Mary Fritz
Ballet Instructor
Mary Fritz has trained in a variety of dance styles, including and primarily Vaganova ballet technique. Investing over 11 years to the artform. She enjoys instructing all ages in the joys and disciplines of dance, in both classroom and one on one settings.
Having lived in Iowa her whole life, Mary is especially happy to be making quality dance training available and fun to local communities.
Elise Haveman
Tumbling and Children's Dance Instructor
Elise is a junior at the University of Iowa studying dance pedagogy alongside a minor in English. She began taking dance lessons at a young age and felt God calling her to continue investing in this passion into college. Growing up, Elise took classes in the ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and open genres.
Since college, Elise has also taken a modern dance class as well as a hip-hop class and jazz class that went through the evolution of the two genres. She is especially excited and looking forward to this upcoming semester where she will continue to learn more about dance through ballet and contemporary movement classes as well as functional anatomy and dance production.
Beyond personally enjoying dance, Elise also fell in love with teaching it during her high school years at the Christian dance studio she grew up at. She started by teaching an aerial silks class, then also taught a beginner’s dance class and finally a beginner’s gymnastics and tumbling class as well. Getting to work with people and share her love and passion for dance with them is one of the greatest blessings God has given her.
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 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.
