About Us
For over 25 years Academy of Dance has provided excellence in dance training to ages two through adults to the greater Yankton area. Academy of Dance is under the direction of former touring professional, Dorota Dannenbring.
Academy of Dance is also proud to offer an adult fitness class - SHiNE™ Dance Fitness.
Our Team
Dorota Dannenbring
The Academy of Dance is directed and owned by Dorota Dannenbring.
Dorota received professional dance training at the Warsaw School of Ballet in Warsaw, Poland, studying Russian techniques of classical dance, character, and traditional folk dance. Dorota has performed extensively in various countries, including Europe, Israel, Canada, and the United States. She has also performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, the Academy of Music in Brooklyn, NY, and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA.
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Dorota has taught and choreographed for the Vermillion and Lewis and Clark Playhouses, Sleeping Beauty Ballet, various Nutcracker Ballets, Sioux City Symphony, The University of South Dakota, and the School of Ballet Omaha. Her past competition choreographies have been recognized with awards such as Outstanding Performance and People's Choice elite-level awards at Spotlight Dance, Most Entertaining Group Routine at The Leap Competition, Standing Ovation award at Bravo, and the Entertainment award at Cathy Roe CRU.
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Dorota's proudest achievement is working with her students of all ages and levels at the Academy of Dance!
Kathryn Rose Reimler
Ashely Ibarolle
Carolyn Golden
has a B.A. in dance from the University of Iowa. She enjoys choreographing musical theater at Yankton High School, Vermillion Community Theatre, Mount Mary university, and the Dakota Theater. She also teaches at MMU and has worked at USD in the Musical Theatre and Opera departments, Freeman Academy, and Schmeckfest. Kathryn is also part of the production team with the Black Hills Playhouse Education Office for BHP Jr. Performing Arts Camps. She is now the Executive Director/Artistic Directory of the Dakota Theatre in Yankton. Kathryn enjoys the variety of teaching, performing, choreographing and producing in different places and working with different people. She also enjoys sharing the arts with her husband and their two daughters.
has her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Texas Tech University. After graduation she pursued her dream of dancing at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. With her love of dance and movement she went on to gain her certifications in Yoga, American Barre Technique, and SHiNE™ Dance Fitness. She enjoys teaching, learning, choreographing and sharing her love of dance with the community.
has assisted Dorota with classes for our youngest dancers for many years and has a wonderful ability with children. The Academy of Dance is excited to have Carolyn leading our “Special Person and Me” class for 2 to 3 year old children and their adult. Carolyn also enjoys sharing her love of dance and fitness as an American Barre Technique certified instructor.
Valerie Merkwan
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Brynlyn Hamberger
Cody Garvey
is a Yankton native and participated in gymnastics from preschool through high school. As an adult, she continued teaching gymnastics to children of all ages while attending USD to study biology and chemistry. Valerie has participated in adult dance education and performance and has extensive knowledge in Acrobatics.
Hannah Zimmerman
is a former Academy of Dance student and Yankton native. After cheering throughout high school, she became a competitive cheer official for the South Dakota High School Activities Association. Most recently, Hannah was a sideline cheer coach for Yankton High School. Along with being a second-grade teacher she enjoys spending time with her family and following her daughter's activities. Hannah is excited to bring her cheerleading expertise to the Academy of Dance.
has danced at the Academy of Dance since she was three and received training in various dance styles. She was a competitive dance team member at the Academy of Dance from a young age. Brynlyn graduated from the Springs Bath House School of Massage and is a licensed massage therapist. She recently started her own massage therapy business in Yankton. She is excited to be teaching hip hop and helping assist with the youngest age classes.
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Abby Cuka
is a proud Academy of Dance alumni who continued her dance education at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. As a member of the Creighton University Dance Company, she was cast in several ballet productions and performances. In May 2023, Abby received a bachelor's degree in English and minors in Dance and Business Administration. She also taught ballet at the Omaha Academy of Ballet for three years, which structured on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) technique method and curriculum. Abby is truly passionate about teaching dance. especially focusing on proper technique and building confidence in each dancer.
is a 4th-grade teacher and 8th-grade boys' basketball coach in Yankton. Cody has three daughters, the oldest two have been in dance classes since the age of two, and the youngest is sure to follow in her older sister's footsteps. Through personal involvement in athletics growing up and daughters that love and participate in dance and sports year-round, Cody has direct and indirect experience in a wide range of athletic activities.