About Us
A well-rounded dance education is not just hte foundation for lifelong physical wellness or the inspiration for the next generation of artists. It is the key for confident, problem-solvers that will change the world. Since 2014, Applause Dance Academy offers the highest standards for dance education, creating a positive, complete dance experience for ages 18 months to 18 years old.
At Applause Dance Academy, our mission is to empower dancers through high-quality instruction and a supportive community. We believe that dance is a powerful form of expression and a means to build confidence and creativity.
Our Facility
Applause is a family friendly space and there is plenty of room for anyone to hang around while dancers are in classes. We have a welcoming lobby area, as well as free wi-fi. We have a back room with tables and chairs set up for dancers to do homework or eat dinner or have a snack between classes. There are books, toys, and games to enjoy as well. There is a large space for dancers to hang their coats and keep their dance bags. We have three dance studios equipped with sprung hardwood floors, double barres, and full mirrors for the best dancing experience. We are located on highway 16 between La Crosse and Onalaska just south of Valley View Mall.
Our Qualifications
Our Staff
Miss Kate
Studio Director, Instructor
Kate started dancing at the age of 9 in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. She studied Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Modern in the Milwaukee area. She moved to the La Crosse area to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Miss Kate is a member and on the Board of Directors of Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. She is a Certified Master Dance Educator (MDE) through CNADM. Miss Kate is also certified and licensed in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), the beginning and basic levels of Giordano Jazz Technique, Acrobatic Arts Modules 1 & 2, Alixa Flexibility Modules 1-5 and Contortion Training, and Sugarfoot Therapy. Miss Kate is also a Level 3 Certified Barre Instructor through the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association. She enjoys attending dance conventions and dance training schools throughout the year. Kate has been teaching dance throughout the Coulee Region since 2010. She has experience teaching all ages and abilities and hopes to inspire her students to love dance as much as she does.
Contact Miss Kate at kate@applauselacrosse.com
Miss Liz
Company Coordinator, Instructor
Miss Liz started dancing at the age of four in Central Wisconsin. She studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Hip Hop, and Modern. Miss Liz attended Viterbo University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Sports Science. While in college, Liz also continued her dance training by taking classes at Viterbo. Miss Liz is a Master Dance Educator through the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters and is on their Board of Directors. She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, Acrobatic Arts Modules 1 and 2, Alixa Flexibility Modules 1-5 and Contortion Training, and Sugarfoot Therapy. Miss Liz has also continued her tap training through Karida Griffith's Tap Teacher Training and is certified in the Basic and Beginning levels of Giordano Jazz Technique. She has also been awarded Best Choreography for her dance 'Run' at Midwest Starz Dance Competition in 2022. Miss Liz began teaching with Applause in 2018 and has found her home here. Miss Liz is very excited to be a member of the the Applause family and to work with wonderful dancers!
Miss Kelsie
Instructor
Miss Kelsie began her passion for dance in the Twin Cities area and later moved to Appleton, where she continued her passion for dance in the studio and on the Appleton East Dance Team. Once she graduated high school, Kelsie attended the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and graduated with a double major in Public Administration and Sociology. During her time at UW-L, she was part of the LC Hip Hop Dance Team and was Captain for three years. Miss Kelsie has also coached the Logan High School Dance Team for five years, where she led them to state for the first time in seven years! Recently, Kelsie completed her Masters of Social Work through Winona State University and she now works as a school social worker wiwth the La Crosse School District. She is also a certified yoga instructor though Breathe for Change and loves to find ways to bring mindful movement into classrooms. Although Miss Kelsie loves to teach all styles of dance, her all time favorites are musical theatre and hip hop. Miss Kelsie is also a member of CNADM.
Miss Josie
Company Assistant, Instructor
Josie began dancing at age two in Minnesota. She followed in her big sister's footsteps for 16 years at the studio competing in solos, duets, groups, and productions. Throughout high school she helped assist and teach many classes at her studio, along with choreographing for their competitions. Josie was also the Captain of her high school dance team. Currently, she works as an Assistant Coach for Aquinas Dance Team. She now attends the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse studying Exercise Sports Science on the Pre-Physical Therapy Track. Most recently, Miss Josie passed her membership exams through the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. She is also growing her dance studies by declaring a dance minor as well! She cannot wait to meet all her students and help them have fun and find their own passion for dance!
Miss Evelyn
Desk Assistant, Instructor
Miss Evelyn started dancing at two years old and began competing in middle school. Her favorite styles of dance are Tap and Hip Hop, you can even catch her still taking tap classes at Applause along with teaching! Evelyn is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and is studying Exercise Sports Science on their Pre-Physical Therapy Track. Most recently, she passed her membership through the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. At Applause, you can find Miss Evelyn teaching in the studios and working the front desk. A fun fact about Evelyn is that her first dance class was taught in Spanish. Miss Evelyn loves dancing and is excited for the next dance season!
Miss Meghan
Assistant Instructor
Miss Meghan joined the Applause Dance Academy team this season! She has experience in early childhood education and managerial work, but couldn't help staying away from her passion of dancing. Meghan has experience performing with the La Crosse Community Theatre and enjoys many ensemble roles. She was recently cast in La Crosse Community Theatre's production of Frozen. This year, you can find Miss Meghan assisting with some Creative Dance and Level 1 classes. Be sure to introduce yourself and say hi when you see her around the studio!
Miss Zoe
Desk Assistant, Media Manager
Miss Zoe joined the Applause Dance Academy team this season, but is no stranger to hte performance world. Zoe grew up singing and dancing with the Onalaska High School drama club and Hilltopper show choir, and took vocal and dance classes at Viterbo University. She has performed in a number of shows at La Crosse Community Theatre, with a couple of her favorites being Mamma Mia! and The Last 5 Years. In 2022, Zoe spent the year as Miss La Crosse-Oktoberfest, where she discovered a passion for content creation and a love for Canva. She is so excited to be part of this season at Applause Dance Academy, and is looking forward to hopping into Adult Classes when she can.