Overview
Dance of Iowa becomes "National Dance Academy"
Michael Kohli has been teacher and mentor to dancers of all ages for more than 25 years. In 1972 she opened Miss Michael's School of Dance in Storm Lake, Iowa and in 1973 she opened in Cherokee, Iowa before coming to Iowa City to further her education. In 1981 she opened Dance of Iowa City, with a vision of creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for young people who shared her passion for dance. Her Dance of Iowa studios were recognized nationwide as some of the most prestigious dance schools in the midwest. Two of the shining stars that emerged from her studio were her daughter, Ashlynd Kohli, and student Sara Eighme. Today, National Dance Academy, Iowa City and Coralville, directed by Ashlynd Kohli, and National Dance Academy Cedar Rapids, continues our tradition of safe, technical, and professional dance instruction for preschool age children through adults. Our faculty are experts in proper technique, current styles and trends in choreography, as well as the care and prevention of dance related injuries. We believe communication with our students and their parents helps us maintain an encouraging atmosphere that promotes amazing results for our instructors.
Whether you’re dancing for fun, exercise, or pre-professional, National Dance Academy will take you where you want to go. Alumni include many students dancing in professional companies, touring with MTV pop icons, dancing on cruise ships, performing on dance teams for professional NFL and NBA teams, obtaining college dance degrees and instructing dance throughout the United States. If you dream of becoming a professional dancer, National Dance Academy is a leader in dance competition circuits, obtaining “Grand Champion” status wherever we go.
Ms. Kohli feels her most important responsibility is to provide all students with a role model that will help them to dream big dreams and never be afraid to take a risk. Helping students to understand the difference between a dream and reality is knowing how to make it happen.
National Dance Academy adheres to the belief that a solid dance education is intrinsic to the development of a well rounded individual. We try to expose students to many varied experiences (i.e. travel/cultures, guest instructors, performance opportunities). Our Hancher Dance Extravaganza is a spring dance spectacular that provides a showcase for each year’s accomplishments.
Quality of music and movement is something National Dance Academy takes very seriously. Teaching superior ballet, jazz, and tap techniques with the use of age appropriate music. Faculty members are positive, energetic, enthusiastic, and love to teach. They are concerned about the progression of all students at all ages and levels.
National Dance Academy prides itself on good customer service and well organized programs. Friendly, full time office staff are available to answer all your questions. Mutual respect for students and parents inspires a cohesive spirit in their work. Most of our office staff has been with us for several years, creating a family like bond with parents and students. Parents are always encouraged to share their ideas and concerns.
Call or stop by any of our 3 area locations and ask about upcoming class schedules.
No matter what you choose to achieve in your future, dancing will enrich your life by developing a sense of rhythm, balance, timing, coordination and self-discipline as a basis for lifelong self-expression.