation options available?
Yes! All four studios have live-streaming capabilities accessible through your Parent Portal account for real-time viewing.
What performance opportunities exist?
Our annual June recital features all students, with competition teams participating in regional and national events throughout the season.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes! 30-minute private lessons cost $40 for enrolled students, with specialized instruction available for competition preparation or technique improvement.
What are your class size policies?
We maintain minimum enrollment requirements with four students per class. Cancellations occur if minimums aren't met with make-up options provided.
How do you handle inclement weather?
We make closure decisions by 2:00 PM for evening classes. Check email or social media for updates - local school closures don't automatically affect studio operations.
