ABOUT KDS
With a heart dedicated to her students and her craft, Kerri Jo (Richardson) Watts opened the doors to her dance studio in the fall of 1992... and she's been inspiring and educating young dancers from all over western Iowa ever since. Kerri and her staff are dedicated to the dreams and aspirations of each student and are constantly learning alongside the students to improve the program. KDS believes in teaching younger dancers a strong base in terminology, technique and strength training, all while maintaining a fun, energetic learning environment. Older students are challenged by fresh, modern choreography, and are trained to develop their athleticism and expression in dance.
Kerri's Dance Studio houses a renovated studio space, offers multiple classes six days of the week, and maintains a wide variety of classes available to dancers of any age, at any level.
Just a few things that make KDS special:
Free trial classes for first-time students.
Beautiful and affordable annual dance recitals.
Convenient location with multiple dance rooms.
Dance-wear and shoes sold affordably in house.
Suitable for all ages, and levels of experience.
A supportive, family-based environment.
Quarter century director/owner experience.
A continuously trained and devoted staff.
A twelve time national champion competitive team.
A safe place to call home, where creativity and fun is always welcome.
It's never too late to try out Kerri's Dance Studio. Join us today!
With a heart dedicated to her students and her craft, Kerri Jo (Richardson) Watts opened the doors to her dance studio in the fall of 1992... and she's been inspiring and educating young dancers from all over western Iowa ever since. Kerri and her staff are dedicated to the dreams and aspirations of each student and are constantly learning alongside the students to improve the program. KDS believes in teaching younger dancers a strong base in terminology, technique and strength training, all while maintaining a fun, energetic learning environment. Older students are challenged by fresh, modern choreography, and are trained to develop their athleticism and expression in dance.
Kerri's Dance Studio houses a renovated studio space, offers multiple classes six days of the week, and maintains a wide variety of classes available to dancers of any age, at any level.
Just a few things that make KDS special:
Free trial classes for first-time students.
Beautiful and affordable annual dance recitals.
Convenient location with multiple dance rooms.
Dance-wear and shoes sold affordably in house.
Suitable for all ages, and levels of experience.
A supportive, family-based environment.
Quarter century director/owner experience.
A continuously trained and devoted staff.
A twelve time national champion competitive team.
A safe place to call home, where creativity and fun is always welcome.
It's never too late to try out Kerri's Dance Studio. Join us today!
MEET OUR STAFF!
Kerri Jo (Richardson) Watts
Creative Director and Instructor
Miss Kerri is the creative director of Kerri’s Dance Studio, overseeing all day-to-day functions. Kerri choreographs and teaches multiple classes, including solos, duets/trios, and larger groups. Over the last 30+ years, she has won numerous choreography awards and was selected as Dance Educator of the Year by Masquerade Dance. Locally, she is a returning choreographer for various theaters in the area, including the Bellevue Little Theatre, where she is a board member. Across the nation, Kerri is a respected judge and adjudicator, giving scores and verbal feedback to dancers in multiple disciplines, age brackets, and levels. Kerri has taught master classes in cities across the United States. In college, Kerri studied communications, sociology, and theater at Iowa Western Community College and child psychology, ballet, and Jazz at Creighton. Kerri identifies herself as a self-motivated leader, self-starter, and problem-solver. Kerri possesses excellent communication skills and a passion for working with people of all ages, lifestyles, and demographics. Kerri is a strong leader, as well as a phenomenal collaborator.
Creative Director and Instructor
Miss Kerri is the creative director of Kerri’s Dance Studio, overseeing all day-to-day functions. Kerri choreographs and teaches multiple classes, including solos, duets/trios, and larger groups. Over the last 30+ years, she has won numerous choreography awards and was selected as Dance Educator of the Year by Masquerade Dance. Locally, she is a returning choreographer for various theaters in the area, including the Bellevue Little Theatre, where she is a board member. Across the nation, Kerri is a respected judge and adjudicator, giving scores and verbal feedback to dancers in multiple disciplines, age brackets, and levels. Kerri has taught master classes in cities across the United States. In college, Kerri studied communications, sociology, and theater at Iowa Western Community College and child psychology, ballet, and Jazz at Creighton. Kerri identifies herself as a self-motivated leader, self-starter, and problem-solver. Kerri possesses excellent communication skills and a passion for working with people of all ages, lifestyles, and demographics. Kerri is a strong leader, as well as a phenomenal collaborator.
Chelsea Luth (Frederick)
Chelsea Luth (Frederick) trained in classical ballet and is a former professional ballet and modern dancer. She began her formal dance training at Ballet Omaha under legends Robin Welch, Terri DiMari, and Debra Karr. Chelsea danced and trained with Omaha Theater Company, danced and performed with Central Dance Theater, Omaha Dance Collective, The Movement Collective, and many more. She danced competitively and trained in jazz, tap, ballet, and contemporary workshops across the United States. She has taken classes from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, ABT, and many more. Ms. Luth is a sought-after choreographer and master dance teacher in the Omaha Area and has been teaching and choreographing dance for nearly two decades. Before teaching at Kerri’s, Chelsea taught at Heartland Conservatory of Dance. Alongside a lifelong dance teacher, she holds degrees from Creighton University, is an exercise therapist, massage therapist, certified personal trainer, and certified yoga and mobility teacher, and owns Studio Bliss Yoga in Council Bluffs. Chelsea includes extensive knowledge and training in proper dance technique and proper and safe body mechanics, recovery, and safe stretches in all her classes.
Chelsea Luth (Frederick) trained in classical ballet and is a former professional ballet and modern dancer. She began her formal dance training at Ballet Omaha under legends Robin Welch, Terri DiMari, and Debra Karr. Chelsea danced and trained with Omaha Theater Company, danced and performed with Central Dance Theater, Omaha Dance Collective, The Movement Collective, and many more. She danced competitively and trained in jazz, tap, ballet, and contemporary workshops across the United States. She has taken classes from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, ABT, and many more. Ms. Luth is a sought-after choreographer and master dance teacher in the Omaha Area and has been teaching and choreographing dance for nearly two decades. Before teaching at Kerri’s, Chelsea taught at Heartland Conservatory of Dance. Alongside a lifelong dance teacher, she holds degrees from Creighton University, is an exercise therapist, massage therapist, certified personal trainer, and certified yoga and mobility teacher, and owns Studio Bliss Yoga in Council Bluffs. Chelsea includes extensive knowledge and training in proper dance technique and proper and safe body mechanics, recovery, and safe stretches in all her classes.
Elli Sturm
Elli Sturm has danced at Kerri’s Dance Studio for 16 years and is now cheering at Iowa Western. KDS has always felt like home to her. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive of all who walk into the studio. To her, it feels like one big family. When Elli is not in the studio, you can find her cheering, shopping, studying, or hanging out with friends and family. Elli looks forward to working with all her students and values watching them grow.
“I can’t wait to work with you all this year and see how much you grow as a person - mentally, physically, and all around as a dancer” - Elli!
Elli Sturm has danced at Kerri’s Dance Studio for 16 years and is now cheering at Iowa Western. KDS has always felt like home to her. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive of all who walk into the studio. To her, it feels like one big family. When Elli is not in the studio, you can find her cheering, shopping, studying, or hanging out with friends and family. Elli looks forward to working with all her students and values watching them grow.
“I can’t wait to work with you all this year and see how much you grow as a person - mentally, physically, and all around as a dancer” - Elli!
Madeline
Madeline has been dancing for over 12 years. She is currently in her 4th year teaching at Kerri’s Dance Studio. Madeline is a Lewis Central Dance Team alumni and is the current assistant coach of the Millard South Dance Team. Over her career, Madeline has attended numerous pre-professional trainings and workshops and had the honor of making UDA All-American.
Madeline has been dancing for over 12 years. She is currently in her 4th year teaching at Kerri’s Dance Studio. Madeline is a Lewis Central Dance Team alumni and is the current assistant coach of the Millard South Dance Team. Over her career, Madeline has attended numerous pre-professional trainings and workshops and had the honor of making UDA All-American.
Emilie
Emilie has been teaching dance for seven years!
A Utah native, Emilie lives in Bellevue, NE, due to her husband’s job in the Air Force. When she isn't dancing, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Taylor, and her two kids, Emmett and Gwen.
Emilie has been teaching dance for seven years!
A Utah native, Emilie lives in Bellevue, NE, due to her husband’s job in the Air Force. When she isn't dancing, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Taylor, and her two kids, Emmett and Gwen.
Alex
Miss Alex has been at Kerri’s dance studio her entire life! Growing up, she trained with Miss Kerri. Alex has loved getting to work with KDS students as an instructor. Outside of the studio, she loves hanging out with friends and family!
Miss Alex has been at Kerri’s dance studio her entire life! Growing up, she trained with Miss Kerri. Alex has loved getting to work with KDS students as an instructor. Outside of the studio, she loves hanging out with friends and family!
Taylor
Taylor has been dancing at Kerri’s for six years and is on the competition team herself! She is also on the dance team at Abraham Lincoln High School. Taylor loves the opportunity teaching gives her to pass down the joy of dancing and being in the studio. Dance is her passion. She plans to keep dancing for the rest of her life.
Taylor has been dancing at Kerri’s for six years and is on the competition team herself! She is also on the dance team at Abraham Lincoln High School. Taylor loves the opportunity teaching gives her to pass down the joy of dancing and being in the studio. Dance is her passion. She plans to keep dancing for the rest of her life.
Kaiti Whitelock
Miss Kaiti Whitelock has taught in the Omaha area for over ten years, after dancing competitively since age 5. She has choreographed for all ages and levels, has won multiple awards for her choreography, and was recently voted Dance Teacher of the Year at P3 Dance Nationals. Kaiti has trained in many styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, lyrical, and contemporary. She has also attended many conventions and workshops to continue her training. She loves teaching, getting to know her students, and helping them grow as people and dancers!
Miss Kaiti Whitelock has taught in the Omaha area for over ten years, after dancing competitively since age 5. She has choreographed for all ages and levels, has won multiple awards for her choreography, and was recently voted Dance Teacher of the Year at P3 Dance Nationals. Kaiti has trained in many styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, lyrical, and contemporary. She has also attended many conventions and workshops to continue her training. She loves teaching, getting to know her students, and helping them grow as people and dancers!