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ABOUT MARION DANCE CO.

Students at Marion Dance Co. are very involved within the community. We have performed at many events and competitions at both regional and national levels with great success. Although trophies and ribbons are very gratifying, the most important things are the grace and confidence gained along with every newly learned dance step. At Marion Dance Co. we offer classes for both students who are looking for fun, recreational after-school activities and students who are more serious about their training and would like to dance at a competitive level. All classes are taught by trained ADULTS with many years of experience. Our instructors have completed 4 years of Teacher's Training School of Dance Master's of America and are certified by test in instruction for ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance. We are the only instructors in the Cedar Rapids / Marion area with this certification. We pride ourselves in having a very close and family oriented atmosphere. Be assured that your student will dance age appropriately to suitable music at our studio. Our philosophy is first and foremost to have fun! Whatever level a student is in; we want their experience in dance to be a good one!

MARION DANCE CO. STAFF

The only Dance Masters of America certified instructors

in the Cedar Rapids / Marion area!

NIKOLE RUSSELL Owner, Head Instructor

Nikki began studying dance at the age of 5 under Donna Plank, and it was clear from an early age that it was her passion. She began assisting with classes at the age of 13, and continued to help out at the studio through high school and college. After graduating from the University of Iowa, she was given the opportunity to take over the studio, and it couldn’t have been a more exciting venture. Nikki became the owner and head instructor at The Dance Co. In 1999.

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Rachel Meyer

RACHEL MEYER Head Instructor

Rachel has been teaching at MDC for over 10 years and attended the 4 year program of DMA's teacher training school in Buffalo, New York. She is a certified by test instructor in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern through Dance Masters of America as well as a certified Acro Instructor through Acrobatic Arts. 

DARBY RUSSELL Instructor

Darby grew up with MDC as her second home, dancing in 15 recitals and competing for 10 years under the instruction of faculty Nikki and Rachel. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance at the University of Iowa and studying under prestigious faculty such as George de la Peña, Armando Duarte, and Dr. Zena Bibler.

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Loghan Nichols

LOGHAN NICHOLS Assistant Instructor

Loghan has been dancing at MDC for five years. She is in her second year of assisting with Beginning Acro, Combo 1, and Jazz 6-7.  She loves coming into the studio every week as both a student and instructor and spending time with her favorite people!  Loghan also dances competitively, and outside of dance she loves listening to music and taking long walks with her dogs.

PRESLEY DUGGAN Assistant Instructor

Presley has been dancing at Marion Dance Company since 2014. This will be her 7th year competing. Presley is a freshman on Linn-Mar Varsity poms. Although she does about every style offered, her favorite style of dance is Jazz and lyrical. She enjoys The Ozarks, traveling, reading and spending time with friends. She is a 2x title winner at Midwest Starz Dance Competition and a 2nd place national winner at Talent On Parade. This will be her first year teaching.

Duggan
Isobel Peterson

ISOBEL PETERSON Assistant Instructor

Isobel has been dancing for ten years. She has been competing at Marion Dance Company for seven years. She loves to compete with her team and have fun in her classes. She is a standout award winner at Midwest Starz dance competition. With taking most of the styles the studio has to offer her favorites are lyrical and hip hop. Isobel is a freshman on Marion Varsity Poms. She loves to camp, travel, read, and most importantly dance and hang out with her friends. This will be her first year assisting.

LILY SCHIEK Assistant Instructor

Lily Schiek is a senior at Linn-Mar high school. This is her 14th year dancing,  her 7th season at MDC and her 4th season on the competition team. Her  favorite styles of dance are jazz and lyrical. Lily has assisted on Thursdays for the past two years and is very excited for everything coming up this season!

Lily Schiek
Mariah Young

MARIAH YOUNG Assistant Instructor

Mariah is a senior at Linn-Mar and this is currently in her 15th year of dance at MDC.This is her 2nd year as a teaching assistant.  Mariah has also danced competitively for 8 years winning multiple "Best Entertainer" awards as a soloist.  Her favorite styles are hip hop and jazz, and outside of dance, she enjoys running track at Linn Mar and playing with her dog.  

CLAIRE LYONS Assistant Instructor

Claire is  a senior at Linn-Mar. She's been dancing at the Marion Dance Company for 14 years and is in her fourth year of assistant teaching. She is also a member of 10th Street Edition at Linn-Mar, the varsity show choir. Her favorite styles of dance are ballet and hip hop, and she is so excited to be entering her senior year.

Claire Lyons
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