Business Details
40 Years
experience
Welcome to Brekke Dance Center - West Des Moines' Premier Dance Studio
Brekke Dance Center has been dedicated to providing high-quality dance education in West Des Moines, Iowa since 1986. Our approach combines structured curriculum with progressive skill development, ensuring students receive personalized attention from our highly trained instructors. We offer a diverse range of classes including ballet, tap, jazz, tumbling, and contemporary, catering to dancers of all ages and experience levels. Our philosophy emphasizes safety, respect, and the importance of fostering self-confidence through performance opportunities.With over 25 years of experience, we maintain a family-friendly environment where learning is both enjoyable and physically beneficial. Our team includes nationally certified instructors who bring extensive expertise in choreography, competition preparation, and professional dance training. We prioritize proper technique and body awareness to prevent injuries while encouraging artistic growth. Our students consistently achieve recognition in regional and national competitions, reflecting our commitment to excellence in dance education.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance Instruction
Jazz & Musical Theater
Tumbling & Acrobatics
Contemporary Dance
Hip-Hop Workshops
Pointe Training
Competition Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- Learn from nationally certified instructors with 20+ years of competition experience
- Access diverse dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary
- Enjoy a family-friendly environment prioritizing safety and proper technique
- Benefit from personalized skill progression and injury prevention training
- Participate in performance opportunities that build confidence and artistry
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops proper technique, body alignment, and grace through structured curriculum. Students learn traditional ballet positions, barre work, and center combinations. Classes emphasize musicality and artistic expression while building foundational dance skills applicable to all styles.
Tumbling Instruction
This program focuses on progressive gymnastic skills including rolls, handstands, and aerials. Certified instructors teach proper spotting techniques and conditioning exercises. Classes prioritize safety while developing strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness for dance applications.
Jazz & Musical Theater
Students learn energetic jazz techniques and Broadway-style choreography. Classes incorporate character development, storytelling, and syncopated rhythms. Training includes isolations, turns, and performance quality for stage productions and competitions.
Competition Preparation
Our award-winning competition program trains dancers in multiple genres including lyrical, contemporary, and hip-hop. Students receive choreography instruction, costume fittings, and stage rehearsal experience. Teams have earned national recognition for technical precision and artistic presentation.
Acrobatics
This specialized program teaches controlled acrobatic movements for dance performance. Students progress through levels mastering cartwheels, walkovers, and advanced tumbling sequences. Training emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and safe execution for stage applications.
People
Matthew Brekke
Co-Owner / Choreographer
BFA in Dance from University of Arizona, certified Dance Masters instructor with 20+ years competition experience. Specializes in contemporary ballet and musical theater choreography.
Shelly Brekke
Co-Owner / Tap Specialist
Tap expert trained by Al Gilbert and Tony Coppola. Former studio director with national award-winning choreography. Focuses on innovative tap techniques and competition preparation.
Courtney Greteman-Taylor
Instructor / Choreographer
University of the Arts graduate with professional performance experience. Specializes in jazz and theater dance. Certified Dance Masters member with extensive competition judging background.
Lizz Rohrer
Acrobatics Instructor
Former Miss Dance of Mid-America winner. Arizona State dance program graduate. Leads acrobatics program and choreographs for holiday performances.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tumbling, acrobatics, and musical theater classes for all skill levels.
Do you have classes for beginners?
Yes! Our combination classes for preschoolers and beginners introduce multiple dance styles in a fun, accessible format.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors are nationally certified with professional experience in dance education and competition training.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes! We host annual showcases and prepare students for regional/national competitions with choreography by award-winning staff.
What is your safety policy?
We emphasize progressive skill development, proper warm-ups, and body awareness to prevent injuries while ensuring technical growth.
