Bismarck North Dakota’s DanceWorx Studio proves that coaches can be very impactful. Offering recreational and competitive programs for children of various ages and abilities, DanceWorX creates a life-changing environment
“Our unique program caters to the needs of all our dancers’ interests while instilling passion, discipline, creativity and integrity,” Studio Owners Val Schafer and Shannon Herman said.
Kirsten Benke, a coach at Bismarck’s DanceWorX Studio has been working there since 2015. Benke has played a huge role in the growth of DanceWorX. She started coaching in the competitive program in early 2016. She has formed strong relationships with everyone at the studio including, the owners, coaches, parents, and of course the dancers.
“One of the best things about coaching is the relationships I have been able to create with the dancers and their families,” Benke said. “I strive to be someone that has made a positive impact on their life.”
Dancer Lily Burtness has been at DanceWorX since 2016. She began dancing in the competitive program in 2017.
“I just like being there and I’ve made some of my closest friends there,” Burtness said. “It’s taught me a lot about myself, and the feeling of having a comfort place.”
DanceWorX takes pride in their amazing staff. DanceWorX has a total of eight select-line competitive coaches and 22 recreational teachers. The coaches at DanceWorX have studied the art of dance and will help dancers of all ages get the best training possible. The DanceWorX staff has a variety of dance backgrounds, which differs from any other studio in Bismarck.
“We have coaches who grew up at different studios, I grew up dancing competitively in Minnesota, others come from throughout the state, one from Arizona, and one from California to name a few,” Benke said. “Which no other studio here has.”
The support and impact these coaches have on the dancers is incredible. Many parents agree that Benke has done an amazing job at raising the next generation of dancers into who they are today. She continues to help dancers grow not only in skill but as a person. Her ability to connect with her dancers is shown in how well they perform. Kari Doan, a teacher at DanceWorX is also a top-notch coach. Doan finds ways to make classes interesting while also getting work done. She is always looking out for the best interest of her dancers, and making sure everyone is okay.
“The best thing about coaching dance is the impact I’ve been able to leave on the younger generation of dancers,” Benke said. “Being able to show dancers they can do something they tried to say they couldn’t gives me a lot of joy.”
Overall, DanceworX Studio has helped many children in the growth of skill, technique, creativity and confidence. They continue to expand their program by making everyone feel welcomed. DanceWorX is a successful studio, and they continue to show that.
“I would say that Kari Doan and Kirsten Benke have had the most impact on me because they always push me to be my very best,” Burtness said. “They motivate me, and they know how to help me without coming off in a harsh way.”
