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NEW Studio Location ~ 33 W King St ~ 2026-27 Registration is now OPEN! Head to Parent Portal to sign up.
About Us
Located in Rhinelander, WI, our studio was founded in 1998 by the passionate and dedicated Karen Cook. With over two decades of experience, we take pride in teaching proper dance technique while ensuring that our students have a fun and enriching experience.
At our studio, we offer a wide range of dance styles to explore, including ballet, pointe, lyrical, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to expand their dance repertoire, we have something for everyone. Our class ages range from age 3 - 18! We encourage our students to try new styles and discover their unique interests and talents.
Our philosophy is centered on the joy of dance and the development of skills that last a lifetime. We hold two recitals each year, providing our dancers with the opportunity to showcase their progress and hard work. For those who are looking for even more, we have a competition team that allows dancers to challenge themselves and compete at higher levels.
We are committed to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive. Join us and become a part of our dance family. Discover the love of dance with us!
Our Staff
Artistic Director, Owner & Instructor:
Jessie Phelps
Graduate of Nicolet Area Technical College with a focus in Developmental Psychology and Business/Marketing. Started studying ballet at the age of 3 and danced at NWSD for 16 years prior to transitioning to the role of instructor in 2015. In addition to ballet, Jessie started training in hip hop, lyrical, and jazz with the Rhinelander High School Dance Team, training with them all through high school and earning 2 National hip hop titles in that time. Additionally, Jessie directs NWSD’s Competition Program and has lead the team to countless wins and overall placements, as well as earning herself numerous choreography awards and recognition along the way. Currently teaches competitive pieces, ballet/pointe, lyrical, and hip hop classes for all ages and truly believes she has the best job in the world.
Artistic Advisor:
Karen Cook
Graduate of UW-Stevens Point with a degree in Speech Pathology and a minor in Dance. Has studied and taught dance for over 25 years. Studied ballet at the Makaroff School in Appleton. Studied and taught ballet and jazz in Appleton and Germany. Member of Dance Masters WI and Chicago National Association of Dance Masters.
NWSD Teachers:
Tanya Taylor: Pointe, Youth Tap, Adult Tap
Graduate of Northern Michigan University, MI with a teaching degree in Elementary Education and MAE in Learning Disabilities. Has studied dance since the age of three starting with Karen Cook and also trained and performed as a company member of Allegro Dance Theater. Has been teaching for NWSD since 2012 and assisting for many more.
Miriah Mannikko: Jazz, Adult Hip Hop, Ballet
Graduate of UW-Stevens Point with a teaching degree in Elementary and Exceptional Education. Has studied dance with Karen Cook as part of NWSD and was a member of the RHS Dance Team. Debuted as an assistant NWSD teacher in the 2012-13 school year.
Melissa Mishler: Pre Classes
Graduate of Nicolet Area Technical College and completed two additional years of study at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, focusing on Early Childhood Education and Psychology. Melissa studied dance at NWSD with Karen Cook for 15 years and has been teaching Pre-Ballet and Pre-Tap since the fall of 2024. She especially loves working with our youngest group of dancers and helping them build confidence and a strong foundation in their early dance skills. Her goal is to instill not only the fundamentals of dance, but also a genuine love for dance that will inspire and prepare our students for their future dancing journey for the years to come.
Anna Price: Competitive Coach, Acrobatics, Jazz, Hip Hop
Aila Bergman: Competitive Coach, Acrobatics, Jazz Hip Hop
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