Meet Our Team

Kara Van Voorst
Owner & Head Coach
"This is my 28th year in the dance world! I began my life's passion of dance at 3 years old in Tennessee. Growing up, we moved to South Dakota where I continue my studio dance career at 5678! Dance Studio where I competed competitively in team routines and solos until my Senior year! During this time I won multiple awards, placed top 3 in the Nation for my solo multiple times, and won many titles with my amazing teammates! My Freshman-Senior year at Dakota Valley High School I was on the dance team and started the ongoing tradition of hitting 1st place at State! After High School I attended South Dakota State University where I received a Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurial Studies with Minors in Marketing and Management. While at SDSU I was a leading team member of the SDSU Dance Team and was also a Captain my Junior and Senior seasons. After I graduated I took over as the Head Coach of the SDSU Dance Team from 2016-2018! We placed top 10 in the Nation at NDA Nationals and made wonderful memories. I left my position there to fully chase my dreams and start my own dance studio! in 2018 PULSE Dance Studio was born! I am in the business of building not only the best dancers, but also the best people! We bleed the blue!"

Jean Stoick
Coach
"I grew up dancing at a local studio and was on the South Dakota State University Dance Team for 4 years! I am currently on my 5th year of coaching at PULSE and can't wait for all the season to come! PULSE is amazing! I love working alongside my best friend and sharing my love of dance with the next generation and seeing all their growth!"

Crimson McCall
Coach
"I started dancing when I was 3 in Iowa! I danced for about 10 years- from Kindergarten all the way up until my Freshman year of High School. I have been coaching at PULSE since I finished my dancing career (about 6 years) and I absolutely love it! My favorite thing abut coaching at PULSE is the people it's given me. The dancers, parents, friends, staff and everyone else that steps foot in the studio are such blessings. It's a true family and I could not be more grateful!"

Ashton Swift
Coach
"I have been dancing for 16 years! I grew up in Illinois and Texas and coached for 2 years in Texas! I was trained in jazz, ballet, hiphop, lyrical, contemporary, and tap by some incredible coaches (including 2 Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders)! I danced competitively for 7 years with my teams and solo bringing home several top awards! After High School, I danced on the South Dakota State University Dance Team for 4 years and was a captain for 2. Then 2023-2025 I was an assistant coach.
This is my 4th year coaching at Pulse! I love seeing the dancers work so hard for new skills and the excitement/celebrations we have as a studio for the dancers who accomplish their goals!"

Katie Dam
Coach
"My passion for dance started at the age of 3 years old! For 19 years I trained in a variety of dance styles such as: ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, pom, hip-hop, and kick! I dance competitively during my time as a studio dancer and achieved placing at The Dance World Competition in Orlando, Florida! I also served as a Captain of my High School Dance Team and lead the team to 4 SD State titles! Most recently, I was a D1 collegiate dancer at South Dakota State University (2018-2022), where I served as a Captain my Junior & Senior seasons!"

Kassy Strable
Coach
"I have been dancing since I was 5! I grew up dancing at a local studio and competed with them at Worlds in Florida, with our hip-hop team placing 5th in the world in 2017! I was also on the Roosevelt High School Dance Team for 4 years and was honored to be an athletic letter athlete. After High School, I was on the South Dakota State University Dance Team for 3 years (2 years Captain), where we competed at both NDA and UDA. After college, I started coaching for Pulse and became an assistant for the Roosevelt High School Dance Team! This is my 5th year coaching with Pulse and I love the energy here! There is nothing like it; you just have to experience it!"

Holly Mayers
Coach
"I started dancing when I was 3 years old. I danced for 15 years in Minnesota, and am now starting my coaching career at Pulse! My favorite style of dance is pom, however, I love to teach the littles hip-hop!
This is my 2nd year coaching at Pulse and I am loving it! My favorite part is simply meeting all of the amazing dancers and watching them learn and improve their skills. My favorite memory about coaching so far, would have to be participating in my first recital weekend! I knew what to expect for the most part, based on my past experiences, but Pulse is a whole different atmosphere and kept a smile on my face!"

Barb Christopher
Office Manager
Barb is the best dance mom to our Coach Kara, and to all of our dancers and coaches! You will always see her hustling around the studio, competitions, and recital making sure everyone has everything they need! She is amazing!
Apply Today
Love working with kids? Have great dance experience? Enjoy choreographing routines?
We want to hear from you!
(605)408-6246