Dancers Studio

Dancers Studio has served the Twin Cities area for over 30 years, teaching ballroom and Latin dance to individuals and couples of all abilities. Located in Sibley Plaza in the Merriam Park neighbourhood, centrally positioned between Minneapolis and St. Paul, the studio offers a welcoming environment where you can explore your craft whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced dancer.

The studio teaches a comprehensive range of styles: Waltz, Cha-Cha, Salsa, Tango, Rumba, Foxtrot, Mambo, Swing, Quickstep, Bolero, Nightclub 2-Step, Viennese Waltz, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive, Bachata, and Merengue. All lessons are tailored to your individual skill level and goals—there's no one-size-fits-all approach. You move at a pace comfortable for you, and instructors structure lessons around your learning style.

Dancers Studio runs private lessons (for one or two people), group classes at similar skill levels, practice parties with DJ'd music and rotating partners, quarterly showcases and competitions, and youth ballroom programmes for children from kindergarten through high school. Private lessons are available for competitive dancers preparing for major events like the United States Dancesport Championships, Emerald Ball, and Ohio Star Ball. The studio also creates customized wedding dances, helping couples choreograph their first dance or their entire wedding party.

Your first lesson is free—a 25-minute private session with one of the studio's instructors. Group classes and practice parties welcome you to attend alone or with a partner; if you come without a partner, you'll be paired with an instructor or rotate with other students. The studio's teaching philosophy emphasises fun alongside learning: instructors prioritise humour, patience, and helping you reach your dancing goals. Members taking a minimum of 2 private lessons per month receive unlimited access to group classes, practice parties, and practice space.

The studio is owned and taught by Gordon and Kate Bratt, alongside instructors Jessica Restivo, Ella Kraabel, Stuart Kraabel, Julia Gay, and Alyssa Peterson. Gordon began his professional dancing career in 2005 after earning his BA in Biology from St. John's University and competes across the country in Professional and Pro/Am categories. Kate won regional and state gymnastics competitions before turning to ballroom, and has performed with Michael Johns (American Idol) and Gene Simmons (KISS), worked on a national LensCrafters campaign, and performed in the Minnesota Fringe Festival. Jessica has pursued dancing full-time for over 15 years as an instructor, coach, competitor, choreographer, and performer. Ella discovered ballroom in 2017 and now competes in Professional Rising Star and Open American Smooth; she and Stuart coach Carleton College's Competitive Ballroom Dance team. Stuart holds a Masters Degree in Dance Education from the University of Minnesota and a BA in mathematics with a minor in dance from Carleton College; he is also a state-certified K-12 dance educator. Julia trained in ballet, classical Chinese dance, and acrobatics, performed with the St. Paul-based professional dance company Ananya Dance Theatre from 2016 to 2020 in the contemporary Indian dance form of Yorchha, and specialises in American Smooth and Rhythm. Alyssa began dancing as a child, competed on her high school's dance team, and discovered ballroom at the University of Minnesota before joining as an instructor in October 2024. Mariah, Studio Manager, taught ballroom full-time for almost 7 years in Boston and earned several top teacher awards and Northeast regional sales and teaching time awards before moving to support the team.

Come for your free 25-minute introductory private lesson with one of the instructors. You'll discuss your goals and comfort level, and the lesson will be tailored to you. If you're taking group classes or practice parties, expect to rotate partners, try new dances in a supportive atmosphere with DJ'd music, and connect with other dancers at similar levels.

Gordon Bratt (owner/instructor, professional dancer since 2005) and Kate Bratt (owner/instructor, former elite gymnast and performer) lead the team. Instructors include Jessica Restivo (15+ years full-time, coach and choreographer), Ella Kraabel (competitive dancer since 2017, coach for Carleton College's ballroom team), Stuart Kraabel (Masters in Dance Education, state-certified K-12 educator, competitive dancer), Julia Gay (trained in ballet, classical Chinese dance, and acrobatics; former performer with Ananya Dance Theatre), and Alyssa Peterson (instructor since October 2024, trained since childhood). Mariah Sondergard manages the studio; she taught ballroom full-time for almost 7 years and earned top teacher awards.

The studio welcomes dancers with 'two-left-feet' to experienced dancers; instructors tailor lessons to your pace and learning style, and no partner is required.