
ABOUT MARION DANCE CO.
We have been serving the Marion and Cedar Rapids communities since 1976! Students at Marion Dance Co. are very involved within the community. We have performed at many events and competitions at both regional and national levels with great success. Although trophies and ribbons are very gratifying, the most important things are the grace and confidence gained along with every newly learned dance step. At Marion Dance Co. we offer classes for both students who are looking for fun, recreational after-school activities and students who are more serious about their training and would like to dance at a competitive level. All classes are taught by trained ADULTS with many years of experience. Our instructors have college degrees in dance or have completed 4 years of Teacher's Training School of Dance Master's of America and are certified by test in instruction for ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance. We are the only instructors in the Cedar Rapids / Marion area with this certification. We pride ourselves in having a very close and family oriented atmosphere. Be assured that your student will dance age appropriately to suitable music at our studio. Our philosophy is first and foremost to have fun! Whatever level a student is in; we want their experience in dance to be a good one!
MARION DANCE CO. STAFF
NIKOLE RUSSELL Owner, Head Instructor
Nikki began studying dance at the age of 5 under Donna Plank, and it was clear from an early age that it was her passion. She began assisting with classes at the age of 13, and continued to help out at the studio through high school and college. After graduating from the University of Iowa, she was given the opportunity to take over the studio, and it couldn’t have been a more exciting venture. Nikki became the owner and head instructor at The Dance Co. In 1999.


MADYSON ARENSON Instructor
Madyson has earned her Bachelors of Arts in Dance at the University of Iowa, and she is a member of the USA Cheer coaching association. She has experience as a high school coach and dance team member, and a collegiate dancer.
She is a life-long learner in all things dance and continues to learn and educate herself in proper classic dance technique, dance team skills and training, and has choreographed at all levels.
DARBY RUSSELL Instructor
Darby grew up with MDC as her second home, dancing in 15 recitals and competing for 10 years under the instruction of faculty Nikki and Rachel. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance at the University of Iowa and studying under prestigious faculty such as George de la Peña, Armando Duarte, and Dr. Zena Bibler.

PRESLEY DUGGAN Assistant Instructor
Presley has been dancing at Marion Dance Company since 2014. This will be her 8th year competing. Presley is a sophomore on Linn-Mar Varsity poms. Although she does about every style offered, her favorite style of dance is Jazz and lyrical. She enjoys The Ozarks, traveling, reading and spending time with friends. She is a 2x title winner at Midwest Starz Dance Competition and a 2nd place national winner at Talent On Parade. This is her second year assisting.


ISOBEL PETERSON Assistant Instructor
Isobel has been dancing for eleven years. She has been competing at Marion Dance Company for eight years. She loves to compete with her team and have fun in her classes. She is a standout award winner at Midwest Starz dance competition. With taking most of the styles the studio has to offer her favorites are lyrical and hip hop. Isobel is a sophomore on Marion Varsity Poms. She loves to camp, travel, read, and most importantly dance and hang out with her friends. This is her second year assisting.




