Cannon Falls School of Dance

Cannon Falls School of Dance is expanding to four days of classes.   They will be offering new classes of ballet, tap, jazz and world dance starting on September 4th.  

With an increase in demand for more options, their Monday-Thursday schedule will offer 20 separate classes, based on skill-level. They serve a variety of community interests in tap, jazz and its speciality of performance ballet, including plans for adults classes. They are considering the possibility of a 4-6 week session for students looking to learn dance skills for prom.

In a year of many firsts for the school, they will now conduct business as an independent  501 (c)(3) classified under public charity. Before, they were a non-profit without the Federal classification. Now, donations from private individuals and groups donors may be sent directly to them and still be tax-deductible.  Also, this will allow the school to apply for grants in a simplified process.

The school received donations from Cannon Falls VFW Post 4452, Cannon Valley Fair Board and Cannon Falls Wine & Art Festival this summer.  These funds went to the purchase of a Dragon costume for our World Dance class, needed exercise equipment and materials to renovate the lobby of our studio at the Cannon Community Center.

Board President, Sara Dewanz, said, “We feel very blessed to be growing and getting community support. We had 45 students in our end of year production of “Night at the Museum”.  We look forward to performing the Dragon dance for the August Fun Fest patrons. That wouldn’t be possible without sponsorship from the VFW.” She added, “You will see nice changes to our lobby, waiting room and dancer area.  New flooring, paint and extensive work on the main door took place in early August, due to fundraising and volunteer efforts by our devoted parents.”

Ashley Groth will continue as the Creative Director and Instructor for all classes, marking four years with the school.  Other board members are Jennifer Becker and Ryan Karstens. Dewanz stated, “It’s been an incredible journey with some very talented people that are skilled in so many areas of the school’s operation.  I deeply value each and everyone that provided so much to the school’s growth and changes. I couldn’t do this alone.”

Plans are being made for an extra special end of year production in May of 2019.  Cannon Falls senior student, Abby Barrett, will be featured in the production along with creating various dance routines and assisting with production. She will be a teaching assistant for the second year.

The school is looking into expanding the board current size, with growth of the school.  Dewanz added that they are always looking for parents and involved members of the community to join the board of directors.  If you are interested, please contact the school for opportunities and options available.