https://www.218danceproject.com/home daily 1.0 2024-04-03 https://www.218danceproject.com/218-purpose daily 0.75 2020-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1598126258873-XVTZMGFUQFZJJZLWLOMF/218Dance_2.jpg 218 Purpose https://www.218danceproject.com/classes daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/6b040281-ebe8-4569-b430-172a3ef106d6/Capture.jpg Classes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/cdbdf7a1-22d6-4800-b5ae-00a061b1531b/218_movement_dance_small.jpg Classes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/2d42f92e-35b0-41ac-892a-5e1611bf05e9/Screen+Shot+2020-06-29+at+9.59.02+PM.png Classes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/246dc22c-3c02-4c8a-842c-f233f4837ce4/b527387f-6ffb-4028-811b-386a68df8f47.jpg Classes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/ff5c943a-264f-46d4-ac0a-64365eeb9213/IMG_6494.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/6504a3b0-a50e-4000-b6cb-dada4959dddf/IMG_6496.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/29f37a96-b677-46af-b88a-0e6e32107a9b/IMG_6495.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/bd192aa3-94ba-4e81-bba0-ea74a3df2e21/IMG_2375+2+copy.jpg Classes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/d5f9abf8-95bb-4bb2-b1ed-fac8ab4fee7b/IMG_6493.jpg Classes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/c562a55b-dbe2-462b-a6be-9851b90d2d2e/Image+Jazz.jpg Classes https://www.218danceproject.com/faculty daily 0.75 2025-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/82857e4e-4a15-4def-9fe8-948ad06048e3/Ashley.png Faculty - Ashley Thompson (Co-Owner/Director) Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/6c4c0bed-fe2f-4ff9-9ad7-c956232706c4/Nik.jpg Faculty - Nicole “Nik” Humes (Co-Owner/Director) Born and raised in Hermantown, Nicole has 27 years of dance experience in jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, modern, ballet, pointe, musical theater, and dance team. She has been a lead dance instructor, (both recreational and competitive) for the past 15 years while living in Duluth. Being a Twin Ports native, Nicole’s strong ties to the community provide her extensive knowledge and expertise in the dance field for the area. Growing up, Nicole trained at a local studio in Duluth, where she won several high-point, overall, and other special awards. She gained additional experience in dance through a collection of influential instructors and choreographers all around the United States. As a student, she traveled across the country numerous times to attend workshops and conventions to learn from lead choreographers, some of whom include those who have choreographed for popular films and television shows: Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Brian Friedman, Laurieann Gibson, Tyce Diorio, Sonya Tayeh, and others. While an instructor, Nicole also traveled to New York to attend a week-long convention solely dedicated to providing education, from the leaders in the dance industry, for dance instructors and studio owners. In addition, she continues to take continuing education classes through both online and in-person workshops. Her instruction in the art of dance has been extremely influential for the Twin Ports community, and she is well-known as an instructor and choreographer in the area. Nicole has won countless high-point, overall, and choreography awards throughout the years as a competitive instructor/choreographer. Most recently, some of her standout awards include the Industry Dance Awards nomination for her senior jazz routine in 2021 and a Choreography Award for a lyrical piece competed at the Showbiz Competition in Minneapolis, MN (2018). Additionally, Nicole received the “Grand Champion” award for a jazz and lyrical piece on two separate occasions at the Triple S Dance Competition in Duluth, MN (2017, 2019). While her successes are proven by the awards, she has also proven herself to be meaningful, passionate, and motivated when instructing students. Nicole has also led the dance community in Duluth by being a member of the University of Minnesota Duluth Dance Team (UMDDT) from 2009-2013. While she was a member of the UMDDT, she also was selected as the captain from 2011-2013. Being solely a captain-led Sport Club at UMD, Nicole learned the important tasks needed to be a successful leader. Consequently, she led her team to become National Champions (the first time for UMDDT) in 2013 in Daytona Beach, FL. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/04673468-174e-4d27-8ef8-f24789f27f89/0Y4A9085.jpg Faculty - REESE NICKLIN (Principal Faculty/Choreographer/Communications and Social Media Specialist) Reese joined the 218 Dance Project Faculty in 2020 and has been a major force ever since. She became passionate about dance as a toddler. She would spend countless hours in her living room improving to music from Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. She was enrolled in a dance program in Duluth, MN at age 7 and became a competitive dancer shortly thereafter. As a dancer, Reese has earned various overall high point awards, title, and technique awards. She also received invitations and scholarships to attend summer and college dance programs. One that she attended was AMDA Summer Conservatory Program in Los Angeles, California. She has also accrued numerous experiences serving as a teacher’s assistant and instructor. Through these experiences, she has been able to develop and refine her skills as a choreographer. In fact, she has become well-known for her innovative choreography and has won numerous awards at regional and national competitions. Additionally, Reese teaches intensives and master classes in Duluth and Minneapolis/St.Paul. As well as choreographs routines for studios in the Minneapolis area. After high school, Reese moved to California and earned a dance certificate at Millenium Dance Complex in Los Angeles while studying commercial dance and hip hop. During her time in California, she was also offered numerous opportunities including dancing/acting roles in the movie The Way Back, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve Show, Dana Alexa’s Dance On, and a music video for HGTV Music. Reese was formerly represented by Wehmann Model and Talent and was a Kelle dance catalog model. In 2019-2020, Reese accepted an instructor position at a local dance studio in which she taught children of all ages in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, musical theater, and hip hop. It was through her role as an instructor that her passion for dance was amplified. She has high expectations, works to instill confidence with a growth mindset, focuses on building caring relationships, and loves to have fun with all of her students! When Reese isn’t teaching or learning she will be hiking, writing, creating, and spending time with family and friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/c2586928-dd21-46f4-bae7-e63bc728087d/0Y4A9106.jpg Faculty - AMBER BURNS (Principal Faculty/Choreographer) Amber Burns joined the faculty in 2023 and is a multimedia artist and teacher. Growing up in Chanhassen, MN she trained at the Dance Academy in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and contemporary dance. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2011 with BFA and MN K-12 License in Art Education and a minor in dance. Amber has been teaching dance for over 20 years, and teaching classes in the Duluth area since 2008 at organizations such as the MN Ballet, Madill Performing Arts, Dream Dance, UMD, Raise the Barre, Zeitgeist Arts, and the Duluth Playhouse. In 2018 Amber finished a master’s degree in Liberal Studies: Arts Development and Program Management from the University of Denver and developed dance and theater programming as the Artistic Director for the Duluth Playhouse Family Theatre and Education Programming. Currently, she is the Community Impact Specialist at The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation where she manages youth scholarships. Amber has also served as a director and choreographer and has worked with many of the schools in the area on their musical productions. Amber loves to teach all styles of dance, including tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and has recently started to learn clogging. She is very passionate about advocating for the arts, youth, and helping the local community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/60716c6f-be6a-44ee-b7e5-011dd55c2199/0Y4A9090_1.jpg Faculty - Sarah Scrignoli (Principal Faculty/Choreographer) Sarah has been an instructor with 218 Dance Project since 2020. Her passion for dance started at the age of 7 at Elite Dance Productions, where she danced recreationally for two years and then joined the competition team at age 9. While competing, Sarah received many top awards, including the 12 & over Superstar award at Celebration Talent, the Steven Boyd Memorial award at Masquerade, and the title of Senior Miss Starz at Midwest Starz in 2014 and 2017. She was also crowned the Triple S National Senior Title winner in 2018. Along with competitive dance, Sarah danced at the School of the Minnesota Ballet for 4 years and was a part of the Nutcracker for 2 of those years. Sarah has also attended conventions and commercial dance clinics across the US. In fact, while attending the Hollywood Summer Tour in LA, she was a backup dancer in Danielle Cohn’s “Lights Camera Action” music video. After graduating high school, Sarah attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, majoring in social studies education with minors in dance, history, political science, and geography. At school, she was a member of the UMD Dance Team and was voted “Rookie Of The Year” and “Most Valuable Dancer” for their jazz routine. Sarah is now a Social Studies teacher at Habor City School and a core faculty member at 218 Dance Project. She has won numerous awards for her choreography and brings a wealth of talent and knowledge to all of her classes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/7bcfbea3-286a-4835-9c05-57e4b2f73dd7/0Y4A9033.jpg Faculty - Alayna McGraw (Principal Faculty/Choreographer) Alayna has been a faculty member with 218 since 2020. She was born and raised in Duluth, MN and has eighteen years of dance experience and training in jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, contemporary, and musical theatre. Her studio dance journey began when she was four years old and she started competing at age six. Throughout her twelve years of competitive dance, she received numerous high point, judge’s choice, performance, and standout dancer awards at regional and national competitions. At age sixteen, she was selected to attend the New York All-Star Dance Convention. While in New York, she took several master classes at the Broadway Dance Center and from the Rockettes. In addition to her own training, Alayna was also a student teacher for many years. Alayna also has experience with high school and collegiate dance team. While in high school, Alayna was a part of the Duluth East Dance Team for three years and was a team captain her junior and senior years. During her first year of college, Alayna was on the University of Minnesota Duluth Dance Team. They competed and placed in the top ten in the jazz and pom categories at the UDA National competition in Florida. As an instructor/choreographer, Alayna is dedicated to her students and thrives off of their individual successes. She pushes students to rise to every challenge and enjoys connecting with each dancer. She is so excited to continue sharing her knowledge, love, and passion for dance as a part of the 218 Dance Project family! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/e877275b-09a0-436d-8f93-61b15100fcdb/bray+staff+photo.jpg Faculty - brayden Guentzel (Principal Faculty/Choreographer) Brayden Guentzel is a performer, choreographer, educator, and stage technician in dance. Originally from Wisconsin and a former competitive dancer, Brayden began his journey as a choreographer and dance educator at a young age. He currently instructs for 218 Dance Project in Duluth, MN, and is affiliated with Classic Image Dance, Bricks Dance Studio, and Metro Arts High School in the Phoenix area. As an alumni from Arizona State University, Brayden holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with aspirations to own dance studios globally. He has been part of many collaborative processes and performances within the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at ASU. Brayden has collaborated with ASU faculty and guest artists such as David Olarte, Mary Fitzgerald, Carley Conder, Karen Schupp, Keith Thompson, Carolyn Koch, and Adam McKinney. Brayden's most recent choreographic works have been seen at Tempe Center for the Arts for CONDER/dance's Breaking Ground Festival, Margaret Gisolo Dance Theatre, The Galvin Playhouse, and Gammage Auditorium. Brayden now performs internationally with Princess Cruises fulfilling his love of creativity and curiosity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/aab5cc2c-1312-43d0-ab9f-3342d8d81000/0Y4A9118.jpg Faculty - Miranda Shinn (Faculty/Choreographer) Miranda has been a faculty member with 218 since 2020. She started dancing at the age of 2 ½ and began competing at the age of 5. She has received extensive training in the genres of Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap and Musical Theater. Miranda earned multiple High Point, Special, and Overall awards throughout her training (including 2 Grand Championship Titles with her teammates). Throughout her dance career, Miranda has also enjoyed attending many conventions and workshops. Her favorite classes were taught by Travis Wall, Chloe Arnold, and Chelsie Heightower. She also had the privilege of performing in the 2013 Orange Bowl Halftime Show in Miami (with country singer Jake Owen) and participating in a Hip Hop number during the Halftime Show for the Harlem Globetrotters in 2017. However, her most memorable opportunity was when she danced in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, with the Spirit of America. As a Cheer Captain at Denfeld High School, she discovered how much she loved to choreograph/teach dances and cheers. She took pride in watching others grow. This made her realize she had a knack for teaching and a desire to become a dance instructor. Throughout Miranda’s 15+ years of dance, she has learned many valuable traits, such as confidence, responsibility, dedication, perseverance, and teamwork. She looks forward to passing these traits on to young dancers as an instructor at 218 Dance Project! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/c3e82b06-2551-463b-9bdd-f46a650f0ab1/gina+jp+head.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/da33ce3a-45d0-4bb0-aad0-d529772e1ee5/0Y4A9007.jpg Faculty - Sam Blazevic-Seibert (Associate Faculty /Choreographer) Sam began dancing at the age of 3. He started dancing competitively at the age of 5. His passion for dance includes all of the styles of dance. Early on, he was lucky enough to begin partnering with several different duet partners which only strengthened his dancing skills, especially since he was usually the only male dancer at his studio. To strengthen his technique, he sought out training at the School of the Minnesota Ballet. This allowed him to perform in many professional ballet productions, such as the Nutcracker, Coppelia, and Swan Lake. He was also a member of their Canadian touring production of the Nutcracker. After 4 years with the School of the Minnesota Ballet, Sam continued his ballet training at Raise the Barre Ballet Studio during his senior year of high school. Sam also enjoyed dancing in several musicals while a student at Duluth East, including serving as the Dance Captain for the Freaky Friday musical during his senior year. As a dancer, Sam has won numerous awards and honors at many dance competitions. Outside of the studio, Sam continues to explore his love of tap dancing. He has attended many tap festivals, workshops, and master classes throughout the state of MN. He joined Keane Sense of Rhythm in St Paul as a student to further his tap knowledge. Sam has been able to train and work with countless legends of tap with his mentorship with Brenda Buffalino, his participation in Sarah Reich's Tap Music Project, and his attendance at master classes taught by Sam Weber, Dianne Walker, Star Dixon, Maud Arnold, and many others. Sam finished his competitive dance career at 218 Dance Project in 2022. He is pursuing a degree in biology and psychology with a minor in dance at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He is looking forward to continuing to dance at UMD and to continue building his repertoire of dance knowledge. He is excited to be a part of the 218 Dance Project faculty! He can't wait to share his passion for dance with younger dancers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/0ddfe645-060c-42ec-a764-8578c229d165/0Y4A9252.jpg Faculty - Savannah Ernst (Associate Faculty/Choreographer) Savannah began studio dance in Duluth at age 2. She danced competitively since age 5 and served as a student teacher since age 8. She finished her studio dance career as a competition dancer with 218 Dance Project in 2022. Her dance awards include Miss Legacy at Legacy Dance Competition, Dancer of the Year at Celebration Talent, Top 5 Finalist at In10sity Nationals, overall high score awards for solo and group routines, and Best of Show at Masquerade for a lyrical trio. Savannah has also participated in many opening/closing numbers at competitions such as In10sity Nationals, Masquerade Nationals, Legacy Nationals, and Radix Minneapolis as a Protégé Finalist. Along with participating in opening/closing numbers, she has traveled to Brea, California to participate in the summer intensive at The Space. In addition to studio dance, she trained with the School of Minnesota Ballet for 4 years. She performed various roles in the Nutcracker, including Young Clara in 2018. Savannah is currently attending the University of Minnesota Duluth where she is studying psychology. She is also a member of the dance team that competes in both a jazz and pom routine at the UDA National Competition in Orlando, Florida. During her junior and senior year at 218 Dance Project, she served as a substitute teacher as well as a teaching assistant, which she considers to be the highlight of her time as a competitive studio dancer. She has greatly enjoyed the opportunity to share her love for dance with others. She is thrilled to pursue her passion for dance as an instructor for 218, and she can’t wait to help dancers reach their full potential. Savannah believes that dance teaches many valuable life lessons that can serve students well in their lives beyond the studio, and she looks forward to being a part of the 218 family as an instructor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/ab52b937-24d3-4d64-8476-d360de8b9ab0/0Y4A1799.jpg Faculty - ANNALYN SWEETNAM (Associate Faculty /Choreographer) Annalyn began dancing at only 3 years old and discovered her passion as a competitive dancer in Duluth, MN. After graduating in 2024, she furthered her artistic journey at the CLI Conservatory, where she trained in a wide range of dance styles alongside performers such as Teddy Forance, Martha Nichols, Riley Watts, Casey Gonzalez, and Stephanie Shumway. Annalyn is dedicated to sharing her love of dance through teaching and choreography—and is excited to keep performing and evolving as an artist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/0cb71fd1-17c6-4ba2-928c-a798bf6f80fa/0Y4A8148.jpg Faculty - MADDI COOLE (Associate Faculty/Choreographer) Maddi is a Duluth native who grew up dancing at Madill Performing Arts Center under the instruction of Jenn Madill Hagen. She danced competitively for 12 years, training in all styles- lyrical, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theatre- and was part of many award-winning group routines. While training at the studio, Maddi was also a five-year member and two-year captain of the Duluth East Dance Team, where she competed as a double varsity athlete each year. During her time on the team, she earned three individual awards at her high school summer Just For Kix Camps, standing out among over 1,000 dancers. In her senior year, she received the top honor at Just For Kix Camp and was named one of the top four dancers at the camp. After high school, Maddi stayed local and attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, majoring in Biology. While in college, she continued to stay involved in the dance world- teaching at Just For Kix Summer Dance camps for five summers and choreographing multiple routines for the company. She also returned back to her high school roots and is currently a Varsity Assistant Coach at Duluth East. At UMD Maddi was a five-year member and three-year captain of the Bulldog Dance Team. She played a big role in growing the program, helping to improve both the team's performance and culture year after year. One of her proudest moments was helping lead the team to their first-ever national championship in Open Jazz at UDA College Nationals in 2023. Since then, she's continued to push the team as they've placed in the top three in Open Pom and Open Jazz for the last three seasons. Throughout her time on the team, she also was a three-time Bulldog recipient and earned MVD Jazz twice. Now, Maddi is excited to be back in the studio world- ready to help dancers take their next steps and guide them through the process of preparing for the collegiate dance world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/4771e138-02f5-4ea8-8b6a-8aa14d5b8845/0Y4A9170.jpg Faculty - Emma Grindahl (Associate Faculty/Choreographer) Emma began her dancing career at just 18 months old and has been dancing competitively since she was 5. Because of her true passion for dance, she continued to participate in the competitive program at 218 Dance Project after graduating high school. In addition, to attending both Madill Performing Arts Center and 218 Dance Project, Emma extended her technical training at Minnesota Ballet. Her technical training never went unnoticed, as she has received many overall placements and countless distinguished awards at regional and national competitions. Emma’s love of choreography started when she was able to choreograph her first solo at 14. Ever since, she knew that she wanted to become a dance teacher and choreograph for others. Emma looks forward to seeing her students grow and watching her dancers perform on stage! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/8cedc34f-c894-4d8f-a9db-a19b27315a14/0Y4A8182.jpg Faculty - KALEB MARTINEZ (Associate Faculty/Choreographer) Throughout Kaleb's career as a dancer, he has experienced many successes. Some of his favorites include his award-winning solo at the age of 5, "Bye Bye Bye", and his all-boys group "Dude Factor," which thrived at competitions. Kaleb spent the majority of his dance career at Madill Performing Arts Center, where he trained under a multitude of great teachers, including Jenn Madill Hagen, Matthew Wagner, and Nancy Gibson. Kaleb's love for choreography began with the private lessons he held for the younger boys in Dude Factor. There, he focused on tricks and created combos to help them grow as dancers. In addition to that, he has also served as a teaching assistant in a variety of classes throughout his dance career. Some of his favorite moments growing up in dance were the callbacks at competitions and hearing the crowd's shock and awe. He hopes to bring that same joy and excitement to other dancers through his own choreography, while exploring fun and creative ideas. After being with 218 for the past threeyears, he is thrilled for the opportunity to share his passion for the sport with other dancers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/30b2de71-72ab-4728-a2b6-47c276982f39/0Y4A1737_1.jpg Faculty - Presley TOrrance (Associate Faculty) Presley began dancing at age three, competing by five, assisting in classes by eleven, and teaching by sixteen. Over the course of fifteen years, she trained at two local studios, completing her junior and senior years with 218 Dance Project. Her passion for ballet was nurtured at the School of the Minnesota Ballet and Raise the Barre Ballet Studio, where she performed in productions such as The Nutcracker, excerpts from Swan Lake, and Kingdom of the Shades from La Bayadère. She has also performed numerous award-winning solos, duos, trios, and group pieces. Along the way, she had the privilege of training under distinguished instructors and choreographers including LilaAnn White, Nancy Gibson, Paige Kohler Larson, Charleigh France, Misty Rasconsmith, Alaina Nordin, Megan Witte, and the talented faculty at 218 Dance Project. During high school, she discovered a love for choreography, taking on the role of Head Choreographer for Cloquet Senior High School’s musicals—a position she has held for three years. Her credits there include Little Shop of Horrors, Mamma Mia!, and Shrek the Musical. While she enjoys many genres, she is especially passionate about Musical Theatre, Lyrical, and Ballet. Currently, she is pursuing her undergraduate degree in K–12 Instrumental Music Education with a minor in Applied Dance at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She is thrilled to continue sharing her artistry and teaching at 218 Dance Project. Above all, she is dedicated to fostering creativity, self-confidence, perseverance, and a lifelong love of dance in her students—ensuring they leave each class with both pride in their accomplishments and joy in their hearts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/19da345e-dea3-45a8-a17d-be52eb9ef889/0Y4A1753.jpg Faculty - CELESTA Brainard (Principal Faculty) Celesta is a Minnesota native and graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she earned her BA in Dance. Her passion for the art form led her to New York City, where she trained at prestigious studios including Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. While in NYC, she secured a professional contract with Royal Caribbean, performing worldwide on numerous cruise ships. Now back in Duluth, Celesta shares her energy and expertise with the community as a Harbor Monster Cheerleader and a fitness coach at Pulse Barre and Fitness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/b393ffbc-fc75-42fa-a70c-f9ed6428a136/KATIE.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/83345974-b1fb-4408-8eb6-5eaaae3d5a79/JP.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/c1fdf4bf-d830-442c-8660-d3417148684c/0Y4A9190.jpg Faculty - Ann Scrignoli (Office/Administrative Specialist) Ann was a dance mom for 14 years. Now that she is retired from this position, she still loves spending time at the studio, staying connected to dance and helping all the dance families. https://www.218danceproject.com/studio daily 0.75 2025-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/74ca702a-095f-4bdf-bae4-ecd35dbf68bf/IMG_8704+2.jpg Studio - Spirit Valley Studio The Spirit Valley Studio is our fifth additional studio space located at 215 N. Central Ave. This space is fully renovated with wall-mounted mirrors, an electronic sound system, double Alvas ballet barres, double-sided portable barres, acrobatic mats, and a raised marley floor. This studio also provides a raised viewing area to allow families to watch their dancers during class. This is our largest studio, measuring at 1,900 square feet of premier dance space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1605710551310-A3MK29VU0EAF3RDOV47H/IMG_6452+%282%29.jpg Studio - SpLIT ROCK Studio The Split Rock Studio is fully renovated with 17-foot industrial beamed ceilings, wall-mounted mirrors, an electronic sound system, acrobatic mats, and a raised marley floor. This studio provides viewing windows to allow families to watch their dancers during class. This is our second largest studio, measuring at 1469 square feet of premier dance space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1605710594544-PGZM7OBWY9M92D9VG4KS/IMG_6448+%282%29.jpg Studio - Temperance Studio The Temperance Studio is our third-largest, at 1287 square feet, and has been fully renovated. It comes equipped with industrial beamed ceilings, wall-mounted mirrors, double Alvas ballet barres, double-sided portable barres, an electronic sound system, parent viewing windows, and a raised marley floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1605710702053-VWLP4A41VYN8HK7DZI2V/108048429_131278025293194_6278591606820386960_o.jpg Studio - Gitche Gumee Studio The 940 square foot Gitche Gumee Studio has also been completely renovated and features beamed ceilings, wall-mounted mirrors, an electronic sound system, a raised marley floor, and video cameras designed to stream class activities for parents to view in our lobby. In addition, natural light floods in from the windows that overlook the historic area of West Duluth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1605710776608-JOAK1F4DZPA4549L1UXT/107929688_131278065293190_1483855393711915481_o.jpg Studio - Gunflint Studio The Gunflint Studio measures in at 777 square feet, also providing top of the line dance space. In this studio, you will find beamed ceilings, wall-mounted mirrors, an electronic sound system, and a raised marley floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1605710854740-D3CBWW6PM0E459NVL4GH/IMG_5042+%281%29.jpeg Studio - Kitchenette & Study Zone Our kitchenette serves as the ideal space for dancers to study and refuel between classes. This space comes equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave, over 20 feet of counter/workspace, and trendy barstool seating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1605710917022-S81DPJVHNVM2RSLJ79B8/IMG_5041+%281%29.jpeg Studio - Lobby & Lounge Our large and luxurious lobby, reception, and lounge area offers a flat-screen television (which provides a live stream of classes occurring in all studios). Parents may wait for their dancers in comfort with central AC and free Wi-Fi. In addition, the entrance to the lobby hosts a plethora of cubbies to store all dancers’ belongings. Finally, two multi-stall bathrooms are available to all customers and dancers. https://www.218danceproject.com/events daily 0.75 2025-07-25 https://www.218danceproject.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2020-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1594178638406-MCYVX53I5EHGQ5YY15KQ/bridge_photo.jpg Contact Us - Contact us. EMAIL frontdesk@218danceproject.com ADDRESS 5713 Grand Avenue, Suite D Duluth, MN 55807 https://www.218danceproject.com/policies daily 0.75 2025-07-25 https://www.218danceproject.com/scholarships daily 0.75 2020-07-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1596069345931-0U38RDE5PIO6R9FM6FHR/theatre-stage-spotlight.jpg Scholarships - Contribute to our fund If you would like to contribute to our Sponsor a Dancer Scholarship Fund, please click the link below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec5e0c5dc1aac3684fa3d22/1596069278249-F1BHACD6NVWDWV92PAXU/Depositphotos_21451605_s-2015.jpg Scholarships - Apply For a scholarship If you (or your family) are interested in applying for a scholarship, we welcome you to complete and submit the application attached below.