The Dancing House Staff


Staff Pics - TDH Website (MB)

Melissa Rose

Director & Owner

Hey there! I'm so glad you're here.

I'm Melissa, and I love Dance. I love to be it, teach it, watch it, and create it.

When you come into one of our studios, you become part of the family.

You will be greeted with hugs  and taught with encouragement from a trained and caring professional.

My hope is that you leave our doors better than you came in.

Whether it's expressing a new dance step, or song, building your confidence or heightening your health we want you to radiate joy!

 We want Dance to be the Highlight of Your Week!

Leslie

Leslie Stelling

Health and fitness have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  As the daughter of a collegiate athlete, phy ed teacher, and coach, leading an active lifestyle was all I ever knew.  I grew up taking dance classes and participating in high school sports and have always loved all forms of exercise, movement and dance.  

 As an adult, my love of fitness evolved into dance cardio exercise, group fitness classes, strength training, and pilates.  I have been teaching group fitness classes since 2008 and teach a variety of formats.  I began Evolve Fitness- Hudson in October 2018 to show people that working out can and should be FUN.  With a variety of group fitness classes offered, there is a workout for everyone to fall in love with.       

I live in Hudson with my husband and two daughters.  

Ari

Ari Zontelli -

I’m Miss Ari and I live in lovely Hudson WI. I have been homeschooled my whole life by my wonderful parents.

 

I graduated high school in 2019, and I'm currently working towards my

Occupational Therapy Assistant degree. I have been dancing for 6 years with TDH and The Phipps Center for the Arts as well as dancing with The Phipps Dance Company. I practiced a variety of different styles including ballet, tap, musical theater, hip hop, contemporary, and my favorite jazz!

 

I am so very excited to be a part of The Dancing House family!

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Laren Chang

Laren is a contemporary dancer from Afton, Minnesota who is thrilled to teach the young dancers of today. Dance is and will always be Larens first love. Starting at the age of three with Phipps Dance Center for the Arts, this is where her passion began. For high school, Laren attended Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists while also attending TU Dance studio in Minneapolis full time. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from the University of Iowa where she graduated with high distinction, was a receiver of the ICA talent scholarship and also toured in the pre-professional company, University of Iowa Dancers in Company. Most recently, Laren just finished a post graduate professional program with Copenhagen Contemporary Dance School where she got to work with choreographers all over Europe while also touring with Copenhagen International Dance Festival. This summer Laren also had the pleasure to be invited to participate in workshops at B12 contemporary dance festival in Berlin. Now, she has an incoming apprenticeship with TU Dances CULTIVATE program and is so excited to teach at The Dancing House!  

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Alyssa Busse

My name is Alyssa and I'm so happy to have the opportunity to teach for The Dancing House!

Dance has been a part of my life since I was 5 years old, and I have been teaching dance for over 10 years now. My favorite styles are tap and lyrical! My favorite part of being a teacher is watching a dancer's confidence grow and build through movement. I love telling a story through dance! 

Outside the studio I am a school teacher- currently teaching 4K. I am also a wife and a mom of 2 kids! 

Things I enjoy (aside from dance): reading, yoga, cycling/spin class, chocolate, coffee, and spending time with friends and family. 
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Sophia Huber

Hey TDH Families and Dancers! My name is Sophia! I am currently studying Business and Political Science at the University of St. Thomas. My dance background includes growing up dancing at The Dancing House and Phipps Center for the Arts. From there I went on to compete with the Varsity Raidaires Dance Team for four years, serving as captain my senior year and winning state championships three years with that team. Now I am currently professionally dancing as an NFL Cheerleader! I cannot wait to be a part of TDH; it truly is a full circle, and I can't wait to give back to the place that got me to where I am today!

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Sophi Johnson

Hi! I'm Miss Sophi and I have been dancing since I was four years old! I'm a freshman at St. Thomas University. My favorite styles of dance are jazz and pom but I also enjoy Hip Hop, contemporary, and kick! When I'm not dancing you can catch me hanging out with my friends and family and playing with my dog Sammy! I am so excited to be a part of The Dancing House family and I can't wait to work with all of the dancers this year!!

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 Ciara Sorensen

Hi! I’m miss Ciara and I have been dancing since I was 3 years old! I’m a sophomore at Hudson High School and dance for the Varsity Raidaires Dance Team. My favorite styles of dance are Hip Hop and Pom but I also love Jazz and Contemporary! When I’m not dancing I’m hanging out with my family and spending time with friends! I’m so excited to be working at The Dancing House and I can’t wait to meet and work with all the dancers this year! 

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Karen Loe

I’ve lived in Hudson, WI for 18 years. I fell in love with the area after attending college at UWRF. My husband, Dean, and I have four beautiful children that keep us very busy. I have been blessed to have the ability to stay at home with my kiddos for the last 16 years.
Although I have zero dance experience myself, I am a dance mama (as well as a gymnastics, baseball, basketball, and track and field mama!!) My favorite thing to do is to watch my kids doing what they love!
When I’m not running my kids around I enjoy family vacations, family dinners, health, fitness, and fun! I work “behind the scenes” at The Dancing House. Making sure our families have a positive, high quality experience is my top priority.

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Mindy Birr

I'm Mindy and I have been been a student at TDH for a about 4 years. I've taken tap, ballet, yoga, and absolutely love BoogieFit!
More recently I have taken on a huge roll in social media strategy and content creation for the business.
For example, the fun BoogieFit videos, TDH Virtual Dance on Demand and the posts on the coaching aspect of Melissa's business.
My goal is to help clarify the message of who and what TDH does and getting it in front of the right eyes to help grow the business.

Lucy Trainer

Hi there! My name is Miss Lucy and I am an assistant/substitute for Miss Melissa! I have been dancing since I was three years old and have tried every style. I am currently dancing as a Varsity Raidaire at Hudson High School where I am going into my freshman year! My favorite styles are jazz, hiphop, and contemporary. I can’t wait to be a part of The Dancing House family along with you!

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Caileen Hughes

Hello! My name is Caileen & I’m so excited to be teaching at The Dancing House! I’ve been dancing for twenty years and in a variety of styles. I grew up dancing competitively at a studio, & in high school for my school’s dance team. In college, I was a captain of my university’s collegiate dance team and attended a wide range of master classes from dance professionals in the area. I’ve been a dance team coach in the past, and I currently am a judge for the Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches for high school dance team competition. My favorite styles are jazz & lyrical!

Outside of dance, I’m originally from River Falls, WI and I currently live in Stillwater, MN with my partner and our fluffy cat. This past December, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical and Health Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. I work currently at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota in Roseville, MN, as a manager for our Mammal Nursery department. My other passions include being with animals, kayaking, reading, and being outside!