Parent Testimonials:

We would like to share why we support our daughter Kristyn in her dance at Yackel Dance Studio in Cottage Grove, MN. Kristyn enjoys dance as a disciplined, aerobic form of artistic expression in which she expresses herself through movement with music; the same way an artist expresses emotions through paint on a canvas. As an artist and athlete, Kristyn uses dance as a release from the demands placed upon her at school and at home. She is the top of her class at Park High School. As parents we introduced Kristyn to an array of activities. However, it was Yackel Dance that inspired Kristyn to perform at a competitive level in which she could build life long skills including: team work, social interaction, discipline and leadership. As loving and caring parents, we continue to support and encourage Kristyn at Yackel Dance Studio.

Gail and Steven Scholl, Cottage Grove

When placing my daughter in a dance studio at the age of 3, I was looking for a smaller studio. I wanted personalized instruction, relationships with teachers, and a great group of young people. Now, 6 years later, my daughter is in her 4th year of competitive dance with Yackel Dance Studio. I couldn't ask for more. The instruction she has received and continues to receive is of the highest quality. She has developed personal relationships with both Denise and Beth Yackel. Most importantly, she knows each competitive dancer by name at all levels, and they know her. When placing my daughter at Yackel Dance Studio, she didn't just become part of a studio, she became part of a family.

Beth Johnson, Inver Grove Heights

I was so excited as I waited with all the other parents outside the studio door. This was my three-year-old daughter's very first Yackel Dance class. When the door swung open, Meghan came barreling out with the other preschoolers, smiling and laughing. I scooped her up asking, "How was it? Did you have fun? What did you learn?" She responded enthusiastically, "We danced! I love my teacher, Miss Becky. She told us, 'No talking. Only hugging.'" Ten years worth of hugs later, Meghan still loves her teachers and loves to dance.

Yackel Dance has been a significant part of shaping many young dancers' with important life lessons. Through weekly lessons, they learn that dedicated practice leads to gradual improvment. They also begin to cultivate a work ethic. Not only are Yackel dance friendships special and long-lasting, they frequently bridge age, gender, and school boundaries. The younger dance students, who once looked up to the older students as mentors, eventually become mentors themselves - supporting, guiding and cheering for the success of the next generation of Yackel dancers.

Of course, our family continues to be excited for Meghan as she grows and develops as a dancer. We celebrate when she learns a new dance technique just as we did when she was our four-year-old mastering her "sugars" across the kitchen floor. Still, we are most grateful that Yackel Dance has given Meghan and many other young dancers the opportunity to become special people who respect themselves and care about others.

Melissa Johnson, Cottage Grove

Our daughter Cassie started dancing for Yackel when she was only four years old. It seems like only yesterday that she was holding hands with Denise and Beth and being led out on stage with the rest of the students to perform. Cassie is now thirteen years old. Over the last nine years I have watched Denise and Beth Yackel help transform our little girl into a confident young woman. They have helped Cassie develop the skills, poise and confidence that not only allow her to perform on stage, but also allow her to walk through life every day with her head held high.

Chris Lennox, Principal, Stillwater High School

What a great year this has been at Yackel Dance!! We moved to Minnesota 2 years ago, seeking a dance studio for our daughter, a competitive dancer with a 5 year, successful competitive dance history. Transitioning to a new team was tough! We spent a year compromising on technique and quality at another studio. Then, we found Yackel Dance. The ballet technique is excellent. The time commitment per age group is appropriate. The instructors expect alot but in a loving way. The choreography is superb. We could not be happier! Dance, like any sport, can be high-pressured and political. Yackel Dance is a family-owned, family-lead studio where all the kids are given great instruction not only as dancers but as people. Thanks so much - we are thrilled to have found you!

Chandler & Anjie Cayot, Woodbury