Fresh Coast Dance
Ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and more for ages 2.5 and up in Whitefish Bay
Fresh Coast Dance, located at 177 E.
Photo: Fresh Coast Dance via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes beginners of all ages, from 2.5 years old through adults, with classes designed to accommodate different skill levels and personalized instruction in a positive environment.
About this studio
Fresh Coast Dance, located at 177 E. Silver Spring Drive, Suite 200 in Whitefish Bay, teaches ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theater, lyrical and contemporary dance classes for kids, teens and adults. The studio was opened in 2021 by Jess Cigelske, the owner and director, who has been involved in dance for over 40 years as a performer, teacher, choreographer and studio owner. She began her own competitive dance career at age 6, winning regional and national awards, and trained extensively in all dance styles.
Dance classes begin at age 2.5, with the studio welcoming the youngest dancers to build confidence and fundamental skills like coordination, balance and rhythm through creative exploration and age-appropriate music. Around age 7, talented dancers have the option to audition for Fresh Coast Dance's Company team, an introduction to the competition program that hones skills through advanced choreography, teamwork and performance experience. The Company team is designed for dedicated dancers to push their talents further through challenging choreography, diverse styles and rigorous training.
The studio's faculty includes highly qualified instructors with extensive professional backgrounds. Taylor Maris, the Assistant Director, brings more than two decades of performance, choreography and teaching experience, including roles as dance captain and lead dancer in over 25 productions with Celebrity Cruise Lines and Tokyo Disney. Jennifer Hackbarth is a Leading Artist with the Milwaukee Ballet and has danced with New York City Ballet, Dresden Semperoper Ballet, The Sarasota Ballet, and performed as a guest artist with the Royal Ballet. Lily McClutchy trained extensively in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theater and hip hop, and holds certificates in Intro to Preschool Dance and Strength Training and Injury Prevention. Other instructors include Sarah Wahlstrom Helgren with over five years of teaching experience specializing in beginning dancers, Lexie Westreich with more than a decade of training and competitive experience, Kerri Guse who danced professionally for the NFL team Cincinnati Bengals and coached for the NBA team Milwaukee Bucks Dancers, and Abby Hageman who is currently continuing her training in Milwaukee Ballet's Pre-Professional Program.
Adult classes are offered for ages 18 and up, including Adult Tap on Tuesdays from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM and Adult Dance Cardio on Tuesdays from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The studio welcomes adults discovering or rediscovering the joy of dance, from those who took classes when younger to those trying it for the first time. Summer Technique Drop In Classes are also available. The studio emphasizes proper technique and personalized feedback in a positive, supportive environment. Fresh Coast Dance offers birthday venue rentals and recitals for student performances.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are technique-focused in a supportive environment. The studio offers age-appropriate instruction for dancers aged 2.5 and up, with specialized classes for adults 18 and above, and opportunities to observe and experience the community through trial classes or visits.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Faculty includes Jess Cigelske (Owner/Director, 40+ years in dance), Taylor Maris (Assistant Director, 20+ years in performance and choreography with Celebrity Cruise Lines and Tokyo Disney), Jennifer Hackbarth (Leading Artist with Milwaukee Ballet, former dancer with New York City Ballet and Royal Ballet), Lily McClutchy (trained in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theater and hip hop), Sarah Wahlstrom Helgren (5+ years teaching beginners), Lexie Westreich (10+ years training and competitive experience), Kerri Guse (professional dancer for Cincinnati Bengals and Milwaukee Bucks Dancers), and Abby Hageman (training in Milwaukee Ballet's Pre-Professional Program).
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes beginners of all ages, from 2.5 years old through adults, with classes designed to accommodate different skill levels and personalized instruction in a positive environment.
Studio history
Fresh Coast Dance was opened in 2021 by Jess Cigelske, who has been involved in dance for over 40 years as a performer, teacher, choreographer and studio owner. She began her own competitive dance career at age 6, winning regional and national awards, and trained extensively in all dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical and hip hop. She choreographed and performed in dance productions while at Marquette University and continued teaching and dancing while raising two dancers of her own.
Styles offered
10 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Fresh Coast Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Fresh Coast Dance, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Fresh Coast Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Fresh Coast Dance teach?
Fresh Coast Dance teaches Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop and 4 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Fresh Coast Dance located?
Fresh Coast Dance is located in Whitefish Bay, WI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Fresh Coast Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Fresh Coast Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Fresh Coast Dance teach kids and adults?
Fresh Coast Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Fresh Coast Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Fresh Coast Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.