Dance Instructors at Showtime Dance Studio

For over 40 years, I have had the privilege of sharing my love of dance education through teaching, mentoring, and inspiring generations of students at Showtime Dance Studio. My dance training began at Des Moines Ballet and continued with a scholarship to the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Minnesota. Committed to lifelong learning, I spent six summers pursuing advanced studies toward my Dance Master’s Certificate, attending programs at institutions including Bowling Green State University in Kentucky, Kent State University in Ohio, and the University at Buffalo in New York. Throughout my career as a dance instructor, I have continued my professional education by attending Dance Masters conventions and workshops across the country, making it a priority to grow as an educator every year. My dance education has taken me to many remarkable places and introduced me to countless opportunities. Yet, my greatest joy has always been found at Showtime Dance Studio, where I have dedicated my career to helping students discover confidence, discipline, artistry, and a lifelong love of dance. After four decades in business, I remain as passionate as ever about sharing the gift of dance and creating a positive, inspiring environment for every student who walks through our doors.

Miss Tara began her journey in dance education at Showtime Dance Studio when it opened in the fall of 1986. Throughout her time in high school and college, she worked as a studio assistant and started teaching at Showtime Dance Studio in January 2002. As a dedicated student, Tara not only attended dance workshops but also competed in numerous local and national competitions. To further her skills, she took college-level dance classes. In her role as a dance instructor, Tara has participated in local and national dance conventions and workshops. Notably, she performed in The Iowa State Center’s annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet for 11 years. Currently, Tara is fulfilling her passion as an elementary special education teacher with the Ankeny Community School District while also serving as the instructor for the youngest dancers at Showtime Dance Studio. Tara is proud to have been a member of the Showtime family for the last 39 years and eagerly anticipates celebrating the studio's 40th anniversary!

Miss Mandi has been dancing for 35 years and for the past 19 years, she has dedicated her life to dance education as a teacher at Showtime Dance Studio. As a student, she competed in various dance competitions and attended workshops across Iowa, Minnesota, and Florida, experiences that deepened her love for both performing and teaching. To enhance her skills, she actively participates in national dance conventions and educational opportunities throughout the Midwest. Outside of the studio, Miss Mandi is a proud mom to three boys—Aiden, Austin, and Abel. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, cheering for her boys at their sporting events, and creating beautiful memories with her fiancée, Jeremiah. Their home is also shared with two dogs, Hawkeye and Zeke. For Miss Mandi, Showtime Dance Studio has always felt like a second home. She is incredibly grateful to be part of a community that has contributed so much to her journey and is excited to celebrate Showtime's 40th anniversary season alongside her students and dance family.

Miss Cori has been teaching at Showtime Dance Studio for 14 years. She began her dance education at the age of 2 with Dance Explosion before moving to the Carol Tetmeyer Dance Studio at 4. Under the guidance of Carol Tetmeyer, she studied jazz, tap, and focused heavily on classic ballet and pointe. In high school, she showcased her love for music by participating in concert and marching band, and she was a member of the high school dance team all four years, becoming captain her senior year. Miss Cori brings her enthusiasm for classic ballet and pointe to Showtime Dance Studio and enjoys exploring her creativity in jazz, musical theater, and lyrical styles.

Ciera Bronnenberg has been an integral part of the Showtime Dance Studio family for 20 years, spending 14 years as a student and 6 years as a dedicated instructor. Throughout her journey as a dancer, she trained in various styles including lyrical, jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre, hip hop, and pom. She also showcased her talent on the Perry High School Pulse Dance Team for three years and earned selections to the All Iowa Honor Dance Team twice. 

Following high school, Ciera pursued her passion for dance education at the University of Iowa, majoring in dance while focusing on jazz, ballet, and modern dance. During her college years, she discovered her love for teaching, which led her to change her academic path and earn a degree in Elementary Education. Today, she works as an educator and continues to share her enthusiasm for dance with the next generation of performers. 

For Ciera, Showtime Dance Studio has always been more than just a place to learn; it is a second home and family. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to teach at the studio that played a significant role in cultivating her love for dance. Currently, Ciera is pursuing her Dance Masters Certification through Dance Masters of America, where she is gaining valuable knowledge, teaching techniques, and industry experience that she looks forward to incorporating into her classes. Her passion lies in helping every dancer enhance their skills and boost their confidence while nurturing a lifelong love of dance.

Miss. Aubree has had a passion for dance education for as long as she can remember. She spent 16 years training at Showtime Dance Studio and competed for 6 years, while also dancing for four years on the Perry High School Dance Team, where she earned recognition as a member of the All Iowa Honors Dance Team for three consecutive years. Aubree continued her dance career at Iowa Central Community College, where she performed for three years with the nationally recognized, championship-winning Triton Dance Team and competed at NDA Nationals in Daytona, Florida. During her time at Iowa Central, she also earned her Associate of Arts degree.

Aubree loves sharing her passion for dance with the next generation and enjoys helping her students grow as both dancers and individuals in confidence and self-expression. As a dedicated dance instructor, she creates a positive, encouraging, and fun environment where every dancer feels supported and inspired to reach their full potential.

Mr. Dakota began his journey in dance education at the tender age of 3, exploring a variety of dance styles during his impressive 26 years at Showtime Dance Studio. After graduating from high school, he returned to the studio as a hip hop instructor, teaching for four years and finding joy in helping students foster confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for dance. 

In addition to his role as one of the dedicated dance instructors, Dakota collaborates behind the scenes with Mrs. Carlene to enhance the studio's operations through registration, marketing and advertising efforts, and maintaining Showtime's online presence, which includes the studio website and Facebook page. He is also responsible for creating newsletters and promotional materials, editing recital music, and managing sound during performances to ensure that every show runs seamlessly. Dakota's passion for curating music and discovering unique rhythms drives his belief that the right combination of music can significantly enhance choreography, making performances truly memorable for both dancers and audiences. 

Showtime Dance Studio has always felt like a second home to Dakota, and he is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the studio that has so profoundly shaped his love of dance and music.