Instructors

 Meet Maddie Nabuco, your new owner here at Dawn’s Dance Connection! Maddie's journey with dance began right here, graduating from DDC in 2015 before pursuing her passion further at the University of Iowa. There, she not only earned a BA in Dance with highest distinction but also a BBA in Entrepreneurial Management.

Under the guidance of esteemed mentors like Armando Duarte and Charlotte Adams, Maddie flourished, participating in numerous performances and even collaborating with guest artists like Monica Bill Barnes for Dance Gala 2017. Her dedication and talent led her to be chosen as one of twelve dancers for the University of Iowa’s prestigious Dancers in Company in 2018, touring extensively through Iowa and Chicago.

After graduating, Maddie returned to Dawn’s Dance Connection stepping into a full-time teaching role in the fall of 2018. By 2020, she began managing both of our studios. Outside of work, Maddie cherishes time with her family, including her two wonderful children, Theo and Dalila, and her husband, Hernani.

As the founder, owner, and operator of Dawn's Dance Connection for the past 32 years, Dawn has been a driving force in nurturing young dancers' talents. She is also a certified member of Dance Masters of America, dedicated to staying at the forefront of dance education by attending annual conferences across the U.S. and learning from master artists.

Today, Dawn plays a pivotal role as head of teacher development and training at Dawn's Dance Connection, sharing her wealth of knowledge and passion for dance with the next generation of dancers and instructors.

Today, Dawn plays a pivotal role as head of teacher development and training at Dawn's Dance Connection, sharing her wealth of knowledge and passion for dance with the next generation of dancers and instructors.

Shaela Eckard is a passionate and skilled individual excited to begin  teaching her second year with DDC! With a degree in Kinesiology from Iowa State, Shaela brings a unique understanding of body mechanics and movement to every class. Shaela graduated from Palmer Chiropractic School October 2023, and co-runs Eckard Chiropractic with her husband, Matt, in Spencer. Shaela has a deep appreciation for the human body's capabilities and strives to create a safe and enjoyable dance environment for all students.

Shaela danced for over 15 years with Fusion Dance Carroll before becoming a dance assistant/instructor (right beside Mariah and Sydney 🙂). She has honed her teaching techniques and knows how to inspire dancers of all ages and skill levels. 

In addition to her teaching role, we're excited to announce that Shaela will also be taking on the position of our new competition director. Her experience with competitive dance and dedication to the art make her the perfect fit to lead our dancers through our first competitive year! 

This year marks the start of Stephanie's 8th year with DDC! Stephanie comes to us with a dance training background from Cedar Rapids, IA.  She danced competitively all four years of highs school, and had the opportunity to dance with The Joffrey Ballet, when she was cast as The Gingerbread in the Nutcracker in 1996.  Over the past twenty years, Stephanie has choreographed for show choirs, dance teams, and for Christine's Dancers Studio in Iowa.  She graduated with her Masters in Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA and specializes in Pediatrics.  She has lived in Jackson for the past eight years with her husband Drew and their children, Lane, Ingrid, and Thea.

Sydney grew up in Carroll, IA, where received her dance education from Fusion Dance. Sydney danced for 16 years and taught classes for 3 years. Sydney specializes in Hip Hop! She performed on the studio competition team for 7 years, the high school dance team all 4 years, and an Iowa State dance squad while attending the university. Sydney went on to become a cosmetologist and works as a stylist in the Spirit Lake area. Sydney has built up our hip hop program since starting in 2019 and is such a fun, positive, energetic teacher! We are so fortunate to have Sydney be a part of our team of professional instructors at both the Spirit Lake and Jackson studios! Sydney is to married Brandon, and has two children, Ivan & Vienna.

Molly Mulhern, originally from Arnold’s Park, Iowa, trained at Dawn’s Dance Connection for 14 years. Following her graduation from Okoboji High School in 2019, Molly coached the SW Minnesota Thunder Cheerleading team while taking classes at Iowa Lakes Community College. During this period, she excelled in choreographing routines and accompanying students to competitions across the Midwest.

Molly taught at DDC for 2 years before leaving to complete her degree in early education at Upper Iowa University. She actively participated in cheer and dance teams throughout her tenure at Iowa Lakes Community College and Upper Iowa University, with her Upper Iowa dance team even competing at Nationals!

In addition to her new role at DDC, Molly has been the SLHS colorguard coach for the past 3 years. Molly will be teaching tumbling, combo, hip hop, and tap/jazz classes at DDC.

We are so happy to welcome Molly back to our teaching staff! We are excited to have her back and can't wait to see all the wonderful things she will bring to our dance community.

Sara has been teaching tumbling at Dawn's Dance Connection for over 15 years. She started taking gymnastics classes when she was five years old and has enjoyed every aspect of the sport since. Sara started gymnastics competitions when she was 10 years old and continued through high school at Martin County West in Sherburn, MN. Sara taught Pre-school through advanced levels for seven years at Martin County West. Sara and her husband Steve have three sons, Will, Alex and Jacob.

Grace Edwards as our 3-7 year old teacher in Spirit Lake! Grace is a life-long dancer and is passionate about early education. Grace fell in love with the art of dance at a young age at Spotlight School of Dance. Here, she immersed herself in an array of dance styles including: Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Pointe, Lyrical, & Musical Theatre. Driven by her love for movement, Grace pursued a Dance Minor at Morningside College, as well as being a member of the Morningside dance and cheer teams. Grace has an extensive dance teaching resume, teaching a variety of dance styles and ages in the Sioux City and Spencer area. Most recently, Grace has taught dance classes at the previous Impulse Dance Academy in Spencer and through her Homeschool Co-op group. Grace is married to Nick and has 2 children, Ellie and Trice.

We are delighted to introduce Emily Lehner as a new addition to our teaching staff at DDC! Emily is a lifelong dancer and a proud 2018 alumna of DDC. She has always had a passion for ballet and pointe dancing at an elite level.

Emily continued her dance journey at the University of Northern Iowa, where she was on the colorguard and pursued an early education degree. Now residing in Spirit Lake, Emily teaches middle school special education at Okoboji schools.

Beyond her love for dance, Emily has a passion for fitness and is extremely active in the cross fitness arena. She has been taking weekly ballet classes with Tracy this summer as part of her teacher training.

We are excited to welcome Emily back to DDC and look forward to the wonderful impact she will have on our dance community.

Mariah was born and raised in Carroll, Iowa where she attended Fusion Dance for 15 years. During that time, Mariah was an assistant teacher for 2 years and a dance instructor for 3 years. She was a dedicated member of the Fusion Dance Competition Team for 7 years and later joined the elite Kuemper KIX Dance Team. Mariah's passion for dance extended to choreographing numerous state routines and attending dance classes and conventions in Arizona and California.

After graduating from high school, Mariah pursued Graphic Design at Iowa State University. During her time at ISU, she was actively involved as a member and eventually served as president of the ISU Hip Hop club, Dub H. Mariah also shared her love for dance by teaching young pre-dance classes at a local studio.

In January 2021, Mariah relocated to the lakes area where she has been involved in digital marketing and photography, collaborating with various small businesses. In August 2022, Mariah married Zach, marking another joyful milestone in her life.

Looking ahead, Mariah is excited to co-teach the competition team, bringing her wealth of dance experience and creative energy to inspire the next generation of dancers.

Shelby Fowler has been teaching our kindergarten combo classes as well as Pre-Classes for the past 3 years.  Many of our students already know Shelby as she’s been a frequent substitute teacher at both studios.  Shelby was in dance at DDC for 15 years studying ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, and lyrical.  She graduated in 2015 and went on to Mankato State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.  Many of you parents out there may also know Shelby as she has nannied for many families in the area throughout high school and college.  Shelby LOVES kids & they adore her :)!!  We are beyond ecstatic that she is living in the Jackson community & able to have her very own classes! Shelby married Drew July 2023.

Amaya Morisch is one of our 3-7 year old instructors!  Amaya was in dance at DDC for 15 years studying ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and lyrical.  She graduated in 2019 and went on to get her associate’s degree from ILCC.  Amaya has been working at Carousel Learning Tree, a local daycare/preschool for 7 years and is loved by the “littles” there. With her experience in childcare, Amaya brings a deep understanding of child development to the dance floor. Her childcare background enhances her teaching style, ensuring that every class is not only an opportunity for dance instruction but also a platform for fostering self-confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love for movement.  Amaya has been shadowing Maddie in preschool age classes and will continue her training this summer/fall.  What sets Amaya apart is her undeniable love and connection with children. Her radiant smile creates a warm and welcoming environment where kids feel instantly at ease. We are beyond happy to welcome Amaya back to our DDC family!

Tracy began her formal training under the direction of Mary Waugh-Taylor in Washington State at the Tri-State Academy.  She went on to perform with Co-Motions Dance Company in Omaha, Nebraska.  From 1979-1981 she taught ballet, pointe, and jazz classes in Spirit Lake, Algona, and Emmetsburg.  In the Fall of 1981, Tracy opened the Curry School of Dance with her sister-in-law in Spirit Lake.  She also choreographed show choir routines and musicals for numerous high schools in NW Iowa...and continues to do so today. 

In 1993, Tracy landed a permanent position as Ballet Mistress for Dawn's Dance.  In 2014, Tracy and Dawn started the non-profit company Iowa Great Lakes Nutcracker which enables local dancers to audition and perform with Ballet Nebraska in The Nutcracker  in Spirit Lake every other Christmas Season.  Tracy is married to JJ Johnson and has one son, Jack.