At Deborah's School of Dance, we don't just build excellent dancers; we build dance scholars. Whether you're competing for a spot at the school of your dreams or competing at a local pageant of festival, our team of experienced and dedicated instructors will do their best for you. They have trained some of the most award-winning
dancers.
� Teachers at DSOD�
Debbie Petersen
Debbie has been teach
ing for over 42 years. She has been listed in "Who's - Who Among American Teachers" and is certified by Test to Teach through Dance Masters of America (DMA). We pride ourselves on staying current by taking modern dance classes. Students from our studio have won scholarship auditions, pageants, regional and national competitions, and choreography awards. Tasha Petersen
Tasha has been dancing for 27 years. She has won numerous Regional and National Awards. She won her first National Choreography Award at age 15 and multiple more during the years. She lived in San Francisco for 5 years to study acting, graduating from the Meisner Technique Studio and attend Academy of Art University. She has performed in the Nutcracker, Dracula, live theater in Iowa and SF, been in small films, music videos and commercials. She teaches Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, Pointe, Musical Theater & Contemporary. She loves teaching and watching the students grow confidence and push themselves to work hard! Hilary Sawyers and Holly Gragert
Hilary Sawyers and Holly Graget have a combined dance experience of 28 years. They have 7 years of teaching experience and were on the ISU Pom Squad. In 2001 they were the Runner-Up for Bill Riley. Ashley Ostroski
Ashley grew up dancing at Leslie's Dance Emporium in Creston. She was active on the competition team and as a teacher. She then went on to college at Simpson where she was a part of the Pom Squad. After college Ashley moved to Philadelphia to pursue a Masters in Dance/Movement Therapy. Upon returning to Iowa she taught again for Leslie's Dance for 10 years while working for Orchard Place. Ashley continues to work for Orchard Place as a school based therapist in the Johnston School district. Chris Petersen
Chris Petersen studied at Oklahoma City University and majored in dance. He is a National and Regional Competition and Choreography winner. He was a performer on a cruise ship. In 2000, he was named the Bill Riley State Fair Champion. He is a Dance Master of America member. He has been dancing for over 32 years, and teaching and choreographing for over 17 years. He most recently choreographed for the Nutcracker. The trained and educated dancers at Deborah's School of Dance have performed at some of the area's best locations. As dancers, we should share our talents with the community. We need to let our children know that applause is just as important as a trophy, if not better.
