Aubrey Green
Founder and Dance Instructor
Aubrey is a born and raised Iowa Citian who followed her passion for dance all the way to Kalona! She’s a trained dancer in a variety of techniques, including Lester Horton, Martha Graham, and Vaganova Ballet, which she has a special interest in.
Aubrey is also a proud alumna of the University of Iowa Dance Department, where she received her BA in 2016. She’s also studied at the Dramatic Truth School of the Arts, the Kansas City Ballet, and the Ad Deum Dance Company.
As a seasoned dancer and teacher, Aubrey has been sharing her love of dance with students for years. She taught all levels of ballet at the University of Iowa Youth Ballet from 2016-2020 until she was asked to begin directing the program in 2020, which she did until 2022. Aubrey believes that dance is for everyone, no matter their age or stage in life.
With a drive for excellence and a passion for classical dance techniques, Aubrey founded The Ark School of Dance. Her goal is to provide exceptional technique and movement classes while nurturing the sacred stage of childhood.
Natalie Bontrager
Children’s Dance Instructor
As a lifelong lover of dance, Natalie has a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to her classes. Her training was primarily received from the University of Iowa Youth Ballet and the Department of Dance, but she has also honed her skills at the Dramatic Truth School of Dance and the Dance Alloy Theater of Pittsburgh.
But Natalie’s dance journey doesn’t stop there! She instructed children’s classes for the University of Iowa Youth Ballet for 3 years as well as taught dance in the community and in area churches. As a registered nurse, she has a keen interest in the anatomy and physiology of the body, as well as the overall health and wellness of the community. She believes dance is a powerful way to positively impact the physical, mental and spiritual health of a person.
Natalie is thrilled share the joy of movement with children at the Ark in an environment where deep faith and quality artistry is embraced.
Kathryn Schwartz
Teaching Assistant and Ballet Instructor
Kathryn’s journey with dance began when she was just a young girl, being taught choreography by her older sisters for her church’s worship dance team. Since then, dance has been a huge part of her life.
At the age of 6, Kathryn began her ballet training with the University of Iowa Youth Ballet. But she didn’t stop there. Kathryn has also trained in Horton, Graham, and Vaganova with Ad Deum and Storling Dance Theater, expanding her dance horizons.
Kathryn’s dedication to dance doesn’t just stop at training. Over the last year, she has worked alongside fellow community artists to produce and perform a local theatrical production and fundraiser for Informed Choices, titled “The Future is Here.” Kathryn is constantly working towards upcoming productions for the community.
For Kathryn, dance is not just a hobby or a skill – it’s a passion that she wants to share with everyone.
Join us in our classes and get ready to experience the joy of dance firsthand!
Lucy Swartzentruber
Dance Instructor
My love for dance and specifically classical Ballet has been growing since I was a little girl. My training primarily came from the youth ballet through the university of Iowa. But I gained more experience and training from other experts at dramatic truth in Kansas City and Ad Deum, in Houston. I had my one way ticket punched to join Ad deum dance company after graduation in 2007 but the Lord had other plans. I sustained an injury and had surgery which hindered my ability to continue at a professional level. I taught worship dance in Kalona for 7 years and had a class of 30 students, which ranged from ages 4 through 18. I fell in love with teaching and passing on the love and freedom we can have through our movement. I am thrilled to have a fresh outlet to teach, explore and move again at the Ark. God is doing exciting things here and I am blessed to be a part of it.
Kathryn Smith
Ballet instructor
MA Dance U/Iowa.BA Dance UMKC. Vagonova Pedagogy training Levels 1-3.
Katie Lehman
Music Instructor
Katie has a passion for creating music with students and
working alongside them to reach their fullest potential as
developing artists and scholars. She has been teaching private
music lessons for over 15 years, taught elementary school music
for 5 years, and worked as a special education coordinator for 2
years. Katie studied piano, voice, guitar, music education,
elementary education, and special education at the collegiate
level. She completed her B.A. in Music Education and her M.A. in
Special Education and is licensed to teach PreK-12 Vocal/Choral
Music and Special Education. Katie has designed several PreK-6 th
curriculum courses, and has spent several summers directing
music day camps in Albuquerque, NM.
Enroll Today!
Enroll Today
Enroll or drop in anytime and experience the benefits of energizing movement practice and classes that will leave you feeling invigorated and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way.
Check out our schedule for more details.
