"Dance is the joy of movement
and heart of life."
Meet The Instructors
MISS SHAYLEE
Shaylee Christiansen developed a love of dance at the early age 3 and a heart for teaching kids during the many dance camps, spring shows and studio dance classes she has taught. In high school, she danced in studio and was captain of the cheer squad and dance team. During her senior year, Shaylee inherited an existing studio and put on the final recital. In college, she danced in many school dance clubs and took several dance classes. She has a degree in Kinesiology: Exercise Science from Iowa State University and has taught group fitness classes and personal trained since 2011, most recently, for the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Fitness and Health Center. Shaylee lives on a farm in Newell with her husband Carl and their three children Gracyn, Reagyn, and Gideon.
MISS PAIGE
Paige Elbert, a Waterloo native, began dance & gymnastics at the age of three and continued throughout high school for her high school dance team. Paige has been an instructor and vital part of the 5th Street Dance staff since the beginning! Throughout her dance career she helped teach younger students through studio dance and dance clinics. In her free time, Paige enjoys working with flowers for her floral business Petals by Paige and her store in Sac City, 4Roots. She currently resides just outside of Sac city with her husband Blake and their four children.
MISS KATIE
Katie Morris, an Alta native, started at the age of 3 competing in gymnastics for almost 10 years while also dancing competitively in Le Mars for 5 years. She continued her dancing career on her high school's dance team as well as in college on Buena Vista University's dance team. Since then, she has grown to love being a coach for gymnastics, while coaching and managing Springers Gymnastics (before it was the Turn Around Gym) in Storm Lake, IA; coaching volleyball, softball, and now dance! She teaches at Sioux Central Schools and loves to go on walks by the lake with her husband, her daughter and kitty!
MISS STEPHANIE
Stephanie Weifenbach grew up in Early, Iowa, and began dancing in the 2nd grade in Carroll. While she enjoys all forms of dance, ballet has always been her greatest passion. She trained in studio dance through her senior year of high school and spent four years on her high school drill team. Stephanie went on to teach at the former Danz501 studio for an incredible 11 years and is thrilled to be back in the studio sharing her love of dance once again. Now residing near Varina, Iowa, she enjoys spending her free time with family and riding her horse.
Andrea Cottingham has had a passion for dance, tumbling, and cheerleading since the age of three. She competed in tumbling throughout her youth and continued her athletic career as a four-year high school cheerleader, helping lead her team to a first-place finish at the state cheer competition during her junior year. During her senior year of high school, Andrea was selected for the Iowa Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Squad, an experience that further fueled her passion for cheer and tumbling. Andrea continued cheering at Iowa Central Community College and also competed on The United All-Stars in Fort Dodge, IA senior competitive cheer team while coaching youth athletes there, where she discovered her love for mentoring and encouraging young athletes.
As both a coach and a parent involved in the dance community, Andrea values creating a positive, supportive environment where athletes can grow not only in skill, but also in confidence, teamwork, and character. She believes every child should feel encouraged, challenged, and celebrated for their progress both inside and outside of the gym.
Andrea lives in Sac City with her husband, Jeremy, and their three children. When she’s not at the studio, she enjoys camping, gardening, spending time outdoors with her family, and supporting her children in their activities. She is excited to share her passion for tumbling and help students build confidence, strength, and a love for the sport at 5th Street Dance.
MISS ANDREA
MISS MARLEIGH
Marleigh is a dedicated and accomplished dancer at Ridge View High School who has been training since the age of three. She began competing in 2024 with both her high school dance team and 5th Street Dance Studio, where she quickly established herself as one of the studio's standout performers through her exceptional work ethic, artistry, and technical ability.
In addition to her success on stage, Marleigh has spent several years serving as both a class assistant and instructor at 5th Street Dance, developing a passion for teaching and mentoring younger dancers. She is excited to continue sharing her knowledge, encouraging confidence, and helping students reach their full potential.
As an award-winning competitive dancer, Marleigh has earned numerous Elite High Gold and Platinum adjudications, multiple First Place and Overall High Score awards, prestigious Judges' Choice and Performance Awards, and was recognized as a Dancer of the Year Finalist. Her talent has also earned her invitations to the New York Dance Experience, recognition as a Symposium Champion with an invitation to Nationals, and the title of Overall Solo Champion.
Marleigh's passion for dance, commitment to excellence, and positive leadership make her an incredible role model for young dancers. She is dedicated to creating a fun, encouraging environment where every student feels inspired to grow both as a dancer and as an individual.
MISS BROOKELYN
As one of our Competition Instructors, Brookelyn brings both experience and passion to every class she teaches. With 17 years of dance experience, she has trained in the studio for 16 years and spent 12 years competing in multiple dance styles, building a strong technical foundation and a love for performance.
Her dance journey includes one year on the Morningside University Dance Team and four years on her high school dance team, where she proudly served as captain for three years.
In addition to her performance experience, Brookelyn has choreographed routines in a variety of dance styles and loves helping dancers grow in confidence, technique, artistry, and performance quality. Her encouraging personality, creative choreography, and dedication to helping every dancer succeed make her an invaluable member of the 5th Street Dance team.
MISS MEREDITH
Meredith has been a valued member of the 5th Street Dance family for the past six years. She is currently a junior at Buena Vista University, where she is majoring in English Education while also working in the university's Admissions Office.
For her first three years at 5th Street, Meredith has served as a class assistant, developing strong leadership skills and a passion for helping young dancers grow. She has also spent the last two years as an instructor, creating a positive, encouraging environment where students can build confidence, develop their skills, and discover a love for dance.
Outside of the studio, Meredith enjoys reading, writing, shopping, and taking long walks on the beach her dog, Dax. Meredith is passionate about helping every dancer feel supported, celebrated, and inspired to become the best version of themselves both in and out of the studio.
